Pick 'Em: Best Swedish Cap Ever
by J.P. on Jul 22, 2011 11:01 AM EDT
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Bengt Gustafsson played nine seasons in Washington and was considered among the best Swedish players to put on a Caps uniform. - Washington Times, July 20, 2011
The line above was in Steve Whyno's recent piece detailing the break-up between the Caps and 2008 first-round pick (and son of Caps legend Bengt) Anton Gustafsson. But with appropriate focus having been paid to that substance, the word "among" in that sentence is the subject of this post - if Bengt Gustafsson was among the best Swedish players to put on a Caps uniform, who else is in the discussion?
HockeyReference.com lists 15 players who were born in Sweden and have laced 'em up for the Caps in at least one regular season game (curiously, the site doesn't list Marcus Johansson, so make that 16, with a 17th likely coming soon in the person of Mattias Sjogren). And while we all expect Nicklas Backstrom to make this entire question a no-brainer some day, he's not there yet. What we're left with (with due respect to Ulf Dahlen and others) is a two-man race between Bengt Gustafsson and Calle Johansson - a pair of crafty, efficient, cerebral Swedes playing different positions. (The two actually overlapped for ten regular season games and four post-season tilts back in 1989, with Johansson even getting the primary assist on Gustafsson's last NHL goal.)
Gustafsson is currently sixth in franchise history in points, fifth in goals and assists, sixth in shorthanded goals and fourth in game-winners. He also scored five goals in a game against the Flyers in Philly, so there's that.
Johansson is the team's all-time leader in games played and had more points as a Caps blueliner than anyone. Five times he played a full season without missing a game.
A quick look at each man's career stats as a Cap:
Might we have hoped that we could have looked back on the Gustafsson vs. Johansson debate in a dozen years and be discussing Anton and Marcus? Sure. But that wasn't to be, and the choice is between Bengt and Calle - who's the best Swede in Caps' history?
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He’s working at a spare computer at the Christian Bros. hockey stick factory writing a program to stuff the ballot box for Gus. Gus made Christian a better player, although Christian was a good player to begin with and had a very deceptive shot and very quick hands, something Gus knew about and certainly took advantage of.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
Seriously—is this even a question?
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 11:13 AM EDT reply actions 9 recs
The Great Flygplats Debate
I voted for Calle Jo. He was a key member of this Caps team for over a decade, rarely missed time (that is until the last season with Washington) and was always quietly effective at both ends of the ice.
Despite the fact that he was never the best player on the team, the best defenseman on the team, the best Swede in the NHL, he was among the most consistent NHL players for what he did from 1989 until 2000. I had the privilege of seeing just about every game he played in a Caps uniform.
That said, JP did hit on who the only choices for this award are right now: Calle Jo, Gus, Nick and Ulfie. In the end Nick will pass all of them, to be sure, barring any unforseen injury (oh man, I hope that doesn’t happen).
Scary to think about it, but in a little over a decade, the Caps will celebrate their 50th anniversary. When they did the 30th anniversary they selected the top 30 players in Caps history, and had a starting six of Bondra, Gartner, Hunter, Langway, Johannson and Kolzig. At the 50th anniversary, it is very possible half those players could be replaced (Ovechkin, who is already the best player to ever wear a Caps jersey, Backstrom and Green should be in the starting 6 along with Bondra, Langway and Kolzig…)
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Agree with every point here and will point out two things.
One, I expect some recency bias in this question.
Two, when I think of “’90s Caps,” Calle Jo is in the top 5 for me. When I think “’80s Caps,” Bengt doesn’t make the top 5 cut. That counts for something.
The keyboard is mightier.
Really?
Bengt doesn’t make your 80s Top 5? Who you got? Granted I was pretty young in the 80s but I’ve got Langway, Gartner and Stevens as my “I’m not even arguing this with anyone” top 3. After that though, I can’t see not putting Gus in one of then next two spots.
Most of the guys who might replace him I would argue are more 90s Caps than 80s Caps.
