Tuesday Caps Clips: Caps @ Flyers Game Day
by J.P. on Mar 22, 2011 6:37 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's battle for Eastern Conference supremacy with the Flyers from Vogs, NHL.com (Kimelman), WashTimes (Whyno), Peerless, RtR, CRtC, Puck Buddys, Frequent Flyers and CSN Philly (video), and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Broad Street Hockey for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot (read: injury updates) from yesterday's practice. [Caps365 (video), CI (Carrera), CW (here, here, here), DCEx (McNally), 106.7 The Fan (Kerstein), Caps Snaps (pics), bridgetds (pics)]
- Reactions to the news of the day: Alex Ovechkin's injury/ailment/whatever. [Capitals, Ted's Take, CI (El-Bashir), Puck Daddy, KOL, NHL.com (Rosen), Frankovic]
- And while we're on the topic of resting key players, there's no need to rush Mike Green back either. [Hockey Independent (Scriven)]
- Sticking with Bruce Boudreau through the tough times has served the Caps well... so far. [NHL.com (Masisak)]
- Defense wins championships. Or something. [WashTimes (Daly)]
- The case for (a healthy) Semyon Varlamov. [Insider2]
- Ted Leonsis wants to win. Badly. [WashTimes (Whyno)]
- Short power plays are the best power plays. [FanPost]
- Are people really clamoring to buy tickets to stand for 41-plus games? [D.C. Sports Bog]
- Here's the latest edition of DCEx's Caps Extra (featuring a Hershey Bear). [Capitals (PDF)]
- It's disappointing to see Ovi associating himself with a guy like Mike Vick (because he's a Philadelphia Eagle... what'd you think I meant?). [D.C. Sports Bog]
- Dmitry Orlov is already an impact player in Hershey. [RtR]
- Regina loves Garrett Mitchell. [Regina Pats]
- Finally, happy 34th birthday to both Tom Poti and Joel Kwiatkowski, and cheers to the 46th anniversary of the birth of the late John Kordic.
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As someone who doesn’t have the same income as many Rink readers who are at every single game, I’d be happy with standing room only tickets. As the Caps have gotten more popular over the past 3 years, the number of games per season I’ve been able to attend has dropped dramatically.
Not sure how happy you would be…I sit in the last row pay $2 more per seat and have somewhere to sit AND access to the club level.
$60/game for SRO doesn’t seem all that reasonable to me. Though I welcome the idea of having a STH behind me instead of a drunk guy trying to lean over my seat all game.
$60 for 100-level tickets doesn’t seem that bad to me! $60 would only get you in the nosebleeds for regular seats.
by Jake Shapiro on Mar 22, 2011 7:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I could see the occasional treating oneself to a standing room ticket in the 100’s, but why would anyone commit to 41 games that way? The resale market on those tickets is going to be huge.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I don’t even understand buying standing room only in the 100s! We did one 100-level game earlier this year and we bought from a STH. We only paid about $120 for both tickets. That’s the same cost as two standing room only tickets under the STH deal.
If you just look for a good deal, you’ll get it. There’s really no need to stoop (perhaps literally) to standing in the 100s just to be in the 100s. There are a lot of STHs who are reasonable with their prices.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 8:19 AM EDT up reply actions
They’re not even in the “good” sections of the 100’s. Just the ends, no side-view sections.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions
My concern? If they can only afford SRO tickets, that’s an additional load of people on the Metro platform with me after the game, waiting for the trains.
"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.
Speed-walk to Judiciary Square! Beat the crowds!
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 9:07 AM EDT up reply actions
No blue line express at Judiciary Square.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
No Blue Line Express there either!
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Archives. Plus, then you get to pass cupcakes AND gelato.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Mar 22, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I mean, typically I just go snarf Chipotle, it takes about 30 minutes and afterwards there is no one in the metro.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
This is wisest, if one has the time.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions
True, but I’m hightailing it so I can catch a bus at the Pentagon to deliver me home. They can be pretty far apart at that time of night.
That'll make your weagle wink!
Depending on where you’re going (I take Omnilinks if I’m bussing) Springfield is often a better option.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions
And if one doesn’t have the time, then walking a few blocks to the closest non-Gallery Metro stop is an awesome move.
I go to Judiciary, and I’m always seated comfortably when we pull into Gallery Place and the masses on the platform try to squeeze in.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
OT:
If you ever decide to make your own chipotles (smoked jalapenos), wear gloves.
Take it from me.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
The only real benefit is the guaranteed playoff tickets probably. If you’re only going to a few regular season games, I could see buying these for the playoffs (and other STH freebies), selling them all on the exchange and just buying real seats for whatever games you really want to attend.
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
That’s a good point, but I think that would be the only benefit. And I can’t see it being worth it to buy the STH package to sell nearly every ticket. That’s a lot of work.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 8:43 AM EDT up reply actions
The exchange will only allow you to sell at face value or higher. Other than the “gold” games (Pitt, PHI), can’t see anyone paying $60 + fees for SRO. Stubhub or Craig’s List will get you a much better deal.
"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.
Next year the exchange will allow you to sell below face value. Bet they were tired of losing fee revenue to those other sites.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Someone else mentioned that to me that they were changing that policy; I guess I missed it in the packet; do you know what the new policy will be, is the minimum sth cost or something else?
"Set your own price" when posting your 2011-12 Season Tickets on the TicketMaster TicketExchange- there is no minimum price.
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
I used to buy SRO tix at Fenway ($6) and then scope out empty seats behind either dugout – STHers that didn’t show up – popped into their seats and were rarely shooed away. Possibly an option for some?
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
One, I don’t support people approaching attending a game in that manner.
Two, again, the SRO tickets are more expensive than quite a number of the seats in the arena comparing STH cost to STH cost. The SRO seats at VC are different than at many arenas because they are at the top of the first level rather than higher up.
I’m with others, likely will be purchased by brokers. SRO for a playoff game or one big game, I could understand, but for a season at that price, yikes.
I can respect that but at the time, the seats were usually empty as the Sox were in their many decade swoon and I was young (but respectful) and the ushers allowed it so we did it. Couldn’t do it now as Fenway is always packed and as a older, wiser person I would accept my lot in life – and seat in arena.
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
If you buy them at face value from the ticket office. Many STHs will sell their tickets at a price that is reasonable based on what they paid as a STH, not the face value, so because they paid $60 for their 100 or 200-level tickets, they’ll charge about the same when they resell. Go local and then you don’t have to bother with the fees, plus the STH can guarantee the tickets are going to a Caps fan.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 8:34 AM EDT up reply actions
I would stand for a playoff game, if that’s all that was available and the view was decent. I don’t believe I would stand for a regular season game.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
I think this is as much a test of the market as it is a blatant attempt to grab dollars. Remember this is being offered to existing season ticketholders first. I’d expect the real interest there to be the brokers; other existing STH’s aren’t likely to want more tickets that aren’t with the ones they already have, and it’s not an improvement to get a “better” location without a seat.
I don’t have a problem with the concept of trying to get more people into the building. They have to balance the needs of the business and the desires of the fanbase. There’s not a whole lot they can do to get more seats in the building. They could sell more season tickets by not holding back the approximately 2,000 tickets per game they do now, but they’re looking to the future by keeping them available. Also, they potentially get more revenue by actually selling some seats as face value.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
At more than $2,000 I don’t even consider this to be a great alternative. A better alternative is the partial season plan. You pay less, you go to fewer games, sure, but it’s a better alternative than paying more than $2,000 to stand at the games. IMO, it’s quality over quantity. I think the excitement of going to games would wear out pretty quickly if I knew that after a long day of work, I get to stand on my feet for three hours, you know?
I’m still hoping to get on the season ticket holder list, but from what I hear, that waiting list is loooooong.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 8:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Do the Caps even offer the partial plans anymore? I thought they all pretty much disappeared when the STH explosion happened.
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
They’ve had partial season plans for the last few years. I spoke to a ticket rep a few weeks ago about the waiting list situation and she said they don’t have partial plan information yet, but that it’ll be released soon.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah they do, 5, and 10 game packs were the options this year. It’s mostly based on where there are holes in the existing sections. I’m pretty sure they hold back like 10% or so of the total seat to offer in partial plans, individual game packs, and as single game options for the players to buy for family, friends and for the opposing team to do the same.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
And those packages were only offered at face value, no STH discount. The only benefit was to guarantee the same seats.
"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.
You can pick up tickets pretty cheap if you just head down on gameday. Buddy got 100 Level Row N for $40 last week.
"And then they’ll look at guys in my situation, that could play three good games in a row and have one bad shift, and they’ll say, ‘Well, that’s why he’s been in the minor leagues his whole career.'" --Matt Hendricks
Right, and that’s well and dandy, but I don’t see why people could be frustrated that people might stand at the game. I don’t see how this is a problem. More people, more team revenue, I don’t think it’s an issue. Just because you wouldn’t do it doesn’t mean others wouldn’t too. I’d take SRO season tickets over not having season tickets, if I had the money.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
While I would not stand for 41 home games, some might., but I think anyone buying these SRO are getting screwed. Regular season tickets with seats were offered the 12 month power pay, these require full payment upfront, Some people who renewed asked their rep if they could cancel and get refund and the answer was yes. The SRO are no refunds if you cancel. Regular STH holders can attend the seat relocation event, these folks are not eligible to attend. The price for the SRO is more than my seat in the 400 level, but the purchaser is not being offered some of the benefits. Ability to resell on TicketExchange was not mentioned in the e-mail so I would not be surprised is the SRO was not eligible. If they are going to sell these as season tickets, the purchasers should get the same benefits, esp. for $2550.
This probably works much better for single seats, and would be much, much more difficult for a couple. Plus, I’m not taking the metro to Chinatown unless I know I’m able to go to the game.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 12:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Single ticket. It was 6:55, 5 mins before puck drop and $40 is better than $0. Serendipity.
Not saying $40 in the 100s could be easily repeated. Just saying if you’re willing to risk the trip down to VC you can probably get some cheaper tickets right before the game.
"And then they’ll look at guys in my situation, that could play three good games in a row and have one bad shift, and they’ll say, ‘Well, that’s why he’s been in the minor leagues his whole career.'" --Matt Hendricks
Depending on price, I’d do it in a heartbeat. I prefer sitting in the last row so I can stand anyway.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
My favorite seats, too. Plus, you get this great ledge behind you to keep your purse from getting stepped on.
"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.
I put mine under the seat. No one behind me can actually get to it down there anyway.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 10:47 PM EDT up reply actions
A little late to the party I know, but here’s my take on the SRO tickets…
I think they’re a great idea on a per-game basis, but at the cost they’re advertising, I’m not sure I could justify spending that on a full-season package. I currenly have two 400-level seats, and these SRO tickets cost almost twice as much….which makes me scratch my head a bit.
