Tuesday Caps Clips
by J.P. on Jul 26, 2011 6:37 AM EDT
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Contrary to last week's "he looks tubby" silliness, The Captain seems to be taking this summer a bit more seriously than the past couple. [Alex Ovetjkin]
- But not too seriously. [Alex Ovetjkin]
- There are 14 centers who will be more productive than Nicklas Backstrom in 2011-12? Bet the under. [Puck Daddy]
- Thirteen? Still bet the under. [Examiner]
- Comparing two big threes. [RLS]
- Leave Ovi alone, you guys! [Bend It Like Backstrom]
- Here's Matt Hendricks, going to the bakery and having some fun at the Defending the Blue Line charity game last week... [DTBL (album 1, album 2) (s/t to BReynolds at Hockey Wilderness)]
- ...and say hey new Bear Ryan Potulny, still rocking his BSens threads.
- Dave Fay's widow talks about her late husband. [RMNB]
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Is Hawkings’ Mike Green article a repeat?
many Caps fans, including myself, are still wondering about how DC will get under the salary cap for next season.
“We don’t think Tom Poti is going to be able to play,” McPhee said. “He’s had a groin problem that has continued to give him trouble. It has been pretty serious.”
I don’t see the cap being an issue going forward. Does anyone else?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
If anyone had lingering doubt, I think F&B pretty much detailed why no one should see the cap as a pressing issue, no?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 26, 2011 7:19 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I don’t think anyone qualified to answer that question is posting this morning.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 10:41 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He’s keeping the handle in honor of his childhood hero, Donald Fehr.
I don't care how many rec's I make. I just hope someone lets me post comments about hockey next season.
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jul 26, 2011 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I know I’ve read that before, and I didn’t visit RtR yesterday.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jul 26, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
Really? No warning that it’s recycled content? Poor form…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
JP, Hawkings is posting his stuff twice – once at CRtC and then again at RtR.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Jul 26, 2011 10:39 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We linked CRtC on Saturday.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Right. But I think proper etiquette is to note in the second posting that it’s been cross-posted elsewhere.
You don’t really expect me to actually read everything, do you?!?!?!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
From Puck Daddy’s Top25 list of centers:
1 Sidney Crosby
2 Pavel Datsyuk
3 Jonathan Toews
4 Henrik Sedin
5 Steven Stamkos
6 Evgeni Malkin
7 Ryan Getzlaf
8 Eric Staal
9 Joe Thornton
10 Ryan Kesler
11 Vincent Lecavalier
12 Mike Richards
13 Brad Richards
14 Henrik Zetterberg
15 Nicklas Backstrom
16 Jeff Carter
17 Mikko Koivu
18 Patrice Bergeron
19 Anze Kopitar
20 Jordan Staal
21 David Backes
22 Matt Duchene
23 Tomas Plekanec
24 Dave Bolland
25 John Tavares
Kopitar will be higher, Mike Richards lower. I think Kopitar could contend for Art Ross/Hart in 2011-12. (my E$PN post today will explain why)
Doubt Malkin, Thornton, LeCav, Kesler and Staal all outperform NB19.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I’ve always loved Kopi. In fact, he’s the guy I most often point to as the one the Caps, at worst, should’ve been in a position to draft in 2005.
And I agree that he and the Kings have great things ahead, especially if TMurray loosens the reins some. Kopi is way low on the list. (Btw… Dave Bolland? Really?)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Were the Caps even at the 2005 draft?
by TJA on Jul 26, 2011 8:04 AM EDT via mobile up reply actions
Yeah, they had to go to draft Tim Kennedy for the Sabres.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Kopi’s a great player who hasn’t had a lot to work with.
Backstrom is still playing with Ovechkin and on occasion Semin. He has some of the best talent in the league to work with. Seriously doubt he posts lower than mid 70s again.
Datsyuk, imo, is the 2nd most talented center in the league. But his, and Malkin’s production will come down to injuries. If Malkin can stay healthy he’d be #2. It Dats stayed healthy for the entire season he’d post around 90 points. Otherwise Vegas has better odds of hell freezing over before Toews posts better points than Malkin, Stammer, and Sedin.
B. Richards will fall back to 60-ish points.
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.
Brad Richards’ production is entirely down to health. If he’s healthy, he puts up points. If he’s not. . .
If Richards plays more than 70 games, he’s very nearly a lock to put up way more than 60 points. Gaborik is the best wing he’ll have played with since Marty St Louis.
Armareddon.
But it’s not only his health in that equation – Gabby ain’t exactly an iron man.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Related: it will be really interesting to see if Loui Eriksson continues to pile up points without Richards on his line.
Further related: it remains to be seen whether James Neal was anything more than a product of Richards’ playmaking.
Tortorella: Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.
Larry Brooks: So did I.
Tortorella: Well, you obviously f***ed that up, didn't you?
Further related: it remains to be seen whether James Neal was anything more than a product of Richards’ playmaking.
Not sure we’ll be getting an answer to that anytime soon…
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jul 26, 2011 12:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Right, Neal could asplode paired up with a healthy Sid/Geno. I like his game.