Langway, Gartner, Stevens, Hunter (later), Murphy, Carpenter. These are just the players I found most recognizable as a young boy. Flame away.
The keyboard is mightier.
Fair enough... (and hopefully no flames, at least from me)
But for me, despite 1988, Dale is a 90s Cap.
Also, I pretty much refuse to put Murphy on any top Caps list. His time with the Caps was when i first started to really understand the game, and I just never really got behind him. It pretty much became a full on dislike after he started playing in Pittsburgh.
Finally, I’m a bit biased by my age against Carpenter since I barely remember seeing him play, but I don’t think I could argue against him. He would probably have to be 5th on my list after Gus.
Have to disagree with you about Gus not being a top 5 1980s Cap. He was the fifth best. Stevens was #1, followed by Langway, Gartner and Murphy. Gus was next. Carpenter was good early on, but flamed out in the mid 1980s, and then after being traded (for Ridley and Miller, one of Poile’s best trades ever) he reinvented himself as a checking forward and re-established his career in New Jersey.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions
I can’t go along with Stevens being better than Langway. Not in the 1980s. Not wearing the Caps’ sweater. Not sure I can go along with Murphy being better than Gustafsson as a Cap either. Gartner? That’s a “pick ’em” for me. Bengt was so much better defensively, so much more complete a player
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 22, 2011 5:00 PM EDT up reply actions
I’m not really good at lining these things up, but I think you responded to my comment… and I definitely think Gus is a Top 5 Cap.
I guess it’s was a bit convoluted but when I said “I can’t see not putting Gus in one of then next two spots” I meant I would find it hard to argue not put him at 4 or 5. Personally, I would put him at #4.
I expect some recency bias in this question
I couldn’t agree more strongly with this part of what you said.
Calle Jo was almost never the best defenseman on his team. Bengt was almost always the best forward on his team. If you’re picking Calle, then you’re either giving him credit for playing 50% more games or you remember him but don’t remember Bengt. I can’t think of any other reason you’d pick Calle (and I was always a huge Calle fan).
Babe Ruth was better than Hank Aaron. Period. Bengt Gustafsson was better than Calle Johansson. Period. I’m not sure Bondra was better than Bengt, when you factor in Bengt’s defensive prowess. I might seriously rank Bengt as the 2nd best Caps forward of all time.
Let me put it this way — let’s say you could add either Calle or Bengt, in his prime, to this Caps team. You have to choose Bengt. There’s really no choice to make. Especially because in today’s NHL, Bengt might get the chance to play more than 629 games as a Cap.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 22, 2011 12:15 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Amen Gouldie. Preach it.
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 12:16 PM EDT up reply actions
As usual, more interesting than the vote is the discussion…
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Calle Jo wasn’t ever the best defenseman on the Caps. The Caps had during his time here: Stevens, Langway, Hatcher (who was good early on), Gonchar, Tinordi (one of Calle’s usual partners, with Brendan Witt being the other). I don’t recall a season when he was the top guy….
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 3:47 PM EDT up reply actions
Dude. Johansson was a better all-around D than Gonchar, Tinordi or Witt. Hatcher, too.
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And as for him not being the top guy in any season, how about the season they went to the Finals and he was 3rd on the team in scoring (behing Bondra and Oates) and fourth in goals (behind those two and Zednik). Granted, his +/- was poopy that year, but he was a stud for that squad.
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1997-98 was Calle’s best season (as it was for many Caps, esp. with the result). Saying he was 3rd in scoring, though true is kind of misleading when the point totals go Bondra 78, Oates 76, Calle 35… Joe Juneau finished 4 points back of Calle but played only 56 games to Calle’s 73.
In the playoffs, Gonchar had one more point, but 5 more goals.
In looking back at the stats, it’s really remarkable the Caps got to the finals in 1998 despite Peter Bondra being only 5th in scoring (he was hurt in game 2 vs. Boston and missed 4 games in the playoffs…)
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
I didn’t say Witt was better. Just that they partnered.
