Monday Caps Clips: Caps @ Cats Game Day
by EmilyB on Dec 5, 2011 8:53 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's clash with the Kitties from Vogs, NHL.com, Peerless, Caps Basketball, CRtC and RMNB, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Litter Box Cats for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- Injury update: Roman Hamrlik and Alexander Semin are on the Florida/Ottawa road trip with the team. Mike Green and Jay Beagle are still listed as week-to-week and did not travel. [WashTimes]
- The Week That Was, Volume 8. [Peerless]
- Goal by goal by Vogel. [Dump n' Chase]
- Ranking the Caps' top six players, as the Hunter Era begins. [KOL]
- Taking a stab at the ol' #fancystats, 25 games in. [RMNB]
- Patience, young Padawan. [StC]
- NHL Realignment - all the cool kids are talking about it. [CBC.ca (video), Puck Daddy, USA Today, NY Post, WashTimes, WaPo, CSNW, OFB]
- Winning is good for morale. Who knew? [WashTimes]
- Consistent goalies should be consistent. [WaPo]
- These Ottawa post-game notes also take a look at changes to the penalty kill and power play. [DCEx]
- John Walton interviewed Troy Brouwer following the Ottawa game. [Capitals Voice]
- Your takeaway from this article is that Evgeny Kuznetsov seems to be ready to negotiate with the Caps. Pay no never mind to the contract detail information - that's for finer minds than ours. [CSNW]
- The Hershey Bears finished a 3-in-3 weekend with three wins, six points, a tie for first in the East, and some groovy pre-game photos. [SHoE (gamer, pics)]
- The now clean-shaven Caps cleaned up in Movember. [Caps Outsider]
- Some cool pix of the Gallery Place Metro station and MCI Center under construction from back in the day. [Metro Forward]
- Finally: "I’m not going to say these are the best hockey fans in the country, because I’m from Philly, and I’d like to go home at some point, and also I have friends in Detroit that would cut me. But I will put them in the top 5, and if you disagree, you are going to need to come to a game with me, because your opinion, while valued, is wrong." [Stadium Journey]
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I am looking at those juicy numbers of Fleish’s and then looking at the CAPS’ numbers. Hmmm. We would be a completely different player with him in our top 6 this year. Why is it that he could be an exceptional player on the Kitties but not on the CAPS? i was always puzzled why people said he was going to be an excellent player, but it was best he ‘moved on.’ Why couldn’t we get this production out of him?
I don’t think anyone ever questioned his ability to produce during the regular season if fed quality minutes. Granted, I’d have pegged him as a ~65-point guy (at best), and I do think this is an unsustainably hot start, but good on him.
I still wouldn’t want him on my squad come playoff time.
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Ice time.
He’s a point per game player right now. In 2009 he had 43 points in 51 games before the all star break. If he’d been on the top line, he’d have been at about a point per game.
Historically, his points per game drops by a about half after the all star game. Some of that is due to the fact that he’s been hurt in seasons when he was playing well (you’d assume it’d be higher if he’d made it through those seasons). But still — he hasn’t proven that he has any kind of durability for the regular season, much less the playoffs.
Best of luck to him. somewhere else
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 5, 2011 7:50 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, related to durability is his conditioning – even when he’s not hurt, he tends to fade as the season wears on.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Just as a reference. Average TOI for flash:
2007-08 WSH: 12:37
2008-09 WSH: 15:05
2009-10 WSH: 14:20
2010-11 COL: 18:28
2011-12 FLA: 19:29
It would be nice if I could find a way to figure out how much of that time was on the PP. Anyone know where I can dig that up?
Just for a comparison: Ovi’s Average TOI this season: 18:49
Sorry I messed that up. It should be
2007-08 WSH: 12:37
2008-09 WSH: 15:05
2009-10 WSH: 16:02
2010-11 WSH: 14:20
2010-11 COL: 18:28
2011-12 FLA: 19:29
Try this view. (You can change year and team to find him in Colorado last year and with the Caps before that)
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 5, 2011 8:22 AM EST up reply actions
Yummy! Thanks.
So this year Flash is getting 3:56 of PP time per game.
Last year between COL and WSH he got 2:29
2009/2010 he got 2:32 and the season before he got 2:20
So Florida’s giving him an extra minute and a half, which I assume means he’s on the top PP unit.
I don’t know if it’s a chicken or the egg type of thing. Maybe it wasn’t the extra time on ice he needed, but just different teammates.
I think it’s the extra time. When Flash came back from his first blood clot, it coincided with Ovechkin being out. Flash really took advantage of the extra time and put up a bunch of points in his first handful of games back. Then Ovie came back, and Flash was no longer on the top PP and top line, and his production fell.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$631.76!
Playing his natural position is probably helping… Wings have less to worry about in the D zone, right?
I’m going to go with Power Play is probably Flash’s natural position. He’s got good offensive skills when he doesn’t have to take responsibility. Guy could always shoot and pass and he can skate very quickly while keeping the puck in position to do something with it.
It’s possible that he’ll help your team a man up and hurt you at ES – you have to decide what type of player you have on your team already and if that’s going to hurt you more than it helps.
"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 5, 2011 10:03 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
MAB of the F corps?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 5, 2011 10:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Looks that way to me, but I think he’s better at ES and can score some more.
"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 5, 2011 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
Only member of the expansion 1991-1992 San Jose Sharks franchise still playing in the NHL. Teammates included past and present Caps coaches Dean Evason and Arturs Irbe. As well as current Sharks GM Doug Wilson.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 5, 2011 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
He also used to be Edmonton’s stick boy. Because THAT story doesn’t get rolled out enough… :)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
It’s been replaced by Where’s Whitney.
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Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
He is a top-line left wing. Washington’s 1L position is filled for the forseeable future.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
But also, Stephen Weiss.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Someone who’s never been a point a game player makes a guy a point a game player? Booth never had more than 60 in a season.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Weiss can cover defensively fairly well.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 5, 2011 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
And points per game each season:
2007-08: 30 points in 75 games
2008-09: 37 points in 73 games
2009-10: 51 points in 69 games
2010-2011 WSH: 10 points in 23 games
2010-2011 COL: 21 points in 22 games
2011-2012 FLA: 27 points in 26 games.
