Wednesday Caps Clips: Holtby Humbles Habs; Caps @ Wings Game Day
by EmilyB on Mar 16, 2011 6:39 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on last night's win from us, Caps365 video (Boudreau, players), Vogs, NHL.com (Basu), WaPo (Carrera: blog, gamer), WashTimes (Whyno), CSN Washington (Beninati, O'Halloran), Frankovic, Peerless, RMNB, SB Nation DC, PHT, KOL, Capitals News Network, CRtC, Montreal Gazette (gamer, pics).
- Previews of tonight's rumble with the Red Wings from Vogs, NHL.com (Kreiser), Peerless, Barry Melrose Rocks, CRtC, RtR, and Puck Buddys, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Winging It In Motown and also the Detroit Free Press for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- Oh hell yes - Remy's new jam (featuring a Jeff Schultz jersey and some Caps blogosphere cameos). [CSN Washington (video)]
- Fight card: Bradley vs. Mara. [HockeyFights]
- In which a performance of The Alex Ovechkin and P.K. Subban Show pays dividends - for the Caps. [Daily Hab-It]
- While the Canadiens are looking back to see what they could have done differently, the Wings are looking forward to the visit from the Beast of the East. [Kukla's Korner]
- Hey, that Jason Arnott fellow sure has helped his new team. And then he goes and gets hurt. Now what? [Homer McFanboy, CI, DCEx, NHL.com (Basu)]
- This week's "Caps are scoring less, but more committed to team defense" interviewee is Mike Knuble . [NHLPA.com]
- He may wear #70 now, but Braden Holtby may just have what it takes to be #1... [OFB]
- ...so it's probably a good thing that Nolan Schaefer is settling in nicely at Hershey. [Stack the Pads]
- Caps prospect defenseman Brett Flemming and his work ethic and plus-58 rating are getting some attention. Sorry BearsNation, he's got a Memorial Cup to play for still. [The Hockey News]
- Whereas Caps prospect goaltender Philipp Grubauer is getting attention of the unfortunate medical kind. He remains in Germany, waiting out the effects of mononucleosis. [The Whig]
- And prospective prospect forward Andy Miele has fond memories of his time attending Caps DevCamp this past summer. That's encouraging, because he's kind of good. Maybe even Hobey Baker good. [Rink Rebel]
- The lesson is always be wearing Caps gear, 'cause you never know who you might meet. [Hollebon's Sports Pub]
- Finally, happy 29th birthday to Louis Robitaille, happy 33rd birthday to Brian Willsie, happy 40th birthday to David Harlock, and a sticktap to the memory of Roger Crozier, who would have turned 69 today.
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“What’s that you say, Mike Knuble? I’m pretty awesome? Why yes, I’d have to agree with that assessment.”
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by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 6:41 AM EDT reply actions 14 recs
Bruce warned em to stay home….they should have listened.
by SA-Town on Mar 16, 2011 6:48 AM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Nice under-the-radar note from Vogs’ recap:
Band Of Brothers – We’ve seen the Caps coming together like a band of brothers over the last month or so, and we saw more evidence of that process early in tonight’s tilt.
On his first shift of the night, Caps center Jay Beagle laid a clean but hard hit on Montreal’s Travis Moen. Veteran Habs blueliner Paul Mara took exception, and responded with a hack to Beagle’s beak, giving the center a cut that required some stitching on the bench.
Caps winger Matt Bradley noted Mara’s unpenalized whack, and on the very next shift challenged Mara to a scrap. Bradley has played that brand of stand-up hockey since arriving in the District in 2005-06, so it’s no surprise to see him take a stand for the injustice done unto Beagle.
Good stuff.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 7:29 AM EDT reply actions 12 recs
This is great…but one of the things I would like to see from Beagle is standing up for himself in that situation. He can be a good bottom six forward, but he will need to add some snarl.
That tough. The guy goes off to get stitches, and you say he didn’t stand up for himself. Give him a break.
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
by STLSpidey on Mar 16, 2011 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Brad’s looked like a much better fighter this year too…he’s actually won a few and not bled all over the ice in the process.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
which is kind of disappointing. Ballad of Bradley’s Blood was fun.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I thought that one made it three! Either way, go Brads, and your new skin-of-steel (at least comparatively!)
Also, pretty certain MattyP used the Caps blood quote on that broken nose.
I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!
by RockinRed4Life on Mar 16, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d suspect it’s DJ King’s influence. Hendricks has stated before that DJ taught him some fighting tips during practices. He may not have the skills anymore, but he does have the knowledge.
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
“The Washington Capitals cannot confirm or deny that an individual by the name of Eric Fehr is a member of this organization.”
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by apk3000 on Mar 16, 2011 7:44 AM EDT up reply actions 11 recs
Team hasn’t commented (big surprise there) but it was noted that Fehr might have fallen on his shoulder.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
Boudreau did note ’upper body injury; after the game, which is consistent with my observations (and others) of what happened right before he left the game.
Based on this organization’s policies and history, I wouldn’t expect them to say anything more than ‘upper body injury’, unless it is season ending and even then it would not surprise me if they simply stated upper body injury. Also, fact is the team is on the road and traveled after the game. It’s possible they sent him home but more likely he’s still with the team. If he is observed with his right arm obviously bandaged or in a sling then maybe a reporter will note it.
His first shift of the second period, about 1 1/2 minutes into the 2nd period: Fehr fell on his right side arm/shoulder and when he got up he was holding his stick only with his left hand and holding his right arm close to his side and slightly dropped.
Poor guy. I really hope he didn’t hurt his shoulder again. The Caps need his secondary scoring for the playoffs.
He’s been looking REALLY good since he came back from the injury, too.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Our F-16 has wing damage. :(
That'll make your weagle wink!
by boutros23 on Mar 16, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
When the Detroit Red Wings face off the depleted Washington Capitals tomorrow (Nicklas Backstrom, Jason Arnott, Alex Semin, Semyon and Mike Green are all out for tonight’s Capitals-Canadiens tilt in Montreal)..
Nice article, but I’m dubious about KuklasKorner’s source work. Anyone see something wrong there?
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
You mean other than Varly going the “Ronaldo” route?
In fairness, the other mistake might just be a reasonably fair assumption that the guy will be invisible during the game. Zing!
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it was written before yesterday’s game. I’m surprised it still hasn’t be corrected.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
They were right…the Caps were without Semin last night.
Dale Hunter would punch the 2010-2011 Caps right in the Kidneys
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by Kolzilla on Mar 16, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
No, it was a mistake on the writer’s part. Semin is fine.
by redpezrocket on Mar 16, 2011 1:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Who doesn’t get a bit of a runny schnoz when it’s cold outside?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Haha.
This is something for another thread, but man, is it really true that w/out Arnott, no Semin?
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
Loving the photos from the Montreal Gazette
That'll make your weagle wink!
by boutros23 on Mar 16, 2011 8:10 AM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Related to the Gazette, Red Fisher’s wrap-upof last night is a nice read.
Aut bibat aut abeat.
by Bald Pollack on Mar 16, 2011 8:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Red fisher is simply, hands down, the best in the business. In a town where homers rule, Fisher never pulls his punches. It will be a sad day when he stops writing about hockey.
Bulletin! Alex Ovechkin Has Three Hands
"You just try to play him tough, but you can only hold him for so long. I thought I played him pretty well. If my stick’s not tied up, maybe I can not let the pass get through. I don’t know if he was holding (my stick). It happened so quickly, but I know it was caught on something. I tried pulling it and I couldn’t get it loose."
— P.K. Subban
OK, so…let’s recap. Ovechkin passes puck to Johansson (usually requiring two hands), and he’s holding the stick of Subban to get the pass off. Maybe the replay shows something different.
If you've read this far...seek help.
On Ovechkin’s other defender in the game, there was a sequence in the 2nd period last night when Gill hit Ovechkin and AO went to the corner and the crowd had a nice cheer about it, but the puck went to that area a couple seconds later and AO broke Gill’s ankles going around him.
I quite enjoyed that.
Aut bibat aut abeat.
by Bald Pollack on Mar 16, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
That was a pretty sweet vignette. It seemed as if Gill awakened the beast.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Will Gill suddenly awaken in the postseason again, with his stick simultaneously in 3 shooting lanes? Or does he remain a traffic cone?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
remains a traffic cone, but does so in a more effective manner because he’ll get away with even more egregious pre-lockout holding/interference because its “playoff hockey”
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Mar 16, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Laich made him look foolish on his goal. I think age and normal wear and tear are finally catching up to Gill.
Plus the fact that he doesn’t have his usual steady partner in Josh Gorges. He’s a good positional guy but he really needs that slightly more mobile guy next to him to prevent exactly what happened from happening.
I require spiritual super glue and duct tape.
I thought Gorges was usually Hamrlik’s partner?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Mar 16, 2011 1:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I thought it was the playoffs last night with some of the hooks and holds he was getting away with. There was a particularly blatant no call on a Semin drive to the net in the 3rd.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 16, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Is that the one where Semin’s stick got slashed in half?
That was pretty blatant.
I thought the Caps got away with some stuff, too, though. And when they did call penalties in the third, they either took both guys immediately or promptly evened up the calls. I can live with that approach.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Hal Gill was severely deprived of affection as a child and craves hugs. That’s all I can come up with.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Mar 16, 2011 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions
No, I was thinking of when Semin went around Gill the same way Laich did on his goal, but this time Gill latched on like a leach and Semin never got a shot off.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 16, 2011 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Gill was definitely doing that all night and not just to Alex Semin. It’s like he got grandfathered in when the league decided to crack down on obstruction and interference.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Mar 16, 2011 2:36 PM EDT up reply actions
The thing is, Gill’s never been fleet of foot. He plays a positional game and, when paired with a guy that’s a little faster, is really good in his own end. He’s certainly at the end of his career, but he can still do his job.
He was a much more effective player in the pre-lockout years where the game was much slower.
Travesty!! Intent to Injure!! Head in the Boards!! Suspension!! The World is Against Montreal!!
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Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
what about the knee up his ass? Is that in the rule book?
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
Reminded me of this pic
AGord TCOB in the Calder Cup Finals last year:
…and taking names.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Think that might get Chimera on Sean Avery’s Xmas card list?
Gotta admit Wisniewski’s got guts playing with a fractured orbital bone…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 16, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Crozier, from hockey-reference.com:
March 3, 1977: Traded to Washington by Buffalo for cash, March 3, 1977.
Like a used Pinto.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
You had to look up Roger Crozier? Harlock (all of six games w/DC and an undistinguished career) I’ll give you.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Definitely not going to get into a “Who is a bigger Caps fan”-off with you, but I didn’t look him up. I just followed the link above and enjoyed reading about him!