/holds nose
by bigonetimer on Jul 26, 2011 12:51 PM EDT up reply actions
Otherwise Vegas has better odds of hell freezing over before Toews posts better points than Malkin, Stammer, and Sedin.
He was 5th in points among centers in 2010-2011. He was 10 points behind Henrik in ESP and 6 behind Stamkos. The bigger difference is from PP points, which, we should all know, can change from first to bottom-third pretty quickly.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jul 26, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions
I just have a really hard time thinking a kid, albeit a very young kid, who’s never been at a ppg pace will out score other guys who have posted over 100 points in a season in the last 2-3 seasons. Its only a matter of time before Stamkos does too.
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.
Rankings are based solely on players’ projected performances in 2011-12.
Too bad Sam McCaig didn’t give the actual projections these were based on.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Secret sauce!
And I’ll eat a sock if Kopitar finishes the season between Bergeron and Jordan Staal in scoring.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 26, 2011 7:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’m more curious what his expectations are for a 30yo injured center who has seen his production decline every year since the lockout (Vincent Lecavalier) vs. high quality centers in their prime on solid Cup contenders.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Yeah, totally agree that Vinny’s way high. But I’m still stuck on Bolland (he of the 53 points in his last 100 NHL regular season games).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You are just trying to sway people away from Bolland so you can pick him up in your pool.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I’m a big Bolland fan, but if this is supposed to be a fantasy list, that’s craaaaaazy
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 8:46 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ll likewise eat a sock if half of the guys on that list put up more points than Paul Stastny.
Armareddon.
_____________
I love Statstny, but top 13 in points among centers? With Crosby, Sedin, Malkin, Stamkos, Richardses, Toews, Getzlaf, Kopitar, Thornton, Backstrom, Tavares, Carter, Datsyuk, Staal, Sharp, and Krejci in the league, not to mention Duchene? Better start saving up:
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions
(And I feel compelled to preemptively say that no, they don’t stock sugar socks. yeesh, my brain’s been corrupted and you people are to blame)
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions
When healthy, Stastny is pretty much a lock for around 70-75 points.
Backes? Kesler? Mike Richards? Bolland? Koivu? Carter? Plekanec? Jordan Staal? Bergeron? Toews? Lecavalier?
All of those guys would have great/very-nearly-career years to reach 75 points. Tavares and Duchene have never put up those kinds of totals either, but I’m giving them the benefit of the doubt because they’re not old enough to drink legally in the US.
Armareddon.
Not this?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
by NGreenberg on Jul 26, 2011 8:15 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Quote posted in my office…
“The government are very keen on amassing statistics. They collect them, add them, raise them to the nth power, take the cube root and prepare wonderful diagrams. But you must never forget that every one of these figures comes in the first instance from the village watchman, who just puts down what he damn pleases.”
— Josiah Stamp
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 26, 2011 11:32 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Wait, what do giveaways/takeaways have to do with anything?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
E Staal is in the Top 10 in both the PD and Examiner lists. Am I crazy, or is that way too high for a guy that doesn’t win faceoffs and doesn’t produce a ton of points?
And isn’t Stamkos a wing more than a C?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Technically, he’s the Center, but MSL is the playmaker on that line. And since Nicky’s always downgraded because he plays with Ovi, shouldn’t the same be said about Stamkos?
"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.
Stamkos isn’t your prototypical center. But he does have a knack for scoring that even Backstrom can’t touch.
Of course. But I wonder what his production would be like without being fed by Marty.
"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.
While I’m sure it wouldn’t be as much, Stamkos’s scoring seems to be more of finding open spaces and having a great shot, whereas Backstrom (and even Ovechkin) are more creative.
Stamkos is Brett Hull-esque (with more passing ability). Hull wasn’t going to have too many breakaways but he would get to a good place and be in position to receive a pass (and not always a spectacular, one-in-a-million pass) and shoot.
He’s impressed me a lot more than I would’ve ever thought, MSL or no MSL.
Stamkos’s scoring seems to be more of finding open spaces and having a great shot
Agreed, and that used to be Ovi… which is why I’m pretty confident that the goals are going to stop pouring in for Stamkos at the same rate before too long – he’s going to be “solved” just like everyone else.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
There was a lot of that, but probably more similarities to Stamkos as you recall. Perfect example is his NHL first goal – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6I7LAcMiw8
Just look at that sweet, glorious cushion he’s given…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 26, 2011 10:12 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Doesn’t produce a ton of points? Since the lockout, these are pretty good (and remarkably consistent) numbers. And Staal is still only 26 years old. Points and ranking among centermen:
2005-06: 100 (3rd)
2006-07: 70 (18th)
2007-08: 82 (7th)
2008-09: 75 (12th)
2009-10: 70 (12th)
2010-11: 76 (4th)
Right – one anomolous huge year and then never more than a point per game. That’s nice, consistent production, but not blowing anyone’s doors off.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yep. A lot of teams would be happy to get 70-80 points from their #1 center year-in year-out, I would think. Not to mention the intangibles.
