Tuesday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Jul 12, 2011 6:31 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Out at Kettler, Development Camp Group B hits the ice at 9:30 this morning, followed by Group A at 11:45. Here's coverage from yesterday's goings on at KCI (prospect-related and otherwise):
- Bruce Boudreau on a wide range of topics, including naming his number one goalie. [Caps365 (video), WaPo (Carrera), CSN Washington (O'Halloran), CW (Whyno), PHT]
- Olie Kolzig was itchy. [Caps365 (video), NHL.com (Masisak), 106.7 The Fan (Elfin), WaPo (Carrera)]
- No Varly? No problem (except possibly for this guy). [WashTimes (Whyno)]
- Welcome to Washington, Troy Brouwer. [106.7 The Fan (audio), CW (Whyno)]
- With maybe one roster spot up for grabs, Cody Eakin is going to do his darnedest to make sure it's his. [Patriot-News (Leone), CI (Carrera), Caps News Network]
- Mattias Sjogren's face gets a rude welcome to North America, but it'll take more than that to deter the young Swede. [CI (Carrera), CW (Whyno), RMNB]
- Acquired in the Eric Fehr trade, prospect Danick Paquette got more pixels yesterday than he's likely to for the rest of the year. [CSN Washington (Raby), KOL]
- Patrick Wey and Stanislav Galiev blog the day. [Capitals, Station Nation]
- Galiev and Dmitry Orlov get tricky. [RMNB]
- Get to know the invitees: Jacob Gervais-Chouinard and Thomas Frazee. [Rink Rebel, Rink Rebel]
- Pics from the day... [bridgetds (Group A, Group B), Caps in Pictures, RMNB, Caps News Network]
- ... and a few more general observations on the day, audio clips and assorted whatnot. [Peerless, RtR, 106.7 The Fan, Capitals Outsider, CRtC, Breakaway Goal]
- Jeff Halpern called into Elliot in the Morning yesterday. [YouTube (audio)]
- Offseason Champs! [Hockey Prospectus]
- Alex Ovechkin is one of those rare "worth the price of admission" talents. [NHL.com (Kreiser)]
- Another one that mattered. [Peerless]
- Finally, back to Varlamov. His injuries aren't the Caps' problem any more, but if they were, here's how to handle 'em. [The Goalie Guild]
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http://www.japersrink.com/2011/7/2/2256718/2011-washington-capitals-development-camp-july-10-16
I added group a line combos/numbers and links to info on the remaining fa invites in the dev camp fanpost. I will try to add the line combo info for group b early today.
Link at top of this post.
Group a and Group b line combos from day 1 now posted. If you go today and want an aid in watching players, I think it may be useful. Also, if you see any changes or additional information, please share in the dev camp fanpost. Thanks.
Also, from looking at last year and the schedule and talking to people yesterday, sounds like the on-ice testing will be Wed. morning.
I imagine there is going to be some commentary about yesterday’s crowd being a bit sparse. Looking back at some pics of camp last year and the year before, it looked to be comparable to the crowds then.
If you've read this far...seek help.
There was some chatter on here yesterday about whether it was different or not after Whyno commented on the sparse crowd. I thought the crowd on the balcony. stands. glass was a little lighter for day 1, but the press area was mobbed in part with bloggers so maybe that was part of it. In general outside of the scrimmages, the weekdays don’t get too crowded, which is a plus, IMO.
I thought Whyno was covering the Flyers this time last year. Was he at Caps D camp last year also?
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Jul 12, 2011 8:53 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Anton Gustafsson have asked the organization if they are willing to loan him out to the same Swiss club as he played for last season.
link
Well, if that Swiss club wants him back, it will probably happen. AnGus likely has zero future in the Caps organization.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 12, 2011 8:44 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t know if anyone else caught it, but in yesterday’s Google-translated interview with Vokoun, he mentioned that after he was passed up on day 1, he approached two teams: the Caps and Detroit. I wonder if Detroit said no thanks, assuming his price would be too high for them, and are now kicking themselves when they found out what GMGM got for him.
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
Do you think Detroit would take a run at Emery? They seem to have a strong locker room that could corral Emery’s attitude.
If they turned down Vokoun (see the interview he did with Czech media) then I don’t know why they’d go for Emery.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Because maybe they wanted a back-up? I mean, maybe they wanted a guy who was more willing to play 20-25 games, whereas Vokun would sign with the idea that he’d be the starter.
Detroit doesn’t have a viable back-up right now (I’m not sold on McDonald), so you’d think they would be looking for someone.
I don’t think they’d have signed McDonald if they were interested in Emery. And I’m not sold on Emery either so it’s not like he’s an upgrade in the “sure thing” department.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I don’t know, McDonald is their 3G and will start in the AHL (according to Holland). I think Vokoun wasn’t a fit because they want Howard to be the 1G. It wasn’t clear to me from the article who said no to Detroit, Vokoun or Holland. Maybe Holland made clear that Howard in the #1 and Vokoun decided DC was a better fit. I think Emery is a reasonable choice — has shown he can still play a little but shouldn’t be any expectation to him that he’ll be a starter.
by Dirk Dangler on Jul 12, 2011 10:54 AM EDT up reply actions
Ding, ding. See latest Puck Daddy entry. I couldn’t see why Detroit would have been interested in Vokoun as a starter.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
it’s perplexing, and it worked out to the Caps advantage. I couldn’t be happier.
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 fail to see why Detroit’s situation is all that different from the Capitals’ situation at the time Vokoun signed and for the amount he signed for in both term/$.
Older and more experience yes, but he has 2 seasons as the starting goalie where in theory he was sharing time with Osgood (except when he was hurt.) As recently as ‘08-09, he was getting most of his starts in the AHL; he had less than 10 NHL starts before the ’09-10 season started. Combine that with Detroit’s history of signing veteran players on 1 year deals, I don’t think it’s surprising that it might have been an option for Vokoun when signing a 1 year contract with a competitive team.
Howard played in 63 games each of the past two seasons. So as soon as he got to the NHL on a permanent basis, he was the go-to guy.
Yes, I know; also, Osgood was injured a lot these last couple of seasons and Detroit has used tandems in the past due to goalies, injuries, etc., including Osgood./Conklin…Odgood/Hasek, etc. I simply don’t think it’s all that different and in many ways, a goaltending tandem fits with a Detroit philosophy.