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Mar 16, 2011 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m just surprised, given his long career. No chest beating.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
No no, I didn’t want to come off that way, so I just told you what I was saying!
Honestly, I love the commenters on Japer’s, you included. Great info, news blurbs, etc. etc. Haven’t seen an ugly personal argument yet (not that there haven’t been some, just I haven’t observed any).
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Mar 16, 2011 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I know the Canadians are known to have a lot of banners but one for the Montreal Expos? Really?
Just rub some dirt on it
Anything for Youppi!
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 8:32 AM EDT up reply actions
You mean you don’t like going to Braves games in DC?
Seriously, there’s a fan base growing for the Nationals, and the team has been improving following the same model as the Capitals, really. If you don’t like the Nats, that’s fine, but eff the O’s (Sorry, I’m not from Maryland), and eff the idea that we’re in Braves territory.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
The Braves thing I believe mostly stems from their AAA club being in Richmond for so long, up until last year the Braves got more local sports news airtime than the Nationals on the Richmond TV stations.
Personally I stick with the O’s, growing up in the DC area they were the only game in town, and I’m not one to switch allegiance just because the Montreal Expos play in DC now.
NOVA has had the Cannons, too, so heh.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Also, they’re not the Expos. 2005 and ‘06, lots of holdovers, I get how it looks like the same team in different uniforms, but show me how the team that’s fielded now looks at all like the Expos.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Mar 16, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Not sure when the last time you watched a Braves game, but Ted no longer owns the team and the team’s games are no longer shown on TBS.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Burton would know more about that than I would. I followed MLB very little last season. I’ve already watched more baseball this spring training than I did all of last season.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Hopefully Tim Raines doesn’t slip on the ice and break anything in his pockets.
Aut bibat aut abeat.
by Bald Pollack on Mar 16, 2011 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah you don’t want to “rock” him too hard, or something will “crack”.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 8:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I wasn’t sure how much to tip off.
Aut bibat aut abeat.
by Bald Pollack on Mar 16, 2011 8:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Rusty Staub’s lost a little weight but still has the big feet and fire red hair.
Bruce -- you define me.
He’s no Rusty Kuntz.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Any relation to Harry Kuntz of Alberta?
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My grandfather and uncle are Harry Kuntz, Sr. and Harry Kuntz, Jr. respectively. No joke.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Come on…for realz?
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
Yep. Pronounce it “Koontz” though.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
I would too…. I played baseball with a kid named David Wiener and his dad was named Harry.
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
I knew a guy growing up named Mike Hunt. Say it fast. In hindsight I am surprised he didn’t choose to go by Michael.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 16, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I was once photographing a portrait set for a pair of teenaged girls. Their mom said, “just think of your principal’s daughter’s name,” and both girls let out giggles.
I’m like, “OK, what’s your principal’s daughter’s name?”
They tell me, “Tara,” and I’m, “what’s so funny about Tara?”
“Her last name is Dickoff…”
Photography: I Rock the Red
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E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
I know that’s a true story, because I know the principal you are referring to. He was the principal at what would have been my high school had I not gone to a magnet program.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
glad to know I’m not the only one who remembers that!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Humor me for a moment. One more question about the no-goal: If the reason for waving it off was because the referee intended to blow the whistle, why does it even go to review?
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
My question exactly. In the NFL, they’d say a call is not reviewable because the play was blown dead and it would never go to review. If intent to blow the whistle was the refs argument on the no-goal, all he does is get on the phone to the war room, say “I was going to blow the whistle” and he’s off in ten seconds. The fact that he was on the phone for a couple of minutes shows they were trying to figure out how to wave it off. Just total BS CYA on their explanation.
by b.orr4 on Mar 16, 2011 8:49 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I never saw a replay where I could clearly see 100% of the puck over the line. It was obviously over line and under Price’s pad, but I never saw it.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I’m not trying to re-argue the outcome/views on replay, but my understanding was the final ruling was the intent to blow the whistle. That’s why I asked.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I think you are correct, yes.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
How about here?
Net not yet fully off its moorings-
by discuit on Mar 16, 2011 9:32 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
From that angle it looks like PK was deliberately moving the net… he got away with it as the ref was watching the puck. They should let the linesmen call delay of game for net removal
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 16, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Isn’t it a penalty shot if that’s done during a scoring chance?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Most likely. I was in the car listening to it on the radio for the 1st few mins, missed what Locker had to say.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
No, only if you cover the puck in the crease.
First Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap) First Round Exit!
Well, kind of:
63.5 Penalty Shot – If the goal post is deliberately displaced by a goalkeeper or player during the course of a "breakaway," a penalty shot will be awarded to the non-offending team, which shot shall be taken by the player last in possession of the puck.
If by reason of insufficient time in the regular playing time or by reason of penalties already imposed, the minor penalty assessed to a player for deliberately displacing his own goal post cannot be served in its entirety within the regular playing time of the game or at any time in overtime, a penalty shot shall be awarded against the offending team.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions
Doesn’t matter if the net isn’t fully off it’s moorings, if it is off the ice or off line at all before the puck goes it the goal does not count. However, the goal cam view on TSN clearly showed the puck in before the net moved.
Subban actually made a great play there that probably “saved” a goal. He smacked it back towards the goal line right after it crossed keeping it from going all the way to the back of the net. If the puck makes it all the way to the back instead of just a few inches over the line I’d bet the ref doesn’t wave it off.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 16, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
“Yeah, no, I screwed the pooch on that one alright. All the lights, and noise, and colors…Listen, is - well, I intended to suck, can we use that? Dont hang up, dont hang up — is Glee still on? Hold the phone up to the…hello? Hello??”
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Mar 16, 2011 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
I’m not sure it was intent to blow the whistle, we didn’t get an explaination. I think he waved it off on the ice because he never saw it go in (until perhaps after the net “did-lodged” and the whistle blew). Therefore, he discussed with the other officials on the ice and then went to review – then refer to JP’s bullet point up top about that “conclusive” process.
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
BB definitely chattingbout “intent to blow” with the refs right before play resumed.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
I thought “intent to blow” was Wisniewski’s field of expertise…
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by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
as “intent to slow” is Hal Gills expertise?
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
by NJNJ on Mar 16, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Then there is Marcus’ Johansson’s intent to glow.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 16, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
___
I fear my funny has been missed…
Jokes are always better when you have to ’splain ’em.
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by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
I love the way he kept it up for about 4-5 more repetitions than necessary to get his point across.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Think of the bobble-head possibilities.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Mar 16, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Poti’s intent to — oh, no!
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Mar 16, 2011 9:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Poti’s intent to… wait, he’s allergic to that…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 16, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t some officials explain that after review? or am I making it up – it almost sounded like the ref was about to add a comment after his no goal remark…the lilt in his voice made it sound like more was coming
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
It wasn’t going to review. The ref had to call his wife to clarify what “intent to blow” means.
Rice is great if you're really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 16, 2011 9:11 AM EDT up reply actions
I think sometimes they review to see if the puck crosses the line before the whistle was intended to be blown. I don’t know if that applied to last night, probably not.
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"Numbers don't lie, they just don't agree with you"--George E. Ays
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Mar 16, 2011 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Because the NHL is not what you would call a “competent” league, generally speaking.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Locker was saying it was because they didn’t have a picture of the puck going across the goal line. They saw it go under the goalie, the net come off the moorings, the whistle get blown then price gets up and the puck is underneath him. Since it was waived off originally they’d need to see the puck cross the goal line convincingly. I am kind of shocked they didn’t give the penalty shot or a DoG penalty, but I think Hendricks hit the goal also.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Poor, poor PK Subban. It’s nice that he’s strong enough (and, for the love of heaven, given an HHT license) to give AO fits. I admire the pluck that enables him to get pwned in various ways and the chirp as though he did something. But on the goal that the Hab-It lays at Desharnais’ feet , PK clearly forgot that AO isn’t out of a play until the play is over — he gave Ovechkin a moment, near the net and the puck.
That guy fall on his head or something?
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
if fact, yes, fell on his head when he tried to check Ovie. It went terribly hilariously wrong.
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by RedBirdie on Mar 16, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I set ’em up. You (and Alex) kick their silly, yapping knock ’em down…
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
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by redlineblue on Mar 16, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
and thanks to Dimagus, we have in it glorious gif form!
by RedBirdie on Mar 16, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
my rule is if they guy wasn’t injured, it’s totally acceptable to laugh.
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The way that he is straddling Ovie’s shoulder, then just flails and falls brings on severe giggles. The fact that’s it’s a little punk who I can’t stand makes it even better. If he had been hurt though… that would be different.
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It’d be worse if you didn’t.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
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by redlineblue on Mar 16, 2011 11:17 AM EDT up reply actions
It tells you something when the opposing team has this kind of praise for your play.
The Canadiens and the Capitals split two games earlier this season in Washington, but Subban said he didn’t recognize the opponent Tuesday night.
"They’re a completely different team than I remember playing," he said. "They chipped the puck in deep. They’re first on it, they have support on it. They track back well. They’re doing a lot of the right things to be successful, so you have to give them credit. Even their skilled players are going down low and winning battles."
Captain Brian Gionta said the Canadiens felt fortunate to be tied 2-2 going into the third period. At the time, they were being outshot, 33-18, and they scored the only goal in the second period when the Capitals held a 17-6 edge in shots.
"The goalie kept us in it," Gionta said. "If it wasn’t for him, we wouldn’t have had a chance in the end. We had a pretty good chance of stealing the game, (but) we weren’t playing that good and Carey kept us in it.
"We were a step behind on everything," Gionta added. "They were pressuring all over the ice and we were back on our heels."
by b.orr4 on Mar 16, 2011 8:44 AM EDT reply actions 9 recs
this might be better then the 2 points they earned last night. I like this a lot.
by vt caps fan on Mar 16, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Not sure if this has been mentioned (if so, apologies), and I know the subject has been discussed, but last night on NHL OtF, Kevin Weekes was pontificating that the Capitals should go with Holtby as the no. 1 in the playoffs, Neuvirth no. 2, and leave Varly out of it even if healthy.
Just press Swedish.
Seems like a likely scenario now, but if Varly is healthy, I still expect him to back up Neuvy, with Holtby off to chase the Calder Cup.
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Kevin Weekes has apparently taken a few too many slappers off the cage. That is quite probably the exact opposite of what the Caps should do.
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by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 8:51 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m sorry JP but Kevin Weekes has been in the show as a goalie, so he knows goalies. Like I always say, if you knew anything about the game, you’d be in it. Gosh.
