Friday Caps Clips
by EmilyB on Aug 5, 2011 6:43 AM EDT
in Caps Clips
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Former Caps goaltending coach Arturs Irbe explains how he and the organization came to a parting of the ways. [CI (Malamud), RMNB, Alex Ovetjkin, PHT]
- What's better than a "making of" Bauer skate commercial video featuring Nicklas Backstrom? A "making of" Bauer skate commercial video featuring Nicklas Backstrom with Hungarian subtitles, that's what. Elszédülök! [Bauer Hockey via Marczi Skate via YouTube]
- Now that we've mentioned Bauer Hockey... [Alex Ovetjkin]
- But is Bauer the only possible suitor? [Kukla's Korner]
- Getting to know ... Ryan Potulny. Yes, he's most likely slotted for Hershey, but he might just be a reasonable call-up as well. [Flyers Faithful]
- Quiz time! Who will be the Caps' second most prolific shooter this season? Hint: Think "contract year." [Caps Outsider]
- Here's another excerpt from @TedStarkey's forthcoming book "Transition Game", plus an interview with the author. [Frankovic]
- Some preseason media moves to get excited about. [Ross Hollebon's Sports Pub]
- Speaking of which, is Jeff Halpern an upgrade over Boyd Gordon? [CRtC]
- Oh hey there Boston Bruins. Why do you keep looking over your shoulder like that? [NESN]
- Finally, happy 35th birthday to Jeff Friesen, happy 48th to Mike Siltala and happy 53rd to Howard Walker.
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Here’s the video that the “making of” eventually became: http://youtu.be/JR5fdFSnK34
The other spokesmodels include Eric Staal, Steven Stamkos, Jon Toews and 20 Cent, who all also had “making of” videos.
Think that Bauer would like to unleash its inner Ovechkin?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
The best part of the Nicky “making of” video was Nicky being dizzy and singing a little James Taylor!
by Ray of Sunshine on Aug 5, 2011 11:16 AM EDT up reply actions
I’m starting to suspect that he has a decent singing voice. Wish he could bust it out once in a while.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I thought likewise – no autotuning for Nicky.
by Ray of Sunshine on Aug 5, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Here I was thinking how cool it was he knew some Motown (Marvin Gay).
"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 Aug 5, 2011 11:55 AM EDT up reply actions
Written by the Motown songwriting team of Holland, Holland, and Dozier. Sung by both James Taylor and Marvin Gaye.
How Swede is it that Nicky was singing that particular song.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Aug 5, 2011 6:38 PM EDT up reply actions 6 recs
Not to mention all the sweet Nicky smiles, he always looks so serious.
I nominate Nicky as official “Happy Birthday” singer (sorry, Ovie).
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Nashville Predators face history lesson in attempts to sign Shea Weber
[Scott] Stevens’ deal is one that possibly haunts Poile as he continues his pursuit to lock Weber into a long-term contract. Weber will be a restricted free agent next offseason, and an unrestricted free agent after 2012-13 — in the absence of a long-term contract.
"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
7.5 mil, That’s a boatload right there. I know someone’s got some links to where I can find NHL salary info. Hook me up :) Wanna see how that compares to other D men. I’d imagine he’s probably the highest paid defenseman right now with maybe Lidstrom and/or Keith close behind.
In cap hit, he’s the highest. In salary for this season, he’s 5th, behind Ehrhoff ($10M), Chara ($8.5M), Keith ($8M), and Pronger ($7.6M). Capgeek has the actual salaries as well as cap hits.
My mind is all twtisted like a peanut.
Ehrhoff .. really?
I can see all the others getting paid more but is Ehrhoff worth anything NEAR 10 mil?
You can’t look at it like that. They structure deals to give players more money now and bring the cap hit down later. None of these long term deals are structured as “what is he worth in any individual season.” Ehrhoff is on a ten year, 40 million dollar deal. He’s getting a quarter of his money this year, but I doubt anyone thinks that a quarter of his value is going to come in this season.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
People are just pushing the rules as much as they can.
If you think about it, the older a player gets, the less talent he contributes so technically as their salary dips, it’s probably more on par with their contributions. So I can understand some deals like this that fizzle out over time,
But there has to be a limit. The problem is this crap is so subjective.
