Saturday Caps Clips: Seventh Inning Stretch

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 8:34 AM EST in Caps Clips

Cakes on the griddle and your savory Saturday brunch links:

Japers' Rink Radio hits the interwaves today at 10 Eastern. Pepper and Russell welcome Ed Frankovic back to the studio as they evaluate the Capitals' trade deadline moves and take a look at how the team shapes up for the upcoming stretch run. [JRR]
Semyon Varlamov's season of frustration got even more frustrating as it was announced that he is not traveling with the team to Florida and will, in fact, be on the shelf "for 7-10 days." Выздоравливайте скорее, Семён. [CI, SportingNews]
Fortunately, Michal Neuvirth seems poised and ready to claim the net for his own... [DCEx, ProHockeyTalk]
...while ripples spread up and down the organization. With Braden Holtby up in DC for an unknown amount of time, the Hershey Bears have acquired Nolan Schaefer on loan from the Providence Bruins (though they likely needed the veteran support whether Holtby was there or not). [TheAHL.com, Patriot-News]
In case you missed it in the overnight hours, go read this delightful translated interview with one of the head cheeses of the Russian national hockey team, in town to check on the Sashas and a mysteriously absent Semyon. [Japers' Rink]
It's Dennis Wideman Day!
- A trade that came out of the blue... [CI]
- ...and a power play that can dare to hope again. [CI]
- Apparently folks are still trying to wrap their heads 'round the new-look Caps. [SportingNews]
- Make that the new new-look Caps, with a fresh injection of veteran insight and leadership. [SB Nation DC]
Speedy linemates are speedy. Now to work on the finishing. [CI]
Don't call it a comeback, but Alex Ovechkin is coming back. Prepare yourselves. [Chirps from the Ledge]
Oh hai there, Mike Green hosting hockey on the White House lawn. [NBC Washington]
Get caught up on all the Hershey scoop in this chat with Tim Leone. Takeaways: Andrew Gordon is officially week-to-week, new D-prospect Orlov officially spells his first name with a "y", and yes, NHL executives are officially taking note of the excellent performance of Bears head coach Mark French. [Patriot-News]
And finally, we don't often find cause to link to the US Department of Defense, but we do when they have a report on the 8th annual Military Appreciation Night, hosted by Ted Leonsis on Thursday night. Thank you to the men and women standing watch for us all 'round the world. Salute. [DoD]

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Riggs: I think it’s time for the seventh inning stretch. [pause] That’s a baseball expression.
Rika: I know. But we’re only up to the fourth inning.
Riggs: Batter up!

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Mar 5, 2011 8:35 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

Seems like the media is putting the cart before the horse on the change in play style for the Caps. IIRC, the Caps were absolutely woeful at scoring with the old high scoring system this year, and in the middle of an 8 game losing streak made the changes to a more defensive system.

In a way, it was perfect timing. Many think that the Caps were never going to win in the post season without playing a more defensive grinding game, and with the old way not working in the regular season, it was the perfect time to switch systems and get player buy-in from the get go.

But lets not confuse the timing of that change and try to pretend that the Caps were blowing teams out of the building and suddenly decided to stop. They were playing horribly and desperately needed to make some changes.

by HateOffSeason on Mar 5, 2011 9:17 AM EST reply actions 2 recs

Agreed, for the most part – the change in system/philosophy had everything to do with personnel and what was/wasn’t working and little to do with a conscious effort to get more responsible for the sake of getting more responsible. They changed b/c they weren’t scoring – not vice versa.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Mar 5, 2011 9:54 AM EST up reply actions

it’s astonishing how many people get this wrong—both media people and fellow fans at verizon. if BB is fired at the end of the season, the story told 10 years from now will read “boudreau messes with a good thing, gets canned.”

…good thing we have the japers’ rink archives!

by Natty Bumppo on Mar 5, 2011 11:43 AM EST up reply actions

…good thing we have the japers’ rink archives!

And the japers’ rink archivist!