It would be nice if they had these “seats” available to buy, individually for people trying to get to a game, or even do something like the Orioles used to (and still may for all I know), and don’t even release them for sale until the day of the game.
A big part of the builtin value with purchasing a season ticket plan is the resale potential of the seats you own, and I also have to imagine that the demand for SRO seats will be such that making a return on my investment would be difficult, let alone to break even at the prices the Caps are selling them. If was looking to buy tickets, I’ll probably choose a 400-level seat over a 100-level SRO on the end if the prices are comparable. Just my 2¢.
"I am ready for his provocations"
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by PaintDrinkingPete on Mar 22, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Another plus to the SRO tickets is that there should be no leaners in front!
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Mar 22, 2011 7:15 AM EDT reply actions
I must say, I go to 3-4 games a year (usually in the 400’s), but before visiting the Rink I never realized what a problem leaning was. I have learned a lot about the Caps and hockey here, but guess that being aware of the leaning problem is the most valuable of all.
My '64 Falcon is a hybrid - it burns both gasoline and rubber.
We’re in an area that often has new faces so the number of leaners really varies. Amazingly many people either know not to lean or are great about it when asked nicely to stop. Somehow though I remember most clearly the worst incidents even though the number only comes to maybe five or eight games. Guess that’s human nature.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do."--epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Do they still put up the public service announcement before games with the players urging the fans to stop leaning? I don’t think it’s that effective because the players are so polite about it. Maybe we need to have Varly say it in Russian and translate it on screen. Then it’ll be a little more intimidating.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
They also do it a little early, when half the people aren’t even in their seats yet.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
True. And like any announcement no one pays it any attention.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do."--epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
That will only be intimidating if they have Varly do his patented Death Stare.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
That will only be intimidating if they have Varly do his patented Death Stare.
Make this happen, VC!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Mar 22, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Separated at birth...?
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
by IRockTheRed on Mar 22, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
I love when Caps hockey and Star Wars geekdom collide.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
What, that’s not Patrick Kane on the right? ;)
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:03 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Wow. =o
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
by winterion on Mar 22, 2011 3:39 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
And Varly looks scarier.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do."--epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Is the leaning problem really that big? I’ve never sat behind a leaner, and I am certainly not a leaner myself. I guess I’ve been lucky.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 8:55 AM EDT up reply actions
"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 return of v-cleaners!!
Check out DC Sports Plus!
by what Juneau about that? on Mar 22, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions
If people started sending them again I’d totally update!
Follow me!
Currently Netflixing: Arrested Development - Season 2
I would imagine if you only make it to a couple games a year, it’s not so bad. But when you’re a STH and spend 30+ games a year trying to look over/around a leaner like a goalie trying to fight through a particularly effective screen, it becomes really irritating.
That’s a new one. Being screened by the leaner!
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
a lot of it depends on your section and what your view is like, for example you see a lot in the VC Leaners link bagace posted, but where my partial plan seats were in 113, even if folks leaned my view wasn’t as affected.
LET'S GO CAPS!!!
From my experience its the worst in the 400s because the seats are rising at like a 45deg angle. At which point 1 person leans and like a ripple effect the next 8 rows can’t see that part of the ice and in turn, lean to see.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Agree completely. We have two tix down in 104, but on Caps kids days and other events we buy two more, usually in the 400’s, so that all 4 of us go together. Down in 104, the downside is that it’s difficult to see play at the far end (the upside being we see the caps shoot twice up close, and the kids love being down lower). The view from the 400’s is fantastic, but the angle of the seats is very different, and a leaner here or there can make for a domino effect of leaners, and then you’re screwed.
I must confess that it’s one thing to buy SRO tickets for a “special” game. Another thing entirely to buy them for an entire season. I would not be likely to buy SRO tickets for an entire season. I just don’t have the type of dedication (or inclination) to stand for that many games in a year.
For the records, I’m a current STH.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I don’t really mind standing… If they were offering SRO tickets in, say, section 101, I might seriously consider ponying up. But to stand at the ends? And have to view all the action through netting? No thanks.
That said, you can get tickets cheaper than $60/game by purchasing from STHs on the open market.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 8:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Enjoyed the pics, by Caps Snaps and Bridget. So now we can read the tea leaves to figure out who will be one what line tonight.
Rules on lines:
1) If Ovi’s on a line, it’s the first line.
2) If Semin’s on a line, it’s the second line. Unless Rule 1 applies. Or Ovi is out. Or Boudreau is extremely upset with Semin. (If Ovi is out, Semin’s line is first line.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Caption contest!
What’s Nicky thinking?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
“Coach, you need Scope!”
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Mar 22, 2011 7:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“Whistle, while you work. Dada dada dada da.”
“Yes, Ovie. I know you beat me at NHL 11, but now isn’t the time.”
“Look at that babe across the way. 10 rows up. She fills out that Team Sweded jersey.”
“My jock has really pushed up into my crotch. Have . . . to . . . focus. . . pain. . . away.”
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
___
Reminds me of what we posted the day after Bruce’s first game:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
“You know how to whistle, don’t you ref? You just put your lips together – and blow.”
My '64 Falcon is a hybrid - it burns both gasoline and rubber.
by stemmer on Mar 22, 2011 8:09 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“Job security rules. Maybe I’ll buy a Porsche tomorrow… Why doesn’t Sweden make better cars? Hey, wonder if I can spit all the way to the dot from here?”
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 8:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I forgot to pick up the Vamvests, the Stälömme, and the Terlopps at the IKEA! Nooo! How will I build my Ömmelack?!
Courtesy of http://www.minimarketing.it/ikea_gen.htm and my caffeine and sugar-fueled imagination. And I apologize if anyone takes offense to the notion that the Swedes like to visit IKEA :)
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions
“I really didn’t want to know how they made Dunder Honung…”
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 9:02 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
“Holy Crap! Look at the flygplats on THAT one!!”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 22, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
Nicky, Nicky………NICKY! Pay attention when I’m(bleeping) talking you (bleeping) (bleeping) Swede!
Just rub some dirt on it
by Trailblaza05 on Mar 22, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
“I need to stop hanging out with Russians who only eat borscht, still not as bad as Mike’s 7 bean burrito Tuesdays”
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Fan: “Hey you! Leaner!! The bald guy leaning over the bench!! We’re all trying to see the game here!!!”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 22, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I asked the question on Twitter, but I’ll throw it out here as well: Who can tell me the last time two rookie goalies with a combined 49 wins or more met in the regular season, as Neuvy and Bobrovsky will tonight?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Answer, per @Romao83: April 4, 2009, CBJ vs NSH, Steve Mason with 32 wins and Pekka Rinne with 27.
Maybe not quite as rare as I’d thought it might be.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Niemi wasn’t technically a rookie last year (he was Calder-ineligible due to age).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Semantics, a.k.a. why it’s an interesting question.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
". . . I know if we ever win a championship, I know I’m gonna cry like a baby," Leonsis said in an interview with editors and reporters at The Washington Times.
I know for a fact that Section 112 will also be entirely awash. Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger, Uncle Ted. We’re all on this magical mystery tour together.
by Uncle C on Mar 22, 2011 8:52 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
I have said many times (including to my wife) that I will travel to any potential Cup clinching game for the Capitals and will cry like a baby when the Caps raise the Cup. I only hope that I can see ceremony through my tears.
Life With Spidey -- a blog about sports, travel, work, family and fun.
Representing Caps fandom in the Gateway to the West.
No question, I will tear up if it happens.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 9:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Being an emotional female (stereotype alert!), I cry over almost anything. Some of the “History” commercials make me teary eyed, and it’s not even the Caps involved.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Speaking of which, Toews making a wish at 5 years old is adorable.
"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.
His head is the exact same. It’s weird.
Follow me!
Currently Netflixing: Arrested Development - Season 2
I’m a stoic dude, but some of those cup-raise bits do hit a soft spot with me. Probably because no team I’ve ever passionately rooted for has ever won a championship.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
As much as last year’s commercials were parodied, I think the marketing campaign is fabulous.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Part of the reason it’s so fabulous is that it can be taken seriously and also parodied wonderfully.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Indeed. Although, last year’s were so much easier to parody. “What if…” is a better lead-in than “History…”
And as much as I hate seeing the Easter Epic one, the part where an exhausted Cap has his arm around an Islander… That’s poignant.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions
I actually like last year’s commercials better than this year’s so far… I liked the rewind part… it was really cool. :-)
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
And the little “shhhhhp!” sound effect when the puck comes out of the net, or out of Roy’s glove.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Just hearing in my head the announcer saying “Raymond Bourque” as he hoisted the cup for the first time makes my eyes water a little bit.
I remember watching the Rangers win the Cup in 1994. I was up way too late watching Game 7, and couldn’t quite understand why I was tearing up watching Messier’s joy as he lifted the Cup. I had no love for the Rangers, but somehow it seemed bigger than the Rangers. I’d just turned 11 at the time, and couldn’t quite wrap my head around why I was getting emotional over the Rangers. Many years later, I get it. It wasn’t an emotional connection with the team or the players, it was my emotional connection with the dream of winning the Cup.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Mar 22, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
I can replay Gary Thorne’s call in my head. My all time favorite hockey moment. =)
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by winterion on Mar 22, 2011 3:42 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
when I think Gary Thorn and hockey calls, I always picture Roy’s flubbed Stature of Liberty save and Thorne screaming “THE GOAL COUNTS! THE GOAL COUNTS!”
can’t wait for NCAA hockey tourney action with Gary!
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Mar 22, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think my husband would ever call me a sissy for that…I think we’d both be blubbering like idiots if the Caps won the Stanley Cup.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m such a sissy. I got tears when they won the series against the Rangers and my son started crying (my husband was just happy). I can only guess how much I’d bawl if and when Ovi raises the Cup.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do."--epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m right there with you on that one. One of my requirements for moving out of DC was that I will be traveling back for any finals games the Caps play in.
by Beakers Lab on Mar 22, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
If it’s less than a sweep, I’ll write him an angry email about how they could have and should have won it in four if not for their crappy coach and GM who should be fired.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 22, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Make sure you send it with about seven minutes left in whichever game they appear not to be winning.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Per Vogel
Philadelphia is the only Atlantic Division team that Neuvirth has yet to defeat in his young NHL career.
Time to change that.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Just Remember...