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by jaytown99 on Mar 16, 2011 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Weekes lost me this morning when he referred to Rich Peverley as “Peverley Hills Cop”
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
So you’re saying they should start Varlamov, with Neuvirth as his backup, and Holtby in Hershey?
I’d go with Neuvirth starting, Holtby backing him up, and Varlamov at some spa in the Urals.
I am a little baffled by the lack of support for Varly, assuming he is healhty. He has better numbers than Neuvy this year and has all of the NHL playoff experience. I don’t have a problem giving Neuvy a chance to recreate his AHL playoff magic, but the notion that a healthy Varly shouldn’t even get a sweater is mind-boggling to me.
He hasn’t played a game in weeks. I’d just rather have the guys in there that have played more and aren’t so injury prone. I’m ready to send Varly packing and keep the two others as 1 and 2.
I don’t see what his being injury prone has to do with anything – the Caps clearly have capable options if he does get hurt. And, by the way, it’s not like Neuvy is the king of durability or anything.
Varly will get a chance to shake the rust off in the next week or two. If he looks bad, I’ll be right there with you. But right now, I think he remains the #1, or the #2 at worst, if he’s healthy and his usual self. This is without even considering the benefits to Holtby in having a chance to be the #1 in Hershey and experience pro playoff hockey.
Neuvirth has gone two months healthy and on his game several times. Has Varly ever gone 2 months healthy? If he has it’s probably back in Russia. And I’m pretty sure there were injury issues even before he came to America.
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Not sure if Varly has gone 2 months healthy, though he seemed to at the start of last season until December or so. But even if he gets hurt mid-playoffs (assuming he is starting), you can play Neuvy and call up Holtby.
I think reasonable minds can differ over whether a healthy Varly is #1 or #2 against a healthy Neuvy. The notion that a healthy Varly isn’t even a #2 is what I’m primarily reacting to here.
I agree with you on that. I’d go with Varly assuming he is healthy. I think people with similar opinions are just not speaking up. It’d be interesting to run a poll to see who people who pick as the playoff starting goaltender out of the 3 guys.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
The only poll that matters is Bruce’s. And I don’t think he even knows what he will do now. But we know that he is not afraid to ride a completely untested young goalie.
This is exactly where I come down. The data we have says that Varly is likely the better of the two. When it comes to the playoffs, I’m totally unsentimental. If the guy gives the team the best chance to win, I want him in the lineup.
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by Knee high to a duck on Mar 16, 2011 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions
I like Kevin Weekes’ commentary for the most part, but that’s mildly absurd.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
I agree, and if it wasn’t clear, I posted pretty much exactly what he said.
Just press Swedish.
by Chris Burton on Mar 16, 2011 8:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Weekes has taken too many pucks to the head. Holtby has been great but you can see he’s hitting a bit of a wall. He had two weak goals against Chicago and two more last night. Even Bruce admitted after the game that he was getting nervous after the second Montreal goal. My prediction is that by next week, assuming Varly really is healthy, Holtby will be back in Hershey getting ready for the Calder Cup playoffs.
Nah, the Caps should ride Varly to a Stanley Cup championship and then trade him away while his stock is at its highest.
by Moonage Daydream on Mar 16, 2011 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions
You’re seriously blaming Varly for the Caps playoff losses? Yes he collapsed in game 7 against the Pens and let in two soft goals game 7 against Montreal, but he’s hardly the reason the caps lost those series. He was great against the Rangers. He wore down against the Pens and probably could of used a break instead of playing every game.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
It wasn’t just game 7 against the Pens that he wasn’t good enough.
I have zero confidence that Varly can make it healthy through a playoff run. If we want to play him as the 1G when he’s healthy, fine, but we better have a contingency plan because there is zero possibility at this time that Varly is ready to play 4 playoff series.
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Kevin Weekes was pontificating that the Capitals should go with Holtby as the no. 1 in the playoffs, Neuvirth no. 2, and leave Varly out of it even if healthy.
Right. Ride a rookie goalie who will almost certainly maintain his .930 Sv% well into the next few months against playoff-caliber competition. Makes perfect sense.
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Washington still suffers from legitimately below-average goaltending, which hurts them more than the defensive improvements help.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 16, 2011 9:36 AM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
I think he’s calling Downie a naughty word…
by kingbonehead on Mar 16, 2011 9:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I like it! Though I’m very seldom tempted to call anyone a c—-, next time I do feel that urge I’m just gonna yell “It’s hockey!” at ’em instead.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Mar 16, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
You could say that….
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by twistedlogic on Mar 16, 2011 9:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Though I doubt it WILL happen, I don’t agree with the dismissive tone. It’s entirely possible. Several reasons: a) It’s not that out of the question to ride a hot rookie in general. b) It’s not that out of the ordinary for BB to do so, and not even in the playoffs (see Varly in ’09). c) The disparity in ability between Varly, Neuvirth and Holtby is not so clearcut as some people make it out. Experience level is all that separates the three, and that is negligible.
I wouldn’t count it out so out of hand, even if you disagree with it.
The keyboard is mightier.
Varly and Neuvy both have faced enough shots for us to be pretty confident that they’re good. Not so for Holtby.
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by red army line on Mar 16, 2011 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Fine. But if he keeps it up why yank him? If he falters, you’ve got other options.
“Hot Hand” is called that because it’s about what have you done for me lately, not what the stats suggest about your overall abilities.
The keyboard is mightier.
Because he’s showing signs of becoming un-hot. Because fatigue leads to injuries. Because you have a capable starter waiting in the wings.
Neuvy has to get a game against Detroit, and I’d start him in the next one as well.
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“Hot hand” also suggests you’ll become un-hot pretty soon (unless you’re Henrik Lundqvist, I guess). And history suggests that means you’ll fall off a cliff (I suppose you can substitute Hotlby for Reimer in the link).
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by red army line on Mar 16, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Holtby is standing on the edge of that cliff. Time for Bruce to pull him back from the pending abyss.
a) It’s not that out of the question to ride a hot rookie in general.
True, but we’re talking a rookie running at a very high Sv% rate. Take Tim Thomas, the NHL Sv% leader. How consistent do you think his Sv% has been?
b) It’s not that out of the ordinary for BB to do so, and not even in the playoffs (see Varly in ’09).
Again, don’t disagree, but we’re not talking will BB do it, but should he do it.
c) The disparity in ability between Varly, Neuvirth and Holtby is not so clearcut as some people make it out.
Tough to make this statement when we aren’t sure what that “ability” is for any of the three, IMO.
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Again, that is all fair and reasonable. But we’re talking about riding the “hot hand” where the only calculus is how well the goalie is playing NOW. Given this “hot hand theory,” one BB inarguably subscribes to, we’re just as safe making conjecture about Holtby’s streak being determinant as we are making predictions based on the overall track records. That’s what I’m saying, and why I wouldn’t be surprised to see Holtby up here. (Side note: no guarantees Varly will be healthy – our first round playoff goalies could very well end up being Neuvirth/Holtby)
The keyboard is mightier.
The playoffs are simply too important to risk putting in a rookie who might get rattled in a high-pressure situation. It’ll be Neuvy or Varly, and Holtby only if one or both get injured or tank a game.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Neuvy is a rookie playoff goalie too.
I think BB will go with Neuvirth, because I don’t believe that Holtby can or will keep it up over the next 12. Not for lack of BB giving Holtby the chance though.
The keyboard is mightier.
Neuvirth has played 40+ games this season AND he’s won two Calder Cups. There’s no comparison in experience between Neuvirth and Holtby.
Undoubtedly, but is that so important to Boudreau? Perhaps not as much as riding the hot goalie. Is that an unreasonable thing to do? In many circumstances, sure. Here? I’m not so sure.
The keyboard is mightier.
I admire your persistance, but if the goal is to win a Cup, rookie goalies with 13 NHL games under their belt is not the recipe. As I think Peerless pointed out yesterday, the last guy to do it might have been Ken Dryden and that’s 40 years ago.
By your logic, the Caps would have stuck with Theo the last two years and would have started Kolzig three years ago.
Bruce will go with whichever goalie he thinks gives him the best chance to win. Period.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
Exactly. Holtby has more experience, is older than, and has better stats than Varly did in ’09, and Bruce was happy to ride Varly as far as he could go. I would not at all be surprised to see Holtby be the #1 in the playoffs.
Varly had experience in the Russian league playoffs. It wasn’t his first time coming up big in the playoffs. What playoff experience does Holtby have?
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Varly’s Russian playoff experience had little if anything to do with him getting the starts. He was playing better than Theo, and that was enough.
The keyboard is mightier.
Agreed, and Bruce rides the hot hand. If Bruce was willing to ride Varly in 09, he’ll be willing to ride Holtby in ’11.
In fact, entering the playoffs in ‘09, we had a Hart- and Vezina-winning veteran in Theo who had started 40 playoff games. But Bruce jettisoned him after 2 games and went with a 20 year old who had played a grand total of 6 NHL games. If Bruce was willing to go with Varly in ’09, he’ll certainly be willing to go with Holtby this year.
I don’t think he started for Carolina, though I may be wrong. I thought their #1 played badly or got hurt.
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by red army line on Mar 16, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Gerber started and wasn’t terribly good (to put it diplomatically), so they threw Ward in. He’d had a winning record that season, but with something like 20/22 games played total.
Dingos are involved. Best not to ask.
It was 28 games, 25 starts, 14-8-2 record. His GAA and save % were pretty bad though.
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The alternative at that point was Theo. Nice guy, great story, set all the ladies’ hearts aflutter…replacement level goalie.
Varly is almost certainly better than replacement level, and it looks likely that Neuvy is, too.
Holtby…who knows?
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after the way Theo (and the team) steamrolled through the league after Jan 1, I thought, hell, I believed deep in my heart, that he was THE GUY.
good god, rarely have I been that wrong.
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Maybe Theo would have been THE GUY if they would have played him more than 1 1/2 games.
by Karl W on Mar 16, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
well, there’s that. But I’m not going to drag myself down the “what if” road.
because last spring was just a terrible hallucination brought on by too much celebratory vodka, right, EmilyB?
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I agree, no sense dragging up any more memories of last April. Goalies weren’t the reason we lost.
My point is just that Bruce doesn’t seem to give a damn for playoff experience. If he discarded Theo two years running, he certainly would have no problem whatsoever discarding Varly and Neuvy for Holtby.
Boudreau seems to have more confidence in Varly and Neuvy than he ever did in Theo. I would be very surprised if he went with Holtby as the starter for reasons not due to injuries. I don’t think Holtby is the best of the three right now. He needs more seasoning, preferably gained during the playoffs in Hershey.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Seasoning schmeezoning. BB doesn’t care about seasoning. If Holtby is on the team during the playoffs, BB might start Varly/Neuvy but he’d go to Holtby in a flash if the team dropped a game or two.