The other problem is that if the player retires, then the team has gotten some (probably significant) cap relief, and the bill never comes due. That bill should come due when the player retires.
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
Does the cap hit still apply at least for the remainder of the years?
Seems weird to let someone “retire” in the middle of a contract. Anywhere else in the real world and that s#*t ain’t gonna fly.
cap hit does apply if the player was 35 or older when the contract comes into effect. See: Chris Pronger and the Flyers.
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
True, but doesn’t seem like many people trying to take advantage of these contracts are 35 when the start it.
it’s stupid to do one of these front loaded contracts for an older player because the team in one the hook for the cap hit for the entire length of the contract. The Flyers were just too stupid to read the fine print and realize that.
Caps fans aren’t on the ledge; they’ve already jumped, and are merely trying to drag others into a mournful descent with them..--Stienz
Pledge Drive 2010-2011: SO KIDS CAN!! Help build a playground
I don’t know what Pronger’s deal looks like, but it can’t be all bad. Love him or hate him, he seems like the kind of player that a team would least regret overpaying for. … . if he can stay healthy
That’s the point. His hit is on the books until 2017 even if he retires tomorrow. Great idea for a super-physical, aging defenseman who has had injury problems.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 5, 2011 12:28 PM EDT up reply actions
And here is some simple explanation of the CBA. There are more detailed resources out there but it’s a good start.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 5, 2011 12:30 PM EDT up reply actions
At age 36, I was going to say Pronger, if healthy, would probably stay in the league until he’s about 40-41.
So that cap hit ain’t too bad. Even if he doesn’t play the 14-15 season and you suck up the 4 mil, the flyers are probably going to “rebuild” yet again by then anyways if they don’t end up with the cup by 2014
So the question is, did the flyers get stomped by the B’s because Pronger wasn’t a factor in the series?
Or was it another reason or a mixture?
I think that’s a good bit of it. Love him/hate him, Pronger is a game changer. I’m a huge fan of his—even his media antics.
he got a lot of heat about “stomping” on whatshisname’s skate during that one game where he was heading to the bench.
I give him the benefit of the doubt on it. Even if he DID mean to do it, it didn’t look even REMOTELY blatant as some people make it out to be (like cough cough Chris Simon).
And he might throw a few asshole-ish hits out there, but really who hasn’t? Even I’ll admit that hit Ovechkin put on Briere his rookie season was WAY late.
no. it’s an extremely front-loaded contract designed to circumvent the cap as well as get him a boatload of money now before the CBA expires and there’s the potential for another work stoppage and/or contract rollback
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
At the time of Stevens’ offer sheet, the Capitals were considered a frugal franchise. Owner Abe Pollin kept tight purse strings, which prevented Washington from going after top talent. But Poile’s conservative nature at the time may have also been a factor.
"I think he was more likely to take the draft picks than maybe some other people would have at the time," USA TODAY hockey columnist Kevin Allen said. "I think the league would have been split. I think a majority of GMs would have paid the money. I think David was among the minority that the draft picks were pretty valuable and worth the money."
That’s not how I remember it. Poile desperately wanted to keep Stevens, but Pollin killed the idea. It may not be the exact quote, but Abe said at the time time that “No hockey player is worth a million dollars.” Poile knew what he had in Stevens and was most certainly against the deal, but he was a good soldier and never said a word publicly against it and tried to make lemonade out of lemons. Privately, though, he was beside himself that Stevens was allowed to leave.
Or provided reasonable PR cover for letting him go. Either/or.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Please let there be a mug shot.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Aug 5, 2011 7:54 AM EDT reply actions 1 recs
ruh-roh
"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 hesitated on that or the TMZ link, which admittedly does have more detail.
According to law enforcement sources, a neighbor called police to complain about the noise coming from Avery’s home. When police arrived at about 1:00 AM, we’re told Avery answered the door … then shoved a cop and slammed the door behind him.
Police then knocked again, and we’re told Avery came to his senses and opened up. According to law enforcement … Avery was extremely cooperative after that, but was still booked for battery on a peace officer.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Why would you hesitate on the TMZ link? I get that they’re more of a gossipy website, but I don’t seem to recall them getting many stories and its facts wrong.