So, my take, comparing this to Brain – it’s ice time, completely. But at the same time, his numbers suggest he can put that together. I mean, 69 games at 16:02 (Which is what, 2nd/3rd liner ice time) netting 51 points? That’s what you want out of a second liner.
If the kid were healthy game in game out, he’s worth his contract, especially to a team like the Panthers. I stuck up for him a lot while he was here, and I still like him as a player. But he wouldn’t fit in the Dale Hunter system, and with his health issues, he didn’t fit in the Bruce Boudreau (Or NHL) system either.
I think time will tell on his playoffs/durability issues. I’m not willing to write him off yet. He’s got skill, skill, skill. And the Panthers are gonna look even nastier after they flip Flash for Bobby Ryan at the deadline for him.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
I remember that Nov when both Alexs were out, Flash really stepped up both in minutes and points.
Wonder if whatever was causing his DVT had to do with his past declines late in the season, and now that he’s taking meds to control it, whether he"ll be able to sustain his high scoring longer.
"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
We would be a completely different player with him in our top 6 this year.
A guy who barely did anything on faceoffs and couldn’t play defense on even strength? Get on the phone, McPhee!
"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.
Flash isn’t the recent loss who I miss the most anyway. Boyd Gordon is quietly having a great year. I’d take him back in a second.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 5, 2011 7:56 AM EST up reply actions
Yep – he’s easily better than Halpern.
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In absolute, sure. And with Poti on LTIR, maybe the cap implications don’t matter, but I do think you have to consider that (and I know you agree).
Please, call me F&B.
Halpern + Sloan buyout is ~$250k less than Gordon…
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It’s not fair to hang Sloan’s buyout on Halpern vs Gordon, because contract comparing, I’d rather Halpern.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
It’s fair to include Sloan in the discussion in that without the buyout, the Caps are much closer to being able to afford the better player.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t think it is. If Sloan’s in Hershey or Waiver claimed, it’s a non-issue entirely.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Uh, except that the Caps have $250k more cap space to play with.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right. So what? It doesn’t matter right now. If we hadn’t signed Semin, we could have signed Brad Richards instead of Halpern. Doesn’t mean it’s the right move or even worth bringing up.
Halpern’s not the most glaring issue on the team, and what Gordon’s doing with enhanced ice time and better quality teammates out in Phoenix that he wouldn’t get here doesn’t really mean anything to me.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
So what? So let’s dance!
But seriously, the “so what” is about how a seemingly trivial amount of cap space can make a difference, so modest overpayments or doing a guy a solid by buying him out can hurt. Not sure how you’ve implicitly turned this me saying “Halpern’s the most glaring issue on the team,” but whatevs.
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In 17 games in Milwaukee Tyler Sloan has 4 points and is +10. Only trails Ryan Thang at +12.
Huh. His career +/- in the AHL is +39.
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We don't have an outhouse
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
I’m guessing the extra ~4 minutes ES/TOI per game Boyd is getting over Halpern certainly helps pad the season a bit. Granted that shouldn’t account for 3 times the points, but stil…
The Turris contract factor is more accurate, though I’m all for your love of Korps. Unless Turris gets dealt I expect Gordo’s minutes to continue to be reduced.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Has Turris been received coolly by the Yotes fanbase since he returned CP?
by Rather Bengt on Dec 5, 2011 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
Overall, I would say yes. The fact many people believe he’s still going to get dealt isn’t helping either.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Just to play devil’s advocate, haven’t Gordon’s numbers been inflated by playing with the top line in PHX because of injuries? No way he’d play in the top six here.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
His CorsiRelQOT is -1.759
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 3:05 PM EST up reply actions
Once again, YLM proves that YLM is talking out of his ass.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 5, 2011 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
We’ve seen Flash get hot before. He’s got speed, good hands and he can shoot the puck. What he can’t do is respond to a concerted physical effort to keep him from the scoring areas.
The Caps tend to get a good effort from the opposition most nights, and I suspect FLA does not.
FLA, in the event they do make the playoffs, will get that effort from the opposition every night and Flash will disappear.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Let’s give him a concerted physical effort to keep him from the scoring areas, shall we?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
That would indeed be nice.
Slash him twice and cross check him once and he’ll promptly begin circling the perimeter looking for a pass for a one timer.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 5, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Note also that Flash’s shooting pct this year is 16.9%, and this after shooting 2-for-18 (11.1%) last week.
His career NHL shooting pct is 13.5%.
He’s just hot. He’ll cool off. Or maybe he doesn’t, and has a career year and gets into the 30’s in goals. He’ll then cool off next year.
I still want no part of him on the Caps.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Gah. Premature post-u-lation. Credit to Litterbox Cats for the info on Flash’s shooting pct.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
That kind of post looks suspiciously familiar…
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 5, 2011 1:15 PM EST up reply actions
Flash is one of those players that needed to know what his role was…with Boudreau, he had no idea since he shuffled him all over the place.
You mean he was getting minutes he didn’t earn at center or at wing?
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by J.P. on Dec 5, 2011 7:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sound familiar?
From BB’s presser last night:
“I said, ’Don’t hang your head. You look like you’re a beaten crew,’” Boudreau said of his message. "If you can’t face a little adversity in sport or in hockey, you’re not going to get anywhere.
“Pull up your socks and get mad rather than feel sorry for yourselves. When they got the second goal, it looked like, ‘Oh, they tied us. We’re not going to be successful now.’ When they got the third goal, ‘Oh, woe is us.’ We’ve got to get that mind-set out of them right away. …
Are you not entertained?