I would argue that Gonchar was better because both he and Calle were very good defensively…maybe Calle was a bit better, but Gonchar was arguably the best offensive defenseman the Caps have ever had (we’ll have to see how he holds up until Mike Green finishes his career.) Gonchar was a much better offensive player than Calle Jo. Not that Calle was bad offensively, but he never was the big gun on defense… Iafrate, Hatcher, Gonchar were all much better on the attacking side of the ice.
As for Tinordi… in his prime Tinordi ruled his corner of the ice. Opposing forwards would shy away from him rather than go in there and battle him. Some dared to… and paid the price. Guy could hit something fierce… that said, I think you’re probably right that Calle was a better all around player. They did play together for several years and eleveated each others’ game.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 4:01 PM EDT up reply actions
Gonchar good defensively? For the Caps? Not how I remember him. He got better as his career progressed, especially after he left.
Tinordi — that guy’s best seasons were also elsewhere
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 22, 2011 5:02 PM EDT up reply actions
Discounting amazing longevity as if it isn’t a HUGE deal in professional sports makes no sense to me. If you want to argue what Bengt could have done with 629 more games played then hand the trophy to Backstrom now because this isn’t between Bengt and Calle. But that doesn’t seem like the discussion here. I watched them both in person, Bengt was my brothers favorite Cap which is probably why I voted Calle. They were both awesome, who cares who wins the vote.
by Potitang on Jul 22, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Longevity matters, but if I had to pick between Gustafsson and Johansson at the beginning of their careers right now, I’d pick Gustafsson. I’d rather have an excellent player for a shorter time than a good one for longer. The excellent player gets you closer to winning a Cup.
There’s a balance here. I wouldn’t take John Druce no matter how hot he got one spring. But I think the balance goes to Gus here.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 23, 2011 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions
If we see the 09-10 version of Nick Backstrom in 11-12, I think he might merit consideration by this time next summer. I was disappointed with his play this year (though I realize he was hurt for a while) but looking at his stats, he still put up 65 points and a +24.
If he plays out his contract here, and plays at a level somewhere between his production for the last two seasons, this won’t even merit a serious discussion.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jul 22, 2011 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions
If we see the 09-10 version of Nick Backstrom in 11-12, I think he might merit consideration by this time next summer.
He’ll need to do more than two seasons worth. Nicky is certainly on the right arc, but it’s a while before he passes Bengt.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
I should add that he’s got a while before he’s a “better” Swede than Calle too.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
If Nick goes back to what he was in 2009-10, then there’s no doubt that by 2014 he will be regarded as the best center in Caps history. Right now, with all that he’s done, he’d make a 20 man roster of all time great Caps, and likely be the second line center (Gus would be on the top line, Hunter would center a rugged third line with Kelly Miller on one side and Dino Ciccarelli on the other…)
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
32 - Bengt-Åke
I’d like to have everyone that votes put their age in as well.
I’m pretty much with RB that this isn’t even a question. Yet here I am, looking at a landslide victory for Calle.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Age definitely has some part of how you vote – I, for example, was very young when Gustafsson played and didn’t really grasp how talented he was until I got older, while Calle’s emergence coincided with the age where I started to be more aware of hockey players as individuals.
That being said (and I’m outright stealing from something JP said to us before posting this) it comes down to what your definition of "best" is. Do you read "the best Swedish Cap" as being the most talented or as the one who was the most influential/important to the organization? If it’s the latter you can choose Calle Jo without necessarily being under the age 30.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Its certainly all subjective.
If you saw Bengt play and saw Calle play and choose Calle (you are crazy!!!) I can only respectfully disagree. I just brought it up because the numbers are so skewed, so early. The numbers imply that it isn’t a question and, from my mind, it appears to be in the wrong way.
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime. - RMNB
Do you read “the best Swedish Cap” as being the most talented or as the one who was the most influential/important to the organization? If it’s the latter you can choose Calle Jo
I don’t even think that’s true, necessarily, but I do think it still depends a lot on whether you’re old enough to remember watching Bengt be a steady rock on an unflashy team. And both Bengt and CalleJo are on my favorite-ever-Caps list, but Bengt has the edge.