…The last time the Caps played at Philly without Ovechkin:
Result: http://www.hockey-reference.com/boxscores/200912050PHI.html
Japers’ Recap (by JP): http://www.japersrink.com/2009/12/5/1187413/recap-caps-8-flyers-2
BSH Recap (by Travis): http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2009/12/5/1187394/flyers-embarrassed-in-laviolettes
Enjoy…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
I had to listen online, couldn’t even watch, yet I remember that was the night Carcillo made a name for himself :P
He’s back playing for the Fly-boys, so who knows, maybe he can out-do himself tonight.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Pretty good recap by me, I must say.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Actually both recaps were well done, and both weren’t all that biased. Travis did a good job in saying that what Carcillo did was pretty well inexcusable.
The comments in the BSH blog are priceless, esp. when you-know-who gets involved.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 9:37 AM EDT up reply actions
That MarioD character is a barrel-o-monkeys.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s always amusing to go back to BSH and read some of the arguments Huck and FnB have…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe one of the teams will get a half-win tonight, in an homage to MarioD’s memory.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Was he banned, or just disappeared?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Banned.
I love how he was firmly in the “Flyers will miss the playoffs” camp last season, and hey, they didn’t miss anything until June.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
Behindthenet quick link to QoC/QoT/Corsi/PDO/Zonestarts
"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 22, 2011 12:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Must’ve taken a lot to get banned from his home-team blog, given the vitriol I read from him over there.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he left for a while by himself, then came back and the mods realized how much better the community was without him and banned him.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
It was also Coach Laviolette’s second or third game behind the Flyers bench – a disgruntled, disorganized bunch of players who ultimately got to within one stolen puck of the Stanley Cup.
We were talking about this last night, and took a little trip down memory lane.
Notable from that post: Duncan Keith not getting punished for boarding (yes) Matt Cooke, and a healthy Marc Savard tearing it up in Boston.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I just looked that up and you beat me to it… :)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
And Green and Flash came out on ice for the Three Stars announcement.
"I don’t think too many guys try to talk to him and get him into the play ... if I can do that and it helps out our line then it’s what I’ll do." -- Jason Arnott on Alexander Semin
I completely forgot they did that. Here’s hoping they can do it again!
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Coincidentally 6 of those recap bulletins feature players who are either no longer with the team or will not be playing.
Nicklas Backstrom hasn’t had a 5 point game this season. He has had 3 – 4 point games, with two of them coming against TBL.
This season Brooks Laich scored his 10th goal on February 11. 68 days later than last season.
BMo, now with the Flames, has 1 more point this season than he did last season and still has 7 games left(if he’s not injured, idk)
Eric Fehr hasn’t had a point streak longer than 2 games this season, but half of his points(10) have come in multi point games(5 – 2 point nights)
And goaltending. The Caps have allowed just 2.11 goals against per game over their past nine games, and have a .930 save percentage over that stretch. …And a pair of capable netminders
Neuvy in his last 11 games is .904 and 2.27…..Varly is .932 and 1.94 (though his 11th game dates back to Jan 1…) and Holtby is .888 and 1.98. The Caps have allowed 14 goals in their last 9 games for 1.51 goals allowed per game and a .949 s% Now that’s a trio of very capable goalies, and some kickin D.
Math done on a napkin so…may be slightly off.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Andrew Miller story about Todd Ford’s time with the Caps
(Miller is the Stingrays beat writer)
The wheel of justice in action
DGB’s Secret transcript of the Cooke hearing:
Lemieux (sighing): Fine. Look, he’s on my team. He’s one of my players, technically. So… you know… don’t suspend him, I guess.
Campbell: That’s very helpful, thanks.
Lemieux: I need to leave now.
Lemieux bolts out the door.
Campbell: Thanks Mario. Our next witness is scheduled to be… hmm, what does it say on my sheet here… “a world-renowned and completely impartial hockey expert, named… Dr. Wario Mellieux”.
A man who looks oddly like Mario Lemieux wearing a moustache made out of duct tape walks into the room.
Campbell: Dr. Mellieux, your thoughts?
Mellieux: Matt Cooke is an abomination, a scumbag, an embarrassment, everything that’s wrong with the game. I hate him. He should be banned for life.
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
Cooke: Dude....Really?
Dr. Wario Mellieux: Matt Cooke is an abomination, a scumbag, an embarrassment, everything that’s wrong with the game. I hate him. He should be banned for life.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
by breaklance on Mar 22, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions 14 recs
A bit OT, but with all the sagas surrounding Kabanov, interesting to see him listed here:
Q nominees for various awards:
Humanitarian Award
Alex Émond – Rimouski Océanic
Kirill Kabanov – Lewiston MAINEiacs
Gabriel Lemieux – Shawinigan Cataractes
Hmm, that should read with all the drama…anyway…Caps prospects (Carrier, Galiev) are not nominated for any Q awards
Too bad – I’d expected Galiev to be up for the Softy McCharmin Award…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Matt Cooke says he needs to change.
I’ll believe it when I see it, but this just makes me think about Saddam Hussein singing “I can change” in the South Park movie.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on Mar 22, 2011 9:52 AM EDT reply actions
“I know I’ve been a dirty little bastard!”
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
"but what if you never change?..."
“…what if you remain a sandy little butthole?”
by kingbonehead on Mar 22, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
However, dudes like Cooke, when they get caught it seems, do not try and get better at not trying to hurt people – they just try and get better at hurting people and not getting caught. It doesnt help when your surrounded by enablers like Lemieux, and bylsma.
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Mar 22, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure it’s fair to call Lemieux and Bylsma enablers. Neither really wants to rip their own players, but they seem to be taking the least supportive role to Cooke possible. Especially since they see the effects of a Crosby less Penguins, I doubt either wants excessively dirty players in the NHL.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Mar 22, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Cooke is a special case, the only player in the league who consistently and skillfully attempts to seriously injure other players. Lemieux and Bylsma are enablers in that they probably haven’t had this “You need to change” conversation with him after any number of god-awful hits he has thrown in the past 3 years.
They could have been defending Cooke in public, and chewing him out in private… But I doubt it, and there’s no reason to believe that.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:31 AM EDT up reply actions
To me, the measure of the owner/GM/coach is what they say to him when he’s not caught or punished. It’s easy to jump on the bandwagon when everyone villifies him. Had Bylsma sat him after the Ovechkin knee incident or any number of others without the league saying anything, that would have spoken volumes.
Now granted, we don’t know what is said behind closed doors, but obviously none of the team’s actions (nor the league’s up to this point) had an effect on him.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 11:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Indeed. He was never sat down for a game, and his “style” never changed. Oh, but now that Crosby is out, Cooke is embarrassing.
It’s almost as hollow as the logic behind bombing Libya while the king of Bahrain slaughters his subjects.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Now granted, we don’t know what is said behind closed doors
Well, they can’t have taken his antics all too seriously. He was wearing the “A” on his jersey on Sunday. It was explained to some of us in OT last night that the team was rotating the “A” due to all the injuries, but you’d have to think if they were really on his case, he would never have had it. Not that it means much beyond the symbolic, but still.
"And then they’ll look at guys in my situation, that could play three good games in a row and have one bad shift, and they’ll say, ‘Well, that’s why he’s been in the minor leagues his whole career.'" --Matt Hendricks
He is the team Asshole. Might as well mark him as such.
by HockeyGoalie29 on Mar 22, 2011 1:02 PM EDT up reply actions
That would be a scarlet A, wouldn’t it?
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
Nah, save the scarlet for adultery. I’d go with some shade of brown: Sepia A, Burnt Siena A, or (ahem) Chocolate A.
by HockeyGoalie29 on Mar 22, 2011 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Burnt Umber A… the most disgusting color in the Crayola box.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Umberger A?
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I was listening to Bylsma talk on my way home last night. He was saying that they haven’t pulled him aside to specifically talk to him about certain dirty hits, but that they meet with each player individually on a regular basis and they’ve touched on it there. Didn’t sound like it was that intense a conversation, though, if it was wrapped up in other video sessions or whatever.
“Here’s where you should have cleared the puck out on the PK instead of passing across the middle…and see this right here? Where you try to decapitate the guy w/ your elbow? Yeah, try not to do that either.”
Sunrise, sunset, swiftly fly the years. One season following another, laden with happiness and tears.
They both had commendable responses to the Cooke situation, but I believe that they really had to given the timing of the situation, the previous “talk” after the Isles game, and Cooke’s long rap sheet. I think they enabled him earlier and I am going to see how they handle the next situation before handing them too many accolades.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do."--epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 11:35 AM EDT up reply actions
I totally agree that they were enabling him earlier. Now i think, because i that, it hurts them in the long run, because now when they do begin to take measures against cooke for his play (hopefully), I can see Cooke saying “Why Now?” and perhaps he then feels like its others pressuring the coaches and managers to do something about it. I guess what im trying to say is that not saying anything is just as much enabling early on, and now i think its probably a lose/ lose with cooke and coaches/management.
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Mar 22, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d say pretty much any other coach would have called out said player in a presser. When so much attention has been put on the issue by your own management and your best players have been off the ice for months because of hits the likes of which he has dealt out multiple times his year alone he needs a public talking to. The fact that they’ve allowed it to go on and Bylsma has tacitly approved his behavior and pretty much even made excuses for the guy speaks to at least the coach enabling dangerous play. I’d like to think next year if a coach plays a loose cannon like Cooke on a nightly basis he’d face some severe punishment from the league.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
I would say that pretty much any other coach would have done exactly what the Pens organization and Bylsma have done.
Really? Boudreau would have gone off on him in his presser. Laviolette would have had some controlled but threatening words for him after the game.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
That’s not Bylsma’s style. He’s always in control. I like the way he’s responded to these incidents—keep it low-key, don’t outright condone the action or call out the player.
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
Behindthenet quick link to QoC/QoT/Corsi/PDO/Zonestarts
"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 22, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
He actually backs the players in those cases, like in the cooke kneeing ovie incident. Kind of a less believable Regan act
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Could you give me links?
My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
Behindthenet quick link to QoC/QoT/Corsi/PDO/Zonestarts
"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 22, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
http://voices.washingtonpost.com/capitalsinsider/bruce-boudreau/bruce-boudreau-sounds-off-on-p.html
Best I can find right now, admittedly didn’t look too hard but the quote is there. watching the video and reading the quote you feel like maybe he was at a different game.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Matt-Cooke-s-latest-dirty-hit-this-time-?urn=nhl-318750
This might be more inline with what you were looking for. On this incident he tried to downplay Cooke’s hit and put some of the blame on Tyutin.
