Thursday Caps Clips
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 6:30 AM EDT
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- A few pivots that might interest the Caps' suits as they look to fill out their bottom two lines. [CSN Washington (Raby)]
- The Caps are sort of an Eastern, less teal-y version of the Sharks. [Peerless]
- D.J. King's year that was: 92 words on 91 minutes. [CI (Carrera)]
- Who knew that Alexander Semin was the second-best-liked Cap? [BtN]
- On a programming note, a double-shot of Rink Wraps (Matt Hendricks and Braden Holtby) comes your way later today.
- Memorial Cup update, via Em:
- With a 3-1 victory over the Owen Sound Attack, Brett Flemming and the Mississauga St. Michael's Majors have earned a spot in the Memorial Cup semifinal game. [Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, RLD]
- With the loss, the Attack have earned a spot in the tiebreaker game against Cody Eakin and the Kootenay Ice.
- Owen Sound may have to play without their two best players. Joey Hishon is still recovering from a Brayden McNabb elbow to the head, and captain Garrett Wilson left last night's game after a bad boarding. [Buzzing the Net]
- Owen Sound head coach Mark Reeds discusses Hishon's progress: "Truthfully, he's sitting in the dark in his room, so that doesn't bode well for him..."
- And on Wilson's injury: "As far as Garrett goes, when an athlete starts asking the same question over and over again, that's a concern. [Trainer] Andy Brown did the right thing by taking him out of the game. It's sport, it's an unfortunate part of sport. It's something we have to deal with.
- "Euro players are having a major impact on the Cup tournament. [Toronto Sun]
- "The officials are the ones who lose sleep." Two looks at some of the sketchy officiating at this tournament. [National Post, Toronto Sun]
- The puck drops at 7pm tonight for the tiebreaker game. Kootenay Ice @ Owen Sound Attack. Loser goes home, winner moves on to play the Majors in the semifinal game on Friday.
- Stan Galiev: lifelong Caps fan. [RMNB]
- Down goes Bykov! Down goes Bykov! [@IIHF]
- The Big O is headed to the K. [Canes Country]
- Finally, happy 35th birthday to Matt Herr (collegiate teammate of Mike Knuble, incidentally) and happy 52nd to Pat Riggin.
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Less teal-y, more congeal-y, too touchy-feely, not a favorite of Glenn Healy (really?), in need of a “Cam Neely,” wondering if George is feeling “deal-y”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 26, 2011 6:36 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs
Now I can go back to my Sealy … zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 26, 2011 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Blasted by Keeley, need to be more winged-wheel-y…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Instead of following Horace Greeley’s "Go West, young man, they’d be going Easterly instead.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Where they’d end up in the compost heap owned by Mrs. McFearley.
And he cocked both his pistols and he spit in the dirt; And he walked out into the street
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on May 26, 2011 8:56 AM EDT up reply actions
Excellent piece, Peerless. You had me nodding throughout.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Buh-bye, Bykov. I wish they would hire the world juniors coach Valery Bragin, but I don’t think they are considering him.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
That was my favorite news of the morning.
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
Per DChes on Twitter:
How effing great would those three have been on a line from, say, 1992-1996?
It is expected that Alex Mogilny, Sergei Fedorov and Valeri Kamensky will be a part of the Team Russia coaching staff.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not sure what was better from Kamensky, this or this.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I still wish I could have remembered the WJC in Anchorage in I think it was 1987 where the Russians had Alex Mogilny, Sergei Fedorov and Pavel Bure on a line together.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Pretty sure Anchorage was ‘88 or ’89, I know Piestany was ’87 (’you don’t kick our boys!’).
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 9:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh that’s right. I should have known that…ye olde punch-up in piestany,
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Officer, revoke that man’s Canadian…ness!
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Sorry sir, I was in the dark for a few minutes there.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions
They must have finally paid him off tor the secret pictures.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Yeah, I mean how many bitter disappointments in a row can you have with a guy like Ovechkin on your team and still keep your job?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 7:25 AM EDT up reply actions 16 recs
They ran into a hot goalie each time.
by Kolzilla on May 26, 2011 7:27 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
They were trying to play a much more defensive style.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on May 26, 2011 7:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Going out on a limb and suggesting that Kolz was snarking around.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 7:50 AM EDT up reply actions
They just need to get lucky one year.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Well, in all seriousness, they did win gold in 2008, and it’s been downhill from there. I think we all witnessed the incompetent coaching in Vancouver. How does the shootout work again in Bykov’s little black book?
Are you not entertained?
In all seriousness, you aren’t saying winning gold in some half-baked afterthought tournament is anything to brag about, right?
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
I don’t think it was downhill in 2009, they beat Canada to win the gold again.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 26, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Especially when you have the most NHL’ers among the competitors.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
___
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 8:39 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
uh, so… will Bykov be doing Mercedes and Hadeed commercials when he gets here?
If you've read this far...seek help.
That would bring about the end of (my blogging) days, I can tell you that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Garden salad with caviar.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 7:45 AM EDT up reply actions
First, Bykov would fit in the cupholder. Second, they could roll him up in one of the carpets and cart him to the landfill.
Are you not entertained?
(Btw, worth noting that Bykov actually did win a championship – with Ovi – at Worlds a few years back.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Slava Malamud tweet:
Bykov no longer national team coach. Got a pass after epic fail in Vancouver, but dissing Semin and Bryz + moderate fail @ Worlds = good bye
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
If dissing Semin was grounds for termination, the Caps blogosphere would be a very empty place…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
This is very true, but Semin is apparently a lot more popular in Russia. They love him for helping win gold at Worlds. I was a bit surprised that at that charity game he played in recently in his hometown that half the stands were full of people wearing Caps jerseys. I am not surprised that Bykov’s repeated slights to Semin caught up to him eventually. I don’t really get Russian politics at all, but it would seem that you shouldn’t repeatedly insult a popular star, right?
Never underestimate the power that is the Facebook “Like” button!
"You just have a sense," Holland says. "The type of player you want, the type of situation you reference for your next game, you see it."
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on May 26, 2011 8:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Super-interesting Slava follow-up tweet:
Bykov’s dismissal kind of an affront to Putin, his outspoken fanboy. But the decision was delayed for a few days. Perhaps to cealr w Kremlin
Awesome.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Gotta assume Putin’s desire to win would eventually overrule any perceived loyalties.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Russia, gfcaps fan; gfcaps fan, Russia.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
When I first saw the news, my initial reaction was “I freaking hope that bullshit with Semin cost that jerk his job.” How amazingly unprofessional that was…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree. His comment was so out of proportion to the situation and unwarrantedly demeaning. While I don’t think Ovi ever commented publicly on it (I doubt he would), and I certainly don’t know what he thought, but I do wonder what the effect of that kind of treatment toward not only his close friend, but teammate, and someone deserving of professional respect would have on him. I would certainly be asking myself, “What kind of court jesters am I playing for?”
Are you not entertained?
That’s probably why AO had no points in the tournament. Caps fans should be scared about losing Semin after that performance.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Not the conclusion I was after. What a stretch. It simply would make me question their decision making. And Bykov was a clown. If you want to disagree with that go ahead, but I think you are being purposely argumentative.
Are you not entertained?
From CSN:
Jay Beagle, 25, capable up playing wing or center, could see full-time NHL duty for the first time in his career
I don’t see Beagle, $ aside, as the best replacement for either the 3rd/4th line if BGordon or Bradley are not re-signed.
I will say I am a fan of Marcel Goc (despite injuries) and think he could be a good fit if given a majority of the def zone FOs. I don’t see NSH letting him walk tho.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I’d take a guy with a bit more been-there-done-that than Beagle in a grinder role (a grinder roll?). Beags is a fine 13th F, though.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He would not be an upgrade to that position, merely a cheaper option. If either or both of B. Gordon/Bradley are allowed to walk, I don’t think the replacement(s) comes from the Caps system; at least not as an “upgrade” matter.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Yup. I’d happily take a downgrade to one of the 10-minutes-a-night positions if it means a $500,000 upgrade to one of the 18-minutes-a-night positions.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 9:26 AM EDT up reply actions
But doesnt B.Gordon play a rather important 10 minutes most games? Defensive zone face-offs and subsequent play and PK
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Yup. And he gets paid 800,000 to do it. Which means there isn’t 500,000 to give — Gordon’s only 300,000 above the league minimum.
Now Bradley…
(or, bless his little heart, Jason Chimera…)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
Ah ok. Would you take B.Gordon at a mill though?
a little incredible how fast Chimera went from “great asset on the team” to “overpayed underproducing guy”
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on May 26, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d tell him to knock it down to $980,000, and then agree. I think they need to quit signing their fourth liners to million dollar contracts.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
I think his initial value was that he got us $2.2M in cap relief at the time of the trade.
When Chimera plays a full season he has averaged 33 points. This season he got 26 points. Considering everyone’s production dropping, I wouldn’t single out him as overpaid and underproducing.
Personally, I don’t think he was used well by the coach. I think he was one of the more effective players at entering the offensive zone with the puck – he just had no idea what to do once he got there.
by Gin and Tonic on May 26, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I think he was bad on offense, bad on defense (a hell of a lot of goals against were scored with him out there — he was essentially the worst among regular players), didn’t add a whole lot of visible leadership, didn’t fight, and didn’t agitate.
But he sure looked pretty doing it. Man, that guy can fly.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions
I agree I don’t think he was very good. But his stat line is on par for what he has done over his career.
For that matter, he never was much of a fighter, or someone who racked up hits.