I think he would alternate Varly/Neuvy as long as they both can play before he’d go to Holtby. But then again I thought he should start Neuvy last night so who knows with BB.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Bruce will go with whichever goalie he thinks gives him the best chance to win. Period.
And that’s Neuvy, Varly and Holtby in that order. I feel pretty confident in saying that something pretty disastrous would have to happen to Neuvirth and Varlamov (injuries, poor performances in multiple games) for Holtby to get a playoff start ahead of either of them. Anybody who doesn’t think that experience is an important factor in determining who gets the call in the playoffs is kidding themselves.
Yeah, but he started Theo both years. If he didn’t trust him, why play him? BB’s management of goaltenders is borderline infuriating.
How do you explain NOT starting the goalie who led the team to 14 straight wins?
by GnarlyVarly on Mar 16, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m totally with you on that… but I can see feeling the pressure to give him a shot at it. Theo definitely earned the chance to be the starter, and I personally think he should have been given a slightly longer rope.
On the flipside though, how long do you wait? If we’re down 3-0, then we hand it to Varly? Doesn’t seem fair to Varly either. I also think that if he did wait to pull Theo and we still lost, we’d just be trying to answer “Why did he wait so long?” questions today. Glad I’m not a coach.
by GnarlyVarly on Mar 16, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Thing is, that wasn’t Bruce’s decision. He started with Theo both years.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s a good point, you could argue that Theo played his way out of the starting role. I am not sure that Bruce trusts Neuvy though in the same way he trusts Varly. Varly seems to have a place in his heart.
I don’t think there’s a goalie in the world who has a place in BB’s heart, especially since none of them came up from Hershey with him. If any one of these young goalies falters in the playoffs, they’ll get the hook quickly.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Boudreau was fairly partial to Huet…
Washington still suffers from legitimately below-average goaltending, which hurts them more than the defensive improvements help.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 16, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know. Two years ago, he lost the first game to the Rangers and then didn’t have a chance to redeem himself. Last year, he lost the first game in overtime and then was pulled quickly in game two.
I thought Boudreau was quoted as saying they would of given Theo some more games last year in the next round, to give Varly a break and Theo another chance. Maybe he learned from the previous year not to run Varly into the ground. Anyway we never got a chance to see what would happen in the second round.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you believe that, though? Have you ever heard of a coach changing their goalie during the playoffs to give him rest?
Boudreau does things with his goalies in the playoffs that most coaches don’t. It’s not unheard of to play two goalies during a series, although I don’t know if that is due to injury or what. I don’t pay that much attention to the rest of the NHL.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
Interested to hear more about why you feel BB may favor Varly. I feel like he favors Neuvy, if only for his silghtly-less-fragile groin.
Also, he seems to bring the praise to Neuvy without caveat, whereas it seems like he tends to praise Varly while at the same time pointing out a flaw.
by GnarlyVarly on Mar 16, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know if you can take much from what Boudreau says about Neuvy/Varly. He might be using different motivational tactics for their different personalities.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree, but I’d also point out that Boudreau has made comments about Neuvirth, I wouldn’t say that Boudeau praises him without caveats.
Yes, Boudreau has said bad things about of them. Sometimes warranted, sometime overboard in my opinion. Like the situation in the previous season when Varly was coming back from the groin and knee injuries he sustained. He played a game or two in Hershey but didn’t look that great, then started a game for the caps and let in like 5 goals. Boudreau slammed him and said he should of been prepared and that he let in goals he knew how to stop since he was like 7 years old. No mention of the fact Boudreau prematurely started Varly instead of giving him a few more games in Hershey to get back to form.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, wasn’t Brent Johnson hurt in 09, which is why Varly got the call-up?
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by red army line on Mar 16, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
yes, torn labrum in his hip, I believe.
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How many games did Cam Ward play before Carolina won the Stanley Cup? 25 maybe? Niemi was definitely the back-up to Theodore going into the playoffs last year.
you’ve lost me on “Niemi was definitely the back-up to Theodore going into the playoffs last year.” do you mean Varly was the backup to Theo, or Niemi was the backup to Huet?
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I think by the time the playoffs rolled around, Niemi had firmly grabbed the starting role.
Huet has to be one of Chicago’s biggest busts ever. I only wish they hadn’t been able to bury that monster contract in Switzerland.
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I screwed up the first post. I meant that Niemi was the back-up going into the season last year.
What I’m saying is, the player who plays the best and is the healthiest should be the #1 guy going into the playoffs. And right now, that’s Holtby.
Why wouldn’t use you use the best player overall, regardless of their injury potential? Play them until they break, then more on to the next one. That seems to be Boudreau’s trend with goalies.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Please name the last game Varly couldn’t make it through the entire game. Neuvy has been pulled from games due to injury/illness this season but I don’t recall it happening to Varly.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not talking about being pulled for quality of play. I don’t have time to go back right now and look for the first game Varly played in 2011. Does anyone know an easier way to look at which games a goalie played in a season other than looking at each game?
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
wasn’t Varly’s first game of the year the Winter Classic? We all know how that ended. Or did you mean the 2010-11 season?
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions
http://www.hockey-reference.com/players/n/neuvimi01/gamelog/2011/
This is Neuvirth’s gamelog for this season.
Ok here is Varly’s gamelog.
His first game of the season was 10/19/10, a loss to the Bruins where he played in relief of Neuvy. From the WP recap:
Less than a minute after the second goal, Neuvirth complained of dizziness and a headache and left the game with what the team later determined was the flu. He yielded two goals on seven shots before being replaced by Semyon Varlamov, who stopped all but one of the 14 shots he faced in relief duty.
Varly also didn’t play an entire game on 1/18/11 against Philly. He played in relief of Neuvy, from the WP recap:
Neuvirth’s seemingly limited movement on that play hinted at a larger issue as the goaltender couldn’t finish the contest, did not return to the ice after the first period and is day-to-day with a lower body injury, Coach Bruce Boudreau said. After the Capitals’ morning skate Tuesday, Neuvirth was icing his left groin and hip area, which has bothered him this season.
Varly was pulled against Anaheim on 2/16/11 for letting in 3 goals on 9 shots.
Those are the only three instances where Varly didn’t play an entire game (other than the one game on 10/21/10 against Boston near the end where Bruce threw Neuvy out to get another timeout). So I really don’t know what you are talking about Varly not being able to finish games. This season it looks like if Varly plays, he finishes the game.
That’s backed even more by the fact that, as you stated, 2 of those 3 were games where he came in relief. Only once in 22 starts this season has he been unable to finish. That’s a high percentage. The problem is his health causing him to miss games.
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He was actually capable of finishing the game against Anaheim. He wasn’t pulled for health reasons. The team was playing like crap in front of him and needed to wake up, plus some of those 3 goals he let in were maybe a little soft.
Because Varly finishes games, I don’t think his injury history is a reason to not start him during the playoffs if you think he’s the better goaltender. It’s not like Neuvy would have to come in cold for him during the 3rd period. Neuvy would just get the next start.
That was the 7-6 game, wasn’t it? I think both teams forgot how to play defense.
I’m with you on Varly – I think if both him and Neuvy are healthy, they are the starters in the playoffs.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
For a goalie, that season’s performance isn’t very predictive of playoff performance.
Hot goaltending is just that—hot. You can’t expect it to continue. Best bet is to go with the best goalie. It’s not fully clear which of the three that is, but it’s pretty likely that it’s not Holtby (no fault of his—the vast majority of goalies aren’t average or above average like Neuvirth and Varlamov).
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by red army line on Mar 16, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Since when is Neuvirth average or above?
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Oh Neuvy, he’s “legitimately below average” as everyone knows.
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I’ll never get tired of that snipe every time our goalies have a good game.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions
Probably since the start of the season. Maybe I’m underestimating league average, but .914 (.922 at ES) sounds no worse than average to me.
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by red army line on Mar 16, 2011 8:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Careful about wishing the Switzerland option away… without it, we’d still have Circles McGhee.
by GnarlyVarly on Mar 16, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
we’re just as safe making conjecture about Holtby’s streak being determinant as we are making predictions based on the overall track records.
Are you saying there is an equal chance of Holtby riding a .930 Sv% for the next couple of months as there is it regresses to the league average, or worse?
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And to be clear, I don’t think BB will end up starting Holtby. I DO think he wouldn’t hesitate to give Holtby the chance, and I also DON’T think Holtby being our playoff #1 (at least at some point) is not SO crazy.
The keyboard is mightier.
so many double negatives…need more coffee
*I DON’T think it’s crazy for Holtby to start some/the first few playoff games.
The keyboard is mightier.
because when you say “playoff meltdown” we just think “yeah, that’s just standard operating procedure for the Caps.”
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
What was his reasoning behind suggesting that Holtby should be the starting playoff goalie? Was it because of the hot hand? Holtby is untested in ANY playoff situation, AHL or NHL. At least Neuvy has two Calder Cups to his name. If Holtby plays at the same level he is currently at during the playoffs, we could be fine – but only after he settles down, stops letting in the soft goals, etc. In the post season, when we’re talking about each loss building to elimination regardless of how many you won in the regular, I don’t think we should start a goalie who doesn’t have any playoff experience at any level.
by redpezrocket on Mar 16, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Am I the only one who expected that “I’m a Caps Fan” would be to this tune? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=—I1v8K9zxw
Probably…
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:23 AM EDT reply actions
Ever since seeing 2girls1cup I tried to erase all things scat from my head
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I never got why the dude would call himself that.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Probably because he follows it up by doing some jazz scatting.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, I guess I mean I don’t understand why they’d call it jazz scatting either. Louis Armstrong’s nonsense riffs were fun, but… Just an unfortunate homonym.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Would it surprise anyone
if Holtby gets the start again? Going out on a limb and suggesting that it shouldn’t, that BB is riding this Holtby trade until it stops, playoffs included (overly brave stick play or no).
The keyboard is mightier.
I appreciate the montreal media and bloggers acknowledge…pretty unquestionably that the reviewed goal should have been a goal and it was pretty inexplicable that it wasn’t a goal.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
It’s not inexplicable. They made the right call. If you can’t see the puck cross the line before the net comes off/whistle blows/referee means to blow the whistle, you can’t call it a goal. You can “know” (or assume) that the puck crossed the line last night, but the NHL’s rule on this is clear. You need incontrovertible video evidence to overturn the call.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
The “referee means to blow the whistle” rule certainly is inexplicable.
“I ended that play… WITH MY MIND!”
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Yeah, that explanation kind of falls into the same category as when your Dad would end an argument with “because I said so”.
by b.orr4 on Mar 16, 2011 9:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
RaW vs. RaI: and while I don’t think the refs were “gaming the system.” It’s still a bad call. The puck could not have been anywhere else but in the net.