“Of course, I don’t know how to teach you toughness…”
Okay, he didn’t say that but it was one of the things I’m sure he’ll avoid saying in the future.
by jopierce on Dec 5, 2011 8:23 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Boudreau pulled more out of Bobby Ryan, shifting him to a line with the two Finns, Koivu and Selanne, and moved Matt Beleskey to the Getzlaf line in the third period.
“It worked better,” Boudreau said. “I thought it balanced the lines out. The first line, if you want to call Getzlaf’s line the first line, didn’t seem like they were generating anything. We needed somebody to get in there to get in the corners and generate something.”
Ryan Getzlaf, welcome to the Eric Fehr Zone.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
So if Getz falls off a cliff numbers-wise, we’ll know that it wasn’t GMGM’s drafting, but Bruce’s coaching?
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
…Anaheim?
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Yea, Anaheim… My brain was still thinking about Fleischmann… Last season. I don’t know why.
Probably because I was up till 4 writing a legal memo last night and I haven’t mentally recovered yet.
So does that mean Ducks fans will soon be saying “we coulda had Fehr!!!”?
by HockeyGoalie29 on Dec 5, 2011 7:41 PM EST up reply actions
Me either.
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 5, 2011 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
Anyone want to inform Gormley that Kuznetsov can’t play any part of the ‘11-’12 season in the NHL?
There have been mixed reports out of Russia over whether Kuznetsov, who was taken by the Capitals with the 26th pick overall in the 2010 draft, would like to finish the season with Chelyabinsk Traktor of the Kontinental Hockey League, or make the jump to the NHL following the World Junior Championships, which run through Jan. 5.
Is he getting mixed up because Orlov came over after his KHL season ended and played with Hershey (but was in eligible to play for the Caps)?
by jopierce on Dec 5, 2011 8:26 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
He shouldn’t be getting mixed up. He should have an understanding of the CBA. Or someone who can tell him.
"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’d think it plays a part to his decision. In an earlier interview Kuz specifically mentioned how he kept up correspondence with Orlov who was having a tougher time as a d-man making it into the NHL.
Now that he’s “made it,” and its very likely he’ll be sent down at some point with the following season being full time a la Carlzner, Orlov has a different perspective to share with Kuz who can change his mind a bit too.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Latest installment of the Boogaard story in the NY Times, featuring comments from DJ King.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
Tweet me. If you dare. @nicraymond
Does anyone know how many installements there will be?
"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
Part 3 has been posted. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/12/06/sports/hockey/derek-boogaard-a-brain-going-bad.html?hp
I need lots of happy pills before I jump into those. Man.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Much has been said about Dale Hunter’s new systems instituted by the coaches and being processed and executed by the players. It looks promising…
However, what are the implications of tweaking the system using players already on our roster. Are there some players who will probably not thrive, as good as they may be? (Kind of like Flash under Bruce) Are there some players who will be more productive?
In everyone’s considerable opinion, which current players will thrive, which current players will struggle (and should maybe be traded)?
Are there certain players on other teams which would do particularly well under Dale’s systems and should be targeted for acquisition/trade?
Finally, will Dale’s tenure as a junior coach be a benefit in identifying and attracting top talent this year?
My take:
Are there some players who will probably not thrive, as good as they may be? (Kind of like Flash under Bruce) Are there some players who will be more productive?
This will sort itself out. Some could be traded or others not re-signed. However, there is a core with longer term contracts that must adapt or be traded. I think you’ll see the core remain. McPhee is like that.
Finally, will Dale’s tenure as a junior coach be a benefit in identifying and attracting top talent this year?
You’d have to believe yes. He knows the OHL as well as anyone.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
And it’ll be interesting to see if there is a rise in OHL draftees by the Caps.
Please, call me F&B.
Even if you’re right in most cases, I don’t think there can be any doubt that they’ll tap Hunter’s knowledge of the OHL for this particular draft, and probably the next one. How could you not?
Please, call me F&B.
He still is a partial owner of the team, right? plus his son(?) is coaching. They’ll probably have insight into that league for years.
His brother is coaching.
Vogs and Walton talked about it on last week’s Capitals Report, actually, saying that coaches don’t usually have that much input during the draft (which doesn’t surprise me, you’re drafting a kid who you hope will be part of the org for years – coaches just don’t last that long).
But they did also say that Hunter is at the NHL Draft every year, and if the team has their eye on an OHL kid they might reach out to him for his input.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
IIRC, Hunter had input on a draft pick right around the time he retired and it was a failure; of course that was many years ago and he has a lot more experience evaluating young talent than in the past, but his brother, Mark, is the one who has a reputation for scouting, etc.
As to the London Knights and the OHL, as others have noted, for the upcoming draft, he will definitely have a lot of knowledge, but I’m sure Hunter will continue to be familiar with the players going forward, just not at the same level of personal observation. Just like he watched plenty of Caps games, I assume Hunter will continue to watch Knights games as time allows.
By the way, here’s an article about Dylan Hunter, asst coach. link
IMO, of the core, at least Brooksie, Ovechkin, and Mean Lars are probably pretty well suited to Hunter’s physical style. Semin and Green will probably not be too into the concept of going into the corners to fight physical battles. That can probably be mitigated by putting a grinder on Semin’s line and giving Green a more physically-inclined partner.
Green isn’t terrible in the corners and can be physical. Problem is when he’s on the receiving end he’s been The Glass Man recently.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
by breaklance on Dec 5, 2011 9:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I thought Semin looked pretty good against Ottawa. While he’s not terribly physical he’s great defensively and I think he can step up his forecheck (even if just means keeping possession and not necessarily crushing guys). We’ll see if he can keep it up though. Hard to say he’s turned a new leaf since he’s so historically streaky.
Ah, makes more sense. I was just confused. I am definitely interested in seeing more of how Semin does in the Hunter system. But first, I am of the opinion that they really need to get Eakin off the 2nd line.
Knuble could.
8-19-20
28-90-22
25-21-42
26-15-(85 or 83)
Sorry if my wings are mixed up R/L, I always forget w/o double checking.