Of all the pixels that have been spent on him, I think I’ve only seen one comment that really addresses his big problem. Remember how the league insisted on behavior counselling for Avery because of his big mouth? Cooke is a guy who needs to be sent to counselling before ever getting near a sheet of NHL ice again. It’s clear that he surrenders to impulses that he can’t control.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
The problem is, he isn’t a repeat offender because he keeps making oopsies. He’s a repeat offender (whether he gets supplemental punishment or not) because he actually doesn’t see that there’s anything wrong with throwing up an elbow to aim at someone’s head. There’s no way around what you intend to do when you aim a part of your body normally at the waist to be as high as someone’s head.
I don’t even know that counseling would help. Did it help Avery? Maybe a little but I don’t even think Avery was anywhere as destructive as Cooke has been.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Cooke reminds me of the scorpion in the tale of the scorpion and the frog. The Penguins knew what he was when they signed him. Their shock that he has has done this again is amusing.
I watched all of the Cooke hits on RMNB today and honestly, what strikes me as the most obvious is that the Penguins management, by its silence, condoned it. I don’t think management saw it as a problem at all, and was satisfied to let him play the way he did.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
scroll to the bottom of the link below, to whatever time will make it about 5pm yesterday, and start reading your way up. Puck daddy contributor Ryan Lambert (twolinepass) was killing the Pens management on this very subject.
http://twitter.com/#!/twolinepass
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 22, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
What’s amazing is that in almost all of them, except the Lecavalier hit, Cooke is in a Penguins jersey. The guy has been in the league a loooong time, yet only with Pitt did he really turn dirty.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s not true at all. He was a dirty punk during his time with Vancouver as well. RMNB must have just used more recent clips because they were easier to find, or just more relevant.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 22, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah, well, this is possible. I wasn’t looking at RMNB’s compilation either, but rather one that was floating around Twitter yesterday.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
To this end, see this compilation of Cooke’s dirty play from March 2010. I’ve never agreed with Don Cherry so much in my life. Until I saw this and the RMNB post, I didn’t appreciate what a scourge to the game of hockey this guy really is.
It also made me reconsider the Lecavalier hit/injury when Cooke was a Cap. I never thought it was that bad at the time, but the sense you get from these compilations is that this guy is attempting to injure other players every night. It’s a travesty the league didn’t bring the hammer down on him before he ended/derailed/dulled the careers of guys like Savard, Cole, Vinny, etc.
That was brutal going through the video. So many questionable hits. The knee on knee in the 09 playoffs particularly grated since he got so little press about it and we were still hearing it about Ovi’s. No remorse by Cooke and so many apologies and explanations by Ovi.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do."--epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
___
Photoshop opportunities abound…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Mar 22, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If I were at all skilled at that sort of thing, I would have added a picture. But alas, I am not.
I have planned my grand attacks; I will stand behind their backs. With my brand new battle-axe, they will taste my wrath. They will hear me say as the pavement whirls, "I hate California girls."
by Steckel Me Elmo on Mar 22, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Ryan Kesler?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 22, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
So Mario’s Saddam? “Heyyyy, relax guy.”
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Mar 22, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Colin Campbell as Satan, Cooke as Saddam. “Oh, Matthew, you’re so bold! Thanks for taking care of the little fake artists!”
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions
There’s room for Cooke over there on the right (to Satan’s left…)
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
“I’ve seen a lot of changing, in the way you feel about me, and in the way I feel about you. In here, there were two guys killing each other, but I guess that’s better than twenty million. I guess what I’m trying to say, is that if I can change, and youse can change, everybody can change!”
Signed,
R. Balboa
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Mar 22, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
You know what’s scary about you quoting that? They just did that on NHL Live. Maybe you’re copying them. I’ve never seen the movie referenced (actually, none of the Rocky movies).
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I am sure that I am the exception, but I think Cooke’s penalty was too harsh. Here’s my argument:
To me, there are two types of infractions during a game. Those that are part of the hockey play and those that have nothing to do with the action. So, your standard hooking, holding, interference penalties are usually when there’s an attempt to stop a scoring chance. Sometimes those penalties go too far and supplementary discipline should be meted out. (Dangerous boarding or kneeing or elbowing, for example.) And those are your usual 2- or 3-game suspensions.
The other type is when a player does something that really has nothing to do with the game. When McSorley slashed Brashear in the neck. Bertuzzi drove Moore’s head into the ice. Chris Simon stomped on Ruutu. Those type of actions deserve double-digit game suspensions.
The problem is that sometimes the first kind of infraction seems like the second kind. We see the replay over and over, and instead of a dumb player (Cooke) doing a dumb thing (elbowing), we see a guy who wants to end people’s careers. We have the ability to replay and review and discuss and things get worse and worse.
I just don’t know if you should suspend stupid split-second actions that take place during game action as much as or more than those that take place out of the scope of regular hockey.
Obviously, Cooke should be suspended and fined and I think that Penguins are trying very hard to get him off their team. But an-up-to 17-game suspension for that seems to be too much, even for a repeat offender.
It’s a paradigm shift, for sure, but the only way they’re going to get this crap out of the game is to go a bit overboard on penalizing it.
I’m of the belief that if Matt Cooke is presented with the exact same scenario that got him in trouble this time 17 games from now, he’ll make a different decision. But we’ll see.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If this was the first (or second, or third, etc.) time for Cooke, I would agree. But this:
The problem is that sometimes the first kind of infraction seems like the second kind. We see the replay over and over, and instead of a dumb player (Cooke) doing a dumb thing (elbowing), we see a guy who wants to end people’s careers. We have the ability to replay and review and discuss and things get worse and worse.
isn’t just a product of having slow-motion capabilities. There are two options: Matt Cooke really does try to injure people, or Matt Cooke does not understand that using his elbow to hit people in the head will injure them. This is the fifth time he has been suspended, so in either case, he needs to hear a new bell toll, not just “sit for two games then come back and do the same thing”.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
The third option is that when he has to make a split-second decision, he tends to make the wrong one.
Ok, I will accept that. But as a coach, my position is “If you keep making the wrong decision, and I actively reward it/don’t actively punish it, you will continue to make the wrong decision.” Obviously the 2 game suspensions were not enough to teach him to make the different decision. So let’s accept that he is a nice person who does not want to injure anyone, but consistently makes the bad decision.
17 games should help him make better decisions.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, and if he is incapable of making the right split-second decision(i.e., the one that does not endanger the health and careers of other players), then he doesn’t belong in the game.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely. I coach youth hockey, so I will preface this with I understand the difference between grown men playing the sport for money and entertainment, vs. some kid in MD who has no shot at making the NHL and is just doing it for fun & exercise.
However, not severely punishing dangerous plays (intentional or not) is a serious problem at all levels. It’s almost easier to say “11 year olds don’t realize how dangerous it is to elbow someone in the head.” The first time it happens, it needs to be addressed very seriously (really, it should be addressed proactively by drilling in to them that it’s bad and dangerous before it happens to anyone). Now the first time it happens, you can accept that
a) the kids have far less skill, so they have much less control over their actions
b) the kids have lesser understanding of the consequences
c) the kids probably do not mean to hurt the other player
But even if all of these statements hold true for the second, and third, and fourth time it happens, the punishments need to increase drastically, because even if the kid is a nice, innocent player who is threat because of poor skill or poor decision making, he is a threat. Someone else’s safety is at risk, and it is the adults’ responsibility to cut down on that. Greater punishments send the message that “Even if it is not meant to be injurious, it is not acceptable,” and “If you can’t control your actions, you do not have the privilege of playing”. It’s not just a free-for-all out there. You are responsible for your body and stick, and if you can’t be, you don’t get to play. If that requires improving skill or improving decision-making, both are good results.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
One of the things that I think we have to stop coaching kids to “finish their checks”. To me, that’s one of the biggest problems.
Is it? That check that Cooke did was not one to separate the guy from the puck. He already had. This was a classic case of finishing his check.
Cooke going into him with his shoulder to his torso would have been “finishing his check” and no one would be talking about it today. Elbows are never part of a clean hit.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Absolutely. Elbows are bad any way you look at it. But it was a “finishing your check” situation gone wrong.
Ok but the problem isn’t that he finished his check. He is allowed to do that. I would encourage it. It’s a tough, physical style.
The problem is that he finished it illegally. Even if McDonagh still has the puck and Cooke hits him with the elbow, it’s an illegal hit. The timing had nothing to do with this one. I understand your point that the mentality of “finishing the check” encouraged this hit, but my problem isn’t when he hit him, it’s how, regardless of timing.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
The hit would have been just as bad if McDonaugh still had the puck and Cooke was trying to separate him from it. The “finishing your check” aspect is irrelevant to the suspension.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 22, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t know that that’s the solution. “Finishing the check” with a shoulder to the opponent’s chest within 2 steps is a clean play and valuable psychological tool.
“Finishing the check” as code for “bring your arms up” regardless of whether they still have the puck is something I agree should be removed.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Kids also have much less strength and mass, but their bones aren’t much less robust than adult bones. The result is that kids can do, and walk away from, much worse stuff to each other than any adult could try.
In other words, there was a time when I played “Maul Ball” with my friends in the yard 30 times a summer. If the same group of us tried even once now, and we approached it with the same careless disregard, it would take about 23 seconds until someone was seriously hurt.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 22, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh, definitely agree and I should have mentioned it. That said, I’ve witnessed some pretty horrific stuff happen to the kids, too.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Its why they need to learn the right way to do things young. Because it doesn’t come naturally to them then — they’re not at risk of nearly as much harm. They have to be taught.
Mind you, Ovechkin never learned some of those lessons. That guy still flies around the ice like a 10 year old.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 22, 2011 11:12 AM EDT up reply actions
Mind you, Ovechkin never learned some of those lessons. That guy still flies around the ice like a 10 year old.
And yet he doesn’t target players for malicious hits, doesn’t consistently cause permanent injuries, and is generally a responsible player. So you can fly around the ice, play a certain style of aggressive game, and NOT send players to the hospital.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Do you forget Brian Campbell? Or Sergei Gonchar?
I don’t think Ovechkin is anywhere near Cooke or other guys of his ilk, but he’s been reckless out there and has injured some guys badly.
I’d argue Ovi has changed his game this season, and lost that “edge”. The Campbell hit was suspend-able, but I would also argue the Gonchar hit wasn’t Ovechkin’s fault. Went in for a clean hit and Gonchar stepped at the last minute leaving only his knee in Ovechkin’s path. Not much time for Ovi to adjust there.
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by Sombrero Guy on Mar 22, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
And let’s not forget the hit that laid out Jamie Heward. After that, I read that Ovi sat outside the Lightning dressing room wearing nothing but a towel after the game waiting for news. And there’s this quote:
Ovechkin said, "I didn’t know what to think. I saw him, and he turned around and … I didn’t mean to hit him. Sure, you’re concerned. I want to know how he is.