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Dunny-on-the-World
If you can’t see the puck go in the net, you can’t call it a goal. Not once, in any of the video replays that they showed last night, did the puck appear over the line prior to the net being off its moorings and the whistle actually (not virtually) being blown.
It was the right call.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
Should there have been a penalty tho?
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No. Nothing I saw seemed to indicate that any of the Habs intentionally pushed the net off its moorings. It looked like they were checking Hendricks and it came off.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
To me it looked like MH26 was a means to remove the net .. but it was a legal check
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Well the Caps and Canadiens do have some experience with Toronto getting involved in the “intent” issue vis a vis goals and legal checks.
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That was SO a goal…dont even need to click your link
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These things never do seem to go Washington’s way, do they? It’s like the team is basically on point for the whole NHL, out on patrol just discovering all the new ways for the refs and toronto to blow calls.
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I cant handle the conspiracies this morning…Paranoia Paranoia everybodys comin to get me…
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These things never do seem to go Washington’s way, do they?
except for the recent calls in the Tampa Bay and Carolina games. Up until those two? I’d have agreed with you, but the Caps caught a couple breaks as well.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Mar 16, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
whoops! meant a bad “rule” not call. Then again, I’d be okay with a sensor in the puck (not for tv purposes but for “did it cross the goal” situations).
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Yeah. I wonder if the league has revisited that since FoxTrax. I’d actually like to see a sensor back in the puck, because, like PitchFX and HitFX in baseball, it could tell us all sorts of stuff. It could be the thing that actually determines shot quality.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
Speed as well…I always wondered why RFiD type chips werent put in Footballs and Pucks to determine line crossing, seems very simple…..then again if we allow “The Man” to chip our sports, its only a matter of time before Big Brother Chips us….
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You mean like the ones in those jerseys someone was talking about?
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Exactly, just like Tampas new STH Sweaters only implanted in our arms and loaded with ALL our personal information.
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Cap-O-Vans, report immediately to your local citizenship assessment zone for routine maintenance.
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Shit…is that next to the Ministry of Truth?
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Ministry of Truth
What has Neuvy’s house got to do with it?
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Mar 16, 2011 11:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Apparently putting the sensor in the puck for FoxTrax made it impossible for the puck to freeze as well as it should…not sure there’s a way for them to do anything like that going forward.
I’d like to see some sort of under-ice camera, though…
I require spiritual super glue and duct tape.
How long ago was FoxTrax done, though? Things have been getting smaller… I have a 2GB thumb drive that is literally smaller than my thumbnail… I wonder if they could do it now?
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by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions
If there is interest I can write up something on the problems that would be involved with putting RFID tag into the puck. I am no expert but we have gone over quite a bit in my classes and I can at least let people know of some of the limitations and problems with implementing it.
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
Alright I’m a little busy now but I will jot some notes down and try to get something written up over the weekend.
"Ovechkin is as subtle as a shot of vodka."
Definitely want to see this!
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I think you’re right based on the “incontrovertible” standard. They should use the “beyond a reasonable doubt” standard. It’s enough to send people to prison (including based on circumstantial evidence), it should be enough to overturn a no goal call! And that puck was in beyond a reasonable doubt.
Bruce -- you define me.
And that puck was in beyond a reasonable doubt.
Really? There’s one shot of the puck over the line, and that’s well after the net was off and the whistle was blown. I agree that the puck was probably over the line, but I can’t be sure.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
Goal cam view. Puck is clearly over, and net is on the moorings. TSN’s highlight reel has the view at right around :45.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
That’s the only view I’ve seen that shows the puck – wonder why CSN didn’t have it last night – and it’s still not completely clear. There appears to be a split second where the puck comes over the line, but Subban’s stick is waving around and then the net is off its moorings.
Like I said, the puck probably went in, but I think they made the right call based on the evidence they had.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
If you pause it at :45, you can see the puck clearly 3 inches or more behind the goal line, and both posts on their moorings. I wouldn’t expect the refs to see that in real time, but it is obvious on replay. Either they didn’t have that angle (which would shock me) or the play wasn’t reviewed.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
Either they didn’t have that angle (which would shock me) or the play wasn’t reviewed.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Mar 16, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
What if you clearly can, such as the goal cam view? The TSN goal cam angle shows the puck across the line with the net on the moorings. If the ref had intent to blow the whistle because he lost sight of the puck, that’s another thing – but that’s not reviewable, so it shouldn’t be the case.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
I was watching TSN’s feed last night and during the intermission, the TSN panel (Duthie, Barnaby, McTavish) commented that the call was NEVER reviewed by Toronto. They said that the explanation they got was that the goal was waived off because the referee intended to blow the whistle. The issue they had was that the ref took too long (about 1.5 seconds) after the puck went in to blow the whistle. Also, TSN did have a replay showing that the puck was clearly over the line before the whistle was blown. They never discussed whether the puck went in before the net was knocked off its moorings though.
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by CapsFan2020 on Mar 16, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
The TSN panel all thought it should have been a goal also.
Rice is great if you're really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 16, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe not on the CSN feed, but there were very clearly views on the TSN feed that showed the puck in before the net moved. The goal cam view is indisputable in that regard.
The entire call hinged on the fact that the ref intended to blow the whistle, even though the whistle came 2 seconds after the puck was in (which was also shown on the TSN feed). Unfortunately intent to blow is not reviewable, which then begs the question as to why the hell the review took so long.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 16, 2011 2:11 PM EDT up reply actions
z fail
/F&B’d
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 16, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Based on the last two games, I would say Holtby is not SO hot that he has to start tonight. I would go with Neuvy. In fact, I would have told both guys BEFORE yesterday’s game that each one would get a start.
If BB starts Holtby again tonight(with Neuvy and maybe even Varly healthy), I will start throwing things.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
If Holtby starts again, you have to assume Neuvirth is NOT healthy.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
He’s lying! Because it gains the team great advantage to say that they’re healthy, even though they’re injured.
If GMGM blows any more smoke up my ass this season, I’ll probably float away.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
NPR, this morning, did mention a kid in Ohio selling bacon-flavored candles. No word on hickory, however.
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
by AMusingFool on Mar 16, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
So they took Varly on the trip just because they had an extra seat on the plane? And how does it give the team an advantage to say that Varly is healthy? Backstrom, sure but do you think Detroit is freaking out over the thought that Varly might play against them?
Sorry, my snark was not loud enough…
Everyone around here is so used to the team lying about injuries that despite Bruce having said that both Varly and Neuvy are healthy, people seem to think that because Holtby started last night, Neuvy must be injured. I think they’re both well enough to play, but brittle enough that the team is happy to ride Holtby and let them rest.
I have no idea why the team would lie about goalie injuries. If the team discloses that Varly has a sore knee, is Sean Avery really going to crash the crease and try to land on Varly’s legs?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
I say yes, too – but I also think he’d do that anyway, regardless of injury info.
I’m with you, I don’t think goalie injuries are quite the same when it comes to disclosing the nature/severity of them. It’s much easier to “target” an injured skater because you can bodycheck him, goalies are much tougher to target in that way.
I require spiritual super glue and duct tape.
Glad someone is reasonable!
Then again, if there’s any risk in it at all, I guess that’s reason enough not to disclose the info. They have their standard operating procedures in place for a reason.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Actually, I think he has. Can’t remember where I saw it.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
I think Bruce said Varly is ready to practice, not play. He said ready to play in a week.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d take the over on that. I doubt Varly will be standing by the time the playoffs come around. I like Varly, he just can’t play more than five games without hurting his groin/knee/whatever again.
I don’t think Varly is going to play that many games before the playoffs. Boudreau said today that he wants to use the next 6-7 games to determine the playoff goalie. Seems most likely to be Neuvy unless Varly makes a good comeback.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Expect it. Hershey needs a playoff goalie, too.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
today’s playoff madness!
EAST
Philadelphia vs. Buffalo
Washington vs. NY Rangers
Boston vs. Montreal
Pittsburgh vs. Tampa
WEST
Vancouver vs. Calgary
Detroit vs. Dallas
San Jose vs. Chicago
Los Angeles vs. Phoenix
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Cool we can get swept and outscored 26-0
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We'll get the #1 seed, and face NJ.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Can’t see the photo, but NJ isn’t making the playoffs.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Given their schedule, it sure does look highly unlikely. They’d need to finish 10-3, and even then might not make it.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
actually, with the game we are playing right now, I am scared of no one
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We’ve only beaten 2 playoff teams in hockey over this 9-game win streak. Backstrom has been playing like crap compared to last year. Green hasn’t had any time to gel with the new-look team.
I’m unconvinced, albeit optimistic.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
The last two games have been encouraging.
But it’s only two games, so let’s see how they do for the rest of this trip.
If they’re focused and giving consistent efforts for the duration of the trip, I’ll believe a little more. I’m willing to give them a game and a half as mulligans – say, the last 30 minutes tonight and the last game of the road trip – due to fatigue. But other than that, any lackadaisical play and I’m right back to skepticism.
They did play hard last night, though. That was good to see.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
If they keep up these gutty give-it-all-you-got efforts, and the injury bug goes away, there will be a lot of Bruce-haters who have crow to eat come May.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I pray for your embarrassment daily! And SME’s and F&B’s… And my own. I’d have fired Bruce after last year’s playoff loss, and then again mid-season this year.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
some days, I really think Bruce was saved because after loss #7 in Boston, they played the next night in Ottawa…where they won. If there had been a day off, I would not have been surprised to see him fired.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Interesting. Although, to believe Ted, it would’ve taken “a lot more” than that.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Enemy here...
Born and raised in Virginia but a Red Wings fan since childhood, commence the tomato throwing.
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Who do you think we are? Flyers fans? Welcome to the board. :-)
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
haha well considering some of the stuff I’ve gotten around the VT campus from Caps fans, wasn’t sure. Thanks for the welcome though. I’ve been looking forward to this game for a long time. If the Wings aren’t playing, I’m watching the Caps because of CSN.
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by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
This is the bastion of thoughtful fans. Most of the time. We have our moments, but we’re a pretty decent bunch.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
indubitably. I’ve had tons of fun reading (mainly not commenting) these threads before. Hell of a community here.
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by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, yes. A broader swath of cool, calm, collected, and CORSI obsessed fans you will not find elsewhere on the interwebs. You want to see tomatoes around here, you probably have to start praising Matt Cooke. Though do that, and it may be more like the verbal equivalent of Albert Haynesworth autographed tire irons.