"[Boudreau] lets the offensive guys like myself and Brooks do our thing. A lot of dangling." - Matt Bradley
speaking of mud shots of former red wings
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/mugshots/celebrity/sports/chris-chelios
If you look at the arrest records for most sports it’s always the same
NHL: Drunk Driving
NBA: Spousal Abuse and Guns
NFL: Miscellaneous
Disappointed they didn’t have Patrick “20-cent” Kane’s mugshot…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 5, 2011 12:29 PM EDT up reply actions
I love that name.
I really want to like Kane and I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but that incident is just.. ugh.
It seems like hockey players’ idiot-moments like that tend to be more forgiven than other sports Maybe because other sports are more high profile.
But whenever a hockey player gets arrested or accused of doing something illegal or asinine like that (or Steven’s part in that whole limo-rape thing), it just gets swept under the carpet a year later.
It depends on what it is that gets them arrested. Beating up a cab driver is bad… carousing so much at a bachelor party that you get arrested (the Staal brothers)… that’s pretty well harmless.
It’s a grey area when discussing throwing china and lawnmowers into the street at 3 AM…
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 5, 2011 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions
carousing so much at a bachelor party that you get arrested (the Staal brothers)
Yea I never really had anything against the Staals. If I were rich and famous I’d be doing the same thing.
If the Kane thing was true, he should be a damn pariah for at least a couple of years .
I never really had much against the Richards/Carter partying. Although now that things are coming out about how he wouldn’t agree to the sobriety “challenge” his coach posed. .. I mean if you’re a regular player, it’s a douchey thing to do. But if you’re a damn CAPTAIN and your coach is asking you to do something like that to set an example for your team and you’re not willing to do it, I think Richards is finally on my mega-douche list
I don’t think it’s douchey. I think when you make it SO CLOSE to getting the cup a year earlier, you need to show a little discipline.
Well I think it started before they made the Cup, and I disagree with your conclusion.
If they already made it to the Cup, then why the need to babysit them? You’ve seen they can make it to the SCF without needing a nanny.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Luckily the ‘80s Isles and Oilers were perfect angels off the ice or they’d never have won anything…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, they were only such angels because they lived in the middle of nowhere and had no real entertainment options. Things are totally different these days.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Aug 5, 2011 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
True. Good thing they got Richards out of the party mecca that is Philly and sent him to quiet, non-tempting LA.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Although to be fair, you have to actually get up and DRIVE to the closest bar in LA.
Whereas Philly you can just walk down the block and pass 50 bars
Yea that’s true. If you’re in Brentwood or Melrose, well.. those areas are just one giant never-ending bar.
At least when he decides to supplement his alcohol with the occasional piece of food, he can sleep better at night knowing the cleanliness of the establishment was rated a “B”
He’ll probably live in M Beach and there are tons of outstanding places to eat and drink there.
I’m so jealous…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If he goes to Manhattan beach, it’s going to take him 5 years to drive to Staples Center, even on a Sunday afternoon :)
I wonder how often traffic is used as an excuse by Los Angeles athletes as an excuse for showing up to practice late.
They practice in El Segundo, so that’s close.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I hate to say this, but hockey players moments like that tend to be forgiven more because they are mostly white.
Aim for the head baby Jesus
That could be it to. A combination of that and how much media attention they get. I mean Kobe, guilty or not was demonized because everyone has an opinion and EVERYONE knew about it. So opinions were compounded even more by the media. Name 1 local news channel nowhere NEAR LA that didn’t report on the Kobe thing.
Hockey players? No one can even pronounce their names. The media doesn’t care so they’re not going to turn it into a gossip fest. The less you hear about it, the less you’ll remember.
Every time I see Kobe I think about that case. But when I watch Patrick Kane play I rarely think about his douche incident until something reminds me e.g. when cutting to a commercial during a Hawks game and the camera shows cabs driving around the arena :)
I never said NO ONE EVER gets off or that a majority of celebs don’t. Ahh Good ol’ Fehr and balance, always twisting my words :)
I just said there’s a chance.
Plus .. cases like Ben Rapersburger you have to prove. There’s a difference between cases that are impossible to prove and cases that are open and shut. granted, being rich helps you pay for a better lawyer to improve your odds but you can’t go to jail if you’re not found guilty.