Could he be an agitator? Sure. But do we have anyone who we’d classify as an agitator? I don’t think so.
I don’t think any of our guys compare to pests/agitators across the league. We don’t have anyone that plays on the proverbial “edge” like a Downie-type player. I think that is a coaching issue in terms of how he chooses to use players.
by Gin and Tonic on May 26, 2011 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions
As much as I’d love to see Halpern in a Caps jersey again I think Goc’s the only one on that list I’d like to see in DC next year.
Is there any precendence for a former Captain returning to a team?
Linden in Vancouver I believe. Are you talking about Clark? At what price? Not sure he has much left.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
He’s talking about Halpern.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on May 26, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
Makes more sense, but I still sell.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Ovechkin after a two week stint in Vancouver in February 2010.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
With Weber needing a big deal this year and Suter next year, Goc could price himself out of N’ville, and I’d love to see him here.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 9:41 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d wait and take Suter!
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Much to my chagrin, I dont think your love affair with Suter will ever play out in DC. . .
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
Hmm. Hard to see that small-ticket a guy being impacted by the big-bucks blueliners, but I suppose when you’re Nashville every penny counts.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Does anyone think TSlo has impacted our ability to sign big ticket players?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
I hear you and you’re likely right, but my thought was based on a likely pretty good raise for Goc. I have no idea what that might be but can see some GM for a C deprived team throwing $2-2.5mm at Goc on a 3yr deal. I think that starts to add up for a team like Nashville.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 9:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think there is any way Goc makes that. Especially coming off an injured shoulder season. What kind of guy has shoulder injuries and gets a 2+ year deal at 2+ million?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
by Rob Parker on May 26, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
In a world where Matt Cullen at age 33 gets a 3yr deal for $3.5mm, and the free agent market for Cs blows, I easily can see that happening. In fact, if Goc is available for $2m per, I hope GMGM jumps on it.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Goc made 750K this year. Tripling his salary coming off an injury shortened year? I’m not really a fan of that idea. GMGM already overpaid a 4C who was great at FOs. No need to go down that road again. Goc is a real nice player, better than Steckel, but 2+ mill? No thanks.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Ok maybe I’ve got too much fanboy going, and perhaps our quota of $2m players with shoulder problems is filled. That said, I’d love to see Goc (or Fiddler) in Caps sweater next season.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
I agree on the final point, but I just wouldn’t pay any 4th liner 2 mill.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
I envisioned him as more of 3C on a shutdown line but maybe that’s overvaluing him.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Maybe he could do it, but that means we basically have no scoring on the third line. And what do you do with your fourth?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Well, Goc is a double digit goal/30pt player. And I think you can build a little more secondary scoring around that. If you mean 4C, I’d take Boyd, and maybe adding a Konopka for the wing who will win a lot of draws if necessary. If you mean 4th line, I want heavy, balls to the wall bangers. In other words, I’d like the complexion of our bottom two lines to change a bit.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:29 AM EDT up reply actions
You might want to look at Fiddler’s playoff numbers the last 2 years before you fall in love.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
How much was he really expected to produce? Was he really that big of a disappointment?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
You gotta remember the Yotes don’t really have 1-4 lines. All 4 lines are very similar (pedestrian). However, this postseaon, mainly due to Fidds play, his line’s TOI dropped during the playoffs. In addition, he was their defensive zone FO specialist. The role he’d assume if he was picked up by the Caps. His FO numbers were under 40% in 3 out of 4 games in the series this year.
The problem is in the playoffs is his size becomes a huge liability. He gets thrown around like Flash. Loses puck battles and brings little offense. His passing and decision making were poor both years. At least this year he didn’t take dumb penalties like he did the prior postseason. The flip side is the Wings played him much more physical both in and out of the dot this year and it showed.
The Preds definitely upgraded by replacing him with Goc.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
The qualitative stuff scares me more than his numbers. I don’t like the FO numbers for a guy like him, but I wouldn’t worry about a lack of scoring. Not winning battles… that’s a huge problem.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Certainly you aren’t looking for scoring from a guy like that per se. The problem was the way the team he played on was set up he needed to contribute some. It was frustrating to watch Pyatt put himself in great position shift after shift this postseason and never get rewarded in large part because Fids either made poor decisions with the puck or was getting thrown around like a rag doll. Obviously, on the Caps scoring expectations would be reduced, but you’d at least want puck possession and FO prowess. I just don’t see how he’s an upgrade over Gordo.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
And his numbers were down overall, I know. But a very good face off and defensive guy with an edge, I think we could use that regardless of whether he puts up the stats in the playoffs.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
What do the Caps need a guy who can’t perform well in the postseason for? Another President’s Trophy banner?
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
I said that before seeing your other-than-boxcar analysis. My point was that if Fiddler isn’t scoring but is handling other duties well, that’s fine with me. Though your other stuff is pretty compelling.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:35 AM EDT up reply actions
And I’d agree if he was great at the other stuff, especially if you are looking at it from a Caps perspective. However, I don’t trust him in the playoffs. I’m guessing Poile didn’t either which is likely he didn’t re-sign him.
I just don’t see how Fids brings anything to the table that you aren’t already getting from Gordo, especially when it really matters.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
$2 million
seems too high—but 1.5 might be a good number for him. He certainly seemed underpaid this year.
by slipperyice on May 26, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, no way he’s worth 2m. I’m hoping he comes in 1-1.5.
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
by Chris Burton on May 26, 2011 11:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Goc isn’t going anywhere, sorry. The team essentially has to choose between him and Cal O’Reilly, and Goc is better by just about every metric possible. It doesn’t make sense to not re-sign a guy who could realistically be the league’s best 4th line center (presuming Lombardi/Fisher/Legwand ahead of him).
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
by Chris Burton on May 26, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions
As per the CSN suggestion offering John Madden as an option: I really hope not. I can’t stand that Frank Caliendo guy.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 7:51 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Slava Malamud — Did you follow Washington?
Stanislav Galiev — Yes, I was paying a lot of attention. I don’t understand why nothing worked for us against Tampa.
Not sure why that makes such an impression on me…but seeing him say “us” at this stage kind of gives me that school boy crush feeling.
So true. Just finished that piece and it put me in a good mood.
"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 May 26, 2011 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I know players are trained/take classes to say the right thing during interviews…but it just seems he gets it. The other part of the artcile that jumped out at me was that he gained nine pounds during the season. Is that typical among players in juniors? I know the season is longer in the AHL/NHL…but even during their shorter season that seems like a tough task.
He only gained nine pounds during the season? Rookie…
Signed,
M. Green ’09
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 8:21 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Five Guys is not just how many skaters are on the ice a full strength…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 26, 2011 8:24 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Green’s always been a huge Wings fan – Lidstrom, Chelios, buffalo, bbq…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 8:28 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
“Band On The Run”?
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on May 26, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought Green’s childhood team was the Kings — Dairy, Burger…
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on May 26, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, from back when he was a kid playing for the Peanut Oilers.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 2:16 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
It’s difficult to compare, but I really like it here. The main objective for the players is to show themselves to the scouts and hockey is very colorful here. It’s fast and physical at the same time. Moreover, it’s all on smaller rinks, which also helps prepare yourself to the NHL. I played in the USA before, in the USHL, and I really liked the North American style. Then Saint John drafted me and I agreed. It’s easier to make an impression on scouts that way.
I really enjoyed RMNB’s two really wonderful interviews with Galiev. Such great information and he comes across as a clear thinking kid with identified goals as stepping stones to get here in the big club. He’s put on nine pounds during the season already. He loves being over here playing the North American style of the game. And he and Orlov have already made their plans to be in DC by the end of June for development camp.
"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
Thanks. It should be noted we just translated Slava Malamud’s Sport-Express article.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Fun and informative translations nonetheless. Thank you.
I love the work you guys do at RMNB, even when I disagree (i.e. Green). Your site and a few others such as Peerless’ are absolute musts to read.
"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 May 26, 2011 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Was also happy you did it. Those google translations left a bit to be desired.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 9:43 AM EDT up reply actions
and from the Sun article:
As for Galiev, the 2010 Washington Capitals’ third-round draft pick spent the 2008-09 campaign with the Indiana Ice of the USHL as a 17-year-old before moving on to the Sea Dogs last season.
17 and moving to Indiana from Moscow to pursue your hockey dream? I love his commitment.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Window closing challenge
OK, lots of folks have been saying that the Caps’ window may close within a year or two. I’ve never been able to understand what is meant. It just seems so implausible. So here’s your chance:
Tell a story of the Caps’ window closing within 2 years. Using Capgeek and likely salary cap ceilings, give me the player salary progressions that would cause the Caps Cup chances to get worse as players like Alzner, Carlson, and Johansson get better.
I don’t think it can be done. Under the assumption that guys like Ovechkin, Backstrom, Green and Schultz aren’t going to get any worse (you wouldn’t expect 25-year olds to decline significantly as they get to be 27) and that the younger players are going to improve, I just don’t see how the window can “close” any time soon. Either the young players have a reasonable salary progression, in which case there’s plenty of money to fill out the team around a very solid core, or the young players’ salaries explode, which would have to be a function of them being much better than we think they are. In either case, the team gets better as they do, not worse.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 9:38 AM EDT reply actions 7 recs
I know I’m not really the target for this challenge, but I love the idea.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
____
Me too. Will be an interesting exercise for someone to undertake, but I think it’s going to rely heavily on assumptions about guys like MoJo, Eakin, Kuznetsov and Orlov. I mean, let’s look two years out:
Ovechkin – Backstrom – ______ = $16,238,462
_ – Johansson – ______ = $900,000
_ – Eakin – _ = $618,333
Hendricks – _ – _ = $825,000
Schultz – _ = $2,750,0000
Erskine – Poti = $4,375,000
Orlov = $750,000
Neuvirth = $1,150,000
Holtby = $683,333
That’s $28,290,128.00.