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Is it bad that I liked Matt Cooke and was unhappy when he wasn’t re-signed in 2008? I had no idea of his track record back then—all I saw was a guy who played with energy and scored a few goals.
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by red army line on Mar 16, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
who are the Red Rockers?
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by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
The Caps cheerleaders. Skinny chicks in shiny red outfits. And often a point of…ahem… discussion, so we don’t talk about them too much.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
oh yeah, i’ve seen them before. Just didn’t know that was the name for them
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by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
Skinny?
Flame on.
Matt Hendricks is a honey badger.
by D'ohboy on Mar 16, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Definitely not a blanket statement I would use
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The only reason we here at the rink go to Caps games
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Well, that and the tasty, nutritious corn dogs…
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Mar 16, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Dying laughing at their “gang signs”
That'll make your weagle wink!
by boutros23 on Mar 16, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Weagles
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You and me both Boutros.
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by Rather Bengt on Mar 16, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I almost mimicked a Red Robin commercial
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by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Yum!
Dammit. I’m so programed. And now I want a burger. headdesks
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
Yum I agree….Oh Burgers, Nevermind
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RED-rockers…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 16, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
yuuuuuum
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by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I call them the “Whores”
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
now that aint right…they are someones daughter ya know
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well I would refute that whores have a disconnect from daddy and RR are younger woman who are doing a job that is an extension of their younger dance/cheer days….
Labeling RR as “whores” makes me think maybe someone tried to make an advance on one one time and got shot down…hard
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Naaaaaaaaah~
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
000
Or perhaps that someone is trying to get a rise out of someone else.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Not cool. It’s a job they wanted, and seemed to compete pretty hard to get. Not what I want from the game, but still.
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Eh, most of them don’t know anything, and are butterfaces. I can’t stand them.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Are you the Author of THIS fanpost?
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I think he’s more just trying to ignite the Red Rocker Rage that tends to explode around here once in a while.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s Whither Mage.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Actually, having interacted with most of them for a few minutes every so often at games, they’re very nice. And if you run into them before the game, they often are handing out free stuff…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 16, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
The ones I run into tend to smile, talk to you, and then walk away and not know what the hell is going on ever.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
The RedRockers are nice girls. I have met several. They are bright and friendly and the ones I met were graduate students. They were not stupid at all. Not many entertainment jobs in DC. You can say that the idea of young women in tight costumes leading cheers is stupid, or sexist, or anti-feminist, or whatever the hell, but statements that the RedRockers are stupid, ignorant, or (forgodsakes) “whores” is wholly uncalled for.
by Karl W on Mar 16, 2011 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Bright is a bit much. But they’re nice people.
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I added that it crossed the line earlier.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Stop it. Sweet fuck, why on earth do we continue to have this discussion?!
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by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 13 recs
Cuz. From my experiences with them, they’re not there because they like the sport, they’re there because they make money. It’s infuriating, JP.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t fucking care any more. Next person to comment on this topic gets banned.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
So’s the flaming. Come on man, pump the brakes.
Aut bibat aut abeat.
by Bald Pollack on Mar 16, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not flaming. I’m talking about my personal experiences, and I stepped back fairly far from the original comment, which I apologize for. Sorry for commenting on something someone else brought up, and then defending myself. I crossed the line, I’m stepping back. Delete everything from my original comment that was so offensive, and I won’t bring it up again.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
But so are the vendors, slapshot, the announcers, the ushers, the ticket takers, the janitors, the guys who change the boards, the guy who drives the zamboni . . . you think they all do it because they love hockey? And they all make a lot more than the RedRockers. One told me they make $60 per night, and have to do their own hair and make-up. That works out to about $10 per hour. I don’t think they do it for the money.
That’s fair. Like said, it was the experiences I had with it, and I crossed a line.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
The name “Whores” crosses the line, but I can’t sit here and tell you they’re good for the fan experience.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions
000
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
Can’t see images at work.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
MATT COOKE IS THE GREATEST PLAYER IN THE HISTORY OF THE GAME!
I cannot tell a lie. Let’s cross the Delaware and kick his ass. I’m taking a weird route to Pittsburgh but just go with it. I’m feeling patriotic.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he's expecting this sort of thing?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 9:53 AM EDT up reply actions
i was hoping for this:
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
As an American, this clip pisses me off endlessly. But I can’t help but laugh when I see the grin on G-Dub’s face after the first shoe gets thrown.
by JimCareyFanClub on Mar 16, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
haha I agree
he had to be thinking “was…was that a shoe?”
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
juuuuuuuuuuust a bit outside
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m impressed he didn’t play baseball. Bush has crazy-good reflexes. I’d have caught shoe directly in the face.
Larger constellations burning, mellow moons and happy skies,
Breadths of tropic shade and palms in cluster, knots of Paradise.
now batting for the Rangers at catcher, Dubya.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
I prefer
First Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap) First Round Exit!
by Rob Parker on Mar 16, 2011 3:13 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Make the shoe a pancake, and I think we’ll have a winner.
by JimCareyFanClub on Mar 16, 2011 3:24 PM EDT up reply actions
i know a few up there. and half of NOVA lives in Blacksburg it seems…
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
You want the other half that live out here?
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I lived there for ten years…never became a Wings fan.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 16, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Welcome. I don’t think very many (if any) people here dislike the Wings. I’m sure it will be a great game tonight.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
Hopefully, I’m tentative with the way the Wings’ offense has struggled at times in the past few weeks.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m extremely anti-Wings tonight. Rolled out of bed at 7 am and busted out “LET’S GO CAPS!” :)
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I think all of us agree with that. But it’s a one night deal.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
it has to do with who I married :) I want bragging rights. and the “loser” has to do dishes.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
rare is the day I wake up with a smile on my face. today is one of those days. The smell of victory is in the air.
seriously, pity our neighbors. Dueling “Let’s Go [team]!” at 8 am this morning.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
If the Caps jump ahead 4-0, will you start smearing your dinner plate with peanut butter?
Washington still suffers from legitimately below-average goaltending, which hurts them more than the defensive improvements help.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 16, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
a nice mixture of peanut butter and honey, I think.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Then set it out in the cold until it’s rock hard.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Most years, we want the Wings to go 17-1 vs. the East (losing only to Washington), with the occasional 16-2 (when they play the Caps twice.) Heck, even 17-0-1 is fine…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 16, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Sweet uni. Impressive organization. Datsyuk and Lidstrom get a lot of admiration for their play.
Hate them on general principles.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I love Pavel Datsyuk. It’s probably not okay how much. Lidstrom, too, but Datsyuk…<3
I require spiritual super glue and duct tape.
He’s just such a terrific hockey player it’s impossible not to love his game. So I’m with you.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
He’s an amazing player. He’s also one of the funniest guys in the League, don’t know if you’ve ever read any interviews with him…hilarious. Oh, Trianglehead.
I require spiritual super glue and duct tape.
Datsuk is absolutely a genius at hockey. Skill like his cannot be achieved thru the 10,000 hour rule.
As for his 3 pointed Nog-nog… Well, place cells do fire in triangular patterns. And you do move through the world based on triangulation. So perhaps he has additional natural advantages beyond innate talent.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
going to pimp a shirt we sell really quick
Every shirt we sell is a $5 donation to the Children’s Hospital of Michigan. So, if you love Datsyuk and love helping kids, here’s the link:
http://wingingitinmotown.spreadshirt.com/the-great-datsyuk-C78273
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Very neat! I wish wearing it didn’t imply I was a red wings fan, because otherwise I might get one.
Follow me!
Currently Netflixing: Arrested Development - Season 2
you can say you’re a fan of embarrassing Marty Turco
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 3:48 PM EDT up reply actions
I can’t. But it’s a very cool shirt!
Follow me!
Currently Netflixing: Arrested Development - Season 2
well, since you’re netflixing Arrested Development I guess I should say “Datsyuk is full of ILLUSIONS! A trick is something…”
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
No worries here… were what the other blogs call “elitst”, whatever the hell that means.
Now if you were to post that message over at, I dunno, St. Louis Game Time, you might get some different reactions….
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 16, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
if i visit STLGT I just get f-bombs followed by the city name. They’re real creative.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
You forgot pictures of 3rd world countries and Detroit side by side!
SLGT hates Detroit like a pro :P
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
that they do. in fact, they rarely actually even talk about hockey from my experiences.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Our elitism consists of making more cogent observations than “The Oilers and Senators drink their own pee” (direct from this morning’s PensBlog), and shunning those who say things like “Crysby”.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
it also stems from the fact that we all have butlers and private helicopters.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
My man Jeeves, is quite good with our modern flying contraptions. I believe he must eat a tin of sardines for breakfast, everyday.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Sardines? Tish tosh — we purchase only the finest kippers for my man Wellington
Harrumph
Washington still suffers from legitimately below-average goaltending, which hurts them more than the defensive improvements help.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 16, 2011 5:47 PM EDT up reply actions
woah woah
You guys wear monocles TOO? We’re like sibling blogs.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions
(go read the tagline at the top of our blog)
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Just press Swedish.
by Chris Burton on Mar 16, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
For those who missed this, I read some entertaining quotes/memories about playing against Ovechkin from Howard online last night – Howard is looking forward to facing Ovechkin, I think this is an updated version and here
“I think he had a hat trick by halfway through the second period”
OK, so then he’s familiar with the concept. It won’t surprise him if it happens tonight.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 16, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Johatrick is happening tonight, 5 goals.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
h/t Dimagus
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Mar 16, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 12 recs
we’re starting a day early, Irish style.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Green bagels at Bethesda Bagels this morning…
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Best part of the commercial (except for RB’s cameo).
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
thanks :) my mom still leaves “OHMIGODYOU’REONTEEEEEEVEEEEEE!” voice mails every time she sees it.
I think the muppet is pretty awesome, too. Love Ovie’s smile, too.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Out of curiosity, did anyone here watch any Virginia Tech hockey games online this season or follow the team in general?
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
very loosely, but I didn’t watch any of the games.
by vt caps fan on Mar 16, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
ah okay. I was the color commentary and occasional camera man so I was just curious.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
If ya ever feel like writing up any of your experiences, let us know.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
how so? like the games themselves or like the experiences as camera/color commentary?
right now I’m in charge of a recruiting video, should be fun.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
I was thinking the camera/commentary stuff, ‘cos at least I’m curious about how all that works (or doesn’t work!)
We have a lot of Hokies here, I think, but also a lot of ’Hoos, so, ya know, be diplomatic-n-stuff.
And if you need ideas for the recruiting video you could check with @nateewell or @_collegehockey.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Oh okay, sure. I’d love to write something up about it. Any exposure for the team is awesome, especially on a site with a mega audience like this.
Unfortunately they’re still club hockey but hopefully they can get a rink built in Blacksburg to further chances of getting a D1 team.