I don’t think Avery is going to try to plead NOT GUILTY.. But once you have a GUILTY plea, your odds of going to jail (even for a day) are going to go up.
And Kobe is one of the biggest stars in the town, of course they covered it.
Rape isn’t quite the same as pushing a cop or punching a cab driver.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Right, my point is that it’s not a white/black thing. It’s a rape/not-rape thing.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Aug 5, 2011 5:42 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
The former Detroit Red Rings player
"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 Aug 5, 2011 8:02 AM EDT up reply actions
Avery Avery Avery…..
Hollywood home? Really? I don’t think your contract pays you that much so hopefully that bar you own in Manhattan is bringing in some dough.
It almost sounds like an SNL skit. Cops approach your home. You open the door, scream and shove the cop. Cop knocks again, and you answer all lovey dovey with a smile and sheet full of fresh baked cookies.
I’m going to go out on a limb and guess that bOoOOze was involved
And here Commish Gary was hoping for a nice quiet off-season weekend heading towards training camp.
Time to dust off the flowchart….
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 5, 2011 12:25 PM EDT up reply actions
what a complete dumbass
NHL star Sean Avery challenged cops to a FIGHT when they responded to his Hollywood Hills home this morning … calling them, "Fat little pigs" … law enforcement sources tell TMZ.
We’re told cops were dispatched to the home over a complaint about loud music — and when they arrived to Avery’s pad, the hockey star was NOT happy to see them.
Sources tell us 31-year-old Avery immediately began running his mouth at the cops — telling them he would fight all of them … even challenging them to, "Come back without your badges."
Talking shit to cops is the least objectionable shit talking he’s ever done.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Aug 5, 2011 4:18 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
probably but it’s most likely going to get him in the most trouble
by Beakers Lab on Aug 5, 2011 4:25 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
We’ll see. Gary boy was really pissed at the sloppy seconds. I bet that episode might be more financially costly.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Especially considering he has a record he may actually have to serve some time. All you need is one judge that decides to set an example.
It’s one thing to be “unclassy” but it’s another thing to actually cause problems for the organization. Now they have to deal with the idea or rearranging lines and costing the organization money if he ends up in jail for part of the NHL season.
Assuming he doesn’t reach a plea deal first and is found guilty and sentenced to jail time he’s probably lucky this occurred in California where they have massive overcrowding issues. He’ll end up getting the celebrity treatment of showing up for jail and being released 6-8 hours later.
I don’t care what state it is, that’s not enough to go to jail.
Unless you’re black. Then that’s justification to end up getting shot 40 times.
by Brainumbc on Aug 5, 2011 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Shoo. Shoo you black people. This is a white neighborhood.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Aug 5, 2011 5:33 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
My neighborhood has instituted restrictive covenants that prohibit anyone from selling their property to Sean Avery
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Aug 5, 2011 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I don’t think he should, but like I said, you never know. With judges I’m sure it’s a roll of the dice. But the fact is that he DID assault a cop.Not a regular citizen.. a COP.
Although I think maybe he DOESN’T have a record. He’s been in trouble, but he’s never don’t anything ILLEGAL unless there’s a criminal record we don’t know about.
So year, first time incident, probably will get off.
Rich people don’t go to jail for murder and you think this guy is going to even get threatened with jail time over some bullshit?
Name your price, he’s not going to see jail time.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
hey hey now. Even Paris Hilton went to jail
For a month :)
Or you never know. He could pull a Khabibulin and weigh his options and think a month of “getting it over with” is easier to deal with than fighting it.
The idea that talking shit to the police who have been called to the area by offended members of the community is less objectionable is, frankly, objectionable. And the response “it’s their job” is even more objectionable.
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Aug 5, 2011 5:31 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
It’s always a tough call when it comes to whether or not you should call with a noise complaint. Really you SHOULD knock first. I mean, it’s Hollywood at 1am. Why live in Hollywood if you hate noise.
But point being, a real man should go up to his neighbor and politely ask first and resort to calling the cops if they refuse
BUT you have to understand, some people might have just cause to not want to do so, because if the neighbors are assholes and you DO have to call the cops, they’ll KNOW IT was you because you were the one that knocked on the door and then that neighbor is going to make your life a living hell for being a “bitch ass snitch” for just wanting some sleep.