I wouldn’t be terribly opposed to flipping TB20 and Knubs either, depending on how much jump Knuble has.
I keep hearing Semin is a natural left wing who never gets to play there, but I don’t believe I’ve ever seen him do even a single shift in that spot. With the stricter shift times, maybe he could go back there and Knuble could be on the RW. Or Grandpa Slippers could hop back up to his old spot and Brouwer could take the 2RW. I’d be fine with trying either.
I believe BB switched him to RW, but under Hanlon he played LW.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 5, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
(and plays LW when Ovechkin is out)
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 5, 2011 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
No, but Perreault can at least create offense from time to time and play on the PP.
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 5, 2011 1:03 PM EST up reply actions
Woooo! The first Hunter-era game I get to watch and on TV to boot, from combination being off of work and getting the Cats games now that I’m in FLA. Excited for tonight!
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Eh, you can get behind the bench seats for $65 each (pre-fees), guessing an intrastate plane ticket is maybe $50. Make it happen.
"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.
Heck – leave now and drive. State isn’t that big.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Nope. Sunrise is only like 90 minutes from me in FL, roughly the same time I’d take from home in MD to DC. Which made for a fun drive back after the game, driving through the mountains in winter at 1am.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
90 mins…heh…my commute’s longer than that!
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
Well there you go, no excuses. When you get get seats within the first three bowls of the glass for less than the price of an Upper Bowl seat, it’s a cinch.
"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.
Even still on an Intern’s salary right before christmas it isn’t happening. But the Caps come to town a few times in the spring when it will totally happen. Trust me, I thought this stuff out when I took this contract back in May.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
I love Friedman as much as anyone but every time he starts making lineup/player suggestions I cringe. Ovi to the PK? Hells No.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
For a guy pushing 20 minutes, he doesn’t need another 2-6.
by jopierce on Dec 5, 2011 9:51 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Minutes are an issue, but my major concern is he would suck at it at first. Not the time for on the job training. As I tweeted to Neil and Friedman and J.P. tweeted as well, its Semin who needs to be on the PK.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Add in the concern about a dude who doesn’t know how to block shots put in a position where he has to block shots.
Also, I want him where he can do the most offensive damage, and that ain’t it. His marginal utility on the PK is non-existent.
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The question is does Ovechkin’s presence, like drawing both a F and D on backstrom’s goal the other night, have any bearing in a Defensive situation like PKing.
I’d think very little. If Ovi played very aggressive attacking the points they’d be a lot less incline to try a blue to blue pass with the possibility of Ovi intercepting. That’s all I can really come with to his purpose on the PK, which all in all is little so why really try it?
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
30 Thoughts is up. At the GMs meeting, Jim Rutherford proposed expanding the playoffs to 20 teams. My first reaction was that the NHL already has more than half it’s teams make the playoffs and if you can’t make that cutoff, then you don’t belong in the post-season. Thoughts?
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Ha, I read that too, and my first thought was “and your team STILL wouldn’t make the cut, Jim”…because I’m mean.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
we are mean, terrible people! But the truth hurts sometimes.
turns out Carolina was 19th last season, but a lowly 24th in 09-10.
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They’re 28th right now, too, so….
(Having said that I suppose we shouldn’t be too cocky since the Caps are in 19th :P)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I actually want the Canes to get better this season, because I don’t want them drafting Galchenyuk, Yakupov, Grigorenko, or Forsberg.
"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 5, 2011 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
I enjoy seeing them come up just short of a playoff spot. seeing them in 13th is not nearly as much fun as 9th or 10th.
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by RedBirdie on Dec 5, 2011 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
No, but it would look a lot like the old NHL when 16 of 21 teams made the playoffs.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Mrs. F&B heard that on hot stove and said the same thing.
My thoughts: hey, GMJR is creative, always looking for a way to make CAR a playoff team more than twice a decade.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 5, 2011 9:59 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I couldnt root for that dirty bitch
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no no no, Jarkko is definitely a dirtier bitch, but I despise Tuomo…his a sneaky prick but dirty none the less
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If the NHL goes to 2 eight team conferences and 2 seven team conferences, I could see an 18 team playoff set up, with the top 5 teams making the playoffs in the 8 team conferences (meaning the bottom three in all conferences miss). The 4 and 5 seeds would play a best-of-three to determine who plays the #1 seed in the conference semi-finals.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 5, 2011 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
It helps the league make a bit more money but it dilutes the playoffs a little bit. There’s also incentive for the big market teams to make it farther, and serving them up weak teams can help that a lot as well.
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New content at 10, 11, 12 and 2 today. W00t!
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Matt Hendricks isn’t on this team to score goals when not in the shootout, but he has 0 goals and only 3 assists so far this year. And he’s had some pretty good linemates at times, including Knuble and Perreault.
I love Hendricks, but when is it time to say that Hendricks ain’t carrying the load? He ought to be generating at least a little offense.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
The whole 4th line isn’t doing much of interest offensively. Halpern isn’t generating any offense alongside Hendricks. Perrault’s not a goal scorer either.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 5, 2011 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Ol’ Steiggy with the nice Mega-Troll turn:
From the 2005-2006 through 2009-2010 seasons, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals averaged 55 goals per season. He scored 65 in 2007-2008. In his first 24 games this season, he had eight. That puts him on pace for about 28 goals.
Last season he had 32.
He managed one shot on goal against the Penguins Thursday night.
What’s wrong with this guy?
There are whispers and maybe even some out-loud conversations around the hockey world about Ovechkin’s problem being a lack of artificial help.
In other words, performance-enhancing drugs.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 10:33 AM EST reply actions
And Lambert @ Puck Daddy this morning. I know lots of folks here hate him, but he did a remarkable roast on it.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I waffle and vacillate terribly on Lambert, but I’ll be sure to check that out.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
when Lambert’s on, he’s spot on hilarious (who can forget his description of the Caps during their 2010 winning streak? Or somehow managing to equate American bacon with manifest destiny and world juniors gold?). It’s when he’s being a whiny obnoxious brat that I want to slug him.