I was born at UVA hospital and am a Hokie, can’t hate ’em too much haha.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Mega! JP, you get a million unique hits today?
;)
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Put up a fan shot telling folks about the experience. I know I’d enjoy reading it
Washington still suffers from legitimately below-average goaltending, which hurts them more than the defensive improvements help.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 16, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
And by fan shot, of course, I mean fanpost
Washington still suffers from legitimately below-average goaltending, which hurts them more than the defensive improvements help.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 16, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
surely.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think VT would be the most likely team in the area to get a DI program, but I’d love to see DI hockey in the DC area.
First Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap) First Round Exit!
oh yeah, it’s not very likely too considering they have to add one more women’s sport, then they’re adding men’s lacrosse, then they’d have to add another women’s sport to add men’s hockey. All that with budget cuts, very unlikely. But a man can dream, a man can dream.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 3:18 PM EDT up reply actions
At least the pic is in the morning and not post-game to create controversy, lol
The Russian Caps and Datsyuk
twitter/DetroitRedWings
by sk84fun_dc on Mar 16, 2011 10:53 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Love it. Datsyuk’s probably my favourite player in the game.
Rice is great if you're really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 16, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
and he loves James Brown, makes him even more lovable.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I love watching Datsyuk. Guy is incredible – my favorite non-Cap.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
If someone claims to be a hockey fan and doesn’t love watching Pavel play they are either lying or a moron.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
you specifically probably remember that puckwork clinic he put on against the Coyotes earlier in the season right?
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Hard to forget.
Hoping to see a Coyotes vs.Wings in the playoffs again this year.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
agreed. hell of a series last year.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes. And all 4 games this season were great as well. 2 ended in OT and one in a shootout.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Truth. Except for Ozzie being horrible in that one game I’d agree haha
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
Regular season doesn’t count for Ozzie, right?
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Yes, definitely a fan of Datsyuk’s hockey skills and his sense of humor
rec’d the comment although not a fan of calling someone a moron
Avs, Caps, Mariners… You’re all over the place, D’oh. Peripatetic?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Ovechkin, your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to brainwash Pavel Datsyuk into thinking he is a Capital.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
He should have done that last February in Vancouver.
Rice is great if you're really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 16, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
And then he won’t be able to score!
Washington still suffers from legitimately below-average goaltending, which hurts them more than the defensive improvements help.
by Gould Old Days on Mar 16, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Except on a Red Ro…forgetisaidanything.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Mar 16, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I just love that Ovie is wearing Capri/Clam digger short pants.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Mackan didn’t look a whole lot better on Caps Red Line last night. Looked like he came straight from a visit to the skate park with Greenie.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Actually aren’t those just pants he wears under his uniform? I don’t know that we’ll see him in public wearing tight spandex capri length pants. He’s worn loose shorts that are longer, capri length but I think he knows enough to stay away from spandex.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting quote from LeBrun (and much more on the Caps in the link from there).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Jesus I’m tired. I read that as “interesting quote from LeBron”
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
taking his ESPN talent to South Beach?
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s impossible that Boudreau is one of the top six coaches in the league. As so many pointed out yesterday, there are at least 20 coaches we’d rather have here in Washington.
Who is “we”? I hope that BB is a Jack Adams nominee this year to shut everyone up. (Not that that would do it anyway.)
A Stanley Cup would do it. Not much else.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Isnt it decided before the playoffs
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
I meant that only a cup would shut up the Bruce haters. yes, voting is done before playoffs, which is why Bruce has no chance. The caps could’ve gotten 130 standings points this season and Bruce wouldn’t even be a nominee.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Vogs saying Fehr/Erskine out and Sloan/King in tonight (Neuvy in net) Against the Red Wings.
That might not end well.
Just press Swedish.
DJ King…whatever. He’ll play 5 minutes.
Sloan is a problem, but I think we have enough depth and quality in the top 5 to where he shouldn’t play more than the 14:57 he played last night.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 11:46 AM EDT up reply actions
And he’ll go -2 in those five minutes. Babcock has the last change? He’s going to get worked.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Mar 16, 2011 2:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, that’s what I was getting at when I said this won’t end well.
Just press Swedish.
by Chris Burton on Mar 16, 2011 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Of all the times to give King a game, this is the worst possible team to do it against. Don’t they have the fewest fighting majors in the league?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d prefer to see Sloan on forward. Is Erskine really out, or is he a HS?
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
Praise to Allah for Neuvy getting the start. (As an aside, I told two different people that if Bruce announced Holtby as his starter, I’d quit blogging cold turkey.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d start blogging about cold turkey.
I’ve heard good things about the new Butterballs this year.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Seriously. I was terrified that he really would stick with Holtby.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d quit blogging cold turkey.
I call big time BS on that
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
You shouldn’t. I’d love to quit.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Really? Maybe on a day where a RR thread explodes I understand…but you will want to be the HBIC when they finally bring home the Cup
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
first time I’ve seen “HBIC” used in a hockey community.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
H.BLOGGER.I.C
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
ahhhhhhhh, we replace the “b” with something a little less family-friendly in gymnastics.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I’m impressed daily by the amount of work that goes into this site, especially considering that you have a wife, kids, and a full-time job to tend to outside of the Caps. And that you make next to zippy in cash off this work.
Although, I won’t exactly call it thankless :)
Thanks, JP!
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
(I feel ashamed because I dont work full time, or have a wife/kids, and only have 12 credit hours this semester and I don’t have 1/3 the content. womp womp :( )
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, Thanks…However I thought JP was raking in cash
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
maybe from his real job but I doubt from SBN. He’s really doing it for the love of the game. Thanks for all your efforts, JP.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I think I saw him say on Twitter that he’s yet to see his second $100 check from Google Adsense.
Compare that money to the amount of time it takes to compile every single Caps-centric link across the internet. You’ll often see PPP post a “Leafs Clips” page and basically say to the commenters “If you’ve got Leafs links, post ’em.”
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Really … Thats nutty, This site gets a ton of traffic I thought, No doubt JP has the most content rich hockey page on SBN…if not page in general. This really craps on my dreams of becoming an internet millionaire.
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
How many advertisements per day do you click through to from this site? Not many, I’d wager. I don’t think I’ve ever clicked a single one.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Im gonna click em now just to help JP with some formula and what nots
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
He will be at least .03 cents richer by the time you’re done.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 12:14 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m gonna start, even if I don’t read a word before clicking Back.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Mar 16, 2011 12:13 PM EDT up reply actions
blblblblbl…WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA??
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 16, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
If that happens, I imagine a scene out of Forrest Gump when he stops running across the country , leaving all of his fellow runners to just stop and stare at him.
Besides, you can’t quit, all the plants will die.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Mar 16, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I feel for him. Until you do your own blog or write for one, you have NO IDEA the amount of work it takes to come up with new, fresh material every day.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Rec’d for truth and accuracy.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions
This is completely accurate.
Just press Swedish.
by Chris Burton on Mar 16, 2011 2:19 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a feeling the streak ends tonight.
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
McGyver could diffuse any situation with a stick of gum, a rubber band and a paperclip. In Neuvy’s case we’re giving him Sloan, King and a on back-to-back games for the team and with little game time for Neuvy in the last ten days. McGyver ain’t got nothing on Neuvy. Go Caps!
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
Kind of ok with Sloan. Definitely not happy with King.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 16, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
The Red Wings are precisely the kind of team we got DJ to play against. If he’s not in the lineup against DET, what value is he?
First Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap) First Round Exit!
I’m expecting Datsyuk and King to drop the gloves in the 1st 3 minutes.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions
No, as shown by Chimera DJ K should definitely target a defenseman. King vs. Lidstrom!
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Mar 16, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
But if King’s out, it means Datsyuk might jump Ovi and hit him over the head with his four Lady Byngs!
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Mar 16, 2011 4:16 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Did Plekanec get hurt last night? He only played like 11 minutes.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 11:49 AM EDT reply actions
68 Reasons Stanley Cup Playoffs are Better than March Madness
Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson
FWIW, I don’t deserve the credit given to me at the end of the post. I wrote, like, two of those.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m a huge fan of #68. I’m guessing boutros23 won’t feel the same way.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 12:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Just remember if they sucked no one would mention them or boo them. You know like Duke’s football team.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 16, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Spurrier got them to finish tied for first in 1989, but Virginia got the Citrus Bowl bid.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Mar 16, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m a huge fan of #68.
Never pegged you as a Jagr guy…
(Btw, 68 was one of mine)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 12:52 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
This is OT, but this piece by Grant Hill is worth a read by everyone. I do not care how much one likes or dislikes Duke or Duke basketball, it is worth a read.
http://thequad.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/03/16/grant-hills-response-to-jalen-rose/?ref=sports
Well played, except for the fact that I actually was.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Boooooooooooooooooooooo.
I require spiritual super glue and duct tape.
by Becca H on Mar 16, 2011 1:04 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Please. As if your love of the Habs isn’t enough…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 16, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
that list is an awesome way to waste even more time at work.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
We’ve had a several minute discussion on every one that has been read aloud in my office.
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Mar 16, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
Go Remy
Excited for the new Remy Caps video tonight.
If anyone missed the Caps music video he did back in 2007, well you are in for a treat.
Not that he was playing tonight but Osgood has been scratched tonight with soreness
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
awwww, I wanted to see Brads score on him again!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
They’ve called up their Grand rapids goalie, guess he’ll back up.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Joey McDonald.
He’s no Braden Holtby, that’s for sure.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Yup. Joey MacDonald has played in about 10 games this season. Been pretty solid with the exception of a few games. About what you’d expect out of a call-up.
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Hershey Update (of the good variety)
per Leone: “Andrew Gordon (upper body) and Steve Pinizzotto (lower body) both practiced on a non-contact basis with the Hershey Bears Wednesday at Giant Center.”
(fingers crossed)
The Goalie Queue
Who is Nolan Schaefer? And how many goalies can we take from Hershey before the well runs dry? Do they just get better and better?
And whatever happened to Dany Sabourin?
Sabourin had surgery, I believe. He’s been out for a while, and I think will be out for a while more. I believe Schaefer was loaned from another team – I don’t know the specifics. Right now, Hershey doesn’t have any NHL-level goalies left – it was Sabourin and Holtby to start the season.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
Dany injured his knee. (surgery? don’t remember)
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Surgery on the knee. Most likely done for the year.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Goalie depth for the remainder of this season for the Washington Capitals? With Sabourin’s injury…it goes as follows:
(in alpha order) Holtby, Neuvirth and Varlamov
Drop off a cliff…
Todd Ford
junior goalies for emergency purposes only:
Grubauer (out with Mononucleosis)
Anderson
Goalie depth for Hershey goes as follows:
Holtby (when not with the Caps)
Schaefer
Ford
DeMichiel
maybe Dunn on an ATO
plus possible – once the team’s junior/NCAA season is done:
Grubauer (but he’s out for now as noted above)
Anderson
well, there’s only a certain amount of things-being-fubar-ness that you can account for.