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:07 PM EST up reply actions

really the search tool is just ridiculously easy to use. (i don’t want that secret to get out though, or i’ll be out of a job.)

by Natty Bumppo on Mar 5, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

They won’t hear that from me. Pinky swear!

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions

As a team up against the salary cap with guys on LTIR, and an injured goalie on an entry level contract, is there a reason we aren’t sending Varly down to sit on Hershey’s roster to try to bank a little cap space in case some of those guys get healthy?

Or is Varly’s contract such a small amount that it really wouldn’t make a difference in the time left before the playoffs/he gets healthy?

by HateOffSeason on Mar 5, 2011 9:24 AM EST reply actions

You can’t demote injured players (other than for rehab assignment, at which point they aren’t injured). Further, once you’re making use of LTIR, you aren’t banking any space. And yeah, Varly’s daily cap hit is relatively small.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Mar 5, 2011 9:55 AM EST up reply actions

Thanks. Somehow didn’t realize you couldn’t send down injured players.

by HateOffSeason on Mar 5, 2011 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

That’s one of the most common grounds for player grievances. I’d imagine that’s especially true for players on two-way deals because of the amount of money at stake.

First Round Exit! (Clap Clap ClapClapClap) First Round Exit!

by Rob Parker on Mar 5, 2011 1:34 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Not allowed per the CBA. Cannot quote chapter and verse, however.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 1:43 PM EST up reply actions

A team can send down an injured player only if the player was on NHL Recall, had played less than 10 games, or had been on the roster less than 30 days. Otherwise, the player can not be sent down until “appropriate medical clearance is granted.” (Section 13.6) So, Varly can not go down.

An uninjured Varly can be sent down until he plays 60 games in the NHL. Right now he’s played 56. (Section 13.4) Once he plays 60 games, he has to go through waivers.

by Karl W on Mar 5, 2011 2:19 PM EST up reply actions

Isn’t there an exemption for ELCs or something?

My blog and Twitter, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
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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 5, 2011 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

No. Waivers based on age when NHL contract signed and games played.

This sig is brought to you by... Frungy, The Sport of Kings!

by apk3000 on Mar 5, 2011 6:25 PM EST up reply actions

Btw, the “What We’re Reading” sidebar seems to be back to functioning normally. Dunno what was up with it.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Mar 5, 2011 10:03 AM EST reply actions

Hmmm….. mysterious.

Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson

by jaytown99 on Mar 5, 2011 10:49 AM EST up reply actions

It still doesn’t work for me. On any of my browsers….

by shef on Mar 5, 2011 12:38 PM EST up reply actions

Same here.

by Seminrocks on Mar 5, 2011 3:07 PM EST up reply actions

I finally got it back too, at least in Firefox

I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!

by RockinRed4Life on Mar 5, 2011 3:31 PM EST up reply actions

Working for me on Chrome.

Matt Bradley: He has sensitive skin, no?

by timmyv38 on Mar 5, 2011 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

Here's a pic from the translated Sport-Express article

Ovie, Semin, Nazarov

by vtcapsfan99 on Mar 5, 2011 11:05 AM EST reply actions

One of these people dresses reasonably normal.

Aim for the head baby Jesus

by Doncosmic on Mar 5, 2011 11:23 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

The Russian one.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 11:37 AM EST up reply actions

Do not scoff at Sasha’s towels. That’s some advanced wrapping right there.

That'll make your weagle wink!

by boutros23 on Mar 5, 2011 11:42 AM EST up reply actions

Those towels should have weagles embroidered on ’em.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

Seeing Sasha freshly showered and Ovi not made me immediately think Chimera wasn’t far off when he recently commented about his, um, scent.

"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.

by bagace on Mar 5, 2011 12:22 PM EST up reply actions

C’mon, Ovi had SRZ NAT’L TEAM BZNZ to attend to. Who has time for showers?

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

Betcha he could make ’em wink.