Is it clear that Detroit turned down Vokoun and not the other way around?
by mechanicsville on Jul 12, 2011 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder if Detroit was weighing their options on signing Vokoun; during that time GMGM said “DEAL!”
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
Notes and whatnot from the afternoon session
Sojgren may be the most likely to make the show but Orlov was the star of the day. He is just so much better than anyone else out there, regardless of position. He is much bigger than last year, much more solid. He has clearly benefited from playing on the smaller surface, his first pass is spot on all the time, and he has a confidence/arrogance about him that is nice to see.
Sequence of the day: Garrett Ross and Orlov are fighting for position in front of the net. Ross buttends Orlov in the midsection and Orlov ignores him. Ross does it again and Orlov levels him with a cross check from behind. It didn’t even look like he tried that hard. Ross gets up, wacks Orlov with stick and challenges him to fight. Orlov smiles at him and walks away.
10 minutes later, the forwards are doing a 2 on 1 drill and they are flying into the zone. Orlov subtly switches spots in the D line, waits for Ross to come flying into the zone and almost breaks him in half with an open ice hit that reminded me of (no kidding) Phaneuf. The timing was exquisite; he absolutely annihilated him. As Ross lay on the ice, Orlov smiled at him and walked away.
Sjorgen is definitely big but so is Galiev; they are about the same height. Sjorgen is not anything like Mojo or NB19 and was not all that impressive to my eyes. He is fast enough and big enough but he didn’t do much to stand out. He will definitely hit you so maybe that’s enough.
The best player who is the most fun to watch but will likely never make it is T.J. Syner. He is ridiculously fast (think Eakin/Mojo speed) and is sneaky quick with a lightning release but he is just so small. He was skating around the bigger guys like a water bug and has all the tools. If only he weren’t 5 and a half feet tall.
You never truly know anyone until you get a look at their hard drive.
by ChrisAm on Jul 12, 2011 8:50 AM EDT reply actions 22 recs
I don’t think any of our Swedes have stood out in this camp, so I’m not shocked about Sjogren. He’s also not likely to provide much O, so I think skating and hitting is a good enough sign for him.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Yeah, as I recall Johansson didn’t really stand out in his development camp either. I’m not too concerned. Sjogren’s probably taking it a little easy as a 23-year old surrounded by younger guys.
Armareddon.
Johansson stood out in that he was unbelievably fluid on his skates and he could go as fast as everyone else with his hips turned in weird directions. He frustrated the shit out Kuznetsov when they were matched up against each other.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 12, 2011 2:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Below the NHL level the guys that stand out to me aren’t necessarily the flashy ones, but the ones who can execute all the basic maneuvers (passing, receiving passes, not flubbing shots, etc) with ease and precision, and Johansson was definitely doing that.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
To help with basic Timeonice functions.
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Jul 12, 2011 2:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Agree.
I know some people attend camp regularly, but it is important to keep in mind some things. For example, the age range of the participants (from ’87 to ’93 birthyears) to the variation in when players last skated to players having previous exposure to the Caps coaches and systems.
And yes, Syner is not a big guy.
Sjogren Nov ’87
Also,
Burt Feb ’87
Tabisz Jun ’87
Follmer Sep ’87
Stollery Nov ’87
Wietecha Oct ’87
Thanks for the recap. Love the Orlov stuff…How did Eakin look?
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Confident, in shape, like he’d been there before and knew what he was doing. After the skate at the end (not quite herbies the way we are used to from first day of cap, but still a hard skate at the end) when the circle formed at center ice to stretch…Eakin kept skating around the circle in a been there done that, I have energy left type of way, which was amusing…looked for a few minutes like he was going to tap another guy on the head and play duck duck goose on ice, but no such luck :)
That’s would have been awesome—watching them play duck duck goose. Good point too about players who have been through this camp before so it should take the ones new to the system and camp a bit longer to get acclimated.
"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 Jul 12, 2011 9:21 AM EDT up reply actions
Ok, I uploaded four pictures from that sequence…video would have been better. Here’s one of the pics.
http://i1101.photobucket.com/albums/g436/sk84fun_dc/IMG_0810.jpg
Fabulous. Thanks.
"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 Jul 12, 2011 10:15 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
That would have been classic…Good to hear about his confidence. Although Id like to think he makes the team, I dont see where he fits without another trade (which is totally probable)
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If he’s one of the 12 best forwards, he fits.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions
How filled out is Galiev? I remember him as being a bit string-beany from last year, tho’ fast with quick hands.
"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 Jul 12, 2011 9:23 AM EDT up reply actions
Still beanpole-ish and smiling.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
kid smiles so much he almost makes Ovie look dour.
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
He’s filled out a good bit. We walked by each other (He and Orlov were walking together) in the rink after they’d finished practicing and he looks solid. He’s also much bigger in person than he looks on the ice.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 12, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
That first pass you mentioned is something that is so important on the powerplay. I would argue that Green is the only person that can do it consistently on this team. JC is OK at it, but this makes me think that Orlov could see PP time in the future.
(Vokoun Signs 1 Year Deal With Washington @ 1.5 Million)
GMGM to the rest of the league: "**** just got real."
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 12, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions
For those going to dev camp today, Ward is supposed to be there – available to the media at some point.
(1:00 is or was Ward’s media availability, fwiw)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Group B on ice this morning, except according to Carrera Sjogren is seeing the dentist so not on the ice.
hmmm…is that normal. I would think he would wait till next week….hell Ovi never went
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IMO, normal not to wait, but also, he’s here now…with the Caps resources available to him so not sure what you mean by wait until next week.
Im just wondering why he would miss any ice time during Dev Camp….I would think to your point with the Caps resources they could have hooked him up last night…I just think if you want to make the big club you should be skating as much as possible
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it’s just the Dev Camp and a prospect, they’re not going to wake up the dentist to do some emergency root canal work overnight.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
5 PM isnt exactly overnight…I dont know I could be totally off base…I just think If I were in his shoes I would take every opportunity to show what I got
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Which is why I think it’s a safe assumption that he didn’t have many other options.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I don’t think Sjogren’s in the same position as the other guys at camp. The team knows Sjogren, knows what he can do, or they wouldn’t have brought him in. This camp is more an opportunity for him to get some coaching, learn the systems. I don’t think he has much to prove.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 9:51 AM EDT up reply actions
Don’t forget there is a lot going on off the ice during camp week. Off-ice testing, training instruction, nutrition counseling, possibly off-site testing (IIRC, some years they take them to a track for some sprinting/timing, too – crazy in this heat), plus a little fun with a team activity or two and a team meal or two in the afternoon/evenings, as well. Their schedules are pretty busy, not just the on-ice skating drills and scrimmages that we see.