Don’t get me wrong: there’s nothing wrong with a 70 – 80 point center. Especially one that plays pretty good D like Staal. But I don’t see how it makes you a top-10-in-the-League guy.
And note that I don’t see his D as elite, just based on watching the games.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
So who is driving his elite-level results? His most frequent linemates have been Cole, Stillman, Whitney (07-08), Ruutu, Samsonov, Cole (08-09), Jokinen, Whitney, Cole (09-10), Cole, Stillman, Samsonov (10-11)
Now that I’ve written that, Whitney isn’t a half-bad running mate.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jul 26, 2011 11:52 AM EDT up reply actions
What drives Staal’s offense is what drives most guys’ offense – the PP. In his two seasons of > 76 points, he had 35+ PP points. In his five seasons of 76 points or below, he had no more than 29 PP points. Over the past five seasons, his ES Pt totals have all been between 43 and 49.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I meant in terms of Corsi (just thinking, I really refer to it an awful, awful lot). Consistently facing top line competition, middling zone starts. I suppose he gets good support, but on a thin team I don’t think that means much. Maybe his great Corsi Rels are thanks to having a weak group of players playing while he’s sitting on the bench, and in the seasons when his raw Corsi was stronger he got help from Whitney. I guess he can’t score at ES better than plenty of other players (a little more than 2 pts/60 isn’t too shabby, but not elite), and in the context of a ranking based on raw production he may not deserve to be there, but I think he’s a top-10 center in this league, or at least very close to the level of the #10 center.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jul 26, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions
Today is also the day where Kris Draper of the Red Wings is expected to announce his retirement. Long time Red Wing even though he started with the “original” Winnipeg Jets.
Link:
http://www.sbnation.com/nhl/2011/7/25/2292771/kris-draper-retirement-detroit-red-wings
I’ll always remember the story of what his baby daughter did to the Stanley Cup.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I’ll always remember “Look at my face. I came here to play a hockey game and look at my face.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Man, those games were fun to watch.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Jul 26, 2011 7:37 AM EDT up reply actions
Tweet from SlavaMalamud:
#Caps prospect Kuznetsov tells sports.ru he will surely come 2 Wash next year, “2-3 yrs in AHL is not for me”, many other interesting things
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Yawn. We know. And agree.
(Though I’m very much looking forward to a translation of the article.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Bigger Q for me is: Will he play center or wing?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
That’s a biggie. But the biggest Q for me is: Will he be expected to replace a specific player or compliment him?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I agree that these are big questions, but the cart is about 400 days ahead of the horse on this one no? Just thinking of getting thru another season, post-season, and off-season, let alone all the influential variables the could impact how/why/where Kuznetsov lands on the Caps roster gives me a headache.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
It’s July. There are ten bullets in Clips, most of which are crap. Cut us a little slack if we’re taking a longview in light of brand new quotes from the subject.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jul 26, 2011 8:29 AM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
And I read them all grateful for a bit of Caps hockey.
"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 26, 2011 8:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Totally fair point.
And I don’t think the clips are crap. Certainly not a meaty or significant as during the season. But I probably learn twice as much about Hockey analysis from Japers’ during the off-season than in-season. Mostly because I can focus on one thing at a time, learn it (presumably), and apply it to new things that get posted here.
Country Gentlemen's Pig Fertilizer Gazette
Dunny-on-the-World
Eh, two (shitty) lists of the NHL’s best centers? Crap. Jury’s out on the rest of them (though the Fay one is nice, RLS informative, and so on).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m happy to hear Ovie is working hard at working hard, though.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
No doubt. And, perhaps even more encouraging, that seems to be the result of some introspection and personal accountability.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Meh, I didn’t care what he looked like in July or what he said about his training before a prettier picture of his stomach was published and he said nice things about his training program and I don’t care any more now. We’ll see how September goes.
Actually, I take it back — the whole Vogelvideogate was pretty entertaining. If being a hockey town means that folks are jumping at every little thing like Toronto does, well, that’s kind of funny to watch.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 9:00 AM EDT up reply actions
You know I agree, for the most part, but that he has already started training – earlier than ever before – is a real difference.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I don’t remember hearing anything about his training the summer before he won the Calder, or the summer before he won the Hart, Ross, Richard, and Lindsey, or the next summer (Hart, Richard and Lindsay), or the next summer (“just” the Lindsay). Those were the summers of 05, 07, 08, and 09, respectively. Then last year he had a down year.
So maybe I’m going to cut him some slack that he knows what he’s doing. I vaguely remember reading that he says he did something different in 10 and that he’s going back to a program more like the previous year. Even that’s probably too much detail, for me personally. I mean, the guy skated 1,687:55 minutes last year in the regular season. Only six forwards skated more. Maybe he wasn’t completely out of shape like some folks would have us believe.
Anyway, I continue to believe that almost everything wrong with Ovi’s game last year had to do with what’s between his ears. The league’s adapted to him, and he needs to adapt back.