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 22, 2011 1:05 PM EDT up reply actions
Bengt was also critical to the success of a team that might easily have moved away if it wasn’t so successful.
Can you say the Caps wouldn’t be in Washington right now if Calle hadn’t played for them? Because I don’t think it’s out of the question that Bengt helped keep the team in DC. Even after the big push, they were still on shaky ground for a while there.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 22, 2011 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions
That might be a stretch. If there’s one player to thank for keeping the team here, it’s Rod Langway. Beyond him (and really, above him), it was the teams Poile constructed.
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I was half-snarking when I said what i did based on my name. But Bengt-Ake was my favourite player probably ever. He solidified my love for the team growing up in the Caps-desert of Southern Ontario. Watching Bengt play made me appreciate European players who could play both sides of the puck. It is an appreciation that has followed me to this day where some of my favourite players in the league are the Euros who can do both special teams if needed (guys like Backstrom but also more PKing guys like Lauri Korpikoski in PHX or Frans Nielsen with NYI). He could skate fluidly with long, graceful strides and he was a great puckhandler.
Vogs has a great 2 part interview with the man that starts here
Small story: My younger brother went to the Winter Games in Vancouver and had tix for all the games on Rivalry Day. He called me up after midnight from the Sweden-Finland game. The conversation went something like this:
Him- Did you see me on TV?
Me- Yes you’re behind the Swedish bench.
Him – Did you see who I am behind?
Me- Yep I did. Bengt Gustafsson…
Him – You must be sooooo jealous right now.
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Nylander had some good years with the Caps in the early 2000s, but his best years in the NHL happened before he got to DC.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 3:51 PM EDT up reply actions
You know, I voted for Calle even though I started out watching the Caps in the late 70’s and have great memories of Gus. I think Calle’s longevity and consistency are the key. The poll results obviously will be skewed by the age of the folks who vote.
Greatest Gus memory: beating the Montreal d-man and scoring late to beat the Habs in 1980 for the first time ever (I was there!). Here’s a link to Ron Weber’s call of Gus’ goal and the end of that game. The great Marv Brooks’ call of Gartner’s clinching goal is wonderful, too.
http://caps-audio-2.blogspot.com/
It’s all wrong, but it’s all right.
Not open to debate: that’s a badass pic of Calle Jo.
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His eye looks out of shape.
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 12:38 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
100% agree. He usually looked bas-ass out there.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Ha. For some reason, I can totally stomach Kolzig, Bondra and Johansson in those.
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FWIW, HockeyReference.com’s fan ratings ranks CJ as #357 on the all-time skater list and BG at #490. Of course it also ranks Mario as #1 and Gretzky as #5, so its validity is certainly up for debate.
I’m 33 and and voted for CJ. Age bias may come into play, but having followed the team since I was a child, I did see both play – of course I saw CJ much more. Based on stat line, BG wins – but they are at different positions so it’s not really a fair comparison. For me, CJ is someone that comes to mind when I think of Caps D. BG is way down the list when I think of Fs.
Any ranking system that has Mario ahead of Wayne is flawed. Mario was great, Wayne was better and the numbers back that up.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 4:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Which I did note in my comment. However that does not mean that the entire ranking system is flawed, especially when the two players are separated by the amount that CJ and BG are.
by Gin and Tonic on Jul 22, 2011 4:15 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Next Pick ’Em: Best Taiwan-Born Cap
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by J.P. on Jul 22, 2011 12:41 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Brad “Three Legs” Wang.
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 12:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Who’s the best one born in South Africa?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 22, 2011 2:26 PM EDT up reply actions
Charlize Theron. Or at least I’ve pictured her in nothing but a Caps jersey.
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Calle, easy. Of the current crop, Backstrom will end up being the best offensively, but Mackan will become a better two-way player, I think.
by DrinkingPartner on Jul 22, 2011 12:45 PM EDT reply actions
I see more of Bengt in Mojo myself as well.