Ok, I was just curious. Im just thinking if I had a shot to play in the NHL you would have to cut my legs off to keep me from skating. He isnt guaranteed to make the club although he is the odds on favorite.
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Yeah, but, it’s hard to speculate. Tooth damage can be something you can simply play through or it can be life-threatening due to infection risk. Since it is his chance to play in the NHL, I’d wager there’s medical significance to him not being on ice.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Really? Are we really going a half-dozen comments deep on the timing of Sjogren’s dental work?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 12, 2011 9:48 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
If 24/7 can win an Emmy…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
Haha…slow day…Im questioning his heart, not the quality of his enamels.
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I don’t know how you can take him going to the dentist and turn it into a question of his heart. The Caps made the arrangements. They’re taking care of one of their prospects.
Prospects sometimes get hurt at camp some badly and some less so and they are sent off to the doctor’s office. There have been prospects in the past that could have participated after medical evaluation, but the coaches decided to be cautious.
This is a small blip for Sjogren. He’ll be back showing what he can do. He might even be back in time to join the other group on the ice.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
welcome to summer hockey in a season with inflated expectations and a desperate fanbase!
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
welcome to summer hockey in a season with inflated
expectationsfanbase andadesperatefanbaseexpectations!
FTFY.
Terrifically juvenile.
When did GMGM know that Sjogren had to go to the dentist? This is terrible asset management!!!
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
by Bonzai!!! on Jul 12, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
I’m just disappointed that I’ll need to get this tattoo of Sjogren’s smile redone.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
MLS: If you're on crystal meth you can ref a match, just don't swear in the stands.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 12, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
You can keep it as a tribute to the time his smile spent in DC.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Depends how badly the tooth is damaged. If he needs a root canal it’s definitely not normal to wait.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I only had one and I waited at least two weeks with an exposed nerve.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Wow. Any chance your dentist kept asking “Is it safe?”
by b.orr4 on Jul 12, 2011 11:15 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I think I’m missing a joke here.
My dentist was first in shock that my nerve was exposed and I had dealt with it for so long. Then I had to reschedule after an emergency root canal (which wasn’t an “emergency” in the sense that I had the procedure immediately). The root canal was started before the anesthetic had kicked in (or before they had put enough in), so that was brutal.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
uh-oh, we have an anti-dentite in the house.
Terrifically juvenile.
by stemmer on Jul 12, 2011 12:49 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Dentists dont have “Safe Words”…………. BIG WHEEL
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They’re momma notice funny things they do.
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 Jul 12, 2011 1:00 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Man…That is good Steve Martin there…
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I had 4 due to some wonderfully well thought out plans to remove my wisdom teeth that ruined my molars. After the 2nd one, I became pretty decent at sleeping through the 3rd and 4th.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
I guarantee Ovechkin saw a dentist — at least to see if there’s anything they needed to do right away to stabilize the mouth.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 9:49 AM EDT up reply actions
pfft…wuss.
Signed,
E. Belanger
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 12, 2011 9:39 AM EDT up reply actions 10 recs
This renders 42% of todays Clips comments USELESS
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There are a bunch of “drills” puns and Caps/caps groaners in this discussion somewhere. (Hey, someone has to pitch Home run Derby).
"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 Jul 12, 2011 1:13 PM EDT up reply actions
SergeyKocharov Sergey Kocharov
Brett Flemming (Washingtoncaps.com) & Cody Eakin (Comcast) will be mic’d up today during practice
Kinda like 24/7…or maybe 12/three-and-a-half
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 12, 2011 9:50 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Brouwer
DC humidity has welcomed Brouwer to the region. (and here I was thinking summer hasn’t been too bad this year)
He seems like a good personality to have in the locker room.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
From Bourne (what we’re reading), is anyone buying that PHI has more depth now? I could see a case on the wing, maybe, but I think the massive erosion they suffered at C is going to outweigh any potential W depth they got. Voracek, Simmonds, Jagr came in. Leino and Versteeg left. That leaves them +1 W, but when you consider that Carter either played W or forced another C to play W (Briere), they still lost another guy there. I’m not really seeing more depth, and if their D is old and injured again, they’ll really not show more depth this season.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
No, they lost depth down the middle and that’s pretty much the most important position in the league now.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
But they were overflowing with center depth, so while they lost it, it was the one position for them to lose.
Philly is the one team in the East that I have no clue of what they’re going to do on the ice. I mean, most knowledgeable hockey fans know who the top 8-10 teams are in each conference (there is always a surprise or two, obviously), but do you really have any idea of what the Flyers are going to look like come January or February with that team?
but they lost their top centers. So, yeah, they could, hypothetically, afford to lose it, but it weakens them. It’s kind of like saying “The Caps were overflowing with left wing depth, so they could afford to lose Ovechkin and Semin.”
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
Unless you get to insane levels (Pittsburgh) there’s never enough depth at center. They had decent wings, so they weren’t running into the issues that the Pens are/were having.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
I agree with you, but I think that it may not be as huge of a drop-off as we think.
Look, it’s not a move that I would’ve made, but it could work.
It’s a drop off considering most of the prospects they brought in were pegged to be “Richards-like” or “Carter-like”. So, at best, they’re going to come back to the same level they were at years after Timmonen and Pronger are gone.
It’s a huge drop-off in so much as they were a Stanley Cup contender and now, in my opinion, they’re a borderline player in the postseason.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
I think they are easily a playoff team but I don’t have them as a favorite in the East.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
true, but do you see them making it anywhere? The difference between the top and bottom of the East means “just don’t be Ottawa” and Philly definitely didn’t try to be Ottawa.
I see them getting knocked off by us or Pittsburgh early on.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Unless Bryz has a Vezina worthy year or something. Luck in the playoffs is a crazy thing. But I will say I fear them less now than I did last year.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I just think we don’t know what they’re going to be like. We may see them gel together quickly, Schenn show us all that he is a Calder candidate, and they don’t miss a beat.