Say Alzner gets $2.5 and Carlson $3.5 on their next deals. That’s ~$34m. Bring back Green at a discounted $5m to round out the D and bring you up to $39m.
Add three bottom-line Fs at ~850k (one is your 13th F) and you’re at ~$41.5m.
Now you need 3 top-six wings and two 3rd-line types. Let’s bring back Semin at $7m. ~48.5m
Two more top-six wings at $4m each and we’re at $56.5m (hell, make one of ‘em Brooks Laich at $4.5m if you wish). Two third-line wings at $3m each and we’re at $62.5m (and those last four wings may very well be cheaper, especially if Kuznetsov is one of them), which is below the upper limit of the estimate for this coming year, so probably comfortably within the 2012-13 cap.
What do I win?
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You think Green comes back at a discount?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Depends on next year, obviously. But bump him up to $6m and shave a few pennies elsewhere if you’d like – this was very off-the-cuff.
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Yeah, you know I’m not in the “window closing” crowd. I just don’t see a two-time Norris finalist taking a pay cut in his prime.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Another concussion or shoulder injury and his prime will be well in the rearviewmirror.
The roster I pulled together above… not loving it down the middle. Not loving the D depth. And there’s an awful lot of turnover (in more ways than one) on it.
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Right, but the point still stands. Is Semin around then? Even if he is, and at 7 mill, we can still put a real solid team around him without having to rely on wishful thinking contracts to fill out most of those spots.
You could have cut some corners to make your point easier, and you didn’t. Saying “Semin and Poti will be gone so that frees up about 9 mill” would have been easy, and probably pretty realistic, but even keeping them on the squad we’re in good shape.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Yup. This is definitely what a bad 2 years looks like.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions
It’ll take concussions or shoulder injuries for the window to close, in my opinion — and to more than just one core player.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think he’d take a cut, but he’s probably take a 2-3 year deal at 6 a year.
Wouldn’t the larger question be how some of the RFAs (who currently have 2nd contracts that expire) this year get resigned to a 3rd deal, money and term?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I could see it happening if he doesn’t score as much next year, BB stays, and the discount isn’t large enough to hurt his pride.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 26, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions
I think the only bad situation that could happen is when guys like Kuz, Orlov, Eakin, Holtby, and Mackan need new contracts. but that’s pretty far in the future
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on May 26, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
No, the only “bad situation that could happen” is guys like Kuz, Orlov, Eakin, Holty and Mackan don’t end up being as good as advertised.
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Yeah, very true. I guess im getting ahead of myself with the prospects
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on May 26, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
#1, that’s a pretty good team.
#2, I don’t think the Caps can sign any $7 Million free agents next summer. Not even if it’s Semin. And I don’t think swapping Semin for two $3.5 Million players means the window closes. A $3.5 Million free agent is a pretty good player.
The point of the exercise isn’t to show how the Caps could be above the salary cap in two years. That’s easy to do. The point is to show how the Caps are screwed by salaries within two years (the way that, say, Philly and Chicago lack roster flexibility now)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
But it relies HEAVILY on the assumptions that the young players (the ones who will be on ELCs in two years) develop as hoped. If you have to find a 2 or 3C b/c Cody Eakin can’t play yet, or a top-six winger b/c Kuz can’t, or another puck-mover b/c Orlov can’t… the dollars add up quick.
But yeah, still a solid playoff team in any event.
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Yup. and like I said, not bringing back Semin (at least not at $7 Million) goes a long way to letting McPhee fill out the roster with average players. I wonder if Dupuis, Talbot, and Kennedy will be available…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
I thought you had to homegrow your Talbots and Helms or you’re fucked.
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by J.P. on May 26, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Sigh.
It’s better to homegrow a Talbot than to trade for one or sign one as a free agent. That’s all I’m saying.
I know – just crushin’ grapes.
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If I could trade cores with Chicago right now, I’d do it in a heartbeat, especially if I get to count Frolik.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on May 26, 2011 3:43 PM EDT up reply actions
___
Ovechkin – Backstrom – ______ = $16,238,462
______ – Johansson – ______ = $900,000
______ – Eakin – ______ = $618,333
Hendricks – ______ – ______ = $825,000
______ = $0
______ – ______ = $0
Schultz – ______ = $2,750,0000
Erskine – Poti = $4,375,000
Orlov = $750,000
Neuvirth = $1,150,000
Holtby = $683,333
That’s $28,290,128.00.
There’s your framework of guys already under contract for 2012-13. No one else wants to play along? Bonus points if you use real NHL UFA/RFA deals signed last summer (and escalated a little bit) to show what kind of guys we’re talking about in each slot.
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I’ll play later today when I have more time. One question – What are we assuming for the Cap? I know Daly said a couple days ago it’s going to be between 60.5 and 63.5.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
Go with the smaller number then. We’re looking for a bad situation.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
(Note: my framework is two-years out, not 2011-12)
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Below is what I came up with for 2012-13.
Ovechkin ($9,538,462) – Backstrom ($6,700,000) – FA ($2,100,000) = $18,338,462
Semin ( re-sign at $6,900,000) – Johansson ($900,000) – FA ($3,100,000) = $10,900,000
FA ($2,000,000) – Kuznetsov ($1,500,000) – Fehr (re-sign at 2,000,000) = $5,500,000
Hendricks ($825,000) – Eakin ($660,555) – FA ($650,000) = $2,135,555
Jay Beagle (re-sign at 575,000) = $575,000
Schultz ($2,750,000) – Green ($6,000,000) = $8,750,000
Alzner (RFA deal -$2,750,000) – Carlson (RFA deal – 3,500,000) = 6, 250,500
Erskine ($1,500,000) – Poti ($2,875,000) = $4,375,000
Orlov = $710,000
Neuvirth = $1,150,000
Holtby = $683,333
37,449,017 – Forwards
20,085,500 – Defensemen
1,833,333 – Goalies
59,367, 850 – Total
This scenario would leave just over 1.1 million dollars left of cap space if we used the low figure for the 2011-12 cap of 60.5 million. In all likelihood the number for 2012-13 will be higher and therefore allow GMGM even greater flexibility.
Note – I added some performance bonus money to Kuzy’s deal. His deal was the one I had the most problem with. If he had been a higher pick and come over right away I think I’d been able to do a much better job finding a comparable. I wound up using Backlund’s deal of a couple years ago and then inflated it a bit.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 1:11 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Ugh. That Erskine-Poti combo is so much money so poorly spent.
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 May 26, 2011 1:12 PM EDT up reply actions
The big picture looks fairly good though. As long as GMGM lets someone else overpay for Laich and does a one year deal with Varly (or none depending on the number), I think the Caps are fine long term, especially if GMGM makes smart FA or trade acquisitions at forward spots.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Why only a one year deal with Varly? What if he signs a reasonable two year deal similar to Neuvys? Although the difference between what Varly and Holtby make could pay for Beagle.
I think someone is gonna throw some money at Varlamov and it’d be hard for the Caps to justify matching a relatively high number given their goalie situation. Neuvirth is locked up for cheap, and Holtby could be a star in the making.
I don’t understand why people think Varly would get an offer sheet. He can’t stay healthy for a full season. Until he can get reasonable close, he’s not worth that kind of money to anyone. Even as an extortion attempt.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Well it might not be a lot of money, but it could certainly make the Caps think twice about matching an offer.
The conventional wisdom is that they can’t sign him for more than Neuvy makes. However Neuvy wanted that deal, and he wanted his $2M guaranteed. If the market is such that Varly needs to make 1.5-2M, then we should keep him and try to work out a trade.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Agreed. In a perfect world, GMGM says “Here’s Neuvy’s deal – you’ve done no more than he has to date and are a bigger risk based on your health. Sign it or see ya.” And Varly thinks, “Y’know, he’s right.” And signs.
But that’s not reality. Varly’s got options. And if he signed a deal for a bit more than Neuvy, no one should have their knickers in knots. Neuvy got his deal early, and there’s a premium on that (versus playing essentially at-risk, like Varly did).
So let’s get Varly done and go from there.
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I don’t really see Varly signing for less than Neuvy, I think he’ll sign for slightly more.
Machveckin, why do you think a 1.5 mil deal for Varly means that he needs to be traded? I think the team can afford that. I’m just not convinced yet that Holtby is ready for the NHL for an entire season. I’d prefer him to cook a little longer in Hershey.
I don’t really see Varly signing for less than Neuvy, I think he’ll sign for slightly more.
Agreed.
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I meant as opposed to not matching an offer for Varly and taking the crappy compensation you get at that level. I am with the majority in that we need one more year of Holtby in Hershey before a move has to be made.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Even Neuvy isn’t going to have a problem with that (well, he would, but he’d understand). He signed early, and admitted he might regret it later.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Depends on what reasonable is. If it truly is reasonable and the Caps think that they could make it work for their 2012-13 scenario and/or it would make him a possible trade target then you make the deal. I just think the agent and Varly are talking a bit too much for folks who would settle for ‘reasonable’.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Hey Belanger talked a lot and then had to settle for peanuts, which made him talk even more. Good point though, there is a fair amount of talk, but maybe the Russian agents deal with things differently.