"It was an accident, and I’m very sorry. I never want to hurt somebody, especially my old teammate. It’s hard, and I’m very sorry, but it’s a game, and it’s a moment. He turns, and I have speed. … I hope he is OK."
Lightning coach Rick Tocchet didn’t think that Ovechkin’s hit on Heward was dirty.
By contrast, what you get from Cooke is:
“I’m fortunate Ryan McDonagh wasn’t hurt,” Cooke told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review. "I don’t want to hurt anybody. That’s not my intention. I know that I can be better.
“I made a mistake. I’m the one that’s accountable for that. I take full responsibility for it. I’m sorry to my teammates, my management, my coaching staff and my organization. It’s something that, moving forward, I’ll make different.”
Ovi’s apology was directed to Heward… Cooke’s… was not. And Ovechkin has been FAR more careful about how and when he hits people since being suspended twice last season… he learned his lesson from the suspensions. Cooke has not demonstrated that he has.
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by IRockTheRed on Mar 22, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
a very interesting and important distinction. It’s always interesting when athletes/famous people strut out to make their mea culpas WHO exactly they are directed to. For a lot of athletes in particular, they feel that their greatest sin is not the people directly affected/victimised by their actions, but their team and their fans. While team and fans are owed loyalty, it shows a bad placement of priorities when they are the only ones given an apology
That was my thought… Ovechkin’s first thoughts expressed were for the player he laid out; Cooke’s first thoughts were for himself. “I’m fortunate Ryan McDonagh wasn’t hurt.”
Yeah, you essobee, you are. If he had been, the league would be calling for your head.
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And have you seen how often he has pulled out of hits especially near the boards this season.
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by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
Both of those plays were legitimately arguable as to suspendability/dangerousness, and not remotely similar to, say, elbowing someone in the freaking head. Or targeting a defenseless Savard’s head.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions
This year AFTER his suspensions he’s playing more responsibly is his point. Suspensions taught ovie, they didn’t teach gillies or cooke.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Yup and it’s taken him the whole season to find that balance with physicality and choosing the right moments for the big hit.
Moreover, he was talked to by management and he listened.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do."--epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
The Gonchar play was not cut-and-dry, no matter how much Pens fans want to think it was. Ovi went for a hit, Gonchar tried to avoid the hit, the knee was hit
Ovi isn’t even on the same planet as someone like Cooke.
by LucyImHome on Mar 22, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Seriously. And I think even the Campbell hit would have been all right, if Campbell hadn’t caught his toe in a bad patch of ice and fallen awkwardly. You watch how his right leg buckles after his toe catches, and you can’t blame Ovechkin for the ice in the corner being rough.
By contrast, Craig Adams shoves Ovechkin into the side boards, and he gets nothing but 5 for fighting Knuble (who also gets an instigator and a 10-minute misconduct on the play).
Ovechkin definitely isn’t on the same planet as Cooke…
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by IRockTheRed on Mar 22, 2011 12:21 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’ed.
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by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 1:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Maul Ball was awesome. I was always kind of shocked when I ran into someone who said “Maul ball? What’s that? Oh, you mean Smear The Queer!”
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
FWIW McSoreley got Brashear right in the temple, bounced off the shoulder pad and knocked him out cold. Brash was carried off on a stretcher.
Secondly, I think a flying targeted elbow has nothing to do with the game. Its not a fore check gone wrong a la Ovechkin/Campbell. It was a deliberate attempt to injure. This is one instance where I think the league got it right.
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by Sombrero Guy on Mar 22, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Who was it who got a stick in the neck? They’re all blurring together.
My point, though, is that Cooke was trying to check the other guy, saw he was going to miss, and then he made the stupid decision to get him with the elbow.
And that course of events, I think, should be penalized heavily. Even more so when this is the nth time he’s done something like that (see RMNB’s post from yesterday). I think if [Random 2nd line wing] does this and it’s the first time in his career, give him 3 games. It’s not. It’s Cooke. I’m seriously trying not to be extra vindicated for personal reasons. I just think that when you build up that body of work, you can’t claim not to know what’s happening or that there is a conspiracy to demonize your many, many “clean” hits.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I think you’re being awfully generous in your description of that hit. Cooke’s a predator and to my eyes, he knew exactly what he was going to do 20 feet before he hit him. Because it was behind the play, he probably thought the ref wouldn’t notice or, more likely, he just didn’t give a damn.
I may be easy, but to me you seem too hard.
What did Gillies get for his second hit? 10 games? That’s probably what Cooke should’ve gotten.
Cooke may have already ended a player’s career (Savard’s) with an elbow to the head. He’s a dangerous player and got what he deserved.
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by CapsFan2020 on Mar 22, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
To be fair, it was a shoulder to Savard’s head. But also to be fair, that was the most despicable hit I’ve ever seen in hockey. Blatant attempt to injure, and wildly successful, too.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
No, it was definitely an elbow. He definitely follows through. I’ve watched the video 20 times in the past 24 hours. It sickens me that people claim that it was a legal hit. Probably at least 4 penalties could have been used in game and the fact that there was no supplementary discipline was even more sickening.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
+1
The Savard hit is similar to the McDonagh hit in that in both cases you can see Cooke eying his target (the other players’s head) and positioning his elbow for the strike.
the McDonagh hit was A LOT more obvious though. Cooke kept his elbow in until the last minute on Savard giving Cooke apologists enough ammo to say: “B-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-b-ut it was a legal hit”
Suspend Colin Campbell!
What’s unbelievable is that he was actually suspended for a nearly identical hit on Anisimov about 3 months before the Savard hit. The only difference is that Cooke follows through slightly more with his elbow on the Anisimov hit. (RMNB had them both in their recap).
Almost as disgusting as the hit on Savard is the fact that Cooke wasn’t suspended for it. I wonder if he would have been suspended for the Anisimov hit if Campbell had called Anisimov a “little fake artist” too.
I’ve got a question. Let’s say the Pens decided to bury Cooke at Wilkes-Barre for a while. In order to get sent down, he has to go on waivers.
Would he clear? Or would another team recognize his madd hockey skillz and scoop him up?
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He’d fit in quite nicely on the Vancouver Canucks as currently constituted. Burrows, Cooke, Lapierre…
I thought he wore out his welcome in Vancouver.
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by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
pretty sure the Canucks were more than happy to ship him to Washington
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Who else can’t wait for the Matt Cooke redemption story to get played up by all the pundits? “Well Joe he learned from his mistakes and now he’s a great contributor to the Canucks’ PK. Just a wonderful story of overcoming hardship and personal courage.”
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I pray to the hockey gods that Locker will never say anything like that.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
He’d be claimed, no doubt. 2 years left on his contract at a reasonable price. Cooke will do his change dance all Summer, and be back on the ice in October.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Seems just right, seeing how he should have gotten that many over the course of the season for all the crap he has been allowed to get away with. That is his third blatant elbow to the head this season (Yandle and Evander Kane being his other two victims), with this being the first he got suspended for. He didn’t get suspended for trying to take Ovie’s knee out, he didn’t get suspended for driving Karlsson’s head into the boards, he didn’t get suspended for punching Montador while he was on the ice and there were refs between them, and he got nothing but minors for purposefully running over DiPietro 3 times in a single game. This is a pattern, and the NHL finally saw it and acted on it.
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a dumb player (Cooke) doing a dumb thing (elbowing)
That can apply to Simon making the rash decision to stomp on Ruutu as Ruutu is being a pest and trying to trip up Simon with his feet. Or McSorley and Bertuzzi reacting poorly when Brashear and Moore turned down their fights. All dumb decisions made in the heat of the moment. It doesn’t really matter much to me if it’s in a hockey play or not. If players make decisions in the heat of the moment that put other players in serious danger they need to be punished harshly. Especially if they repeatedly do so.
I’ve said it a lot in the context of hits from behind, but I don’t buy the whole “the game moves fast” argument. The game sure looks fast to us, but for players who have been playing their whole lives it moves much more slowly. Stamkos recently made this point and he’s not the first player to say so. NHL players have incredible control over their bodies, and when a guy like Cooke is repeatedly hitting guys in the head, elbowing them, kneeing them, etc. it is not an accident. He knows what he is doing out there and he should not get the benefit of the doubt.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 22, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
And this is why a 15 year old who robs a convenience store is given a lighter sentence than a 40 year old who robs a convenience store. By a certain age, you should just damn well know better what is acceptable.
Like Bruce said, it’s not his first rodeo. By now, if he doesn’t know that angling a shoulder to an opponent’s head, smashing a knee into someone else’s to essentially clothesline them, and angling an elbow up, will most assuredly cause injury, and why that isn’t a problem, the player should not be allowed to play any longer.
This isn’t even to cover the other instances that happen completely after play, like when he lifted his leg to swipe his skate at Osgood.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
It was the heat of the moment.
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by Steckel Me Elmo on Mar 22, 2011 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions
You’re on fire with the South Park today.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
I hear what you’re saying, but Cooke’s actions HAVE ended a player’s career. Hitting a guy in the head when you could have hit him in the body — or not at all — doesn’t belong in the game. It’s not a hockey play, it’s incredibly dangerous and needlessly so. Additionally, the repeat offender thing indicates that he doesn’t get it, he sees nothing wrong with what he does. He could be like Chris Simon…incredibly nice, great guy off the ice. On the ice he doesn’t have that line telling him that maybe this is a very very bad idea.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
Speaking of the penguins, pretty impressive by them to lose yet another player, play in back to back days, on the road, and still manage to come away with a gimmick victory.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
If Detroit hadn’t been sleep-walking in the first, they’d have won that one in regulation, even without Datsyuk, etc.
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I was wondering why they didn’t go with Zetter in the SO. Even though he’s 0-3 on the season I’d of gone with him over Cleary.
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Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Some games that go to OT, you can see both teams waiting for the SO. Not that one. That game is the latest all-inclusive argument against the SO. Would have loved to keep watching them battle in OT.
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by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Damn right. I tuned in when it went to 4-4 hoping to see the complete Pittsburgh collapse. I didn’t get what I wanted, but I did get one hell of an exciting OT.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
I prefer the “they blew a 4-0 lead” part.
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And blew it pretty fast. If the Caps had done that I don’t think too many of us would be praising them for their gritty effort.
Maybe something that rhymes with “gritty.”
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by J.P. on Mar 22, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Witty?
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Mar 22, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Start with the “sh” sound and go from there.
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by red army line on Mar 22, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
“Shotty,” that is. Like in “shot” because it’d definitely be with 50 shots.