Or they’re terrible.
The only way I see them being flat out horrible is if they have bad luck with injuries and down years from the guys that remain healthy. It could happen, but it would be an outlier, in other words.
I also don’t think the upgrade in goal is as huge or as sure a thing as the general consensus has it. Bob was pretty much lights out to start the season last year. Bryz might never hit that level this year. Or he might.
Anyway, I don’t see them having more depth, to answer the original question.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Briere is always an injury risk. Same with Pronger. So those guys wouldn’t really be big surprises.
But if Timmonen and Coburn go down + they have a bad year with shooting %, Schenn struggles against the big boys and they catch a few other bad bounces…then they could have a terrible record.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I agree, the Flyers are a total enigma at this point. I hated playing against Richards/Carter (esp. the former) enough that I’m very glad they are both gone from the conference, and the Jagr situation certainly has the potential of being toxic. At the same time, they still have a talented roster, added a bunch of young talent, and massively upgraded in goal.
I could see them finishing anywhere from 1st to 10th in the East, though I think it’s more likely that they’ll be a mid-high seed than not.
I agree. Jagr and Leino are probably similar players at this point in Jagr’s career. Likewise with Versteeg and Simmonds. Voracek is a downgrade from Carter on the wing at this point in their careers. Add to that the uncertainty in losing Richards as a quality C and the potential effect on a line. I’m not buying.
by Dirk Dangler on Jul 12, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Read something on Bleacher Report yesterday where the author has Jagr getting at least 23 G and 50 Points. Over or under on these?
I go under on both.
Terrifically juvenile.
I think he’ll probably get 50-60 points if he plays with Briere or Giroux. His NHL equivalency numbers from last year were pretty decent, weren’t they? I doubt he hits 70, but 50-60 seems reasonable.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
That was my thought as well.
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 Jul 12, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
Jagr is going to be getting what amounts to Ville Leino’s minutes (about 16 a game). And, despite his age, he has been remarkable durable. In his last nine seasons in the NHL, the only seasons in which he played fewer than 81 games were seasons in which he played, at least in part, in a Caps jersey (something to be said there for either his work ethic or the ice surface, or both). Leino was 5-6-11 on the power play on his way to 53 points last year. I suspect Jagr might do a little better on the power play (he’ll get more ice time), but less so at even strength (where he will get less ice time). 50 points is a good over under, but 23 goals seems more than a bit high. 16-34-50 seems about right.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 12, 2011 12:36 PM EDT up reply actions
That should be “his last seven seasons in the NHL” he played in fewer than 81 games only in seasons he wore a Caps jersey.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 12, 2011 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions
I haven’t seen Jagr outside of the game against Russia back in the Olympics. Any idea how he looks?
My first instinct is that he’s in for a rude reintroduction to life in the offensive zone in the NHL. But I do think he’ll get his points, on the assumption that he’ll still be able to snipe the top corner on the PP.
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Over on points, vacillating on goals.
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by Knee high to a duck on Jul 12, 2011 3:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Well, they had 0 legitimate playoff starting goalies. And now they have 1. And 1 divided by 0 is infinity.
So take the net change to wing depth, and the net change to center depth, and the net change to defensive depth, add infinity, and that’s their change in depth over the offseason.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 11:00 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I’m not sure I’m buying Bryz as a playoff goalie any longer. In his last two playoff series, he’s gone 3-8 with an .878 SV% and 3.76 GAA.
Bryz said he was worn down by the time he made it to the playoffs this past season. In the past 3 years he played:
2008-09 65 games
2009-10 69 games
2010-11 68 games
I have no clue if this is too many games, but if he said he was worn down playing 68 games, do you think they’ll let him play less in Philly? Goalie Guild likes to go on about the value of goalie tandems, so the main goalie doesn’t get worn down during the regular season and is ready to go for the playoffs. He uses Tim Thomas as an example of this. Thomas played 57 games and Rask played 29 games this past season.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 12, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
Philly didn’t implode their team to fit in Bryz to have him sit on the bench.
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
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And Lavy historically likes to ride his goalies.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Jul 12, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
so they are setting themselves up for playoff failure due to bad goalie management during the regular season? Excellent, unless you are a Bryz fan.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 12, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Bryz wear orange. I am not a fan.
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
Haha the Orlov-Kuz thing was great. “Header!”
(Vokoun Signs 1 Year Deal With Washington @ 1.5 Million)
GMGM to the rest of the league: "**** just got real."
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 12, 2011 11:12 AM EDT reply actions
Scratch that, Orlov-Galiev
(Vokoun Signs 1 Year Deal With Washington @ 1.5 Million)
GMGM to the rest of the league: "**** just got real."
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 12, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Some people were talking yesterday in the clips about McPhee holding a press conference. Does anyone have a link? I didn’t see it on 106.7 or Caps365…
Oh boy.
SkyKerstein
#Caps Boudreau says he hasn’t talked to Holtby since Vokoun signing, said goalie coaches talked to him, Prior said yesterday he hasn’t
Pehaps we should tune in to 106.7 to see what it’s all about.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
perhaps Ollie talked to him?
106.7 is talking about Derek Jeter now.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 12, 2011 11:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Right because that hasn’t been discussed much in the last couple of days.
by b.orr4 on Jul 12, 2011 11:50 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Holtby definitely has a bit of Roy in him but he has to be insane to think he was ready for the NHL. Had some incredible play in his second call-up but he was still far too green to solidify his position here.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
It might be insane for him, but these are goalies we’re talking about here. Hopefully his playoff performance in Hershey reminded him he had work to do.
But Holtby was the one I was more worried about with the Vokoun signing, mainly because of the huge gap in the NHL/AHL salary for a guy like him. He makes $65k in the AHL vs. $570k in the NHL. He presumably thought that he was going to be in the NHL this year for sure. All other expectations/disappointment aside, that is a pretty huge financial difference.
Combine that with one of his peers bolting thinking he didn’t get a fair shake as the guy in DC, and a guy above him on the depth chart who can’t exactly be thrilled that he’s not coming into camp as the #1 guy, and I think you have a situation that needs to be handled carefully to avoid guys being disgruntled. I’m hoping Olie talked to him – he knows a thing or two about having to be patient to get your big chance and payday.