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I love how he antagonizes Detroit fans and the whole USA Hockey thing. He’s grown on me some, but other times, like you point out, he just makes me surly.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not ashamed to admit that I live variously through his Detroit trolling.
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Vicariously?
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
yeah, that one :) this is what happens when I try to multitask. I should not be on the phone and on the Rink at the same time.
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He’s pretty good when he’s being a “whiny, obnoxious brat” as well. I may not always agree with him, but I enjoy reading his columns and Twitter feed more than 99% of the other stuff out there.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
I don’t follow his twitter feed, but maybe I should?
"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."
It’s hilarious, especially this time of year (WJC) when he trolls the folks up North.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
it’s almost WJC time, so The Sleeping Giant, a joint venture of Lambert and Chemmy, is fired up again.
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Was it on there? It’s HYSTERICAL. Best article ever.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
Yes. And lots of discussion in the comments as well.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
I figured. Sorry to bring it up here again. And I just realized they were different Steigerwalds. Oops.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
Just you wait til “the media acknowledges the rift”.
Go Lyerz!!!1
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Dec 5, 2011 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Vokoun tells CSNWashington.com’s Chuck Gormley that he owns his poor performance for the Capitals and says that if he’d done better that perhaps Boudreau would still be there. That’s quite the guilt problem going around in D.C. but Vokoun’s honesty has to be appreciated.
http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2011/12/05/tomas-vokoun-owns-his-part-in-bruce-boudreaus-firing/
At least guys are stepping up and acknowledging they aren’t playing well instead of pointing fingers
Personal Accountability > Ambiguous accountability
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Dec 5, 2011 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
But Gormley can’t even get Vokoun’s age right. Says he’s 25. Goddammit – proof read before you post.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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just popped up on Puck Daddy: Barnaby arrested for DUI, driving SUV with only 3 tires.
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Man how wasted do you have to be to not notice that…
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Dec 5, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
He looked very “odd” on TV the other day. Like he was really just out of it.
I honestly hope he gets into recovery and gets help of some kind.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Just days after Erik Karlsson blew a tire. Coincidence?
by Rather Bengt on Dec 5, 2011 10:47 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wasn’t he also recently hauled in on domestic violence? Clearly, he has a problem.
"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."
in May, according to Puck Daddy.
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Brooks Laich coulda helped him with that.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 5, 2011 10:50 AM EST up reply actions 9 recs
Yeah, that’s a bad sign. If I recall, he’s had some issues with substance abuse before?
When you’re that far gone, time for rehab.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
He blamed his earlier problems on numerous concussions. Is that a legitimate reason or just an excuse?
I’m having a hard time turning up info to give form to my hazy recollections – Google is now clogged up with the recent unpleasantness, which is to be expected I guess..
I can’t recall if he had a reputation of a guy who like to party a little too much when he was in the League, or if he was in the substance abuse program or if he admitted he had a problem at one point or what.
After reading the Boogard articles, I can understand how these guys self-medicate with booze or other substances, though.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Damien Cox vs Ron Wilson
Damien Cox was ripping Ron Wilson on Twitter because he said that he lied to him regarding the Leafs’ goalie situation regarding James Reimer’s injury and whether Jonas Gustavsson was going to start Saturday.
So Wilson replied on Twitter by trolling Cox back with
Favorite movies: Liar,Liar; The Invention of Lying; Big Fat Liar. HaHa!
Ron Wilson on Twitter might be the greatest thing ever – not surprising that he’s so hilarious. (And if anyone is on Twitter and doesn’t follow him, rectify that immediately.)
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Burke also chimed in on Twitter:
Our Coach told the media the starter. He told me as well. James says he feels good and our Coach makes the switch…
…Making a goalie switch is not just our Coach’s prerogative, it is his duty. And of course, the media grand jury weighs in.
I love the quote about liars in sports. Many gainfully employed in the media.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
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by boutros23 on Dec 5, 2011 11:09 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Would be fun to have GMGM on twitter, but I’m sure it’s not happening.
"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."
obligatory
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by Cap-O-Vens on Dec 5, 2011 11:29 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
On the subject of PPP, I know Emily referred to it the other day, but their “recap” of the Leafs-Bruins game Saturday night still makes me chuckle.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 5, 2011 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Deadspin took on the Ovechkin PED allegations in rather hilarious fashion today:
Steigerwald doesn’t mention this magical doctor who’s supposedly been supplying Ovechkin with steroids, but it’s easy enough to figure out that he means Dr. Anthony Galea, who’s been linked to Alex Rodriguez, Santana Moss and Tiger Woods among others. Not among those others: Alex Ovechkin. There’s never been a single bit of speculation, not even HFBoards bullshit, linking Ovechkin to Galea. They’ve never been mentioned in the same sentence until now. So unless John Steigerwald has access to some juicy scoop—and he doesn’t because he’s a dumbass columnist in Washington, Pa.—he’s just outright making stuff up. Luckily for his libel defense, he’s probably just stupid as opposed to malicious.
Link: http://deadspin.com/5865086/idiot-columnist-writes-idiot-column-about-ovechkin-and-steroids
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 5, 2011 11:39 AM EST reply actions
…actually that whole paragraph seems eerily similar (though not as well-written) to Lambert’s PD post from this morning. Interesting.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
For what it’s worth, the article does link to Lambert’s post before going on that rant.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 5, 2011 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not saying that John Steigerwald is a sheep rapist, but I think we’ve gotta ask the question.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Dec 5, 2011 12:03 PM EST up reply actions 13 recs
Fascinating. I think there’s evidence.
In the comments to Steigerwald’s blog post of December 5, 2011, there is the following note in the comments by someone named Donald.
We’ll just take it in the rear, like the good sheep we are.