Oh, and he did have a nagging injury all season. Maybe, just maybe, the team will sit its injured players during the regular season and let them get healthy for the playoffs. Crazy idea, eh?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 9:14 AM EDT up reply actions
So maybe I’m going to cut him some slack that he knows what he’s doing.
That’s generous.
Anyway, I continue to believe that almost everything wrong with Ovi’s game last year had to do with what’s between his ears. The league’s adapted to him, and he needs to adapt back.
I don’t disagree. But Ovi seems to think that it’s all about training: “Last season was so-so… I decided to train more. I need to change something not to repeat the disappointing [last] season.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Training more and earlier may be a way for him to get focused so that he can keep what’s between his ears in gear this season.
And the reason we didn’t hear about his training regimens before is that, frankly, he wasn’t as famous as he is now and he was producing so no one freaked out about it.
Another factor to consider is that he was older and more inclined to party in ways he either couldn’t have or wouldn’t have prior to being the age he was, with the friends he developed and with the resources he had at his disposal.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
There has been plenty about his off season training in other years on Alex Ovetjkin blog. He usually trained with a bunch of Russian NHL players and worked with trainer Dmitri Kapitonov.
Here’s a few posts I found by searching quickly:
Post including pics of Ovechkin shirtless at NHL draft testing for comparison
Summer 2008 training, with reference to Ovechkin training in Summer 2007
Summer 2007 training
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 26, 2011 10:00 AM EDT up reply actions
I missed putting in the link for Summer 2007 training
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 26, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Thanks for the links. There is definitely a difference in substance and intensity in Ovi’s 2010 summer versus his 2009 summer prep.
"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 26, 2011 10:43 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes, his 2010 prep was different. Here’s a post on that blog with some more info about 2010 training.
I was kind of shocked myself when I looked at the pics I linked above of Ovi at the draft versus his gut pics from his DVD last summer.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 26, 2011 12:04 PM EDT up reply actions
getting ready for the Olympics was a HUGE motivating factor in his summer ’09 prep. The links are in Russian and all long gone, but he mentioned that his job for Team Russia was reporting to the team in the best possible shape he could be in.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Too bad he apparently hasn’t felt that that’s also his job for, y’know, his job.
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by J.P. on Jul 26, 2011 12:22 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Whereas in the summer of ’10 he was basically recovering from three soul-crushing losses, plus the ridiculously bad air and heat in Moscow prolly took a lot of the effectiveness of his training away.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Stupid question but what does Ovi and others mean by early training?
Often it seems that people argue as if the players especially Ovi get no form of exercise at all. Whereas I kinda assumed it was starting some form of a structured program for the new season that included getting back on ice. And I assumed the players were still running and/or going to the gym for general fitness earlier in the summer.
"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 26, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I think most guys do give their bodies some time off (which, as D’oh will be quick to point out, is important). But insofar as “training,” I take it to mean more than simply jogging and whatnot, a more structured routine that includes weights, cardio and probably ice time. Not sure on the specifics, though.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Justin Bourne has a pretty decent overview of what a standard offseason training program looks like (via Puckdaddy a couple of weeks ago):
http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Bourne-Blog-Using-the-offseason-to-build-for-ne?urn=nhl-wp9201
Also linked to a few weeks ago, some of the benchmarks of Jay Beagle’s offseason program (he was joined by Alzner briefly as well):
http://www.stevesaville.com/Achievements.html
by leacha on Jul 26, 2011 10:17 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Many thanks to you both. I enjoyed the Bourne piece. Bottom line is that every player has a different ritual building in intensity as camp gets closer and also largely dependent on whether the player is recovering from injury, minor or otherwise, or is rehabilitating from a serious injury.
In other words lots of room for disagreement. Ovi has simply got to stop grabbing teeshirts from Sasha’s closet.
"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 26, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Good links, thank you.
I always hear that Gary Roberts’ off season program is mind blowing, but I’ve never seen anything about what it actually consists of. Anyone have a link to a story on that?
James Duthie wrote a column last summer over at TSN that talked about it in general terms.
As far as details of the program, I have looked around a bit and haven’t really found much in the way of specifics. That’s probably by design, proprietary methods and all that.
Nike has a promo video that shows a few clips of some of the training Stamkos has done with Roberts (If you want to be impressed, check out the 1:35 mark. Four and a half foot box jumps!)
What I gather is that Roberts is all about core, plyos, diet, and most of all intensity. What you see (briefly) in the video is that the exercises he has Stamkos doing all feature dynamic movements rather than olympic lifts. It’s going to feature a lot of movements that incorporate weights and cardio simultaneously (really popular right now in the fitness community, that’s basically what CrossFit is). But yeah, it seems like the intensity and teamwork are what give the Roberts plan it’s special status.
(If you want to be impressed, check out the 1:35 mark. Four and a half foot box jumps!)
Whoa.
Reminds me of stories about Zednik’s leg strength. I can’t recall specifics, but there was something about him basically doing squats into jumps while holding heavy weights… all on one leg. Dude probably had quads that were thicker than some guys’ waists.
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Good lord. Brutal. I recall discussions here about Robert’s program but “wow.” Seeing is everything.