I’d like to have made $65k as a 21 year old
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
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by RedBirdie on Jul 12, 2011 12:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Agree…also, don’t forget he collected a nice size signing bonus over the last few seasons. Obviously, not the same type of salary as the NHL, but he’s a young kid.
plus whatever he made during his NHL call-ups this past season!
Holtby spent all of 24 hours thinking he might have a full-time NHL gig. it’s not like he was told “Yep, the job is yours” only to have a vet invited to training camp and get the spot. I doubt he’s crying into his wheaties. There are way worse places to be than the #1 guy in Hershey.
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 argument here, and the 24 hour point is a good one. $65k is still a nice salary at his age and hopefully he sees that. But it’s not outlandish to think he would have been disappointed, especially on that level.
maybe, but you don’t miss as much what you never had. Which is why I think it’s easiest to go to grad school straight from undergrad because you aren’t used to money and all. Holtby didn’t make a lot more, then less again.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 12, 2011 12:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m gonna have to invoke #DanEllisProblems on this one!
by mch on Jul 12, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If Holtby weren’t pissed, there’d be something wrong with him. It’s a question of how he channels the anger that will determine what kind of player he’s going to be.
This is a place where Kolzig’s mentoring will clearly help. Kolzig was a proud guy too.
by JPN888 on Jul 12, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Is that today’s bullshit non-story story?
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by J.P. on Jul 12, 2011 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m getting really tired of waiting for Alzner to sign.
by wickedwitch on Jul 12, 2011 11:57 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Hey an NHL trade:
Oilers trade Cogliano to Ducks for a 2nd round pick (source twitter – Oliers acct)
I laughed. via Katie:
"I talked to Ovi a couple weeks ago, right after I got traded," Brouwer said. "I couldn’t understand him very much on the phone, but a real nice guy and he welcomed me to the team."
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 bet he said this season would be “unbelievable.”
That'll make your weagle wink!
The pants that bind us should be left behind us.
No he said “U gonna like it, it gonna be sick!”
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by Cap-O-Vens on Jul 12, 2011 12:19 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
add in the “haha,” and you have an ovitweet
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 12, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
See you on the ace!!!!!!!!!!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Brouwer will learn Ovinglish pretty quickly.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
by breaklance on Jul 12, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Pretty Awful…with my kid hanging with the Moosehead coaches this week I will rep Halifax…but still the Black and White could work with a better design
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Missed opportunity for a great graphical logo, I think.
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 12, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions
on a less-strong team, he would be the rookie whiz-kid given a chance to dominate.
I like our strategy better, though
Realignment
Report that the Jets will move to the Central and that the Pred and even Jackets will stay there, with Detroit coming east. Seems bizarre. Who would move to the SE, or is this part of a larger shakeup?
That was from the Wild owner which, if I remember correctly, broke up the divisions all helter-skelter like. Philly and Pittsburgh would be in different divisions with DC in the same division as Philly, and like the Devils or someone way north in a division with the southern teams. I wouldn’t put any stock in it at all since it sounds like the guy was talking out his ass.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
If the NHL were smart,…..okay deep breath you can stop laughing now, about realigning, the east specifically, They’d keep Bos-MTL, NYI-NYR-NJD, and Pit-Phi rivalries together. Detroit, if they moved east, would most likely be in the same division as Pitt so the NHL can play up the former SC dual series over and over again. Wash should be in the same division as Pitt and Phi though, despite being non-division currently those games are hot beds in all 3 cities.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
yeah, I wouldn’t mind being in the same division again but I think it’d be complete stupidity to bust up Philly/Pittsburgh just so Detroit can come back east. I have a feeling that it will be Columbus that comes east and plays in the SE, though.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
It would make more sense to me to move Philly to the Southeast and place Columbus in the same division as Pitt. Yes, it does break up the Philly/Pitt rivalry but Washington/Philly make a good rivalry and I think a rivalry could develop between Columbus and Pittsburgh.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I don’t like that DET will get what they want just because of constant fan whining. They aren’t the only team worthy of a look to move east, and in the interest of the league they make the least sense. It’s a good thing to have another marquis team out west.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I agree. DET is the top franchise in the West, and moving them to the East would put all of the teams that the NHL bothers promoting, except Chicago, in the East. It would also kill/severely diminish the CHI and COL intra-conference rivalries, to say nothing of all the other western teams that try to knock them off in the playoffs each year.
DET may want to be in the East, but I think it’s better for the league to keep them in the West and swap the Jets for a commensurate WC team (like Nashville or Columbus).
It should help Columbus financially, and I get the impression they need exposure badly.
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To help with basic Timeonice functions.
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Jul 12, 2011 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s the truth. I would move Columbus to the Eastern. But if another team in the East ever relocates to the West (or if expansion happens and 2 additional western teams are created), my next choice would be to move Detroit to the East as well (and put them in the same division with the Canadian teams).
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, imo. The radical realignment makes more sense.
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 think it makes more sense to move CBJ east, regardless of what DET says. A game schedule which allows CBJ to get healthier-sized TV audiences is critical to that team being viable in the long run. Detroit, I’m not so worried about.
A game schedule which allows CBJ to get healthier-sized TV audiences is critical to that team being viable in the long run.
so, a game schedule that doesn’t involve Columbus losing all the time…..
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
Although it’ll be pretty sweet to have Detroit in out division.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Jul 12, 2011 1:45 PM EDT reply actions
No Thanks
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I’m conflicted on it.
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
Honestly I dont even want them in the East…They are perennial contenders…call me gutless but the later in the year we have to worry about them the better.
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The Caps are perennial contenders. The Pens are perennial contenders. The Flyers are perennial contenders despite Holmgren’s annual attempt to really fuck things up. I’m not worried.
What I am worried about is the possibility of Washington, Detroit, Philly, Pitt, and Tampa all ending up in the same division, and there only being 4 playoff spots. Brutal.
Oh, and I’m worried about having to sleep on the couch. That would suck.
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
Don’t be silly. He should be worried about having to sleep on the couch.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
this is true!
He’s not all that thrilled with the possibility of being in the same division. “I’m going to have to disown all this Caps stuff I have.”
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
it would be payback for all those times he “borrowed” my Steckel shirt!