In his response to Donal’d’s comment, Steigerwald does not deny being a sheep or giving it to a sheep or disavow Donald’s comment in any way. Hmmmm.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Let the record also show that Steigerwald HAS been within a 10 mile radius of sheep numerous times in his life.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 5, 2011 12:16 PM EST up reply actions
Well, the issue’s been raised. And when it comes to sheep-raping, you’re guilty until proven innocent. Not guilty in a court of law, just in my mind. Sorry.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 5, 2011 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
Look, I’m not saying that John Steigerwald is a sheep rapist. I’m just afraid he might be.
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 5, 2011 12:45 PM EST up reply actions
When you look like a doofus, live in a rural area and routinely uncork idiotic statements, it’s guilty until proven innocent with me.
Sorry, just the way it is.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I’ve now seen multiple people openly discussing the possibility that Steigerwald is a sheep rapist. Where there is smoke, there is fire.
by MikeBrady on Dec 5, 2011 1:13 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
There are whispers in the hockey community – and maybe some out loud conversations – that Steigerwald is a sheep rapist. Just look at these quotes from reputable anonymous sources:
I’m not saying that John Steigerwald is a sheep rapist, but I think we’ve gotta ask the question.
Look, I’m not saying that John Steigerwald is a sheep rapist. I’m just afraid he might be.
Clearly this is enough to place the burden of proof on Steigerwald to show that he does not in fact rape sheep.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 5, 2011 3:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I like this line from PHT’s take on it
I haven’t seen such reliance on hearsay and conjecture since Lionel Hutz sued the creator of Itchy & Scratchy.
they then go on to debunk this drivel
000
“Your Honor, I’d like to call back all of my surprise witnesses!”
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Imagine in football, if a linebacker hit a quarterback with what the quarterback’s team believed was too much force. The equivalent to hockey’s peculiar brand of justice would be if those teams each sent a player from the sideline — someone hardly valued for his skill as a player, perhaps rarely used — and had them interrupt the game to fight while teammates and officials stood back and watched.
This is why new/non-hockey fans don’t really understand the role of fighting in the sport. The obvious question is: “why doesn’t the linebacker have to answer?”
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 5, 2011 11:44 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
The author of that series has a pretty obvious “get fighting out of hockey” agenda, which to me unfortunately distracted from the Boogaard story.
"Neuvy was eating pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 5, 2011 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
Ah, yes, football, the game with no interruptions.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
I’m a fan and I don’t like fighting in hockey. I feel like it should be settled in game and the refs need to control things better rather than allow a sideshow to occur.
I just think it’s strange that it’s the only sport (aside from a sport centered around fighting) that allows and applauds fighting. in every other sport you’d get ejected for throwing a closed fist.
000
Are the Islanders the Kings of Terrible Jerseys?
I mean, who approves that? Was there no one who stood up and said “this jersey sucks”?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 12:11 PM EST reply actions
Oh, I thought that was someone from Syracuse’s hockey squad.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Dec 5, 2011 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
Nah, that guy went to a different crappy school in upstate NY.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Dec 5, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yea he did!
"Neuvy was eating pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
by SeattleCapsFan on Dec 5, 2011 3:08 PM EST up reply actions
You forgot the comma between “different” and “crappy.”
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by J.P. on Dec 5, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I wanted to come up with a snarky defense of this but they are so bad I couldn’t come up with a single defense of any kind other than they were going for the “worst jersey” prize at the ESPY’s
It’s not even ironically terrible. It’s just hideous.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
It’s the Pontiac Aztek of hockey jerseys.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Dec 5, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Haha, a coworker of mine had one. I don’t even remember how many times I had to bite my tongue while riding in his car for lunch to not say a snarky remark about how hideous that car is.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 5, 2011 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
if we ever needed a non-rec option at the Rink, this picture is it.
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Gosh, he looks miserable.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
Tweet me. If you dare. @nicraymond
Yeah, he only scored 4 goals that night.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Dec 5, 2011 12:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wouldn’t you if you had to wear that? I’m not much into fashion, but that’s the most boring jersey I’ve seen in a while.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 5, 2011 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
After all this, looks like its Neuvirth and, possibly, Clemmensen.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Theo was supposedly just taking his option. But yeah, Neuvy’s in. Interesting.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I saw another tweet that said the Panthers’ goalie decision was still up in the air.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Tarik says it’s Neuvy.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
Tweet me. If you dare. @nicraymond
DUH. I’ll go bang my head on a wall right now. I need a vacation.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
Tweet me. If you dare. @nicraymond
Bang away. :-)
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
That’s what……no, too much effort.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Dec 5, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
George Richards tweets Vokoun not starting tonight.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 12:17 PM EST reply actions
SWhynoStephen Whyno
Tomas Vokoun understandably disappointed about not getting nod against former team, with wife and kids in town. #Caps #FlaPanthers
That’s now two coaches who haven’t started him in front of his family. What’s he ever done to make them hate him? ;)
"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."
Well he admitted he cost BB his job, and he let in two soft GWGs for Hunter, so…
Please, call me F&B.
Will be interesting Hunter he says anything in the presser. Neuvy was fairly solid on Saturday, so maybe he wants to get another look.
"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 the “official” word:
SWhynoStephen Whyno
Hunter on G: “It’s just a choice. There’s not much to explain. Me and Dave Prior talked about it, and we thought it was a good way to go.”
"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."
So let’s recap how that conversation likely went:
Whyno: “Can you explain your reasoning behind the decision to start Neuvirth?”
Hunter: “Well, it’s a choice. Nothing to explain.”
Hunter is about as fun as Mike Shannahan.
Let’s hope he’s a way, way better coach.
"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."
Shanahan does have two Super Bowls and help revolutionize the game with the “zone blocking” scheme (even though that was more on Alex Gibbs). I hope Hunter turns out to be as good a coach as Shanahan was.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
I hope Hunter turns out to be as good a coach as Shanahan was.
Stress on the was.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Stress on the was.
Exactly.
"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."
Considering the poo pile he walked into, wasn’t much he could really do here.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, you throw 35 million at me, I’ll coach the Redskins in a diaper.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 1:49 PM EST up reply actions
Thought about that, too, but his QB judgement is definitely suspect. What do you compare that to – goalie selection?