"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 26, 2011 1:30 PM EDT up reply actions
What you see (briefly) in the video is that the exercises he has Stamkos doing all feature dynamic movements rather than olympic lifts.
Olympic lifts (snatch, clean and jerk) are dynamic movements. If you watch closely, Stamkos is using an olympic clean grip on the bar while doing lunges, suggesting at least a passing familiarity with olympic lifting.
If he’s following CrossFit whatsoever, he’s doing some kind of olympic lifting.
Armareddon.
by D'ohboy on Jul 26, 2011 1:40 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
You’re right, I always screw up the terminology. In my head, bench is an olympic lift
/reaches for another Oreo
Bench, squat, deadlift = powerlifting.
Snatch, clean and jerk = Olympic weightlifting.
/reach for a beer, they’re tastier and better for you/
Armareddon.
But don’t snatch, clean and jerk your beer or you’ll spill it.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 8:35 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
The biggest thing I’m teaching these guys is that you don’t recover without proper nutrition. You will never make the gains you can make if you don’t eat right.
Gary Roberts, ftw. Reminds me of one of the most intelligent things I ever read regarding fitness: “You don’t get strong by lifting weights. You get strong by recovering from lifting weights.” Such an underrated aspect.
by David Getz on Jul 26, 2011 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Is anyone else not really blown away that Ovechkin is starting training 11 days sooner than last year? That doesn’t sound like much of an adjustment, but I guess we should be thankful there is any adjustment at all. Not trying to be debbie downer, it’s just not impressing me all that much.
by _Skullduggery_ on Jul 26, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions
He’s said that he is working with a different trainer and doing some different stuff as well. He talked to Ted before he left about watching video (I don’t know if this was his normal off-season routine).
And, of course, we out here don’t get insight into even 1% of what goes on between Ovechkin and the team. Who knows what they’re telling him to do?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 11:09 AM EDT up reply actions
so will the Caps draft Nail Yakupov or Filip Forsberg or Jordan Schmaltz with Colorado’s pick in next year’s draft?…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 8:57 AM EDT up reply actions
If they get Yakupov, I’ll openly weep tears of joy.
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(I’d be happy with Galchenyuk, too, I’d think.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Nail and Schmaltz are funny names, and there used to be a guy in the NHL called Forsberg, so I’ll take any one of them.
Also, Trouba’s kind of a funny name and there’s this movie reviewer guy named Ebert, so that name’s pretty good too.
But the best of them all is Olli Maata. The nickname “Wassa” sort of gives itself, no?
The ISS has chosen an outstanding bunch of random names to put at the top of the list of next year’s draft projections. But the Caps will probably draft some guy with a totally ordinary, boring name like “Ryan Murphy” or such.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 9:03 AM EDT up reply actions
Not a big fan of Schmaltz… too fatty.
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by J.P. on Jul 26, 2011 9:06 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Nail Yakupov aims to be the NHL’s first Tatar superstar.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
___
“He’s got the ability to be a game-breaking player,” NHL Central Scouting’s Al Jensen told NHL.com.
Al Jensen? One in the same, I assume?
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Indeed. Via wiki:
Currently Al Jensen has served in the Southern Counties area as the head goaltending scout for the NHL’s central scouting. He has completed 6 years as a pro scout and is continuing for a couple more seasons.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Jul 26, 2011 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Nice. Jensen has the franchise’s highest points percentage (minimum 15 games played or so), IIRC.
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When he finesses a pass to a teammate, it is a “Tatar Saucer Pass?”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 26, 2011 11:34 AM EDT up reply actions
If he switched from RW to LD and decided to play a defensive style, he’d be a Tatar SAHLD.
Boss: "How's that task coming?" Alz: "Eh, it's trending Sasha." Boss: "What?" Alz: "..."
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jul 26, 2011 11:37 AM EDT up reply actions
From the google translate there is some interesting info on his surgery and recovery:
More recently, you have a second operation on his shoulder in Germany. A year ago you said that the first operation was not successful. How are you doing this time?
To begin with, that I first went there for an examination. Initially, the doctor did not want to do the operation. He said it all very seriously, have a long handle. In the end, he still had the surgery and quite well. He said that he got everything planned. I have since suffered from bone. So he made some new thing, now shoulder in complete safety. The main stand during which he led to rehabilitation.
According to preliminary estimates, the rehabilitation period should take you about three months.
17 weeks. It’s been 13 and a half.
It was possible to hear that you can miss the start of the season. Indeed there is such a likelihood?
It depends on how the recovery progresses. While I go to physiotherapy exercises, doing different procedures. My hand is almost a full range of performing. A few weeks later proceed to full training. I will begin to turn the wheel, running and harness do. We’ll see. I think I will entrust to play a bit in the tournament Romazana. Perhaps to a limited extent only. Let’s see how I feel. The doctor said that in this situation should not have any charts. Everything has to determine well-being. If you do not hurt, then you can exercise and play. If you hurt, you have to stop.