I actually think a bigger issue to Varly than the money will be playing time and how the team seems to be on the Neuvy train now. Although if Varly spent the off-season doing some yoga or pilates and making himself more injury-proof and tweaking his style slightly, he could come in and win the job from Neuvy.
Belanger situation is completely different is most respects.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
First off, great effort.
Second… Backstrom-MoJo-Kuz-Eakin down the middle in two years is awfully green. 3rd D-pair makes me throw-up in my mouth. 4th line likely too cheap to be any good. Those are my initial reactions. Those FAs had better be good… and outplaying their deals.
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(And I know that Erskine-Poti pair is from my template…)
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Thanks.
Concur on the center situation, but the other options are likely even less appealing. Trying to made a blockbuster trade for a 2C or once again trying to turn a 3C into a 2C. The only way I see a viable trade happening is if Semin is involved or his cap space is available.
As for the forwards, I am assuming the FA winger of the top line will definitely outplay his deal. The FA winger on the 2nd line would likely just need to play to his deal. I’m expecting one of the other 2 guys to be a diamond in the rough and outplay their deal.
This was just a scenario that seemed plausible to me. We could play around with the lineup a number of different ways. For instance, I’m not sold on re-signing Fehr given his injury issues. You could bring in another guy in his spot. You could give all the folks who want to trade a couple of the Young Guns their wish and plug in other players in Green and Semin’s spots. I don’t think you’d be able to get similar value for either guy through trade, but you could certainly open up more cap space to put to the other forward positions if you so chose to deal one or both of them.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Depends. He seems to prefer and play better in the middle (from accounts), but who knows what the team will ask him to do?
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They didn’t make MP move so I bet they give Eakin a crack at C if he wants it.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Well, it depends on what else is going on on the depth chart, no?
Eakin also strikes me as more of a shooter and maybe less of a pure passer than Perreault, so a move to wing is a bit more natural, I’d think.
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I’ve always seen Eakin as a wing in the NHL.
I think he’s playing C right now under “the team’s best overall forward” theory. He won’t be that in the NHL.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Right. I think they played Perreault at center for the Caps because that was where there was an obvious current weakness.
Who knows if that will be filled by the time Eakin gets to the NHL.
Perreault ain’t no sniper, he ain’t no grinder, and he ain’t no agitator. I could see Eakin becoming any one of those things in the NHL, to some extent.
If he’s not an NHL center, then I don’t think Perreault’s an NHL player.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 2:29 PM EDT up reply actions
And Hendricks can play the pivot, so not a huge deal for the 4th line either way. Faceoffs with the center lineup in my scenario are a big concern either way. Not exactly a bunch of Gaustad clones.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
That’s definitely good stuff — that’s a pretty good team, but not necessarily a cup contender. The blue line is paper-thin.
I’ll say what I said about JP’s effort: I don’t think this works with Semin at 7 Million. Not unless he earns that money in the playoffs…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
Do you think Semin will only take a raise for his next deal? Might he be willing to make less for a longer term deal?
Based on Semin’s own comments this year I’m not expecting a long term deal.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
I think it’s the wrong question. I think the question is what the market price for Semin will be — what will GMs be willing to pay him? I think an inconsistent 54 points ain’t worth 6.7 Million, but someone else out there may be crazy enough to give him a raise.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you on the blueline. I’m not sold on anyone down in Hershey being ready to fill in if needed by then. My thought is with this scenario any extra money left over would go towards making a depth D acquisition during the season. Anyway you slice it you have to cross your fingers and hope RAHJC & King Karl stay healthy.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
I think Orlov will at least be ready for regular third pair/PP specialist duty by 12-13. If he’s not, then he should be in HER, not on the roster.
I also think that we’ve got two drafts before that season, so that means two first round picks. Realistically, only the pick for this year will possibly be ready for 12-13 (and not even realistically if it’s a D) so we may potentially have another ELC guy to add to the mix.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Yeah, why didn’t I put Boone Jenner in my lineup?
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Orlov is already on the roster under my scenario. I was talking about guys not on the actual roster. Very unlikely a team makes it through a full season only using 7 d-men. Only guy I see in Hershey with potential is Patrick McNeil. I’m hoping he gets a call up or two this coming year just so we can see what he’s got.
Agree that their is the possibility for another ELC guy, but I’m not too optimistic. This year’s class by all accounts is weak. Add in the fact that the Caps are going to be drafting late in the 1st this year (and likely next) and I think its doubtful either pick will be ready by 2012-13, even if they play wing.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Yeah, I forgot about the CapGeek auto lines. I thought you meant to have him as 7D.
They had two late picks in Mackan and Kuz that appear ready one year after the draft. Carlson was even later and he did it too, as a D. I think we have a pretty decent chance if we draft an F.
And keep your eye on Flemming. He’s going to charge up the depth chart in HER. He may not be ready for the NHL in 12-13, but I’ll bet he’s a key player for HER by then.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
I get how it was unclear. I used the J.P.’s post as a template which caused the confusion. I would definitely expect Orlov to be a regular in the lineup. No way you bring him up to be a spare part.
True. I need to delve further into the prospects for this year’s draft before I feel comfortable saying its a likely possibility.
Good point on Flemming. I somehow forgot about him even with the Memorial Cup going on.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Couldn’t you use the same methodology to prove it isn’t?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I think that’s the point. People are saying the window’s closing and Gouldie’s saying “Show, don’t tell”.
People are saying the window’s not closing and I would also say "Show, don’t tell".
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
As would Geddy, Alex, and the other Neil.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Presto!
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by J.P. on May 26, 2011 10:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s Gouldie’s point. How do you want him to show a negative? Pull out the crystal ball and show you the Caps win in the future? All it takes is one scenario to show the window could be closing to disprove the “it’s not closing” anecdotes Gouldie would be presenting. He just wants someone to provide that example instead of relying on bitterness, cynicism, and Caps historicism.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
by Rob Parker on May 26, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The problem is that there are too many ways that the window isn’t closing. I’d have to prove a negative, which isn’t impossible, but it’s damned hard.
Sure I could do a Capgeek or two, but I literally cannot think of any situation (short of disastrous injury problems) in which the window is closing. So me throwing out there a few projections that people would pick apart wouldn’t actually prove anything. They’d be right — I would be making assumptions about how the world will progress, and it could be different. My problem is that I can’t think of any way for the world to go in which things get significantly worse for the Caps. And they could get much, much better.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
What if AO goes all Vladimir Krutov on us?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
by Rob Parker on May 26, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That’s the kind of thing it would take. It’s actually worse if he gets hurt and is no longer physically the player he’s been — if he Krutovs, his salary comes off the books.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I meant blows up in weight and doesn’t have the conditioning to produce. I didn’t mean going back to Russia. If he goes to Russia we get the money back, but still lose an elite scorer. If he stays here and gets fat then we have a problem.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Yup. If core players’ skills significantly decline in the next two years, we have a serious problem.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Krutov and Kamensky in the span of a couple of hours. Fuck, I’m running home to watch the ’87 Canada Cup today.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Quiz for Hockey Fans
Without looking up online, can you name all 7 defensemen on the 1987 Canada Cup-winning team Canada squad?
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Stopped at 4, including the guy who went to the net on the GWG rush.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Chris Chelios, Gary Suter, Phil Housley, Al Iafrate, Ken Morrow, Kevin Hatcher, and Rod Langway. Duh.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Coffey, Murphy, Bourque – yes
MacInnis, Lowe – no
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
Yep never expected Normand Rochefort to make a Canada Cup squad.
Ray Bourque, Paul Coffey, Doug Crossman, Craig Hartsburg, Larry Murphy, James Patrick, Normand Rochefort
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Rochefort was a shutdown defenseman, and he played on some really awful Nordiques teams. He may have been a guy who had unbelievable CORSI numbers on a terrible teams.
Hartsburg was very good but hurt a lot. Patrick was another defensive defenseman. Crossman I hated because he was on the Flyers.
Agree totally on Crossman. I liked Patrick and Hartsburg.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 10:56 AM EDT up reply actions
how about things get worse if BB is fired and the wrong coach is brought in? We already know this team has some headcases and mental issues and say they all respond the wrong way to the new coach. Things could get worse that way.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 26, 2011 10:08 AM EDT up reply actions
my unspoken fear. At some point, Mike Green needs to cut the umbilical cord and stop having Bruce hold his hand, but……
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
If that’s the case I’ll make a package trade deal. BB and Green. If Green can only play for one coach then he’s not the right guy.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
by Rob Parker on May 26, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
the guy is a total headcase. I’m one of his biggest supporters and I just have no idea if he’s got his head screw on right to handle a more, ah, aggressive coach. At this point, it’s a coin flip, imo.
although maybe all those pucks and elbows to the head knocked some sense into him. One can hope.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Not sure I buy “total headcase.” He’s a kid. He’s growing up. He’d figuring it out. Most importantly, he’s a professional getting paid handsomely to play a game. He’ll be fine.
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I sure hope so. I’d like to see the guy win a Norris or three.
maybe I’m just projecting too much about the headcase stuff.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
if your options are “headcase” or “Norris” you may be disappointed. He might just turn out to be a good hockey player in the end
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
I think so a little bit. I think he gets a little unfairly picked on for some of his quirks. Like, why is riding a Vespa a mile to work something he gets picked on for? (Just like I picked on him for the tattoos.) These things have nothing to do with his ability to play the game.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Because Vespas are silly. I’d rather see him riding Princess Vespa than the bike variety.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
by Rob Parker on May 26, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
nice spaceballs pull.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Maybe a little forced, but I wanted to get it in there.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Jay Beagle is his own best friend…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
And yet he never gets any praise for all the charity work he does in the local community. Work, I should add, that got him nominated for an NHL award for social committment. Green’s not a head case, he’s just different. There’s nothing wrong with that.