"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."
Is. Look at the draft he had this year. Kerrigan, Jenkins (if he hadn’t gotten hurt), Helu, Hankerson (if he hadn’t gotten hurt). Some other depth contributors. Coming in to a no win situation doesn’t mean you suck if you’re not winning right away. Give him another draft or two and see where the Skins are.
IF…and this is the key…IF we can draft a good QB.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Dec 5, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions
That doesn’t sound like he’s sick. And, yeah, what up with the Vokoun family not getting to see Daddy play? It’s a bedazzled-jeans conspiracy!
Czech goalies, universally despised.
by bigeugene on Dec 5, 2011 12:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This is the first Hunter move I’ve disliked, but I’m pretty close to a Vokoun apologist.
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 5, 2011 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
Eh….Neuvy played a solid game and helped the team to their first win since the guy took over. I’d probably start him too.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
There’s something to say to giving Neuvirth consecutive starts to see if he can settle in; also, based on Hunter’s comments, sure sounds like Prior’s opinion was a factor in this decision
It’s the constant switching back and forth that bothers me. Vokoun hasn’t been great this year, but his numbers are much better than Neuvirth’s both this year and for his career. He deserves to be the 1# at this point.
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 5, 2011 1:10 PM EST up reply actions
The way he and the team have played, nobody deserves to be number 1 right now. Both goalies have played pretty poorly (IMO) to date. Everyone deserves a shot with the new coach and it so happened that Neuvy won his.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
You can’t throw out the discrepency in their performances over the course of the season: Vokoun’s got a .909 on the season to Neuvy’s .878. Vokoun has a 2.72 to Neuvy’s 3.60. Neuvy had one good game, is there reason to believe he did so because he was finally out from under the thumb of Bruce Boudreau? I don’t think so.
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 5, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
Sure you can. It’s a new coach. He’s free to evaluate players as he chooses.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
The conversation wasn’t about whether Hunter has a right to pick his own goalie or evaluate them how he feels, obviously. Right? The conversation was about whether there was good reason to start Neuvy over Vokoun or not. So I thought.
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 5, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
The “hot hand” don’t know no history.
Mind you, we’re more “lukewarm hand” and “tepid hand” right now…
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 5, 2011 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
Well…obviously one game doesn’t constitute a “hot hand,” but they won with him in the net (and he did make some darn good saves). Why not use him again? Just because Vokoun has better career numbers doesn’t make him the number 1.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
I’d rather Vokoun plays well in the games he doesn’t have anyone in the stands with before worrying about the ones that do to be honest.
"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.
You think he’ll play worse with family in the stands? Hard to say that he will when he’s never given the chance!
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 5, 2011 1:11 PM EST up reply actions
And he’s playing like he should be given the chance now? If he’s going to take this “I just work here” stance for all the other Panthers games he doesn’t play this year (a mere hair on the mons pubis of the schedule), then he needs to get busy living or get busy dying.
"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.
Yeah I do. Here’s an interesting number: .909. That’s Vokoun’s SV% this year; it’s also Neuvirth’s career SV%.
What do you think is happening to the team? ... The ship be sinking.
How far can it sink? ... Sky's the limit.
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on Dec 5, 2011 3:19 PM EST up reply actions
I think it’s an ok move. Neuvy has horrible numbers, Hunter would try to get Neuvy in some kinda groove.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Dec 5, 2011 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
"I just work here"
Vokoun quote from CI:
"Those are the decisions Coach makes," Vokoun said after the morning skate at BankAtlantic Center. "I’m a paid employee and I don’t make those kind of decisions. I’m a hockey player and I’m here to play games."
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
it’s not really hockey season until a Caps goalie drops the “I just work here.”
in case you missed it: the day Jose Theodore pulled and Olie Kolzig in practice.
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Some topics won’t go away. The former agent (IIRC, Boudreau’s former agent) is now on twitter and repeating what was being reported last week via Whyno (and others).
“When are the Caps going to remove the captaincy from Ovechkin?If not soon,another good guy will lose his job.”
http://twitter.com/#!/RealBillWatters
he need a hobby that doesn’t involve tweets about Ovechkin.
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So glad Watters could take time off from violating the local livestock in order to unbosom himself of that little nugget.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Dec 5, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I know… but my wife is a sheep and it’s just not funny any more.
by RCheli on Dec 5, 2011 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 15 recs
I thought it was funny……just snorted water on my keyboard upon reading.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
Just because she’s a goat doesn’t mean she’s an animal.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Dec 5, 2011 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmm. Craig Custance – The Capitals Nuclear Option.
I’m not sure if it’s available to non-“Insiders.” Looks at trade value of Ovechkin, Semin, Green and Backstrom.
Not trading, not sure, not sure, Not trading.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
this is the paragraph on Semin….I would like to see more of #28 on the PK as well.
“Alexander Semin — Semin’s name has been in the rumor mill ever since he started signing one-year contracts with the Capitals. Don’t expect an announcement for another one-year deal anytime soon.
Of all the players in the Capitals core, Semin is the one most likely to be dealt. The problem is that he makes $6.7 million but the positive is that he’s a high-end talent who is a pure goal-scorer. His camp also believes he’s capable of contributing in more situations than he did under Boudreau and thought he was underused defensively. The problem with trading Semin is that you’re likely not going to get a player in return who can help win a Stanley Cup. It’s more realistic to think that a draft pick, and not necessarily a first-rounder, would come back the other way. The payoff of a Semin trade done during this season wouldn’t necessarily be the return. It would mean more salary cap flexibility for McPhee near the trade deadline and changing the dynamic of the dressing room."
OMG, could Haber have screwed this up any worse?