About playing with Feds at KHL all star game:
For me it was all new. I went there, of course, with his mouth open, staring at the stars. Of course, with all the talk was not possible – too shy to approach. I wanted to get acquainted with Sergei Fedorov. That did it – talked a little bit. Great man. He has a lot to learn. In his years as play in the playoffs! When behind so many matches, and he goes out and plays as if it were only the beginning, though he had 18 years of age. This is the man who has to learn. I watched him not only on the court, but in everyday life, in everyday life.
About Ovie being the captain:
Fans of “Washington” can not wait when you arrive.
Well over a year. I do not know, getting right to the base or not, but for next season are already planning to move there. Alex Ovechkin said he would help with the apartment at first. Let’s wait a couple of months with him, then, of course, already take off his flat. I even looked on the internet already, how many apartments are there.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jul 26, 2011 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
"Two :Big Threes""
The RLS post is a bit of a pill to swallow in just how big a gap there is between the Backstrom of 09-10 and 10-11. The Min/Adj ESP stat makes me wonder how many points Backstrom and AO left off the board because Backstrom didn’t shoot (I think) as much as I would expect him to and Knubs seemingly season long struggle to find his game.
In 2010-11, Backstrom was on for 31.3 SF/60 at ES. In 2009-10, he was on for 30.9.
The real difference was that in 2009-10, the Caps shot 12.45% when he was on the ice at evens and that number plummeted to 8.72% last season.
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(Backstrom’s overall SOG/game did drop, btw, but only minimally, from 2.71 to 2.62, which is around seven SOGs over the course of the season. His overall S%, though, dropped from 14.9% to 8.9%.)
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Well, is last season an anomaly from S% standpoint for the entire team, not just Nicky, excluding the few who shot well? Or was 2009-2010 the anomalous season, or, perhaps better said, as a happy confluence of very skilled players kicking ass in the same seaon?
2009-10 was a perfect storm. I’d be shocked if the team shot anywhere close to that. But last year was a bit of an over-correction. I think it’s reasonable to expect the team’s S% to come up a bit from last year, especially on the PP (and especially if things change there).
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Huh. Maybe he just needs some extra time on the backyard goal and a consult with Jobu to take the fear from his stick. You know, offer him a cigar and some rum?
by ThreePingPost on Jul 26, 2011 9:19 AM EDT up reply actions
because Backstrom didn’t shoot (I think) as much as I would expect him to
He had A LOT of scoring chances that didn’t convert. I think he failed to find the net on his last 24 or so, incl playoffs. A definite slump.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Yeah I recall too many killer missed wide open nets tho’ his thumb injury undoubtedly played a role.
"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 26, 2011 8:33 AM EDT up reply actions
I would agree Backstrom had a lot of scoring chances, but Alzner also had A LOT of scoring chances 5v5 (worst form of cherry picking I know). So, what helps to explain the contrast in Backstrom’s scoring chances vs his Min/Adj ESP? Is “luck” a part of that or I am I jumbling unrelated metrics? I guess I was leaning more towards “shoot the puck and someone (Knubs/AO) will clean up the garbage” reasoning when I read the ESP breakdown.
Overall, it is hard to reconcile in my brain how the Min/Adj ESP stats compare Backstrom vs JStaal. My gut refuses to believe JStall is a first line C or that Backstrom is anything but.
by ThreePingPost on Jul 26, 2011 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m with CYG. Broken thumb.
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Eff you Kris Letang.
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by EmilyB on Jul 26, 2011 9:16 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I would agree Backstrom had a lot of scoring chances, but Alzner also had A LOT of scoring chances 5v5
You sure about that?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
And on average, they were from closer in than Ovechkin on the power play…
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 9:33 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
If I’m reading the 2010-11 summary scoring chances spreadsheet correct then I think so. Crappy use of quote function follows (values from the 5v5 SCF column):
Backstrom = 366
Alzner = 349
The scoring chances info seems to help add context, but I think the S% data JP showed above helps to explain the fall off in the Min/Adj ESP metric better than SCF does. I’ll fall back on my previous statement that I lean more towards "shoot the puck and someone (Knubs/AO) will clean up the garbage." So I think Backstrom’s SCF 5v5 may have translated to more points had AO/Knubs cleaned the garbage up infront of the net when Backstrom failed on or setup an opportunity. I’m not discounting it is valuable to quantitatively see that the opportunity was there, but I’m more interested in why did the opportunity fail.
Am I totally off?
by ThreePingPost on Jul 26, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
So you’re saying that, over the course of the season, Karl Alzner, individually, had just 17 fewer scoring chances than Nicklas Backstrom? And that each was over four per game?
Doesn’t that strike you as a bit… odd?