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 12:48 PM EDT up reply actions
Last night, I chose CalleJo. Today, I choose Bengt. Both are identical players: incredibly smart, efficient with the puck, crafty, positionally sound and always made the right hockey play. It’s not a no-brainer to me. It’s a true vegas line pick ’em.
I’m very curious as to how the voting would look if we segmented the poll to fans who saw both of them play. My guess is that it would be much closer to 50/50 than the current polling indicates.
I would have loved to have seen Bengt stay with the Caps through the early 90s…he may have been a difference-maker on some of those early 90s teams, who were closer to the Cup (talent-wise) than their history of first-round flame-outs will ever show.
Yeah, you’re right. I voted for Calle, and I think deep down it’s mostly because I actually saw him play (I’m 21; I was a fetus when Gustafsson retired from the NHL). Plus, Calle did play 300+ more games with the Caps than Bengt did.
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by Jake Shapiro on Jul 22, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Back in the day, I always had the impression that the Caps/Gus held their own against the Oilers/Gretzky.
A check of game results reveals that the teams met 29 times between ’79 and ’88. The Caps went 11-13-5 in those games. I know these numbers are presented in several vacuums (tantamount to blasphemy here), but I vote for Gustaffson.
As an aside, when he went back to Sweden and there was a bit of noise to try and get him to return, a golden opportunity was wasted: the “Get Bengt” bumper sticker.
/Can’t believe I looked up that game result shit. Gotta quit reading this site.
"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 22, 2011 1:19 PM EDT reply actions
Since you brought up Gustafsson and the Oilers, you have to go read this now: http://www.coppernblue.com/2011/3/9/1546088/the-kidnapping-of-bengt-ake-gustafsson
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Gustafsson’s NHL rights remained in dispute until NHL President John Ziegler sided with Washington, awarding Gustafsson to the Capitals in September 1979 because Oilers had broken WHA rules to sign him.
Karma is a bitch!
"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 22, 2011 1:31 PM EDT up reply actions
I have a feeling they would have traded Gus to the Caps had they gotten the rights. The Oilers when they entered the NHL were pretty well set at center, even though it would be a five years until they won the Cup.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 3:53 PM EDT up reply actions
What would really have made this a no-brainer was if Gustafsson had not had his leg broken by the Islanders’ Denis Potvin. He missed the rest of that season (1985-1986, a year in which he already had 75 points in 70 games) and sat out the following season. Right smack in his prime.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Just prior to the playoffs, too. Caps won 50 games that year and the injury really hurt. Any time I hear Potvin’s name or voice, I grind my teeth.
It’s all wrong, but it’s all right.
I whine a lot about that year having been the best chance for the Caps to win a Cup, but if Gustafsson doesn’t get his leg broken, I think I’d never have had to do any whining.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Fuckin’ A right.
"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 22, 2011 1:34 PM EDT up reply actions
Only Calle Johansson
Will be making an appearance to promote ice hockey. In the South of France.
The article mentions Ovie too, but I think they’re just using his name for the aura. By Sept. 3 AO should prolly be at least on his way to New York.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’m 100% down with a rink trip to the south of France to see Calle Jo.
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 I am in the south of France, the last thing I am planning on doing is going to see any hockey players even if they are beloved Caps alumni.
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 5:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I dunno, free flowing French wine at a hockey event featuring #1 Russian Party Machine? Sign me up. Avignon can wait a day. Plus, I know you’re super excited to the the MIGHTY VIPERS & FRIENDS!
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
One thing I’ll always remember about Gus (my cat’s name, btw) is his dark skate blades. In 2011 vernacular, he pretty much had murdered-out skates.
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by J.P. on Jul 22, 2011 1:49 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Btw, both guys easily made my All-Time Caps Lineup three years ago:
http://www.japersrink.com/2008/08/all-time-team-and-other-miscellany.html
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True that… no-brainer there. These are two of the all-time best Caps.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 3:54 PM EDT up reply actions
Kinda surprised to see Pivonka as the top line pivot given the discussion here (obviously, not Swedish). He did put up numbers though in a tougher era, thanks in large part to #12 to his right.