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by red army line on Mar 22, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
/slant rhymed
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by OviWankenobi on Mar 22, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Coincidentally this is the broadway version of the show I worked on a month ago.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Oh come on...
the word JP is looking for is clearly “pithy”
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
How did the Red Wings not score on that shorthanded 2-on-1 late in regulation? Was it Helm or Abdelkader who completely blew an opportunity at an open cage? That game should’ve ended 5-4 Wings in regulation.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Inconsistency… Even the Red Wings do it?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
With the rebounds Howard was leaving out there, the Wings got lucky he didn’t give up 8 goals.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
and most of you doubted me last week when I said the Wings were capable of shitting the bed on any given night.
but dear god did Jimmy Howard suck donkey balls last night.
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Abdelkader’s pass on the 2on1 was behind Helm, so he had to reach back for it and couldn’t elevate it to the top half of the net with the time he had and the speed he was going.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 12:43 PM EDT up reply actions
Speaking of Letang…I was less than impressed when, against NYR, on the Stepan goal, he kept on skating by. If he stops, he prevents that goal.
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by red army line on Mar 22, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s got incredible talent, but it takes many years to become a great blueliner in this league. It’ll be a few more before he’s got the defensive decisionmaking skills to complement his offense.
It’s the same reason why Hannan is so solid for us. Experience.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t judge that one too harshly. It looked to me that he wanted to make sure he wasn’t screening Fleury. If he stopped, it might have hit him, sure. But it also could’ve missed him and he wouldn’ve been a perfect screen. Maybe in the end, he made the wrong decision because it went in regardless but I’m guessing that was his thinking.
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I wouldn’t have, either, but ending up by the half-wall??? Seems like his play has tailed off a bit (not just points) in the last couple of weeks.
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by red army line on Mar 22, 2011 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions
They’re an exceptionally well-coached team, and they’ve got great D and good goaltending. I’d also argue they’ve got a good deal more offensive talent than, say, Phoenix or Nashville, even with Crosby and Malkin out.
But remember, they’ve been missing at least one of Crosby/Malkin/Staal almost the whole season (I think the WC was one of the only times all 3 played) so they’ve spent most of the season adapting to missing one or more of those key forwards. Just like how Marcus has developed into a 2C/3C role, the Pens have had a lot of time (and the need) to develop their other players to fill the gaps
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I disagree. They have been up and down offensively since Crosby’s last game against the Lightning. I think people see a big score or two and then tend to forget the 5 shutouts. Pens have scored an average of 2.4 goals a game since Crosby went out. During that same time period the Preds have scored an average of 2.6 goals a game and Coyotes 2.9 goals.
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by Carl Putnam on Mar 22, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Simply going from Jan 5 on doesn’t tell the true story of Jordan Staal getting back up to speed, Chris Kunitz and Mark Letestu getting hurt (and coming back on) plus integrating guys like Neal and Kovalev to the team.
I think the Pens are doing better lately (averaging 4 goals in last 4 games) and while obviously that won’t continue so high, I still think the Pens ought to have enough firepower down the stretch…Especially with a relatively lax schedule of defensive teams that includes Florida twice, Atlanta, TB and NYI.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
How did poor Florida get so lucky to have the Pens and Caps twice in the last two weeks of the season?
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Schedule makers giving Gary’s darling teams a nice ramp up for the playoffs, methinks. Not so fun being lumped in with Pittsburgh, is it :)
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 11:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Eh, I don’t buy that too much. I think schedules are schedules and don’t really directly intend on making it easier or harder on any teams.
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by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
That could be it too, didn’t mean to wave a conspiracy flag.
And if Pittsburgh (or Washington) ends up getting “easier” games at the end of the season, it just means that Philadelphia (or Tampa) had that same benefit at the beginning of the year.
Since the schedule is more or less balanced for inter-divisional teams, there’s not much too it. I don’t think they spend a lot of time thinking “will Ottawa or Florida be bad this year, let’s put a strong team against them at the end” or anything like that.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I am slowly realizing that I often say things that come off as accusatory or pushy without intention.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
No worries. I mainly wanted to clarify previous comments for the larger audience, not trying to be defensive but expansive.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I gotcha.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:11 AM EDT up reply actions
Read your sig
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 22, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
( < grin > )
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Mar 22, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Hey fuck you buddy!
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions
They pretty much are; you’ve got to submit blackout dates for your arena/venue to the scheduler and go from there (paraphrasing Mark Cuban, whosays the NBA schedule maker is the second-most important guy in the league).
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by Bald Pollack on Mar 22, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
How did poor Florida get so lucky to have the Pens and Caps twice in the last two weeks of the season?
Trying to sell some tickets even though the season’s been over for awhile?
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Mar 22, 2011 12:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Honestly, though, any start date is where you start. Stats can be used in really any way, and they don’t show trends, they don’t even reflect them. In the last four games, the Penguins were hot in the offensive zone. That’s pretty much the only trend that matters right now.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree, WM. I didn’t put much weight personally on that stat I levied, just meaning to show that depending on where you start is how things look.
I tend to think the past few games (where Kunitz is back in gear) is a little more representative of the team as an offensive unit…But that stretch includes OTT and EDM, so take it FWIW. Before the week’s over, Pens play NJD and PHI. We’ll learn a lot there.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Stats suck too. If the Caps get Ovechkin, Green, Arnott, Backstrom, Varly, Fehr, Poti and the rest completely back from injuries at game 1 in the playoffs, what stats do you point at?
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought the lesson was learned here that all stats go out the window when the playoffs start..
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
I was trying to imply that. Injuries just complicate things further.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions
You could argue the same types of things for both the Preds and the Coyotes. Not like those teams haven’t had injuries and trades disrupt their chemistry. Hell I’d argue the Preds situation is similar to the Pens. They’ve been decimated at center this season. The Coyotes have played there last 7 games without their best center.
I’m not trying to denigrate the Pens. Byslma has done a great job given the situation. I was just responding to the offensive talent comment.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 22, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I understand what you mean, CP, we probably just disagree.
I’d take:
Kunitz, Staal, Kennedy, Kovalev, Neal and Letestu
over
Doan, Whitney, Vrbata, Korpikopski, Belanger, Stempniak
I’d also take the Pens offense over:
Erat, Little Tits, Legwand, Hornqvist, Wilson, Ward.
(Just grabbed the Pens current top 6 forwards and put them up against the top six scoring forwards for each team).
I guess I wouldn’t expect you or someone like CB to agree, but I still would say the Pens have the edge. Not that we’re judging the Miss America pageant here or anything.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Man, I feel so much better about the (healthy)Caps heading into the Spring now. Thanks!
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep, when the games are played on paper the Caps will be sitting pretty.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
When the games have been played on the ice the Caps have been siting pretty as well. At least when they face the Pens . . .
Let’s not give him an opportunity to reference May of 2009…
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:23 PM EDT up reply actions
The Coyotes and Preds are extremely well-coached, and its about the crest on the front of the sweater, not the name on the back.
Its really a pointless exercise, but if you’re looking at this with the idea of who you’d take in a seven game series, I’d think long and hard about picking PHX or NSH to top PIT w/o 87 and 71.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Mar 22, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I wasn’t even considering picking a seven game series, just looking at forward skill in the lineup. It is largely unimportant, if anything Pittsburgh will have to win this spring like Nashville/Phoenix tries to with a good all-around team effort and not the stars.
But, I’d argue most all teams do that. Detroit is much the same, but they have a Datsyuk and a Zetterberg to give them the extra bit of push for success. The other teams in this example, don’t. (Though I do think Crosby will be back for playoffs).
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, sure – Nashville’s pretty much outclassed by the entire NHL as far as forward skill, but you’re looking at apples and oranges. That’s not how they want to beat you.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Mar 22, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
And missing Matt Lombardi, Steve Sullivan, Cal O’Reilly, and Marcel Goc takes a crapload of “forward skill” out of the equation.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Mar 22, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I’ll let CB take on the Preds part if he wishes.
I’ll certainly give you Staal over Belanger and Neal over any of the other Yotes wingers. The rest are a bit of a wash.
You have to keep in mind the Yotes have more depth though than the Pens. Their roster wasn’t built to be top loaded like the Pens roster was. The big plus the Yotes have going into the playoffs is their 4 lines are fairly balanced which doesn’t allow teams to focus on just shutting down one or two lines.
Their reputation from last year, Tippet’s focus on defense first, and their lack of a big goal scorer masks the fact that they are a better offensive team this year.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on Mar 22, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I heart Korpikoski.
Rice is great if you're really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 22, 2011 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Someone contact SBN support. Yotesgurl has hacked into RB’s account.
All kidding aside, I think the only people who don’t are Rangers fans. They expected too much out of him and too soon because he was a 1st round pick.
You know me I’ve got a thing for guys who are good penalty killers, so I’ve loved him ever since GMDM brought him in. This season he’s looking to score and the results have been great. His speed creates so many opportunities.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
I could definitely see him playing on the Caps teams of the mid-late 80s. He would fit right in with the Bengts and the rest. Of course, I picked a time before GMGM took over the reins managerially.
Rice is great if you're really hungry and want to eat two thousand of something.
by Rather Bengt on Mar 22, 2011 1:28 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not sure you can prove that statistically, and lets be honest – they’re (Pittsburgh) not going to be the same team in the playoffs if Sid and Geno aren’t there.
"Nothing." - Tuukka Rask, after being asked what he saw on Shea Weber's game winner in overtime.
by Chris Burton on Mar 22, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
it’ll be just like the second round last season when Sid and Geno didn’t bother to show up for most of the games.
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I feel like if Sid DOES return for the 1st round, he won’t be the same Sid who was scoring 1.6 points per game, and he’ll break up a lot of the chemistry that the Pens have created in his absence.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
very true. I’m going to stick by my prediction that the earliest he’s back in round 2.
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I’ll take the under. He’s been symptom free for almost a month now* and is starting to ramp up in terms of skating and off-ice workouts on the same day. Playoffs start in three weeks. Why hold him out two more, especially when it’s no guarantee?
*they won’t come out and tell you that, so trust me :)
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
If true then good for him.
"Hockey won’t hold still for a portrait. To gain a glimpse inside you join it in progress—just as the players do."--epilogue of 24/7
by capsyoungguns on Mar 22, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he’ll play in a regular season game or two before the playoffs, personally.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:08 PM EDT up reply actions
This is Sid’s first concussion, right? Can anyone recall an athlete missing three months with a first concussion?
his first documented NHL concussion. I’m sure hes had others that were minor or happened when he was younger.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
I had heard the opposite(he’s so good at protecting himself, this is his first time dealing with such an injury, etc.) but who really knows…
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
As far as I know, that’s accurate.