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I’m saying that is what the table shows…
by ThreePingPost on Jul 26, 2011 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions
*the table is the “Caps Scoring Chances 2010-11” from RMNB. I guess I am totally misreading the column?
by ThreePingPost on Jul 26, 2011 1:19 PM EDT up reply actions
Those are on-ice totals, not individual totals. If I broke it down by who took the scoring chance it would not be close, thus:
I would agree Backstrom had a lot of scoring chances, but Alzner also had A LOT of scoring chances 5v5
is inaccurate.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work on WaPo's Capitals Insider, ESPN Insider and Russian Machine Never Breaks (RMNB) Insider. I also log the Caps scoring chances. The 2010-11 summary spreadsheet is posted on Google Docs.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Scoring chances while on ice, not individual. I bet AO for example had over 100 chances on his own, but add in teammates’ and you get the numbers listed.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jul 26, 2011 2:01 PM EDT up reply actions
I wonder what folks think of Habs Eyes on the Prize analysis of Hamrlik in Advance Stat Recap Part 2:Defensemen at Even Strength.
Hamrlik, simply put, was the rock the Habs defense rested upon last year. Just like Plekanec for the forwards, he was counted on for the most difficult assignments and also big minutes. Unlike Plekanec, he wasn’t able to be a plus possession player as well, but that would probably be asking too much. As it was, with some stellar goaltending behind him, Hamrlik was very strong in preventing goals against, almost reaching the 2 goal per game threshold. This came at the expense of offense, although Hamrlik’s personal scoring was high for a defenseman with a very respectable 0.71 points per 60. The black mark on his record was the penalties, no player had as much to do with the Habs terrible penalty differential than Hamrlik. He will be missed, although nothing he did here can’t be replicated and improved on by Markov taking his place on ES
.
"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
Ovie adapting
People keep mentioning that the ‘league has adapted to Ovechkin’ and that ‘Ovechkin needs to adjust his game to match it.’ I don’t understand, however, what exactly Ovechkin is supposed to do, other than not play on the point on the PP.
Ovechkin’s game is based on exceptional deftness with his stick and his skates and crushing anyone who stands in his way. I might not have been viewing accurately, but last season, it seemed not that teams were able to successfully use countermeasures against him, but that he wasn’t playing his game in the first place. I can’t count how many times his play 1-on-1 against a D-man looked half-assed. It seemed like if only he’d try the moves we know him for that he’d get several more good scoring chances per game, which would lead to a good number more goals.
Perhaps I mistook strong defensive play against OV for OV’s weakness. But it seemed to me like he was not putting much effort into fighting D-man challenges. Of course not every deke move is going to work, but the more times he uses his baffling skill against an opponent, the more times he’s going to succeed in getting past him.
Thus, the solution seems to me not to change his game, but to play his game.
There are other things that he could/should change. No more 1 on 5 rushes into the zone. Make different moves when coming down the wing (Hal Gill was able to stifle him in the ’09 playoffs when he did the same thing time and again).
No more 1 on 5 rushes into the zone. Make different moves when coming down the wing
Here’s another idea: let someone else carry the puck into the zone, go to a space and wait for a pass. It’s not like he’s out there skating with Dainius Zubrus and Bryan Muir any more – he doesn’t have to carry the mail.
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Always worth a re-read:
http://www.japersrink.com/2009/11/29/1177507/even-ovechkin-can-use-a-cavalry
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
How about this crazy idea to shake things up once in a while if play is boged down: move Ovie to RW, drop Knuble to 2RW, and move Semin up to 1LW? When Ovie has moved to RW in the past, usually the LW has been someone other than Semin (who when moved up the first line typically remains RW). This should encourage Ovie to stay wide and free up space for Nick and, especially, Semin. This also gives Ovie two incredibly talented puck carriers to play with. Mind you, I wouldn’t do this all the time, but if you really wanted to go radical for a few shifts or a period, it might be worth a try.
it’s often considered unwise to concentrate all of one’s major offensive assets into one line. it means that teams can concentrate all their efforts on shutting down that line and leave the team otherwise scrambling for offense.
Which is precisely why I kind of want to see 8-19-28 play together to start the season. Force them to learn how to break that defense. Force the other lines to learn to score on their own. I’d like to see it because it would be harder on the players. I’d like to see it because Regular Season Means Dick
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 4:33 PM EDT up reply actions
dingdingdingding! winnahwinnahchikindinnah!
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jul 26, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions
Ovechkin’s game is based on exceptional deftness with his stick and his skates and crushing anyone who stands in his way.
…and so it kills me that he uses the same stock moves over, and over, and over again. It kills his best assets (and I agree with your list of what those are).
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions
Come down the left wing and cut to the middle, or go between the legs and try to lower the shoulder and drive towards the crease, or do a small curl and drag and shoot between the defenseman’s legs.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jul 26, 2011 12:46 PM EDT up reply actions
c.f. his 500th career point at MSG back in ’09-10 season. He basically did all of those, and scored one-handed.
Sick.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Here’s the play Emily’s talking about, but from the same game, here’s why he should make use his linemates too.
"I remembered when he said that and I kind of looked at him during the warm up and told myself that I got to shut these guys out tonight." - Michal Neuvirth, 02.06.11.
The PK
What chance is there that teams are able to adapt to the Caps PK like they did with the PP? Tampa Bay certainly seemed able to perform effectively against it.
Teams don’t really game-plan opponents’ PKs – they run their PPs. The Caps’ PK was better last year because it was more aggressive and with better personnel, so I don’t see much of a drop-off there (barring things such as luck and whatnot).