I don’t know if I buy the Mike Green is a kid excuse anymore. The guy is 25 years old. He’s no kid anymore.
And he’s shown that he’s taking his condititioning seriously, improving his defensive game… so what’s the issue?
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I just think it’s time for him to do what we all expect him to do, and not use the excuse well he’s kid and he’s learning. He knows what’s expected of him. He makes over 5 million dollars a year to play a game. He has improved his defense, and taken his conditioning more seriously, but I’m not sure if he’s entirely comfortable.
I honestly think he’s the most confused hockey player in the NHL.
What, exactly, does Mike Green need to do? What’s expected of him?
There were many problems with the Caps this year. Apart from getting hurt, Green wasn’t one of them.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
There were many problems with the Caps this year. Apart from getting hurt, Green wasn’t one of them.
I think that’s being a little too forgiving, given how bad the PP was, but I agree with the general point.
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Fair enough.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Green’s had one year of not producing on the powerplay. A year, I might add, in which he was injured for a significant portion. Let’s see what he does next year when, hopefully, he’ll be fully healthy before we call him a bust. And, he’s a defenseman, so part of that $5 million is for playing defense which he did pretty well last season.
And from watching that PP, I really don’t think the problem was Green.
Point men aren’t supposed to move their goddamned feet the way forwards are. It’s not Green’s fault nobody else was skating.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 11:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Agreed. I don’t blame Boudreau for a lot of things others do but he bears the brunt of responsibility for the powerplay failures. It’s just not a well-designed setup. If they don’t bring in a PP specialist to coach that unit, I’ll be sorely disappointed.
I disagree, point men are supposed to move their feet. But if the system isn’t built around it, then the forwards won’t cover, and the D won’t look good.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Right. I mean, how many of Green’s PPGs over the past few years have been the result of him moving his feet and pinching in backdoor?
(I do love it when Green puts it in backdoor…)
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I prefer defensemen to move laterally at the blue line on the power play. To me, a guy with the puck that can move left to right can more forcefully alter the way the defenders have to play the puck and make them more likely to get out of position.
More than one way to skin a cat. Don’t know if you watched much of the ANA PP with Pronger and Special Nieds, but they are instructive.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Well, those two are Hall-of-Fame veteran players who were playing at the top of their game. It’s difficult to make that kind of comparison.
But how much is it Green’s fault that he hasn’t had the opportunity to pinch in?
The difference is that Green’s movement on the PP is reactive to the play (other than sliding left and right along the blue line). The forwards are the ones who have to generate openings. And they haven’t been doing it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
It’s a unit – if it’s stagnant, it’s stagnant as a unit. If it’s got flow, it’s got flow as a unit.
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I don’t see the PP problems as lying with Green or Knuble. I think it’s firmly on Ovechkin and Backstrom. And above all, the coaches.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 12:11 PM EDT up reply actions
I would agree that it’s on Boudreau, Ovechkin, Backstrom, in that order, as my top three.
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Here’s a question I’ll throw out there: If Marc-Andre Bergeron had been on the PP point as opposed to Green last year, would he have been any better?
I ask because I think Green’s shot has lost some mustard over the last two years. Maybe part of the reason it’s so easy to defend the Caps’ PP is that his shot isn’t as feared anymore.
What is it we all expect that he knows and isn’t doing? And not comfortable with what? Talk about confused.
He doesn’t know whether to be up in the play or be back. Score goals, don’t score goals. Shoot, don’t shoot. Pass, don’t pass. He just looked uncomfortable out there, especially on the PP.
BB has him all wound up with defense first, which is great, but I think Green should still be used primarily as a point producer. Green should be producing big time on the PP. He has that kind of skill set. He did play better defensively this year than ever before, but I still don’t see him as being entirely comfortable with his role on the team.
I miss the point per game Mike Green. The goals in 8 straight games Mike Green. I’d like to see him a little more loose on the ice. That’s where he excels. So what if he never wins a Norris. It’s a more of a body of work award anyway. That’s why it’s so easy to give it Lidstrom every year, or at least make a case for him.
There are two primary reasons you miss the point-per-game Mike Green: Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom. Green himself is probably third-most culpable for the drop in his numbers.
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Where do you think Green’s shot accuracy plays into this at all?
His shooting % has dropped markedly each of the last two seasons. His accuracy used to be unreal. Now he just looks to me like a guy who can skate and distribute well but isn’t much of a goalscoring threat.
Tell me I’m wrong. Please.
I’d have to take a closer look, but I’d certainly hypothesize that this and your note above about him losing zip on the fastball are the result of a way-less-than-100% shoulder.
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He doesn’t have those great looks now. The backdoor wide open look just hasn’t been there.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
It could be if everyone just… y’know.
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Right, but they have to set it up differently. I’d have to look at video, but I bet we had one or two go-to set-ups that teams figured out.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
No doubt. So re-establish the point shot, etc.
I mean, you’ve got five skater. Other team has four. It’s not rocket science – if they take away something, something else is made available if you’re willing to move.
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Working a PP is all about creating and exploiting two on one situations. We don’t really do that.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Aye. But it’s understandable, as the Caps don’t have skilled passers/puck-handlers/finishers.
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Yeah but his shooting percentage his almost been cut in half since two years ago. I definitely lay some, probably most of that at Bruce’s feet for not figuring out the PP. But dropping from 13% to 7% makes me wonder if the shoulder is ever going to recover.
Or maybe his 13% wasn’t sustainable.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Or maybe 18 PPG per year wasn’t sustainable either. Wideman led all D in PPG this year with 9. Green would have been on pace to score 8 PPG had he stayed healthy over 81 games.
The two are related, no?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
His new glasses should help.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Just like they helped me improve my game
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 12:01 PM EDT up reply actions
begin rant/
I think it’s time for BB to do what we all expect him to do and not use the excuse that he’s running into [fill in the blank excuse] He knows what’s expected of him. (He could start by fixing the [Franchetti] power play) He makes over ….. to coach a game. (and make Mercedes Benz and Hadeed commercials). The team defense and PK have improved, but I’m not sure he’s entirely comfortable.
I begin to wonder if he’s confused about coaching a team with several stars, as opposed to several stars and a bunch of shitbums
/ end rant
Quand on change d'attitude ça change tout
should have included this block quote to put the rant in context
I just think it’s time for him to do what we all expect him to do, and not use the excuse well he’s kid and he’s learning. He knows what’s expected of him. He makes over 5 million dollars a year to play a game. He has improved his defense, and taken his conditioning more seriously, but I’m not sure if he’s entirely comfortable.
I honestly think he’s the most confused hockey player in the NHL.
by reesem37 on May 26, 2011 10:45 AM EDT
Quand on change d'attitude ça change tout
He’s no kid anymore, he’s almost 26. I think, more diplomatically stated, he is a little bit of a late bloomer on the maturity scale.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
If he’s still as attached to Bruce as earlier on, it would be understandable for him to be upset if Bruce goes. But Bruce is not the only person who taught him to play hockey, or only coach under whom he’s experienced success. I think if he mopes for any length of time, someone or something would get his attention, and remind him that his talent is his, not someone else’s.
Quand on change d'attitude ça change tout
I’m worried about more than Mike Green. I don’t know exactly who all contributes to this team being so mentally fragile, but it’s got to be several players to have the large impact that it does.
by vtcapsfan99 on May 26, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
There is always risk when you change any dynamic. Fear of the unknown should not outweigh poor performance in key areas.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m not quite going to take the challenge but have a couple of thoughts.
I have been one worried about the window closing, accepting that Ovechkin’s, Green’s, Backstrom’s “best” seasons are behind them, and Semin’s likely gone after this season. Watching the SC playoffs, however, I’m more optimistic given the success of teams whose best players are older. Vancouver has the Sedins and Burrows (and Kesler is 26), San Jose has Thornton, Marleau, Heatley and Boyle, Tampa has MSL and Vinny. So while our Young Gun’s best statistical regular seasons may be behind them, that doesn’t mean they can’t play at a very high level and hopefully become better playoff players as they mature. Maybe it’s false hope but these playoffs have changed my thinking a bit.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 9:52 AM EDT up reply actions
The only way the Caps’ window would close is if ELC or low-salary players(Mackan, Carlznerson, Kuz) continue to come in and outperform long-term, high salary contract players(Poti, Green, possibly Laich, maybe Semin).
Add that into GMGM’s tendancy to overpay role-players, and we’ve got trouble
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on May 26, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve read this 5 times and still don’t get it. Are you saying that it would be bad for the cheap, young players to develop well?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah, i didnt get my thought out completely there. . .
I get the feeling when people say, “their window is closing” they’re refering to the core players’ time to win with that team. To them, it wouldnt be the same if a whole new batch of players took over and won the cup. With the ELC players overachieving, it would quickly push out that ‘favored’ roster for a lot of fans and i think they’d feel like their starting from scratch with a very different team
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on May 26, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
The overpayment on role players adds up, but isn’t crippling as the cap continues to rise. Does anyone think TSlo has impacted our ability to sign big ticket players?