Kind of a catch-22. I don’t blame people for calling the cops and not wanting to deal with that possible scenario. I’ve had cops called on me for noise back in the day. They’re usually not dicks about it. At least not the first time.
In any case, Ovechkin’s going to make a significant amount of money while having his notoriously finicky demands met by an equipment-maker that wants to claim it’s the foundation upon which Ovechkin’s offensive resurgence was built.
Isn’t every hockey player that this level really finicky about their equipment?
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
Wondered about that too. Another thing from that link that piqued my interest was a comment from someone named Greg:
Ovechkin asked for $3mill per year from CCM and a new 5yr contract…they pay Sid $1mill. So, it was obvious they were going to walk away.This implies it was all about money. Which is it?
Ovie also is going to announce a new partnership with Nike Footwear this month, so it makes sense that he’s going with Bauer for Hockey.
"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.
Maybe it’s “I’ll continue to use your crappy products but it’ll cost you more”
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Aug 5, 2011 9:18 AM EDT up reply actions
The Kukla’s Korner post (quoting TEB from 8/3) indicates that Ovi opted not to renew with CCM and that he was unhappy with the quality of equipment…this comment makes it seem as if CCM didn’t want Ovi to stay.
I don’t have a whole lot of reason to trust some random “Greg” from a Wings-centric community when it comes to Ovie’s equipment contracts.
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 also doesn’t make sense. $3 million is a lot more than Crosby is paid, sure, but why wouldn’t CCM want Ovi? $3 million is a small price when considering the potential for the amount of money Ovi could bring to the company.
Maybe he’s going to Bauer because he wants to shoot commercials with Nicky.
Greg isn’t completely random, he posted the same thing on Alex Ovetjkin blog (no idea what his source is). He’s the one that posted the pic on twitter of a van driving around with CCM ad of Ovie’s face. Not that this makes him a legitimate source, but he said it was his buddy driving the van.
If it’s Sid or Stamkos, they’re just being meticulously prepared. Ovi is just being finicky.
by b.orr4 on Aug 5, 2011 9:04 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
that was my take. You’d think if Ovie was throwing diva hissy fits (because that’s what i think of when I read “notoriously finicky demands”) we have heard about it by now.
I guess it’s a whole lot of whatever. Athletes are picky about their stuff. I wasn’t exactly olympic-level gymnast and I would only use a specific brand of bar grips (which had to be broken in just so), leotard, tape, etc. Mr. B’s the same way about his baseball gear.
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’m the same way with my legal pads, attache case, Italian leather shoes, and favorite patent-lawsuit-threat-letter-signing pen
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Aug 5, 2011 9:20 AM EDT up reply actions 7 recs
Way too much info… even for a Friday.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 5, 2011 12:42 PM EDT up reply actions
Oh, I giggled… just commenting. ;-) Not that big a deal.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 5, 2011 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions
Assuming you’re actually a patent lawyer, do you actually have such a pen? Would that be relevant and admissible evidence in a DJ action?
In the land of the blind, the one-eyed man is king.
I can neither confirm nor deny its existence, and it would be incompetent, irrelevant, and immaterial
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Aug 5, 2011 1:42 PM EDT up reply actions
You use legal pads? Get an iPad and be environmentally friendly!!
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Yeah, stop using legal pads.
Signed,
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 5, 2011 1:33 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
It was quite nice.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Dancers with their foot and shoe prep (especially point shoes) are notoriously individualistic and meticulous.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Don’t forget the baby powder and garter
A danger to myself and others on the ice
by can't skate on Aug 5, 2011 5:34 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions
A lot of players are finicky to some degree, but you would have to believe Ovechkin would be very finicky about it. Peter Bondra was unreal when it came to being finicky, in that his stick manufacturer would send him cases of sticks and he might only find 2 or 3 of them up to his standards (he shipped the remainder off to charity, by the way…good guy).
Plus the team is probably willing to put up with finicky at a certain level depending on the player. Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom can be as finicky as they want. DJ King, not so much.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 5, 2011 12:32 PM EDT up reply actions
In regards to the NESN article, if the author think that goaltending was the Capitals biggest issue last year he obviously was not paying attention. Way to stick to that false narrative there guy.