Patron saint of quality footwear.

by fat_daddyo on Mar 5, 2011 12:35 PM EST up reply actions

Surprised just a bit that 28 doesn’t have his hair tied up in a towel there.

"We know the answers have to come from this room," Hendricks said. "They're in here."

by bigonetimer on Mar 5, 2011 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

His towels should be purple, seemingly his favorite color. Only reason I ever thought he’d look good in a Kings sweater.

by Seminrocks on Mar 5, 2011 3:09 PM EST up reply actions

Nazarov = dork

Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson

by jaytown99 on Mar 5, 2011 3:02 PM EST up reply actions

In case you still weren’t sure, and as per JP’s retweet, Evgeny Kuznetsov has announced he’s definitely staying with the KHL for next season.

The best young Russian hockey player – 18-year-old Yevgeny Kuznetsov in the next season to continue his career in Chelyabinsk “Tractor”.

In an exclusive interview with “HP” rising star of Russian hockey stated the following.

“I’ve already decided. I remain to play for “Tractor” in the next championships. This decision is final and irrevocable. I hope that next season, an updated and enhanced “Tractor” show a more mature game and please the fans."

Link

And in possibly related news, his team announced they have a received a huge budget increase, are keeping head coach Belousov (plus his assistants), only four players from the current team (Kuz, his WJC teammate Anton Burdasov, and two others), and otherwise blowing the team up and starting over. Can you say free agent frenzy?

Also possibly related, Zhenya definitely dropped a hat trick on the Kuzntesk Bears (Orlov’s youth team) today as his “Polar Bears” punched their ticket to the Kharlamov Cup playoffs.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:03 PM EST reply actions

Link for the Traktor news

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:04 PM EST up reply actions

Some serious #blockquotefail going on in my post, sorry.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:09 PM EST up reply actions

Also, Kuznetsov remains WJC-eligible and Team Canada remains on notice. Perhaps Stan Galiev will get his shot at a junior medal next year.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

Boooooooooooo.

Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson

by jaytown99 on Mar 5, 2011 3:01 PM EST up reply actions

awesome pic hidden inside the NBC washington link

tweeted by ted starkey at the washington times:

last season we spent a thread trying to identify all the parties.

gouldie:

The moustachio’d men whose visages hang in the rafters are easy — that’s Langway in the jersey and Gartner with the jersey under his arm. The fella with the busted arm is Bobby Carpenter. And, of course, that’s Bob Gould behind the podium.

ed F:

Scott Stevens back left. Dave Christian between Rocket and Garts.

ed and gouldie couldn’t agree whether the guy behind the podium (in the USA jacket) was bob gould. i’m don’t think it is, since gould is canadian and we know this was a gathering of both caps and US olympic teamers. the noses look off to me, too. but i also can’t find the guy behind the podium in this 1984 team pic (part 1, part 2). phil verchota maybe? i’m stumped.

by Natty Bumppo on Mar 5, 2011 12:12 PM EST reply actions

President Reagan manages to look more dignified than most politicians when they do these sorts of events.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 12:18 PM EST up reply actions

agreed, politics aside, the guy looked the part.

by Natty Bumppo on Mar 5, 2011 12:24 PM EST up reply actions

What a great pic. And Ron was using my make and model on his lumber.

"We know the answers have to come from this room," Hendricks said. "They're in here."

by bigonetimer on Mar 5, 2011 12:34 PM EST up reply actions

Look how thick the sticks are. Amazing.

I don’t think that’s Bobby Gould. But he looks very familiar…

Reagan was a classy dude.

Patron saint of quality footwear.

by fat_daddyo on Mar 5, 2011 12:42 PM EST up reply actions

Def not Gould behind the podium. Al Jensen is behind Carpenter. Hmmm… is that Borat between Garts and Bush?

It’s all wrong, but it’s all right.

by OldPhil on Mar 5, 2011 1:09 PM EST up reply actions

What was the occasion (sorry if it’s already said somewhere – I don’t see).