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
Kind of my point, We have many solid franchises is the East…adding the Wings really tightens things up.
As far as the couch, I cant help you there, I told my wife when we got married that my bed is the only place I will sleep in my house
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Prospects noting on twitter that this afternoon is the tour of dc… oh the memories of Hauswirth being so articulate when he was miked up for a previous one, lol.
Pretty sure Stas Galiev would make an excellent tourguide, even though he hasn’t been here long.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Just got back from Dev Camp
Nobody really impressed me, although I liked Orlov’s skating and Sjogren’s size. Eakin seemed to be dogging it and had to take a lap after casually skating toward the huddle. Even though he’s a lock for training camp I would’ve liked to see him dominate.
Highlight of my day was sharing an elevator down to the food court with Sjogren and three other prospects who I couldn’t make out. Sjogren looked like he’s been crushing the weight room, while one of the prospects I couldn’t identify popped the other’s backne and told his pal to “stop being a baby about it.” Excellent.
The Kettler elevators rule. If I had a day free this week I might just spend it riding up and down, observing.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I once shared an elevator with Holtby when he told some old lady she didn’t know what she was talking about. that was interesting…
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
Was she telling him how easy it is to live in Hershey, PA, on $65K/year?
Terrifically juvenile.
by stemmer on Jul 12, 2011 3:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
better! She was telling her friend how Joe Finley is a talentless goon who set out to hurt poor, sweet Trevor Bruess.
I just about died laughing. and then we talked baseball.
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
while one of the prospects I couldn’t identify popped the other’s backne and told his pal to "stop being a baby about it."
Now that is the stuff of team bonding.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
also: things that should be handled in the privacy of the locker room! ewwwwwww.
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
Most players at development camp aren’t really fighting for roster spots yet. For anyone unsigned, it is a way to get on a team’s radar and possibly get a contract, but many of these players are going back to juniors or college. Rookie camp is where the fight really begins.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
is kuznetsov gonna be in contention for a spot this year?
so currently on the radar, I see eakin, galiev, and sjogren. who else?
Not even sure Galiev will even be in Hershey. I think he’s young enough to be eligible for another year in Juniors. Orlov was only in Hershey for a couple months, so he’ll probably end up back there, as will Eakin, with the possibility of a call-up game or two. Sjogren has the best shot of the Dev. camp folks.
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
Correct, Galiev is not eligible to play in the AHL this season (to start the season.)
J762 – This camp isn’t about competing for a roster spot, no decision is being made now…it will help Sjogren, Orlov, and Eakin to be better prepared for rookie camp and training camp in the fall, although for 2 of them they’ve been at camp before. Of course, Kugryshev is also at camp again, along with some others.
For other guys, it’s about earning a contract whether FA or drafted or taking home information to build upon for the next season. And for some it’s about earning a pro contract (NHL/AHL/ECHL) because they have used up their NCAA or junior eligibility.
There are 8 players at camp under contract to the Washington Capitals – Anderson has to go back to juniors (and needs to, as well.)
NHL entry-level contracts: Flemming, Grubauer, Kugryshev, Orlov, Eakin, Anderson, Sjogren, and G. Mitchell
as far as I understand things, Galiev either has to play in DC, or be returned to St. John’s. And I don’t believe he has signed a contract yet, so it’s all kind of moot.
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
Galiev is Eakin’d into another year in junior. The good part is that Saint John will contend for another Q title and another Memorial Cup berth, and Stas will probably get a better look for Team Russia at the WJCs this year.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
If you’re talking about contending for the 3 open spots, I think Beagle has to be included as well. I personally think the 4th line spot is already his, at least to start the season.
My mind is all twtisted like a peanut.
I read some posts speculating about Chimera’s future. Even if we trade him we won’t have enough space to sign Alzner. Is the common consensus that Chimera will be traded for a low pick and Poti will retire/be put on LTIR?
(Vokoun Signs 1 Year Deal With Washington @ 1.5 Million)
GMGM to the rest of the league: "**** just got real."
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 12, 2011 3:34 PM EDT reply actions
Poti’s cap hit basically has to come off the books, either via LTIR, retirement or waivers. Some disagreement about the most likely outcome, but one of the three.
Then another trade, most likely Chimera, but maybe Alex Semin (deemed unlikely by most, including me).
That leaves them with cap room and a roster to start the year, but precious little in the way of injury replacements.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I was worrying about our depth as well. After Sjogren, King, Beagle, Eakin, and Orlov idk where to turn.
(Vokoun Signs 1 Year Deal With Washington @ 1.5 Million)
GMGM to the rest of the league: "**** just got real."
by Chaz-Capapalooza on Jul 12, 2011 3:46 PM EDT up reply actions
Depending on where Alzner comes in, the Caps might be able to keep Chimera
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 5:03 PM EDT up reply actions
From Corey’s piece on NHL.com:
"We asked Olie if he wanted to do it a couple of years ago, but he said he didn’t feel ready to do it at the time," McPhee said. “We’re really delighted that we’ve got a guy with Dave’s experience, and with Olie coming in and bringing everything he brings. It is a nice team.”More evidence of GMGM’s “loyal soldier” policy. Wonder if Irbe knew he was just a placeholder for Olie’s return.
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
I don’t know if I would say “placeholder.” But I’m surprised (happily) GMGM reached out that far back. This time 2 years ago, Olie was still hoping he’d be able to play one more 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
Yeah, placeholder is a little harsh. Archie (with his language skills) was just what we needed back then. I guess I meant just a two year stint. I still think he will eventually wind up back in Charlotte (that’s where his kids are, if I recall).
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
Nobody’s discussing the Fehr interview Steinberg transcribed? He had some really interesting comments.
Fehr praised Alex Ovechkin at length, calling him "a great leader" who is "really well liked" inside the Caps dressing room, but he had a telling response when asked about the team’s defensive shift last season.
"They were definitely trying to buy in," he said of his teammates. "I know for the Russian players, defense is not always the first thing on their mind, but it was definitely something we worked on last year, and I think it showed in the goals-against that the team had. It’s definitely a different style of play for those guys."
Fehr was also asked how Bruce Boudreau had changed during the move from Hershey to the big time.