I’m not trying to set a precedent for only posting when I find something I disagree with, I swear, but it irks me that he doesn’t clarify why he thinks goaltending was the Caps’ biggest weakness. The only other time Douglas Flynn, as far as I can tell, has written about Caps’ goaltending is an article in Sept. 2010, in which he says he’s not sure whether the Caps should rely on a young duo.
To me, the Caps’ biggest weaknesses were the lack of a real second center, the craptastic PP, and lack of scoring on the third and fourth lines. Some of those were addressed. I didn’t think goaltending skill was on the list of issues to address in the offseason.
And yet… Vokoun with Caps…
Makes me happy to say that.
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
by AMusingFool on Aug 5, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Buy or sell about the 2014 Olympics:
Alzner will play.
Green will play.
The Rangers will ice the most Olympians.
Neuvirth will play.
Kuznetsov will play.
Russia will ice 3 KHLers or fewer.
Varly will start.
Sweden will ice four defensemen under 25.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
Sell, Sell, Sell, Buy, Buy, Sell, Sell, Buy (without checking the ages of the current crop of young D, I think it’s likely that 4 of Hedman, OEL, Karlsson, Larsson, Erixon, and Rundblad make the team, but one or two of those guys might be just over 25 as of the Olympics).
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Alzner will play. SELL
Green will play. SELL
The Rangers will ice the most Olympians. SELL
Neuvirth will play. BUY
Kuznetsov will play. SELL
Russia will ice 3 KHLers or fewer. SELL
Varly will start. SELL
Sweden will ice four defensemen under 25. BUY
If you want to survive out here, you've got to know where your towel is.
by ns on Aug 5, 2011 10:45 AM EDT up reply actions
You’re buying on Alzner playing? Who do you think he’ll be considered better than in two years?
"Now wait a minute. This is just purely a social call. You know, just two adults getting a stew on, man."
by The Ghost of Bebop on Aug 5, 2011 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions
I think in 2 years everyone will have seen his full potential, and he will likely be one of the better defensive dmen in the NHL.
My mind is all twtisted like a peanut.
And yet how many guys without offensive upside make it on the Canadian Olympic team? How many guys that don’t play on their team’s top PP unit?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Got to admit, it would be interesting to see Carlson and Alzner defending against one another.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Last Olympics, Seabrook did. Niedermayer was on that roster, but already has retired, and Pronger could easily be retired by then, so there will be a couple new faces at least.
My mind is all twtisted like a peanut.
Seabrook was also on the team for “synergy” purposes with Keith and he also plays significant PP time for CHI.
There will be new faces, no doubt. But there are a ton of new competitors as well. Myers seems like he’ll be a front runner, and there are plenty of other Canadian D with promising futures that will be in the discussion.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I think Alzner’s best shot is if a guy like Mike Green or PK Subban makes the roster. He’d provide some balance to a pairing that includes a very offensive player. My problem with that logic, is I don’t see Hockey Canada going for a guy who has huge offensive upside, but can sometimes be a defensive liability.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Aug 5, 2011 11:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Exactly, Hockey Canada has shown a preference for two-way defensemen that can get it done on both ends, and Dan Boyle. I think Alzner is perfectly capable of being on an Olympic shutdown pair (or at least will be in 2014), but that’s not how Hockey Canada operates, of late. He’d have had a better chance in the ’02 and ’06 Olympics when they had more of an eye on filling out the roster with role players.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
by Rob Parker on Aug 5, 2011 11:13 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
Pronger retired before 2014? Preposterous! He’ll have four years left on his contract. I’m sure he’ll be able and willing to soldier on for the good of the team. GO FLYERS!!!!!!1
"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.
In this usage, Flyers is actually spelled with several “Zs” instead of an “s.”
As in: GO FLYERZZZ!!!!11
Armareddon.