I can resist anything, except temptation.

by alisterio on Mar 5, 2011 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

it’s inside the NBC washington link:

[Langway] was there with Mike Gartner, Scott Stevens and Co. for an event involving the U.S. Olympic hockey team and the Capitals in September 1983.

by Natty Bumppo on Mar 5, 2011 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

The US team was probably playing a preseason game here (I think I still have the program somewhere).

Aut bibat aut abeat.

by Bald Pollack on Mar 5, 2011 2:02 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Too bad for Varly – not sure if he’s just one of those fragile players or the training staff doesn’t know how to treat his injury, but he’s who I want between the pipes. Neuwirth has really played well lately though so I’m not complaining there either.

I can resist anything, except temptation.

by alisterio on Mar 5, 2011 1:29 PM EST reply actions

Oh, my. Alex Giroux called uo to the Oilers after Taylor Hall goes out for the season – just in time for a visit to Washington on Wednesday.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 1:30 PM EST reply actions

On former Bears, I see Helmer got signed to another year in OKC. Good for him.

"It's always good to have vikings."

"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."

by gfcaps fan on Mar 5, 2011 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

Wooo Bryan! That makes me oh-so-happy.

You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!

by EmilyB on Mar 5, 2011 1:40 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah, Roo!! Yeah Helmer!!

"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.

by bagace on Mar 5, 2011 1:50 PM EST up reply actions

What’s Russell from JRR’s handle here? I listen to him on the show and end up wanting to argue with him!

by Ginga on Mar 5, 2011 1:45 PM EST reply actions

Freakinandpeakin, or something like that.

"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.

by bagace on Mar 5, 2011 1:47 PM EST up reply actions

Thanks.

by Ginga on Mar 5, 2011 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

What do you want to argue about? :)

by freakinandpeakin on Mar 5, 2011 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

profile. skeptical about #55.

by Natty Bumppo on Mar 5, 2011 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

Fun fact: Adam McQuaid, rookie D for Boston, leads the NHL in plus minus. He plays 12-13 minutes per game at 5on5 and has played 50 games. His PDO is 108.8. His on-ice shooting percentage is just above 13% and his on ice save percentage is .956.

And minimum 40 GP, league leader in 5on5 on-ice save percentage? George Parros. That Hiller dude is having a great season, too.

by red army line on Mar 5, 2011 2:21 PM EST reply actions

For sake of comparison, Jeff Schultz led the league with a 106.9 PDO last season, shooting percentage 12.13, .945 sv%. (and Parros led the league last year, too).

by red army line on Mar 5, 2011 2:25 PM EST up reply actions

Parros drives SV%!

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 5, 2011 2:44 PM EST up reply actions

it’s the stache, yo.

"We know the answers have to come from this room," Hendricks said. "They're in here."

by bigonetimer on Mar 5, 2011 2:49 PM EST up reply actions

Elmo… my sis and I came up with a suitable replacement for your handle… It keeps with tradition but yet plans for the future too …

"Can you smell what the Arnott is Cooking?"

by TheFuryUnleashed on Mar 5, 2011 3:36 PM EST up reply actions

…go on.

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 5, 2011 5:07 PM EST up reply actions

Does Serena Williams have the same thing as Tomas Fleischmann? A pulmonary embolism?

Ah, beer. The cause of and the solution to all of life’s problems. - Homer Simpson

by jaytown99 on Mar 5, 2011 3:00 PM EST reply actions

Yeah, I heard somewhere that she did. Maybe on a Caps telecast, couldn’t see Flash being mentioned on sportscenter or anything.

by hockeyman33 on Mar 5, 2011 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

That is what I heard…or saw someone had posted here a few days ago….such a scary illness. I hope she and Flash get well soon! And it doesn’t continue to be a recurring problems as clots have been for Flash.

I like Laich, but I <3 Green
Keep the faith!!!!!!

by RockinRed4Life on Mar 5, 2011 3:50 PM EST up reply actions