It was based on fit, not just “who’s best.” And it was three years ago…
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I love when the Rink does little features/polls like this. You guys should do it more often!
a capital wasteland - art & hockey from washington, d.c.
by Jake Shapiro on Jul 22, 2011 2:31 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Totally agree. As a relatively newer fan, any insight into the Capitals-of-old is appreciated.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
As someone who feels a little guilty pulling out the fandom-longevity card, that’s reassuring.
Lacking specific evidence to the contrary, I shall blame this on Chemmy and Two Line Pass.
by CapitalCentre on Jul 22, 2011 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions
As someone who is totally uninhibited in playing the fandom-longevity card, and who even selected a username based on that (despite probably not being as old as you’d think), I fully support this
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 22, 2011 4:06 PM EDT up reply actions
First – 33.
Calle is the owner of the best Caps moment i’ve witnessed in person. Series clinching game versus Ottawa—pulled goalie and he somehow has the puck and just holds it in front of the line until the Ottawa guy moves toward him and then he taps it in.
"To alcohol: the cause of and solution to, all of life's problems." -Homer
by Alz in the family on Jul 22, 2011 2:55 PM EDT reply actions
I can't believe I am doing a favour for Team Calle...
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions
Nice that when you click on that link, the next video queued up was a Calle Jo fight… I can’t remember him fighting, but there ya go.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions
I remember that well. What a fun moment. My only fonder memory of that playoff run at VC was Krygier’s GWG in OT in game 2 of the ECF (aka the Hasek freakout game) (aka aka the game where Bondra crosschecked Hasek in the back) (aka aka aka the game that made it impossible for me to hate Kerry Fraser).
I loves me some Ulfie and he is one of my all time favourite Caps. He still wouldn’t unseat Bengt in this poll though for me.
When I'm mourning the death of a loved one, the first thing I do is read Roger Ebert's Tweets.
by Rather Bengt on Jul 22, 2011 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions
Ulfie is one of my favorites. At the Fan Fest in fall 2001, sitting with Calle, he was genuinely surprised to see me in my Dahlen jersey and he signed and personalized it for me. Great guy.
Still he wasn’t with the Caps all that long so it’s tough to consider him here. Great player when he was in DC.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jul 22, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions
I reject the word 'better'
Backstrom is pretty clearly a superior talent to either player – he’s better than both of them. I take his exclusion to mean that the question is really about who’s more accomplished, or in some sense made a bigger contribution to the Caps.
I have no opinion on that. Both if them played before I really started to ‘get’ hockey – I’ve always been a fan and enjoyed the game, but didn’t understand what I was watching until about 2003. Just in time to watch Jagr scuttle the good ship Capitals.
Man, fuck that guy.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 22, 2011 4:27 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 3 recs
Uh, be careful with that “clearly a superior talent” statement. Gus was an excellent skater, puckhandler, scorer (when he decided to shoot) and defensive forward. If you didn’t see him play, don’t jump to conclusions.
It’s all wrong, but it’s all right.
Was Gus in the running as a top-5 C at any point in his career? Even in an era that simply wasn’t as deep, talent-wise?
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 22, 2011 9:25 PM EDT up reply actions
I don’t have a problem with anyone picking Backstrom over Gustafsson. I think Backstrom may already have demonstrated himself to be a better player than either Gustafsson or Johansson.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 23, 2011 9:27 AM EDT up reply actions
I voted Calle….Bengt was my first favorite player but Calle was so good for so long
never let the truth get in the way of a good story
by toymechanic on Jul 22, 2011 6:39 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
Calle
My 3rd all time favorite Cap (behind Bondra and Kono), just a steady eddie back there (no, I am not Craig Laughlin in disguise). I never did see Bengt play, and I deduct points for his kid being a bust.
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