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I don’t get it either. If anything the true window is just opening. I think people get hung up on AO, Baks, Green, Semin being in their ‘prime’ years and then discount Carlson, Alzner, JoJo, Neuvy. A couple years back I pointed to this coming season as the one I saw as the beginning. Now, my caveat has been that the East has been weaker than I expected and therefore I expected the Caps to go further in the postseason because of it. Add in the moves GMGM made to fill in holes and their is no excuse for the past two postseasons. However, those horrible performances have nothing to do with the window itself.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
And people see the Pens and Hawks winning with their studs on ELCs. Since we didn’t, we fail.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
The Pens part I get. The Hawks analogy I’m selling to a degree. ELC’s were definitely part of the picture, but the other part was how they overspent to go all in.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Right. Their D really was a huge part of their success, and I don’t think any of the top 4 except Hjalmarsson were on ELC.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Kane and Toews were on their last year of ELCs (Keith was at the end of a 2nd contract that paid <$2m).
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Yeah that’s what I thought, wasn’t sure about Keith. Crazy 2nd contract. Great agent, eh?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
I had to double take that one.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on May 26, 2011 10:53 AM EDT up reply actions
When we consider the notion of the “closing window” we need to be clear about that to which the term refers. As far as I can see, the Caps window for winning a Cup is closing rapidly. As far as being a playoff team is concerned, that window will probably remain open for the forseeable future.
Why might one conclude that the Caps “Cup” window is closing? The Caps “young guns” are all now at least one season removed from their career best individual seasons. Whether due to injury, overvaluing of ability, or the declining value of US currency, I don’t know. But the assumption that improvements lie ahead is, to me, tenuous (call me a pessimist). Right now, this team is stuck in neutral, and it has been for three years now.
If the window stays where it is, and improvements by some on the roster are offset by departures of productive players and/or diminished performance of others, then the Caps are where they are — an early round wonder.
Injuries. How many Caps of consequence have suffered a truly serious injury (knock on wood)? Right now there is something of an equilibrium about this — you can count on Semin being brittle from time to time and Varlamov sustaining a lower body injury. But the Caps have been kind of lucky in this regard. They have not had to endure a season-ending injury to the big guys (knock on wood).
I still think this group is better individually than as the sum of the parts. And until that changes, they’ll be fun to watch in the winter, but there isn’t going to be any Cup in the spring.
I think folks (and this it true for fans of any team) overvalue players who have not yet dressed for a single game in the NHL. Let’s see how Orlov or Eakin or Kuznetsov do after 20, 50, or 100 games at this level, if they make it that far.
They’re good, and they’ll be “playoff good” for years to come. But I don’t think they are going to be mentioned on any short list of contenders for the Cup next year. What would be changing between this year and next (or 2, 3, or 4 years out) to change that context?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 26, 2011 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t think they are going to be mentioned on any short list of contenders for the Cup next year. What would be changing between this year and next (or 2, 3, or 4 years out) to change that context?
The East continuing to suck, relatively speaking?
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If — and it is a big if — Crosby and Malkin come back healthy, I would think the Penguins will be a prohibitive favorite to come out of the East next season. If Philly ever grows a brain and treats the position of goaltender as if was a genuine position on a hockey team, they would be formidable. The other teams in the East would have much more retooling to do to reach “West” level of play.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 26, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
lucky for us, I don’t see Philly growing a brain anytime soon.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I don’t disagree. Merely pointing out that the East’s relative lack of dominance and/or depth makes it realistic to think that the Caps will have one of the best rosters on paper in the Conference for the foreseeable future.
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I couldn’t agree more. This was the best year the Caps have had and in my opinion, will have for a long time to win a Cup.
The Caps years of being the “best on paper” are behind them, I believe. With the Pens getting Crosby and Malkin back, and the Lightening (a team I still maintain, isn’t as good as they seem) getting better, the east has nowhere to go but up. We’ve seen what the Caps young guns are capable of in 2009-10 and sadly, they have nowhere to go but down. Unless there is some big change that makes the whole bigger than the sum of the parts, the team is going to decline with them.
Who’s Tampa’s goalie next year? And their D? And what do they do when the 1-3-1 is no longer effective? How about when MSL and Vinny are cooked?
And you seem awfully sure of Crosby making a full recovery. Got any reason to believe that?
More to the point, the Caps had an uneven regular season that ended very strongly. Why assume the end is nigh just because they only won one playoff round?
Step back from the ledge. It’s not that bad. Really.
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by J.P. on May 26, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I don’t have any reason to believe that Crosby won’t be able to play at a high level again. They made the right choice and kept him out and I think that’s going to pay dividends in the future. I don’t see Crosby’s incredible career ending with this injury. Nevermind that Bylsma was able to keep them afloat after losing him and Malkin, that scares me even more.
Yes, the lightening have issues to resolve and I don’t think they’ll be Cup contenders. What I mean is that I don’t think they will be doormats like they’ve been the years before this season. Sweeping us has to count for something.
My point is that I think the east is getting better, if only by a little bit, and its just my opinion that the Caps best season under the “Ovechkin Era” might be behind them. This doesn’t mean they can’t win a Cup. It does mean they’re going to have to change something significant in order to do so.
I don’t think the young guns are in their prime yet, so I have a tough time believing that the Caps best season under the “Ovi era” is behind them. Now getting the role players that they had this year like Arnott, Sturm, Laich, Fehr, etc., that’s where it gets really tricky.
If you look at all the teams left this year, they all have great depth in scoring (getting production from third liners). It’s about building around their core, and I still think they are in a great position to do that, and will be for the foreseeable future.
I don’t have any reason to believe that Crosby won’t be able to play at a high level again.
Odd. I do.
I’d agree that changes need to be made and that Ovechkin’s best individual statistical season is in the past (hell, the team’s best statistical season is as well). But I don’t think there’s any real reason to believe they’re getting worse as a team.
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I’m having flashback to yesterday’s discussion about Sid
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
You’re experiencing post-concussion-discussion syndrome.
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by J.P. on May 26, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
Where was Sid discussed? I’m really curious as to why people think he wont be playing at a high level anymore.
somewhere in clips. the consensus yesterday was that a guy who had a significant setback that resulted in him not being allowed on the ice gives us pause as to what level he will come back at next season, if he comes back.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Personally, I hope he does. But if I was to write a list, under “reasons to believe he’ll come back and be awesome,” I’d have “over time, he’s gotta get better, right?”; under “reasons to think that maybe he won’t,” I’d have “he had a setback and hasn’t been back yet, so there’s really no great reason for optimism.”
I do think that if/when he comes back, he’ll be great again. But I haven’t seen much that encourages me to think it’s going to be soon. I hope I’m wrong.
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But I haven’t seen much that encourages me to think it’s going to be soon.
Well, October isn’t all that soon I suppose.
I wouldn’t make much about the “set back” suffered in the playoffs. Crosby got a headache and they shut him down at the first sign.
There are reports that the headache may have been sinus related (allergies) and nothing regarding the concussion at all. The team just played it extremely cautious since he had 2 “traumas” in a four days and was less than 100% for 2+ months.
Ray Shero and the doctors have said, the symptoms will go away over time and a full recovery is expected. That’s good enough for me at this point.
Find it curious that you think there are reasons to be less optimistic. From following the situation closely my outlook seems to be about the opposite of what you wrote here- I haven’t seen or heard anything to make me think Crosby won’t be a regular participant in training camp.
If by that time he is still mired, that raises a red flag. But for now he’s got plenty of time, and that’s a good thing.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
Fair enough – I’ll defer on this. Obviously I was mistaken in my understanding of the situation.
And good to know that our “mention the Pens, Hooks’ll come running” system is still fully operational.
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by J.P. on May 26, 2011 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
It’s like the bat signal. Or the pheromone of a Japanese Giant Hornet.
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 May 26, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
But he did miss the Talbot/Kennedy discussion.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Even the Bat signal had to be destroyed at the end of The Dark Knight…
/OT
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 May 26, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
"It's bad: Chief says to put on the Penguin signal..."
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions
And good to know that our "mention the Pens, Hooks’ll come running" system is still fully operational.
If that were the system, I’d wouldn’t have time to accomplish much else, just trying to add some new information for this.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
You accomplish other things?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
You don’t think missing 4 months of hockey is something to be worried about? Even if he makes a “full” recovery by training camp, how many guys have had 4-month-concussions and come back to be what they were and not have recurring concussion issues?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
you also assured us he’d be back before the season ended. And then it was, he’ll be back for the playoffs. and then, he’ll be back before the end of the first round. and so on.
as I said yesterday (when the "mention the Pens, Hooks’ll come running" system was apparently malfunctioning), when I see Sid on the ice in a game situation, then I’ll believe that he’s recovered.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
For everyone who thinks Crosby returning to his past glory is a slam dunk, I’ve got two words-Marc Savard. Maybe he will, maybe he won’t, but like RB, I’m not believing anything until I see it with my own eyes. All I do know is that he got concussed on Jan.1, didn’t skate for almost four months and then when he did, he had to stop after a couple of weeks. If that were Ovechkin, I’d be damned worried.
Brett Lindros
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 3:49 PM EDT up reply actions
Evgeni Malkin missed (at least) 2 months in his draft year and hasn’t suffered any head injuries since.
The list is long (and unfortunate) of guys who have had concussions rob them of careers, but many, many NHL players and athletes in general have had concussions and continued to have careers.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
What I’m saying is, maybe part of the problem is they didn’t miss 4 months.
Secondly, 4 months is a misnomer, Crosby was off skates for 9 weeks (Jan 5 to March 14). He was able to ramp up through progressions until April 20th, when he got a headache that may or may not have been triggered by PCS and was shutdown.