The vast majority of teams don’t maintain 2 NHL starting-calibre goalies in their organisation, much less the 3 that the Caps have. I mean, how much sense does it make to have 4 NHL calibre goalies in your organisation when most organisations primarily start only 1?
Yes he had surgery. Out for the rest of the season I believe.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 3:03 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Wings sound a little giddy to be playing Ovie tonight. Kinda nice to have people in awe of Ovie and the Caps again.
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I just saw an article on ESPN Insider about the top rookie defensemen this season, and they have John Carlson listed as #1. Just to start some conversation, do you all think that he has a chance at winning a Norris trophy at some point in his career, and will he do so before Mike Green?
by JimCareyFanClub on Mar 16, 2011 2:49 PM EDT reply actions
I think he has a chance, but it’s hard to say how likely it is. There are so many great D, and lots of young great D. He could put a season together and get nominated, but I don’t know that I’ll have him on my favorites list any time soon.
First Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap) First Round Exit!
I remember one of the issues with Green winning the Norris in the last couple of seasons was that he didn’t match up against the opponents’ best lines. Carlson does, and has a reliable defensive partner as well that won’t hurt his chances of being put in the game in crucial situations. I also think you’re right that the glut of good young defensemen will make it tough for Carlson to separate himself from the pack, but if by some chance he can get more time on the PP, and continue to play tough minutes, I think there’s a chance he could get himself into the mix sooner than later. A lot of this hinges on if the coaches decide to put him on the top PP unit to play up top with Green, rather than have him quarterback the second unit.
by JimCareyFanClub on Mar 16, 2011 3:00 PM EDT up reply actions
The question may be, do you see him having a better season than all of the following:
Doughty
Myers
Letang
Green
Keith
Weber
Carlson’s a very good young player, but he’s the same age as Myers, Doughty, not much younger than Letang, and on the same team as Green.
Don’t forget Yandle. He might even win it this year except for the fact he plays in Phoenix and gets no media coverage.
Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson
Yandle has been awesome.
And while people pooh-pooh him for his obvious defensive suckiness, Byfuglien has had a great year.
He’s been good on offense, but terrible on defense. Kind of like what Mike Green supposedly was, but worse.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
and Byfuglien doesn’t play on the PK…no Norris for you!
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
ahem Lidstrom?
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 3:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Obviously. But he’s going to retire eventually, right? I mean, he can’t go on forever. I’m looking more at the next 5 years.
oh wow, reading comprehension fail on my part. my apologies. carry on!
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
(this is what I get for trying to do stuff at work)
Winging It In Motown and now covering Hokie baseball at Gobbler Country
On The Twitter at @MrNorrisTrophy
by Casey Richey on Mar 16, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d be happy if Carlson is just in the conversation with those players. As F&B said, it depends what kind of season he can put together. I do think that he will struggle to put together the offensive statistics needed because of playing on the same team as Mike Green.
by JimCareyFanClub on Mar 16, 2011 3:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Kuznetsov update:
The Chelyabinsk Polar Bears lost 6-4 to the Ufa Tolpar today. They fall to 1-2 in a best of five series. The teams play again tomorrow in Chelyabinsk, if the Bears lose their season is over. (If they win it’s back to Ufa for all the marbles.)
Evgeny has been held off the scoresheet in all three games; Imma wondering if he needs to have that supposedly suspect shoulder looked at.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Not even in North America and already he’s ready to be a Cap!
/snark
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
/not really snark
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He’s certainly injured enough to fit right in.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions
Injured and choking in the playoffs… I know who he can replace!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
This year will be different! The future is now! Stay angry! Other cliches!
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
GMGM on NHL Live:
-Do you like playing well and winning? (NO!)
“yeah, but you don’t have a lot of time to enjoy it. DET tonight.”
-What did you want to do at the deadline?
“Add at least one F, two hopefully. With injuries to Poti and Green I wanted another D to protect us.” (No mention of C specifically.)
-What has Arnott meant?
“Don’t underestimate the importance of experience and leadership. Arnott/Sturm/Wideman have played well, but the guys who have been playing really well are the guys that were here. You sort of feel it, but you really see it after, the guys in the locker room wanted more guys, they wanted some help. Now they are responding to it.”
-What are the concerns with the SO?
-a handful of concerns, the spin-o-ramas. With close races, it’ll be an issue at some point. I’m torn, do you want competition or exhibition? Do you want to allow something in the SO that players don’t do in the real 60 minute game. There was some gray that we needed to address and I think we addressed it really well. The last few years, whatever the issue is the league does a really good job of addressing it. I like how we are organized in terms of discussing it, smaller groups then bigger groups, but the league does a great job of educating us. Video, data, stats, etc. are added to what you bring in your experience and opinion, you learn something, and then can make better decisions. The league has done a great job and we did that again this year."
-So are you happy with the decisions? Being pro-active and not knee-jerk?
“yeah. we’ve realized a small tweak can make big changes. We made big changes out of the lockout and we never realized limiting obstruction would increase hitting and that we’ve been at 40% more hits now. Last year it was a couple of lateral hits that were causing a disproportionate amount of the problems than the rest of the game, and this year it’s a lot of hits below the goal line that are unsafe. I think we’ve addressed that this year, we’ll take a look at that and make it work.”
-what does your next month look like?
“sit and watch games and try not to get too stressed out. In some ways it’s less stressful now because before the deadline you can do something, and you want to. Now there’s not much I can do. Sometimes the moves don’t work like you hope. I like the moves we made and I like how the team is playing.”
First Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap) First Round Exit!
by Rob Parker on Mar 16, 2011 3:45 PM EDT reply actions 6 recs
Don’t underestimate the importance of experience and leadership
This is what I keep thinking. Arnott, Wideman, and Sturm being in that locker room, on that plane, having lunch with Ovie… It makes a HUGE difference. I attribute this team’s effort over the past 3 weeks more to the new veterans than I do to anything BB has said/done.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 3:52 PM EDT up reply actions
I love this quote, but am frustrated that it seemingly took so long to realize that we haven’t had this since Feds left.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
Feds was such a special case, though, being both a cagey vet AND a living Russian hockey legend. Something as simple as a hard-working player with 800, 900, 1,000+ games under his belt might be all that was needed!
Of course, it remains to be seen how hard-working Arnott really is. We’ll see come April. Jesus, I can’t believe it’s only 2 weeks away…
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 4:05 PM EDT up reply actions
TSN had a factoid last night that between the players they have added this season the Caps have gained 3300 games worth of NHL experience.
Rice is great if you're really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 16, 2011 5:18 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder how that(Hannan, Sturm, Arnott, Wideman) compares to all our other roster players combined.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
When it comes to career GP, Arnott has 1,168, Sturm has 880, Hannan has 820, and Wideman has 447 – for 3,315 total GP. We only have 6 other players with over 400 career games: Knuble has 957, Poti has 808, Brads has 619, Chimera has 571, Ovie has 467, and Laich has 464. Those 6 total 3,958 GP.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
I didn’t see it mentioned in the recap (possibly because I’m reading-impaired today), but I wanted to mention something I appreciated last night. At some point, Semin was involved in a mad scramble in front of Carey Price. Instead of taking a swipe at the puck, he just planted himself in front of the crease and started whacking away at the puck. That’s something I desperately hope to see come playoff time and I realize all the regular caveats about Semin and his approach to the game apply (along with a couple of frustration shots into Gill’s shinpads last night), but I don’t think I’ve ever seen him plant like that at the top of the blue paint.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Mar 16, 2011 3:50 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
He’s been much more willing to take punishment lately(and has paid the price a few times), and has been really giving it 100% on the forecheck, too. Harass those defensemen tightly enough in their own zone, and the outlet passes often result in icing. I saw Semin force more than one of those last night.
Hell, I even saw him try to hit somebody!
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 4:03 PM EDT up reply actions
Semin actually did hit someone last night, he checked the guy hard into the boards. A bit shocking.
by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 16, 2011 4:48 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Hockey Prospectus on the Devils
HP sez the Devils have a fighting chance…
Patron saint of quality footwear.
And technically speaking, they do have a chance. But take a glance at their schedule. They have so little margin for error. Maybe they can go 10-3, and squeeze in with 90 points. They’ve got the tiebreaker over their rivals if it’s close.
However, they have to play: The Caps, Bruins twice, Penguins twice, Flyers, and Canadiens. Not to mention a game apiece vs the Rangers and Sabres. That’s 9 out of 13 games against teams currently sitting in playoff spots, and most of them against teams in the top-4 of the East.
That’s a pretty tall order. If they happen to falter against one of the creampuffs(OTT, TOR, CBJ, NYI), they’re toast.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 4:39 PM EDT up reply actions
HP’s verdict is that it’s basically a dead heat between the Rags and NJD for the 8th spot. Not sure what NYR’s schedule down the stretch looks like specifically, but it’s softer than NJD…which HP, I assume, compensates for due to the fact that the Rangers haven’t looked great in the last month, but the Devils have.
On another topic, I’d be pleased if the Caps end up 2nd and draw BUF in the first round. Ryan Miller is awesome and all, but they would be my preferred matchup based on the strength of the rest of the team. Failing that, as long as Sid is out, I’d take the Pens.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I’m always saying that it doesn’t matter who we face, because there are no easy wins in the playoffs, but…
Agree, Buffalo has to be a top choice. I’d also put Montreal up there, I think you’d see about 120% effort from the Caps against that team. The Pens without Crosby would be a decent draw, but not to be underestimated… That team is playing some seriously cohesive hockey right now. I’m tempted to say that they might actually be a little bit worse WITH Crosby at first, just because they’ve learned how to play so well without him… But that would go away quickly in a 7-game series.
Worst draws… Tampa or Carolina. Tampa is obvious, but Carolina plays us so hard and so well, and have so much postseason experience, I’d have to think they’d be a real bear in April.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 16, 2011 5:16 PM EDT up reply actions
The Hurricanes would be a great match for the Caps; not a total pushover, but not the kind of threat that MTL would be. There’s probably a comparable amount of playoff experience between WAS and CAR (and someone like Laich is better value on ice than LaRose any day, whatever the latter’s Cup ring implies).
Dingos are involved. Best not to ask.
So have all of the Douche bag band wagoners
Come out in throngs in DC yet? It’s like half of the US is “From” Detroit.
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