During overtime of a game against the Anaheim Ducks at Verizon Center on November 1, Boudreau called a time-out. With under a minute remaining, the coach mapped out the team’s final offensive thrust. Shockingly, Ovechkin was not part of the plan. Boudreau decided to bench his slumping superstar for the game’s deciding sequence—and it worked. Nicklas Backstrom scored the game-winning goal. Boudreau’s decision was justified, but it simultaneously may have sealed his fate.
http://www.washingtonian.com/blogarticles/people/capitalcomment/21773.html
"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."
why the world needs competent copy editors and fact checkers!
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Narratiivvvvvvvvvvvvvvvvveeeeeee
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Dec 5, 2011 2:47 PM EST up reply actions
random hypothetical pop quiz
The winter olympics are coming up this se4ason (I said hypothetical) and you’re the coach for USA.
Which two goalies do you bring with you?
Rick DiPietro and Ryan Miller.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
Why do you hate America?
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Dec 5, 2011 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
he’s secretly Canadian.
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Timmy Thomas, and then I’m struggling between Howard and Quick.
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I dress Thomas and Miller, and bring Quick as the third to get some experience and eat nachos.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
Depends on how soon. I think tomorrow, Quick is a better choice because he’s not just returning from injury (and I’m not sure how good of a goalie Miller is).
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 5, 2011 3:40 PM EST up reply actions
Saw a random, unsubstantiated comment on another site that Letang has a concussion. If true, that sucks. And it’s not even particularly karmic, which is also a drag.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I think everyone is assuming he has a concussion, and the “oh, his dizziness and vomiting are because of a virus he contracted the same night he got his skull bashed in” story the Pens have been peddling is just them covering their asses for allowing him to come back into the game.
there was a fairly extensive discussion here about it last week, that I unfortunately missed, because the disregard for players health the Pens staff has is one of my favorite topics of conversation.
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I didn’t follow the tweets to the articles, but looked to me like there may have been a change and an official ‘concussion’ statement based on the tweets I was seeing earlier today.
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I think everyone is assuming he has a concussion, and the "oh, his dizziness and vomiting are because of a virus he contracted the same night he got his skull bashed in" story the Pens have been peddling is just them covering their asses for allowing him to come back into the game.
Why would the Pens be trying to cover their asses after sending a guy back out on the ice who might have a concussion?
Oh yeah.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Dec 5, 2011 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
“Dr. (David) Mulder, I think he has the longest tenure in the League, he’s well-respected, went and saw
Kris and at that time,” Bylsma said. “Kris didn’t have any issues other than they rearranged his nose. He was fine and ready to go back on the ice. Dr. Mulder went through the series of steps in that to clear him to go back on.”
Maybe he needs to become untenured. Track record is not-so-good. Crosby. Letang. Michalek too (although I don’t know if he continued to play – he seems to be the step-child here).
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I think if the Pens were following the proper protocol, they would have had Dr. Scully check Letang for a second opinion.
by Rather Bengt on Dec 5, 2011 4:05 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Mulder? The truth is out there, I guess.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 5, 2011 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Thank you. I was reading RB’s Scully reference above and I was trying desperately to remember the X Files motto. Not being a fan of the show, it totally escaped me.
"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."
yup. it’s not like I essentially made the same joke as RB an hour later or anything…
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Dec 5, 2011 5:18 PM EST up reply actions
Wow, didn’t realize he got sent back out after a head shot. Not good.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
scored the game winner.
does make you wonder what the Pens training staff and coaches are smoking. Dude takes a hard shot to the head? Send him back in!
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Maybe Karma was aiming for Cooke and missed
by Brainumbc on Dec 5, 2011 3:21 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
TEB catches up with some old friends of ours. Sounds like Brads is also out tonight, and Flash really likes first place.
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Mr. Steigerwald apologizes and then piles on.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
if someone makes such a glaring, fundamental error, why should we trust him on anything? Steigerwald doesn’t answer that question.
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He had his feelings hurt that someone called him out as an ass? Tsk tsk.
"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."
Here’s the thing… as snarky as Lambert can be, I don’t think anyone would uphold him as a paragon of hockey journalism. So the fact is, when Lambert is the one absolutely demolishing your argument, maybe it’s time to reconsider your career choice of sports journalist.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Dec 5, 2011 5:06 PM EST up reply actions
It’s just my opinion. I don’t think there is any way that he could be suspended based on the evidence and don’t think that he should be.
But the question has been asked out there for a while now: Do you think Ovechkin was taking PEDs?
My answer is yes. It’s an opinion.
You know the evidence or lack of evidence, you can form your opinion.
Unfortunately, some people don’t know the difference between an opinion and an informed opinion, and defend the “opinion” part when the “informed” part is taken into question.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Dec 5, 2011 5:52 PM EST up reply actions
somehow, for someone screaming from the rooftops that it’s his opinion and his opinion must be respected, dammit, I don’t think he’d be appreciative if we told him our opinion of him. Hey, man, that’s just, like, our opinion that you’re a sheep-raping dick slapper with no brain.
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by RedBirdie on Dec 5, 2011 5:56 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Gives a whole new meaning to “F*** ewe”.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Dec 5, 2011 6:02 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
I was tempted to post a link to that lovely thread in Steigerwald’s latest effort but I didn’t want to get him too excited. Gotta protect the sheep.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
by capsyoungguns on Dec 5, 2011 6:03 PM EST up reply actions
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![Via Traktor Chelyabinsk's website, here's Evgeny Kuznetsov graciously accepting a handmade hat from some of his fans.
The Traktor fans were aware of the NA tradition of the hat trick,and in honor of his strong performance at World Juniors, they made him one of his very own:
"It is known that the ocean [overseas leagues - ed.] has a tradition: after the execution of a hat-trick fans throw on the ice caps. Hat-trick in a literal translation - "hat trick". Kuznetsov played in the World Cup just two such trick: in the group stage, he scored 3 goals in the gate the Latvian team, and in the semi-finals three times, struck the gate of Canada. These two points are noted."
More awesome pix at the link.](http://cdn3.sbnation.com/fan_shot_images/235874/kuzya20130112_small.jpg)
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