But It’s just as cut and dry as his “first” concussion. He suffered two pretty serious head traumas within 5 days. Sort of similar to Mike Green (though the puck to the head may not have been a true concussion, who knows).
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
I was just speculating based on what I know of contact sports players. I’ve had good friends who were key players on their high school football teams get multiple minor concussions in a season and not think anything of it. This was like 15 years ago, of course.
Suspend Colin Campbell!
In January Crosby couldn’t watch TV or drive an automobile without having problems….His concussion was probably a little more severe than what you’re comparing it with.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Right. . . that’s the point. You’re saying it’s not possible that Sid’s gotten a minor concussion in the past and not known it?
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Mar 22, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Anything’s possible, I’m saying this was the first instance of any significance.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 12:56 PM EDT up reply actions
But none have been have been reported?
If not this seems a like a really long lay-off to me. If I’m a Pittsburgh fan I’m a little worried about the future.
Every concussion is different and IMO, if someone suffers a serious head injury, a team/trainer/doctor should be cautious and take a lot of time. Based on what information has been released since he’s been sidelined, I think fans should be pleased they are being cautious.
As a fan of the game of hockey and hoping that people do not suffer debilitating injuries that impact their life, I still think they should keep him out for the rest of the season and give him the season and summer to continue to heal. The statement is based on how long they have held him out at this point and not based on any specific knowledge about his situation beyond what we know from reports.
We’ve learned that caution is the only the way to go. And the reason they’ve been waiting so long is that Sid’s still been symptomatic 10+ weeks after the injury.
I feel that’s unusual for a first concussion and could be bad news for the future of Crosby’s career. We all know that each concussion increases the chances of future ones (which is why I’m a little nervous about Mike Green). If Sid’s first concussion means the loss of half an NHL season, what might the next one mean? Or the one after that?
I’m not rooting for Sid to have injury issues – I want a Bird/Magic thing with Ovi and Sid for the next ten years – I’m just saying if I’m a Pens fan I’m nervous.
I’m just saying if I’m a Pens fan I’m nervous
There’s no reason to be, several of your key details are flat out wrong. He hasn’t had symptoms for quite some time now and is progressing to fairly strenuous exercise on and off the ice.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Flat-out wrong" eh? On March 14 Crosby said he had been without symptoms for “a few days.”
From Jan. 5 to that point is right at ten weeks, no?
There were liberties taken in the definition of a “few” there, and I think you read it a little too literally…
Crosby and Malkin were at a concert on February 26 (I’ll spare the detail of who). It was a pop show, lots of noise, fireworks, etc….Not something someone afraid of getting a headache would probably do.
And to bookend that- in January when Crosby went on a vacation he admitted he didn’t even stay out in the sun too long, because he couldn’t handle the brightness…
Crosby’s symptoms persisted for several weeks (but not 10) and they have gradually cleared and he has made a lot of progression, especially lately.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Sparing the detail of who? Too bad I can’t read your poker face.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Busted.
(They also shared a suite with Comrie and the Duffster)
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
My apologies for thinking you meant what you wrote.
My information comes from the player’s public statements. Crosby himself said he was without symptoms for the first time a few days prior to March 14.
Unless you have something that counters that, this tells us tells his concussion symptoms lasted roughly 2 1/2 months.
Ok, you go entirely off of public statements* and I’ll pay close attention to everything that’s going on and we’ll see who’s closer to the truth. Ignorance is bliss, right?
*You must really enjoy a GMGM press conference too, huh?
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on Mar 22, 2011 1:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If you’re asking whether I trust the word of Sidney Crosby over your speculation as to what his attendance at a concert might mean, the answer is I’m going to go with the player.
Common sense tells us if Crosby only had symptoms for a few weeks the doctors wouldn’t have made him wait to get back on the ice until mid-March.
I saw recent video of Crosby practicing …looked pretty impressive to me. And why would 87 or the Pens give a detailed honest update ….you know the Caps would never do such a thing. Crosby looks like he’s getting close.
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
I’ll answer your question with a question: Why would 87 or the Pens give an account of his injury that makes it seem worse than it really is?
And if he only experienced concussion symptoms for a 4-6 weeks why wasn’t he even allowed to skate on his own until March 14th?
I have no doubt Crosby is fine now. I just think it should be concerning for Western PA-types that it’s probably going to take three months for him to get back into a game.
What happens next season when a douche like Derek Stepan decides to give him an elbow near the boards?
Why would 87 or the Pens give an account of his injury that makes it seem worse than it really is?
Well, it would make perfect sense if it was wrestling.
This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!
That is basically my guess as to what will happen…the prodigal son reurns to much ballyhoo and accolades. and proceeds to carry the team to victory
Hey, sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy motherfucker.
I’m assuming you’re talking about Ovi, and I agree. He’ll be back in a week of so ready to tear up the playoffs like he always does.
Not sure about the Pens, though. They could be in trouble (again) if the end up with the Habs
by LucyImHome on Mar 22, 2011 4:04 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Your odd Penguins stat for the day. Since the all-star break…
Number games played against Eastern Conference playoff-eligible teams: 9
Number of wins in regulation: 2…both against Buffalo
If you've read this far...seek help.
And on the other hand, by my count the Caps only have 8 wins vs playoff teams since the all-star break.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Go 8-6 in the first 2 rounds of the playoffs, and you’re through to the conference finals…
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
And on the other hand, by my count the Caps only have 8 wins vs playoff teams since the all-star break.
It would be down to 5 wins for the Caps against Eastern bound playoff teams in regulation (which was the original wacky qualifier).
The Pens true record vs all playoff bound teams is 5-5-3 — includes an OT win over Boston and 2 shootout win.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
“will you still need me, will you still feed me…”
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Tom Poti is allergic to days that end in Y.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Do you suppose Poti is allergic to his own groin?
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Are there any jokes I can make that won’t get me banned?
by DrinkingPartner on Mar 22, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
“That’s how my cousin Walter died.”
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 3:11 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
That one got out of here in a hurry.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Mar 22, 2011 3:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Where did you hear that?
I don’t have much tolerance for stupid. Or cheese on food that doesn’t need it. -duck
by twistedlogic on Mar 22, 2011 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Capitals Insider yesterday:
Jason Arnott has missed the last three games with a groin injury, according multiple sources with knowledge of the situation. The Capitals center, who is officially listed as week-to-week with an undisclosed injury, skated for roughly 10 minutes prior to team practice this morning at KCI in warmup gear. He did laps around the rink rather gingerly, but Coach Bruce Boudreau said afterward that the veteran said he "felt good; that’s a positive sign."
Groin injury denied by Vogel in the Caps report.
Buy or sell?
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Ehhhhh, too close to call. Vogel gets paid by the team, and the team lies about injuries… But Katie hasn’t been a superstar on the beat, either.
Verdict: who the fuck knows. He’ll be back soon enough.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
I believe Katie over Vogs 99/100 times when it comes to injuries.
Dale Hunter would punch the 2010-2011 Caps right in the Kidneys
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Arnott was standing too close to Poti when the weekly Poti Groin Explosion happened. Collateral damage.
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This is what it looks like to try and hug someone after a goal…and miss.
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If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
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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 22, 2011 11:03 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
@DNFlyers
Jody Shelley has a fractured orbital bone, needs surgery tomorrow, will be out 4 weeks according to Paul Holmgren. Took puck in face yestrdy
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Sucks. He’s such an integr…Couldn’t say that with a straight face.
In all seriousness, hope he gets well soon. That always sucks.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
This means King doesn’t have to play!
Oh, damn it.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
It’s still the Flyers.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:06 AM EDT up reply actions
King vs. a slice of bread.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
no movement on playoff standings, so not going to post today.
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Announcing a reclusion from posting with a post!
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
by Whiter Mage on Mar 22, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I know I'm getting way ahead of myself...
…but I recently was thinking about this and thought it would be an interesting question to pose. If it comes down to Varlamov signing an offer sheet this summer, at what point do you walk away and take the picks? The compensation scale below is for the 2010-2011, but I don’t think it will change that much for next summer.
Obviously what happens the rest of this season will play a big role in any potential decision, but I don’t think you even consider not matching until he gets into the $3+ mil range. That may be unlikely, but then again I never thought Anderson or Niemi would be getting over $3 mil for 4 years either.
$994,433 or below None
$994,433 to $1,506,716 3rd round pick
$1,506,716 to $3,013,434 2nd round pick
$3,013,434 to $4,520,150 1st and 3rd round pick
$4,520,150 to $6,026,867 1st, 2nd, and 3rd round pick
$6,026,867 to $7,533,584 Two 1st’s, one 2nd, one 3rd round pick
$7,533,584 Four 1st round picks
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 22, 2011 11:15 AM EDT reply actions
I’d sure take the first and third. I wonder what team would offer-sheet him, though. I’m thinking Tampa, Phoenix, Calgary, CBJ…can’t think of any other team without a plan in net at the moment.
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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 22, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions
Calgary still has Kipprusoff for now… he will likely be Plan A for them first. They’d only look for another goalie if he walked.
Washington Capitals 2009-10 = Quebec Nordiques 1994-95
--- D'ohboy
by MikeL-Pivonka on Mar 22, 2011 2:48 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s kind of old now, and their farm system is pretty bare at all positions. Wouldn’t be bad for ’em to pick up a young goalie and try to develop the guy.
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If you don't know how to use Timeonice, read this.
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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 22, 2011 8:30 PM EDT up reply actions
If it’s over $3M, walk away. Possibly even before that point. At $1.5M or lower, definitely sign him.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
Anything in that “2nd round pick” bracket, and you have to walk away. It’s just too rich for a constantly injured goalie, regardless of skill.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Below $2M, I’d still seriously consider signing him. Above that…. probably not. Although a 2nd rounder for him wouldn’t be bad. That can be converted into another player, if it’s not used to get a prospect.
Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?
We won’t know his July value until we see what happens in the postseason… But with Neuvy signed at $1.15MM, I’d question paying Varly significantly more.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:39 AM EDT up reply actions
Look at it this way. If the Caps keep Neuvy and Holtby they will be spending around $1.9 million a year for the next two years for a damn good goalie tandem.
I get the feeling that Varly wants to get paid and is asking for a lot more than Neuvy’s #.
It is a HUGE advantage for a team to get good goaltending and only have to spend $1.9 million a year as you have a lot more money to spend on other positions. The Red Wings have gone a long way with this strategy.