From the sounds of things, this wasn’t a David Perron situation where any physical activity was met with immediate setbacks. Crosby was progressing for 5 weeks, felt off and got the plug pulled. A full recovery is expected for the fall.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
4 months isn’t a misnomer. He didn’t play contact hockey for 4 months. If anything, it’s a low ball. If Sid had the same concussion in November, or the Pens were still playing, he’d be at 5+ months in all likelihood.
You may have a point about maybe those guys sat out, but at the end of the day the track record for guys that suffer really serious concussions is less than confidence inspiring.
I know it’s your guy, you have to look for the silver lining. But right off the bat you said “if he’s out after the All Star game I’ll be worried.” Well, how’d that work out? Then it became the trade deadline. Then it became the end of the regular season.
You can say full recovery, but people don’t know. It wasn’t “expected” that he’d be out for the season, that’s for sure. And even if he’s symptom free, which I assume is what they mean by “full recovery” there’s no way of knowing whether he is really fully recovered. Time will tell on that. Marc Savard was “fully recovered” before Hunwick crunched him this year. Lots of guys “fully recovered” only to have their bell rung again.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
by Rob Parker on May 26, 2011 4:23 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
4 months was initially used in this forum as the time that he did not skate, which is plainly incorrect, inaccurate and the type of mis-infomation that people are basing their thoughts around.
Each concussion is different. You’re right that it’s obviously better not to go down that road in the first place. But “lots of guys” have not allowed their concussions to properly heal or have had more significant head trauma too before coming back, I don’t find those comparisons to be as meaningful.
Cases like Lafontaine, Keith Primeau, Savard, etc are discouraging. It’s definitely not a good scenario for Crosby, but I don’t think it’s far fetched to imagine the diagnosis of his doctors (a full recovery) is so ridiculous to continue debating.
You can say full recovery, but people don’t know.
These people are medical experts. The people that don’t know are me, you and Andy Sutton level experts.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
It’s semantics. He couldn’t play full contact hockey for 3 months, and he suffered a setback when he tried to play even non-contact hockey. We won’t know how bad it was because the PIT season ended, but the fact that he got a headache pretty soon after he started skating (and minimally, at that) apparently doesn’t bother you. You’re going to find the silver lining, but at this point it’s hard to accept your position. You just aren’t going to allow yourself to be worried. You keep sliding the end zonas so that no matter what you don’t have to admit that it’s a big deal.
So, what, Marc Savard wasn’t being treated by medical experts? The people saying we really don’t know a lot about concussions and the effects of trauma on the brain in general aren’t experts? But Ray Shero and the PIT PR staff are experts? Got it. I understand proprietary information, but for the sake of humanity maybe the Pens’ staff should share this golden insight they have with the rest of civilization.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
by Rob Parker on May 26, 2011 8:58 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
but the fact that he got a headache pretty soon after he started skating (and minimally, at that) apparently doesn’t bother you.
We have different perspectives. Crosby participated on the ice for 4+ weeks and with teammates, if that’s “pretty soon” and “minimally” in your book, it differs from my definitions.
Also what you are understanding as a setback, I’ve heard from folks close to the situation as being related to non-concussion related sinus issues.
I’ll take the doctors words who are evaluating him, you can go off of the history of other players- almost 100% of whom have rushed back to action earlier and while still under duress of symptoms.
It is about semantics, and I’ll go with the information about this specific situation that I have and you go with what you know and we’ll see which information pans out.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
by Hooks Orpik on May 26, 2011 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions
probably concussed twice on the Hedman boarding on Jan. 4.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Marc Savard (in at least his 4th documented NHL concussion) went from being stretchered out to back in the playoff lineup in exactly 7 weeks. That’s a world of difference between this situation.
Do I know for sure Crosby won’t suffer another concussion? No way. It’s 100% possible he could have a shortened or lessened career.
I’m hopeful that they’ve handled this with a lot of caution and we’ll see what happens.
"Game's the same. Just got more fierce."
If Crosby and Malkin had been healthy this year, the Pens would have been prohibitive favorites to come out of the East and the only team I’d consider taking straight-up against the Canucks.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on May 26, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
What would be changing between this year and next (or 2, 3, or 4 years out) to change that context?
A lot of us our hoping that a new coach comes in and changes things around enough to push them over the edge. If the Pens had kept Therrien for several years people would probably be saying their window is closing too.
That’s pretty not happening this summer though, is it?
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 26, 2011 12:31 PM EDT up reply actions
The Caps "young guns" are all now at least one season removed from their career best individual seasons. Whether due to injury, overvaluing of ability, or the declining value of US currency, I don’t know. But the assumption that improvements lie ahead is, to me, tenuous (call me a pessimist). Right now, this team is stuck in neutral, and it has been for three years now.
I just can’t get behind the idea that a hockey star’s average progression is a prime from years 22-24, followed by a steep decline to obsolescence by age 29. That does not match my experience in watching the sport.
It’s true that it’s common for a star’s best boxcars to come early in his career. But that hardly means he’s done after that, and, more importantly, it hardly means that’s when he’s at his best in the playoffs. How many stars won the Cup in their best year in terms of goals and assists. There’s more to it than that. And I do believe Ovechkin, Green, and Backstrom can grow and become better, even if it doesn’t translate into more goals off their own sticks. I refuse to believe they’re all washed up at age 25.
It’s not about improvements from those three key players — neutral is all we need , at least in terms of talent. (They all have to get smarter, but I think it’s fair to expect that from 25-year-olds). But if the aged veterans Green, Backstrom, Schultz, and Ovechkin can just maintain their abilities, and the young core Alzner, Carlson, Johansson and goalies can improve, then I see the team getting better, not worse. And I see plenty of roster flexibility to fill out the team beyond those guys.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 5 recs
On the short list of all time greats, they win their first Cup early in their careers. Yzerman is the exception. And they don’t win them late, either. Gretzky’s last Cup was at age 27; Lemieux, 26; Howe, 26; Orr, 23. Maurice Richard won four Cups after age 35, but he wasn’t the critical cog in any of those teams; they were loaded.
But if the aged veterans Green, Backstrom, Schultz, and Ovechkin can just maintain their abilities, and the young core Alzner, Carlson, Johansson and goalies can improve, then I see the team getting better, not worse. And I see plenty of roster flexibility to fill out the team beyond those guys.
I would agree that this is critical if the Caps are to be successful. The trick isn’t, and never was, drafting Ovechkin. That was like winning Powerball. The trick is being able to build a team around him. To date, that has fallen short, if outcomes matter. Whether it will happen, well, who knows. But history isn’t kind to legends who dawdle about winning their first Cup.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 26, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
Gretzky’s last Cup was at age 27; Lemieux, 26; Howe, 26; Orr, 23.
I’m not sure those are valid examples. Gretzky’s last Cup just happened to coincide with his leaving Edmonton and heading to the hockey mecca of LA, St. Louis and the Rangers. Lemieux started a slow health decline after his second Cup with serious back issues and cancer. Bobby Orr blew out his knee after the second Cup and was just a shadow of his former self. If had been able to stay healthy or played with today’s medical knowledge, I’d bet the house he’d have won more Cups. As for Howe, he may have won his last Cup at 26, but his team played in five more Stanley Cup Finals after that.
And on the other hand, Yzerman didn’t get his first until 31, Pronger was 32, Phil Esposito was 27 and Brett Hull was 34.
add to that: Fedorov and Lidstrom were both 27 when they got their first (assuming I did the math right)
more fun: Chris Chelios was 24 when he won his first and 46 when he won his last.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Orr was not a shadow of his former self after his second cup. He scored 101, 122, and 135 points the following three years and won a scoring title, a Hart, and three Norrises.
Lemieux’s slow health decline started the minute he stepped on NHL ice for the first time.
Of the four best players in NHL history, none won a cup after 27. That tells you something, at least.
And no matter how many Cups Ovechkin (or any other current player) wins, and when, it will still be true that of the four best players in NHL history, none won a Cup after 27.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 5:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, until a guy comes along who has as good or better career than those guys (and it will happens) and we see about his Stanley Cup victories.
Players’ peak statistical (goals/assists) are usually before 28. Will you at least agree with that?
Yup. I’ll go even earlier for boxcars
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 5:12 PM EDT up reply actions
You’re totally right on Orr’s stats but actually I never said he was a shadow of himself after the second Cup. I said after he “blew out his knee after the second Cup” he was a shadow of his former self. I shouldn’t have assumed that everyone knew the timeline and that he played for three more season before the injury. And, fwiw, Orr and the Bruins did go to the Finals in ’74 and lost to the Flyers. My error if I mislead anybody.
See, my problem with the blocked quote is how do we know that this past season is nothing but an outlier? I think we all know how off it was for the significant players individually, which translated to an off year for the team, not to mention the other oddities of the season with results extremes, HBO, and the WC. We won’t have a clue until the end of next season at the earliest if it was an outlier year or a troubling harbinger. But the thought of making major changes after a season that left us all scratching our heads seems impulsive to me. If in 5 years we look back on this past season (and major changes did not occur) and it truly was the outlier, we will be glad the panic wasn’t answered.
I know that a lot of the argument is the team has not really progressed in post-season results. I still think the years are few. Moreover, if we had had the result we had this year after another season like 2009-10, then I would be testing the panic button. But, this past season was far different and I can’t help but believe the wild swings and under-performing stars greatly contributed to the disappointment. I think it’s prudent to find out if it was the season you throw out of the data pool or not. The only way to do that is to go at it one more time.