"He definitely had to change his style a little bit in the National Hockey League, coaching these real high-end players, high-end talents," Fehr said. "It’s a bit of a different approach, I think. He changed the way he coached a little bit moving up to the higher level."
"[NHL players] definitely have to like you, I think that’s one of the main things. And you want to try to make it so the players are wanting to play for you, so it’s really a fine line between making sure they’re working their hardest and trying to keep them happy. It’s probably one of the most difficult jobs in the world, I think, to work with some of these star players."
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 12, 2011 4:30 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Definitely some telling responses, but I don’t think it is more condemning of the Caps’ stars than others. We’ve seen a couple very successful teams recently turn their seasons around after a coaching change. That indicates, to me, that the comment is applicable more widely than just in DC. Players don’t play well when they hate the coach. I think that’s been demonstrated quite a few times.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Agreed. I do think Fehr was trying to be diplomatic here, but his overarching point is that this is the NHL and if the players hate you, it’s not going to work. I didn’t take it as a shot against anyone in particular, more just a realistic observation about players who know they’re the best in the world.
The comments about Ovie/Semin were also candid in terms of D, but there’s nothing surprising there. Obviously it’s a transition for Ovie, as he’s used to leading the rush and cherry-picking at times. He generally improved at backchecking during the season, at least in my eyes, but that’s never going to be his focus, nor should it be. I’ve been pretty satisfied with Semin’s D for the most part, so I didn’t notice much of an adjustment for him.
So does that quote make you think that BB is any more or less likely to be able to implement more discipline and accountability in the team this year?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
less likely. and acknowledging everything grape just said as true, to me the takeaway is that fehr doesn’t think BB can afford to be hard on the stars. it might be true, but haven’t there also been coaches who either (A) had enough respect in the room they COULD be taskmasters, or (B) found other motivations for the team besides “playing for the coach”?
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 12, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m sure there probably have been, but I don’t know enough about what went on in any locker room to say. People seem to love Scotty Bowman, but he had a strong pimp hand when he needed it too. Some guys are renowned for their no-shit attitude (Keanan) but I think most of them are some mix of both.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Bowman’s balance between being a player’s coach and using an iron fist is what made him a great coach. It’s a hard balance to do all the time, and most coaches either are one or the other.
i’m sure the stanley cup rings helped, though.
by Natty Bumppo on Jul 12, 2011 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
From Ovie’s discussions about his earlier training, he seems to respect and appreciate the coaches who pushed him hardest.
I think Fehr’s comments reflect more on how BB feels he has to relate to the Caps’ stars. I don’t think that feeling is entirely reality based. Did he really need to change part of his approach to coaching?
I don’t think he’s gotten over the awe of having one of the NHL’s best players in the locker room. At times, BB still comes across as having an “I’m not worthy” demeanor and that can come out in his handling of the skill players.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I remember the anecdote about how Bruce looked for the first chance he had to make Ovi skate a lap during the first practice Bruce ran, just to show who the boss was.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jul 12, 2011 5:45 PM EDT up reply actions
Equally likely. Star players can be hard to handle, particularly if they think they know better than the coach. But that’s been true the entire time Boudreau’s been coaching up in the NHL. He has to continue to balance ego with discipline.
The key phrase in the Fehr interview, to me, is that the players were trying to buy in to Boudreau’s defensive system. That is encouraging, and will hopefully carry through this year as well.
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
It doesn’t really change my opinion. BB can’t change his stripes at this point, in my opinion (although he may be able to change his system). He has doghouses and favorites, but I have yet to question whether the team plays hard for him. That’s why I think he is still capable of leading the Caps all the way.
But perhaps Fehr has a perspective many of us don’t, comparing the NHL BB to the AHL BB, and that is what he is speaking to.
For the off-season champs link, do we know whether Laich was counted in the GVT-added, or was it only players that weren’t on the roster last year? And what percentage of that increase is due solely to Vokoun?
Related, based on the current goalie market I’m skeptical of the GVT use for goalies. They generally have incredibly high GVT, but I’m not sure that really jives with the marginal value over a season. Maybe it does, I haven’t looked that closely, but I don’t think the difference between an average goalie and an elite goalie is normally so much that you should have goalies littering the top of the GVT ranks. How do they set the baseline for the goaltenders to demonstrate the value above replacement?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Look at the list of 2010-11 GVT. This doesn’t seem even close to accurate to me. 9 of the top 10 are goalies. Niemi and Crawford have more value than Ovechkin or MSL? Not a chance in hell.
It’s stacked in favor of goalies and any analysis that doesn’t normalize for the average goaltending isn’t doing justice, IMO.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I actually don’t see that as a problem. I think any one goalie may have more effect on a game than any one defenseman or forward, in general. they’re out there 3-4 times as long
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
That’s fair, but if you are going to put a ranking of players together at the end of the season and it looks like this… you’re doing it wrong. Either normalize for ice time (which many of us complained about, it’s not a rate stat) or adjust the numbers based on the fact that there just isn’t a ton of marginal difference over the course of a year.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
But those would be different stats. GVT is unapologetically an absolute, not a rate stat. It’s measured in hypothetical goals. If what you want is a rate stat, it’s easy enough to do GVT/minute or whatever you want.
Awad worked hard to correlate on-ice events to goals. If the truth turns out to be that Goalies have a large impact on goals, and that maybe there isn’t a ton of marginal difference over the course of a year, then so be it. I’d much rather he just report what the numbers say than try to make them say something different.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 6:31 PM EDT up reply actions
c’mon, you’re better than this comment. GVT is a ranking of value added over replacement player. Full stop.
If you bothered to read the explanation of the methodology plus other articles as the site, you’d know they are leaders in the “don’t overpay for goalies” camp.
And if you want to calc a rate stat like GVT/TOI, they give you the data to do that, so I really don’t get your criticisms here.
If GVT ranks value over a replacement player, and the marginal value of goalies is such that you shouldn’t spend big money on one, then how do goalies have such high GVTs? A high GVT suggests that the player is not easily replaced, but that doesn’t fit with the goaltending market in the NHL. Either that or they are setting the baseline for a replacement goalie far too low.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 12, 2011 11:32 PM EDT up reply actions
I think the baseline is fine—.905ish is what I’d expect from a guy like Sabourin.
Luck, for one. A 92% weighted coin toss makes it really easy to exceed expectations by a large margin over a few hundred trials.