The Red Wings just agreed to pay Howard $4.5 million for two years and they’re paying Osgood $1.1 million now…so if they keep Osgood, they’ll be spending about $3.35 million on both goalies. It’s still not a huge number, but surely more than the $1.9 million the Caps have managed to keep with their goalies.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions
FYI, those are the 2009 numbers above;
2010 per nhl.com:
OFFER COMPENSATION
$1,020,348 or below None
Over $1,020,348 to $1,545,981 Third-round choice
Over $1,545,981 to $3,091,963 Second-round choice
Over $3,091,963 to $4,637,944 First-round and third-round choice
Over $4,637,944 to $6,183,925 First-round, second-round and third-round choice
Over $6,183,925 to $7,729,907 Two first-round choices, one second- and one third-round choice
Over $7,729,907 Four first-round choices
As to the question, the good news from my perspective is that I believe the only way he’d be offer sheeted (and he’d have to sign the offer sheet, of course) at a number the Caps would walk away from is if he stayed healthy the rest of the season and put up stellar numbers.
It’s nuts. The Senators are spectacularly bad.
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Florida Panthers practicing in NY area…
- Clemmensen out
- Plante recalled, but not there yet…
“Marty Reasoner’s brother Adam, fresh off Wall Street, in goal for #FlaPanthers practice”
(OnFrozenPond George Richards)
Has he ever played hockey or do people just want to shoot projectiles at someone from Wall Street?
Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson
Anyone interested in going to Philly tonight? $100 for bus and suit ticket!
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i’d be tempted, but i don’t want my first roadie to be an impulse trip to, of all places, philly.
even as big as i am, i probably won’t be able to deter asshole-ness from people as drunk as the ones at the arena will be.
Nothing wrong with impulse trips.
Quite a bit wrong with Philly fans.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
Paging Digamus
BSH needs your assistance: http://www.broadstreethockey.com/2011/3/22/2064749/tuesday-morning-fly-by-ovechkin-stays-home#61987329
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 11:37 AM EDT reply actions
Er, Dimagus. Yeah, that’s it.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions
There are some join requirements you just can't abide by
1. Worship the Bullies, Pelle Lindbergh, the Orange and Black, Kate Smith, Gene Hart, and the Spectrum.
2. Treat others as you’d like to be treated.
3. Don’t do anything Sidney Crosby would do.
Not feeling great about this injury-pummeled lineup...
@kcarrera
Lines at the #caps morning skate: 21-19-28, 25-90-22, 18-15-10, 17-83-26-16. We’ll see in a little bit if Fehr will be in today.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:44 AM EDT reply actions
Yea, I’m convinced the caps will lose, but it’s gonna be friggen fun!
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The only thing that has changed from last week to this week is Ovi. I think Ovi is amazing, but I give the team a heck of a lot more credit than to suggest that it collapses without Ovi. I mean, there are quite a few players who are talented in their own right even if we’re without Ovi.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 11:49 AM EDT up reply actions
It’s more the combinations than just the loss of Ovi. Backstrom has been playing like crap lately, and Chimera does NOT belong on a 2nd line.
Plus, it was Flash who rescued the offense last year when Ovi was out. Our only hope is to play a trap-heavy game, and hope that Semin awakens and Mojo-Knuble continue to be magical.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d prefer Mojo play 1L for a game. See how the Swedes paly together. Let Laich be 2C
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Big-time agree. I love the MoJo-Baxter combo. It worked vs Vancouver! And Laich has been enjoying his time at C lately, let him keep it up.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions
I expect the lines will change a few more times before and throughout the game, so I’m not concerned with the line combinations as they are right now. Obviously, it’ll have to depend on what is actually working during the game.
by redpezrocket on Mar 22, 2011 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions
Darren Eliot need to read the Caps’ roster. Sergei Varlamov? (NHL Live now)
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Injury on their blue line we don’t know about yet?
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think so; as I look at the roster, I think once they sent Gustafsson down they didn’t have a 7th dman. Also, sounds like they called him up after the morning skate.
I know I’m late to the party, and this may have been discussed already. But in the CI Goalie article stating Varly as the clear gunner for the playoffs…it seems that the weight for ‘competition’ is being weighed as THE most important and while Varly’s ‘competition played against’ value is usually higher than neuvy’s, it’s usually only by a point.
My Point is, Neuvy has played more games than either of the other goalies and therefore has faced a much larger number of teams with differing ‘competition level’s’ so it only seems natural, or even worse, by chance that Neuvy’s number in that category would be lower than Varly’s.
Greenberg looked at even-strength scoring chances for
-all games
-when up 1 goal after two periods
-when tied after two periods
-the third period and OT
Varly has better numbers in every category. Additionally, Greenberg points out those numbers came against better competition.
True, but what I’m saying is that at some point number of games played NEEDS to play a serious role. If not just for the purpose of possibly explaining some of the “competition played” numbers.
Sample size is important, there is no doubt. I think if Varly had only played 8-10 games it might be more of a concern. But roughly 1/4 of an NHL season seems a decent measuring stick for this kind of metric.
At the end of the day I think the next three weeks will be more important. Varly will probably be in net starting this weekend. If he is just average I think Neuvy will be in goal for Game 1.
Actually, Varlamov doesn’t have better numbers in every category. Neuvirth beats him when up 1 goal after 2 periods by a fair amount (.909 to .857). Greenberg just gives the edge to Varlamov because of the difference in competition. That’s a very subjective decision to make. So I think it’s very fair to question the measure of competition, particularly since it is not really explained well at all in the article.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 22, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
I stand corrected. There was one stat where Neuvy did have superior numbers – up one goal after two periods.
A super-quick glance at that stats shows Neuvy being up one goal after two periods against: Ottawa, Carolina, Buffalo, Ottawa, Pittsburgh, Florida,
Varly has been up one goal after two periods against: Carolina, St. Louis, Carolina, Pittsburgh, Tampa Bay
Again, this was a just a fast look. I might have missed a game or two.
Varly’s ‘competition played against’ value is usually higher than neuvy’s, it’s usually only by a point.
So I think it’s very fair to question the measure of competition, particularly since it is not really explained well at all in the article.
yea, I really blew it on that one. In an attempt to make it easier I made it more confusing.
The competition metric is actually Rel Corsi of all the opponents on the ice for each scoring chance. Instead of using numbers like .043 and (.561) — which is hard to understand as a comparison — I scaled them from 1 to 10, with a 10 indicating the hardest competition faced by a goalie = highest Rel Corsi.
Good intentions. Bad execution on my part.
Blogger for Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) and WaPo's Capitals Insider
I also log the Caps scoring chances for 2010-11. The summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
The competition metric is actually Rel Corsi of all the opponents on the ice for each scoring chance. Instead of using numbers like .043 and (.561
Does this mean it’s not the team the goalie is facing as much as the quality of the players on the ice at the time? Like if a scoring chance came from the Blues’ first line it might be valued higher than Tampa Bay’s third or fourth line?
Yes. It is the overall quality of the line combos the goalie is facing.
If, for example, the chance (or goal) from the Blues was generated by a weaker line combo than say a Stamkos line, then I took that into account. And vice versa (as in your example).
Blogger for Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) and WaPo's Capitals Insider
I also log the Caps scoring chances for 2010-11. The summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Thanks for the clarification. I hope I didn’t come off as trying to rip your piece in my comment, because I thought it was pretty interesting despite the confusion about the competition.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Mar 22, 2011 6:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Not at all. Criticism was warranted and appreciated. Thanks for reading and thanks you for the feedback.
Blogger for Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) and WaPo's Capitals Insider
I also log the Caps scoring chances for 2010-11. The summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
while Varly’s ‘competition played against’ value is usually higher than neuvy’s, it’s usually only by a point.
See my explanation below, but that “one point” is actually equal to a standard deviation in Rel Cori “toughness,” so it is significant, IMO.
Sorry for so much confusion.
Blogger for Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) and WaPo's Capitals Insider
I also log the Caps scoring chances for 2010-11. The summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Thanks for all of the clarification. Really enjoyed the article (as well as your other stuff).
Bruce -- you define me.
Thank you for the kind words. I appreciate them.
Blogger for Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) and WaPo's Capitals Insider
I also log the Caps scoring chances for 2010-11. The summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
if there was ever a game i was not convinced the Caps would win, it’s this one.
oh well, fuck it, it’ll still hopefully be a good one.
any of you guys ever go to official Caps viewing parties? i’m trying to figure out if it’s worth schleping to alexandria tonight.
Filth, Filth, Filthadelphia!
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 22, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Not exactly inspiring considering they did the entire Philly metro area including a county in MD.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
eh, I just saw an excuse to make an Always Sunny reference.
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 22, 2011 3:02 PM EDT up reply actions
No excuse is too thin for such purposes.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 3:21 PM EDT up reply actions
That doesn’t sound right, but I don’t know enough about excuses to dispute it.
"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Mar 22, 2011 3:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Fleischmann interview (video) and update from Adrian Dater, Denver Post
http://blogs.denverpost.com/avs/2011/03/22/avalanches-fleischmann-skates-speaks/6716/
as well as this note in another update at the Denver Post: "Tomas Fleischmann, out since Jan. 18 with pulmonary emboli, skated with the team this morning for the first time since being sidelined. While Fleischmann called it “fun” and that he feels good these days, he will not play for the rest of the season."
Man, poor Flash… dude’s breathing like a sick bellows. :-( I hope the Avalanche take a chance and sign him again, but if he has a short season another time because of this or a similar problem, I’m wondering if he shouldn’t consider an early retirement, unfortunately.
Photography: I Rock the Red
Twitter: @IRockTheRed
E-mail: irockthered {at} gmail {dot} com
Well, first day back on the ice and looks like pretty much straight to the interview explains the breathing. Watching that, what I noticed was how serious he was and it is very understandable given what he’s been going through, but I’m so used to seeing his sense of humor shine through in interviews.
I imagine he’s going to have to have some long conversations with the doctors and any team considering signing him will do the same. Best of luck to him for a healthy future … and to be able to return to play in the NHL.
Of note, the last 5 of the Flyers’ games have been of the 1-goal nature, in which they went 3-1-1. Should be a good one tonight, perhaps decided in the SO.
Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson
My relish for the stretch run has faded into hoping that everyone gets healthy for the playoffs…
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Hear, hear. It’s getting ridiculous out there. Green, Ovechkin, Arnott… Key pieces. Any one of them missing in April would be really brutal.
by Berube Doobie Doo on Mar 22, 2011 5:36 PM EDT up reply actions
On NHL network currently, moronic interview with Flyers tv guy (Jim Jackson). “Do the Flyers know the commitment it takes to win the Cup?” “Do the Flyers want to make a statement against the Caps tonight?” “Do the Flyers want to win the East?” Mush.
My '64 Falcon is a hybrid - it burns both gasoline and rubber.
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