Want to beat the Caps’ PK? Pass the puck around quickly and accurately and move your players into open slots if you get the PKers chasing the puck. If you can do that, you can beat the Caps’ (or any aggressive) PK. It’s just a lot easier said than done.
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Or just shoot wide with a man in the way and see if he’ll deflect it in (vs Caps only)
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yeah, just shoot the puck vaguely at the net and wait for one of the Caps D men to deflect it in because Boudreau never taught them about how not to score goals on poor, poor Neuvirth.
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
(Or Varly – see Poti, ShaMo vs. PIT in ’09)
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Maybe I am thinking it is more simple than it seems but there should have been pretty long drills on how to keep your skate, stick and body from being perpendicular to the goal. I dunno, just seemed a no brainer considering that was TB’s main method of attack the entire series.
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
Of course, you know who everyone says has to be a teams best penalty killer. That should help the Caps PK this year as well.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
by Doncosmic on Jul 26, 2011 11:20 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So how does this theory work? He’s supposed to jump over the boards even though Boudreau doesn’t tell him to, just because he cares so damned much? Wouldn’t that be too many men on the ice?
Atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jul 26, 2011 4:34 PM EDT up reply actions
In OT only, because it’s easier to kill 5-on-3s than 4-on-3s.
/Wilson’d (?)
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jul 26, 2011 4:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Some more Habs scoring chance data analysis from their tracker. I find surprising that Halpern playing with Plekanec, later in the season, was 44.2% Corsi (on 312 events) but 62% scoring chances (on 82 events) with 28 more defensive zone starts than offensive zone starts.
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JoeZakrzewski
The @SCStingrays will announce the new head coach in a press conference today at 2 p.m. Formal release to follow. #ECHL
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@SCStingrays name former player and assistant coach Spencer Carbery as the sixth head coach in team history #ECHL
Yawn.
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Unless he changed a tire, he shouldn’t be leading a team.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Jul 26, 2011 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Which is why you will never be captain, BP.
"Neuvy was eating pucks for breakfast, lunch, and dinner."
by SeattleCapsFan on Jul 26, 2011 4:12 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Callback!
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Jul 26, 2011 5:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Puck Daddy has the RW rankings out. Buy or sell Semin as the 13th best? I’d like to sell, but I think all the guys ahead of him have a legitimate case. He’d be higher on aLW list.
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I still don’t understand these rankings…
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They’re done by the guy who suggested contracting the Caps from the NHL. They make more sense if you consider that.
Tortorella: Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.
Larry Brooks: So did I.
Tortorella: Well, you obviously f***ed that up, didn't you?
by Wheeler on Jul 26, 2011 4:00 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
suddenly, it does make sense. Same with Backstrom’s placement yesterday.
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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It’s one spot, but I have a hard time putting Ales Hemsky above Semin.
Tortorella: Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.
Larry Brooks: So did I.
Tortorella: Well, you obviously f***ed that up, didn't you?
Also, they’ve got Giroux and Briere as RW, even though those two are pretty clearly playing center next year.
Tortorella: Can I get another question? I went in here in a pretty good mood today, too.
Larry Brooks: So did I.
Tortorella: Well, you obviously f***ed that up, didn't you?
There’s no way Danny Briere belongs over Alex Semin in a discussion of wings.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 26, 2011 5:11 PM EDT up reply actions
Selling categorically on Havlat, Heatley, Kane, Hemsky and Briere. I think that Semin is better than Kovalchuk when he’s on the ice, but Kovalchuk is so much more durable that he negates most of that advantage; those two are much closer than the others. I don’t know that Iginla is an elite wing anymore, either.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 26, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions
Iginla had 43 goals last season, I’d still say he’s “elite”….
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by thebreakawaygoal on Jul 26, 2011 6:53 PM EDT up reply actions
Iggy’s good, but how much of that was an outlier shooting year? He was treading water at ES.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 26, 2011 7:02 PM EDT up reply actions
And if they’re actually counting Giroux as a RW, then he needs to be at or near the top of the list, unless we find that Carter was driving his results.
"Essentially, all models are wrong, but some are useful" George E.P. Box
by Knee high to a duck on Jul 26, 2011 5:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d probably jump him to #10, over Hemsky, Heatley, and Havlat. Heatley is the only one of the three I think even has an argument to be higher.
Boss: "How's that task coming?" Alz: "Eh, it's trending Sasha." Boss: "What?" Alz: "..."
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jul 26, 2011 3:58 PM EDT up reply actions
He’s got Hemley ahead of Semin. Sorry, I’ll sell on that on any number of levels. In the last five seasons, Hemley has played a total of 279 games or just a little over 55 games a season. He’s scored 77 goals over that stretch (.27 GAG) and totaled 177 points (.63 points per game).
Over the same five season stretch, Semin, who gets injured a lot himself, has played 340 games averaging 68 games a season. He’s scored 166 goals (.48 GAG) and totaled 332 points (.97 points per game). Absurd to have Hemsley in front of him.
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