Second, I’m not sure the market for goalies is all that efficient with respect to talent. With only a few dozen goalies, the few top-flight ones get lots of money, then the second-tier goalies, who can provide even better goaltending than the elites in a good year, get backup, 3rd liner money (~1/4 of total TOI).
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
To help with basic Timeonice functions.
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Jul 13, 2011 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions
But why use Sabourin as your replacement baseline? He’s an AHL goalie. He’s not in the top 60 goalies, so there’s no way he’s even considered as a replacement if a team loses their starting goalie.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jul 13, 2011 10:05 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s the point of replacement. You can get one anytime, it’s supposed to be the worst-case scenario.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
To help with basic Timeonice functions.
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Jul 14, 2011 6:17 PM EDT up reply actions
With the GVT through March 7 from BtN, Vokoun is 6.4 GVT above Varlamov, Ward is 1.1, Hamrlik 7.7, Hannan 1.3, Bradley 0.1, Halpern 4.4, Gordon 0.1, Fehr 2.5 (did I miss anyone?). Add it all up and it’s 16.5 over ~3/4 of the season. Laich was 7.0 GVT.
On goalies and GVT, I think the replacement-level threshold is around .905 in the NHL (probably depends on the season). So, a .930 over 1000 shots (and better goalies should face more) saves ~25 goals.
Tom Awad: GVT Part 1, Part 2, Part 3. The last has the formulas.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
To help with basic Timeonice functions.
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Jul 12, 2011 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Thanks, I’ll try to take a look when I get some time. That difference is about 4 wins, correct? How many goals above replacement did Corey Perry provide? He’s 44th in GVT.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Yeah, probably a bit more in wins. About Perry, remember that he scored over a goal per game in the final part of the year.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
To help with basic Timeonice functions.
If I reference a lot of stats, just assume I haven't seen anything to contradict or invalidate them.
by red army line on Jul 12, 2011 5:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, so his final GVT is likely to be a bit higher. That makes sense.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
*
But not enough sense to change my opinion on the value of GVT as a player ranking tool.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
GVT is pretty strongly luck driven, I don’t put all that much stock in it from year to year, fwiw.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 12, 2011 6:22 PM EDT up reply actions
when you say luck driven, do you mean because the calcs are based on goals not shots?
As for me, I tend to ignore SO GVT, since the sample is incredibly small and it’s (for me) not a real hockey-game skill or outcome.
As long as the NHL counts points awarded in the shootout, then it’s a real hockey skill. Your personal distaste for the shootout doesn’t mean that it doesn’t matter.
Armareddon.
Just because there’s appoint at stake doesn’t mean the point is the result of skill not luck.
Second, this “skill” is irrelevant in the part of the season that matters, so there’s more distaste than my own.
Tell that to the 09-10 Flyers and Rangers.
And as much as you may say it’s not repeatable, just as with shooting percentage, there do seem to be a small cadre of guys who consistently put up good shootout numbers. If a GM has a choice between Frans Nielsen or Radim Vrbata and an identical player with lesser shootout number, he’d be foolish not to take the guy with the better shootout numbers.
You may not like the shootout, but they still count for points in the standings. Teams make the playoffs or the lottery based in part on shootout points. Players who can add points in this aspect of the game are valuable and therefore deserve a mention in GVT.
Armareddon.
Most importantly, when will we raise the banner?
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
by renstar on Jul 12, 2011 6:19 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
This is a bit off topic but I can’t seem to find a blog/post/whatever that reviews each day of the Development camp. The few that I have seen are incomplete or just have pictures.
Thanks for responding. I did do that, including the various links within the ‘breakfast’ links but some were pictures or individual stories or updates on players, trades, etc. Either I am dense and can’t find things, but if I remember correctly, I thought that last year there were several posts dedicated just to the scrimmages and practices from each day….including perhaps even the WaPo.
There may me more content later this week, as the days get progressively more interesting to the likes of us.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 12, 2011 6:32 PM EDT up reply actions
You will see more content after the scrimmages…and if you read too much about the first couple of days or this morning’s on-ice testing, and take what you read in context of the source, that it’s July and the variation in experience of these players.
As to EmilyB’s comment about the clips, that’s true for blogs and articles, but there are other message boards where like here, you will find individual write-ups in posts about people’s observations from particular days.
Ward/Brouwer/Vokoun/Hamrlik
Do you think you guys can get out of the 2nd round now?
What man is a man who does not make the world better
Meh. You’re an idiot.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Jul 12, 2011 9:20 PM EDT up reply actions
Please flag comments rather than engage in name calling.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
MLS: If you're on crystal meth you can ref a match, just don't swear in the stands.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 12, 2011 9:28 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Name calling can be so much fun, though.
by mechanicsville on Jul 12, 2011 9:30 PM EDT up reply actions
If you’re among friends, sure. Besides, I’ve got a feeling CoC will wear out his welcome shortly.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
MLS: If you're on crystal meth you can ref a match, just don't swear in the stands.
by Bald Pollack on Jul 12, 2011 9:35 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m with you. Just goofing around, and comments like his do make it rather tempting.
by mechanicsville on Jul 12, 2011 10:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Due to it being a workday I think 8am would be a fairly safe bet.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Halpern
Seen Halpern out at Ashburn ice arena last night…he was taking skating lessons before our game…spoiler alert…he still sucks.
What man is a man who does not make the world better
Scored more goals post all-star break than Crosby! I’ll take that production.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
by sydtron on Jul 12, 2011 8:21 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
he’s just sore Halpy came back to the Caps instead of joining the ex-Caps Club in South Beach.
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
Click on the profile – it’s a Penguins fan who only belongs to the blogs for the Panthers and Caps.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
___
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 12, 2011 8:57 PM EDT up reply actions 13 recs
Hahaha, “vitriol and Cheetos”.
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Jul 12, 2011 9:18 PM EDT up reply actions
Shipping Up To Ballston.....
Blogging the NHL (and the Caps) at The Breakaway Goal Blog and on Tumblr.
Twitter @breakawaygoal
Capitals Development Camp Coverage from The Breakaway Goal.
by thebreakawaygoal on Jul 12, 2011 9:32 PM EDT reply actions 8 recs
excellent.
I give it a one point five.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Jul 12, 2011 11:29 PM EDT up reply actions
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