Are you not entertained?
Great post by Peerless today comparing the Sharks to the Caps. Ironically, I was working on a fan post comparing the Caps to another well-known team. I still might post that, but for now, here’s the cliff notes version:
Team A-Hired their current coach from their AHL farm team
Team B-Hired their current coach from their AHL farm team
Team A- Won their division three out of the first four years under the new coach
Team B- Won their division four out of the first four years under the new coach
Team A- Totaled 182 wins, 953 goals and 858 goals against in the first four years under the current coach
Team B- Totaled 195 wins, 1056 goals and 906 goals against in the first four years under the current coach
Team A- Won the President’s Trophy under the current coach
Team B- Won the President’s Trophy under the current coach
Team A- Totaled 100 or more points three out of the first four years under current coach
Team B- Totaled 100 or more points three out of the first four years under current coach
Team A- Never advanced beyond the second round in the first four years under the new coach
Team B- Never advanced beyond the second round in the first four years under the new coach
Team A- Has kept 10 core players on its roster since the current coach took over
Team B- Has kept 10 core players on its roster since the current coach took over
Team A- Reached the Finals in the fifth year under the current coach
Team B- Will enter his fifth season next fall
In case you haven’t figured it out by now, Team B is the Washington Capitals. Team A? This year’s Stanley Cup Finalist- the Vancouver Canucks.
by b.orr4 on May 26, 2011 9:55 AM EDT reply actions 4 recs
The only difference, then, is in the timing of the Presidents’ Trophy winning year. Blergh, I pretty much have to be rooting for Vancouver to win it all.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Vancouver is going to steamroll their opponent in the Finals. They seem to have their mojo back.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
Sure seems that way. I honestly think Tampa would have a better chance than Boston, as much as I don’t want Tampa in the finals.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Tampa winning a second cup would make me renounce hockey.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Steve Downie’s name on a Cup….mmm, breakfast
I root harder for the doomed.
by bigonetimer on May 26, 2011 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions
file under: things that would make me fling myself of the Wilson Bridge.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Someone I hate is going on the Cup. No way around it at this point.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Same as it ever was.
Someone should go year-by-year and list the most detestable guy to get engraved that season.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m bored at work today….do you want me to start with 2010 and work backwards?
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Sure. My vote for 2010? Cristobal Huet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 10:34 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
2009? Matt Cooke!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I nominate Hasek for ’08.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Yeah, that was going to be my choice as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
easy money
I root harder for the doomed.
by bigonetimer on May 26, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
I’d put Filppula a close second because of the hair.
And he’s Finnish /GMGM’d
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
worst hair in the NHL.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Yeah, I don’t have any love lost for Huet but I find Ben Eager more detestable from the 2010 Hawks squad.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Buy or sell — Eager is a guy you hate but would love to have on your team.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:44 AM EDT up reply actions
2009…so many choices! Matt Cooke! Max Talbot! SATAN! Orpik! Sergei Gonchar upholding that long and not proud tradition of Caps d-men winning cups with little waddle birds on their chests! Really, I can’t pick just one.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Any list that includes the word “detestable” in the title and “Matt Cooke” among the choices is a relatively easy call in my book.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on May 26, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
2008, I think the award goes to Holmstrom. Bertuzzi was a shoe-in, but I forgot he wasn’t with Detroit that season.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Zetterberg. No man should be that handsome and that good at hockey.
by Dirk Dangler on May 26, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
yeah, I don’t find that to be detestable :)
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
2008 makes me laugh because it means Brett Lebda has his name on the Cup. I am sure various fans in the league would choose Chelios
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 10:46 AM EDT up reply actions
Lebda. The only guy who manages to go -3 when his team wins 7-3. always good for a laugh.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
jesus, Ben Clymer’s name is on the Cup?!?!
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
So now we’re simply running down a list of former Caps who went on to win somewhere else? What are we, the Wizards?
Clymer won it before he came to DC.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
may I lobby very, very hard for Ulf Fucking Samuelsson?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on May 26, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Now that’s a project guaranteed to enrage if I ever saw one.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
most of the 2007 list enrages me.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
No way, just a few. Andy McDonald and Teemu Selanne? Can’t get a smarter, classier set of champs.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
by Rob Parker on May 26, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
completely offset by the flying elbows of Pronger and his minions.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
Perry alone is enough for me to become enraged.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Related, Philadelphia has this 35+ contract they might be hating soon.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I love that contract. It might be my favorite contract ever.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
by RedBirdie on May 26, 2011 11:53 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Philly might have the best depth in defensemen in the East, but it’s Pronger that makes it work. After him, they do not really have a “number one” defenseman. Timonen will be 37 by the time next season ends. Carle? Coburn? I’m not seeing them as eating up the same minutes Pronger does in the same role. That could be a crippling injury in more ways than one.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 26, 2011 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Ex-Cap Joe Motzko.
Nahh Brad May, mainly because of Rick Jeanerette.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t think Motzko qualified that year.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
He didn’t play 41 games with ANA and I don’t think he played in any Finals games.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
Motzko and the cup
He played three post season games for the Ducks and got his name on the Cup and got to take it back home to Minnesota.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions
As I said above, I think it was Mark Hartigan I was thinking of. They both played for the Syracuse Crunch and I recall Hartigan playing for ANA by the end of that year.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
Yep Hartigan and Motzko came over from Columbus in a trade for Zenon Konopka and Curtis Glencross (talk about rather unbalanced trade in hindsight). Interesting about Hartigan in that he played for the Stanley Cup champion Wings team the season after and still did not play enough games to get his name on the cup..but still has two Stanley Cup rings.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I hate ‘em both. I’m a reluctant Bruins fan for now. But what is better? TB getting swept in the Finals or losing in 7 to the Bruins?
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
Losing in 7.
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 26, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
In a 6-0 blowout , or in OT? I want to see Boston crush TBL.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
1-0 in OT off an own-goal.
"...what're you gonna do?"
by Rainbow, Kitty, Beer on May 26, 2011 1:08 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I wouldn’t be so sure. Vancouver looked very beatable against the Sharks, especially games 4 and 5. If Luongo doesn’t choke, they should win. If he just plays average, it could be a toss-up.
The Sharks are also a better and deeper team than either BOS or TB. And VAN still won.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on May 26, 2011 11:17 PM EDT up reply actions
Reading that good Peerless post...
I was struck by how much more depth of talent the Sharks have compared to Washington—at least in my mind. They’ve got a LOT of sold/good players—guys with mix of talent and toughness; Laich-type players. I thought this was their year—but the Detroit series took a toll and they were not ready for games one/two against vancouver—itself a very good team.
by slipperyice on May 26, 2011 10:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Kyle Okposo commits to Islanders for 5 years
Good for him, but I heard the Islanders are moving to Atlanta. Maybe. Whatever.
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
I highly doubt NYI moves to ATL, if at all. I heard that Halifax is the front runner.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
I would prefer Regina, if only for the infantile jokes I could make.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
just a hop, skip and a jump from Plentywood, MT…
I root harder for the doomed.
by bigonetimer on May 26, 2011 10:18 AM EDT up reply actions
I had to look that one up…
Local folklore suggests that the name of the nearby Plentywood Creek, after which the city was named, comes from a search for firewood. One day, according to the story, a group of cowboys watched in exasperation as the chuck wagon cook attempted to start a fire with damp buffalo chips. Finally, in frustration, the notorious Dutch Henry said, “if you’ll go 2 miles up this creek, you’ll find plenty wood.”
"And as it’s my personal opinion, I’d appreciate not being told it’s stupid, thanks." - BeccaH
‘remote’ does not begin to describe.
I root harder for the doomed.
by bigonetimer on May 26, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Moose Jaw bro, if only to play in the Crushed Can
Sadly the WHL Warriors will no longer be playing here.
To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is research
by Rather Bengt on May 26, 2011 10:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Looks like a great parking lot for a tail gate. Or a rodeo. Whichever.
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Do you think rodeo guys look down on hockey players like hockey players look down on baseball players?
A kitten on fire, a baby in a blender, both sound as sweet as a playoff surrender.
Capital Centre II
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on May 26, 2011 11:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if the portals/parking lot sections are broken up by the names Potash, Walleye, Ethanol, and Owl.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
by Carl Putnam on May 26, 2011 11:19 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The Hendricks Wrap is up on the front page.
Click for the ’stache. Stay for the analysis and discussion.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
rats and rabbits, I need your help finding the various gifs of Matt Hendricks doing his crazy shoot-out/breakaway move this season. I can recall the Toronto game, the philly game, but what were the others? And who wants to comb though GDTs and recaps to help me find them?
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
If you like Rink Wraps and you like Braden Holtby, man, have I got something for you waiting on the front page…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’d settle for some peanut butter and chocolate.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Today's laugh riot:
A ten-year-old article from Slate.
Spending money isn’t Sather’s game. He’d be much better off joining his old friend Gretzky in Phoenix.
Slate – Can a Small-Market Genius Save the Rangers?
Of course, this poses the question of whether New York changed Sather, or whether he was always this way.
Tortorella: Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.
Larry Brooks: So did I.
Tortorella: Well, you obviously f***ed that up, didn't you?
got a link?
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
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Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Driven DeBoer delivers Devils back to NHL's elite
- Driven DeBoer, fired by Panthers, delivers Devils back to the land of elite in just one year
- Bruins acquire son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque
- Bruins add a Bourque: Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, acquired from Capitals
- Shinnimin named CHL's Player of the Year