Buy or sell about the 2014 Olympics:
Alzner will play. BUY
Green will play. HOLD
The Rangers will ice the most Olympians. SELL
Neuvirth will play. BUY
Kuznetsov will play. BUY – but he’ll play based on marketability instead of merit
Russia will ice 3 KHLers or fewer. SELL
Varly will start. SELL
Sweden will ice four defensemen under 25. BUY
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Aug 5, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Kuz won’t be in for marketability at that point, not if he left for the NHL. If he stays in the KHL (shudder) then the marketability comes in. Look at the crop of Russians, it’s hard to say he’s not going to be one of the best forwards available to them at that time.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I didn’t mean in terms of using him as a marketing tool, as much as he will be one of the best marketed players, which will help him earn his spot. His WJC performance already has him on their radar, as well has his strong play in the KHL. By the time the rosters are released, he’ll have played on Ovi’s team for a year and a half in the big show. Pretty favorable for him.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Aug 5, 2011 11:04 AM EDT up reply actions
But he won’t be hugely marketable in North America. I don’t know how marketable he’ll be in Russia if he leaves, but playing with AO won’t hurt.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Varly will start. SELL
If he stays healthy I’ll buy. I don’t think there are many, if any, Russian goalies better than a fully healthy Varly
We’ll see how well Bryz holds up, how well Bob develops, etc.
That “if healthy” is what makes me (and I suspect a lot of the other sellers) pause.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Buy Neuvirth, Kuznetsov, and Sweden.
As a question – which Russians do you think transfer to the NHL/take spots from KHL’ers in those Olympics.
As a related question – do you actually think the Russian Hockey Federation will pull their collective head out of their collective ass and not try to pimp their “the KHL is just as good as the NHL” fetish?
Another question – who on the Rangers do you see in the Olympics that will give them the most participants?
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 Aug 5, 2011 10:57 AM EDT up reply actions
It may not just be the KHL guys that played in 2010, there may be a new (exciting!) crop of KHL players to (undeservedly) take spots on the Olympic team.
You have at least 3 high profile Russians available in this next draft, Tarasenko and Kuz from the current prospect pool, and who knows who else might emerge. On the other hand, some of the current guys are aging and have time to piss off Russian Hockey to the point of being black balled. I can’t say what the roster will look like, but I really think Russian Hockey will find a way to get their KHL boys on. It may be on D, since that’s obviously the thinnest position for quality Russians in the NHL. And KHL D against NHL O… bloodbath.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
The second half of your post is exactly my point with the second question. The RFH is such a complete joke that I literally have no faith in them to run their team like an organization that wants to win and not run their team in order to showcase the KHL.
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 Aug 5, 2011 11:05 AM EDT up reply actions
Watching the Russian defenders abandon Nabokov was pretty amusing. Any “the KHL is going to poach players from the NHL!” thinking went out the window when that shitshow rolled through Vancouver.
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
The Russians have been taking some steps that are positive, not sure it will be enough. They fired Bykov and purged the rest of his staff as well, which was a good (if late) start.
One of the biggest areas of discussion in Russia was that prior to the World Championships this year, Bykov was coaching his KHL team (Salavat) to victory in the Gagarin Cup finals. The thought was that he was too involved in the K to handle the national team as well. So they have required the new guy Bilyatidenov to give up his KHL duties (Ak Bars) ’til after Sochi. They are also paying him a stone-cold fortune.
A step back, IMO, is the fact that they have not yet brought Valery Bragin up from the Juniors team and given him more duties with the men’s team. I cannot stress enough that Bragin has clearer vision about the team requirements for international competition than any of the other moonbeam-spinners in Russia. His work in assembling his team was Yzerman-esque and he managed to thrash Canada in the six-game Subway Series (for the first time in eight years!) and then pull off that great run in Buffalo. And he was classy enough to pull off his gold medal and slide it into his coat pocket when addressing the media after the game.
Unfortunately, the hockey commentariat in Russia is still stuck in reverse, railing periodically against letting the kids play in North America and so on and so forth.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Aug 5, 2011 11:14 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
And I wonder what impact that “railing periodically against letting kids play in NA” will have on Nail and Mikhail, if any. They’ll be young, but with their (allegedly) absurd talent, I think they could both be among the best Fs Russia has to offer when the Olympics roll around.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I remember you had some high praise for Bragin around the time of the WJC, and you definitely know more about it at that level. But as you said, he’s not getting the same love for the Olympic team. Furthermore, it will take more than one guy to overhaul the system.
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 Aug 5, 2011 11:18 AM EDT up reply actions
Oh no. The Russian hockey team sucks. Whatever shall we do?
I hope they continue to suck well into the future. Keep Bykov. Keep playing sorry KHL players. Watch as the US solidifies itself alongside Sweden as the only legitimate threats to Canada.
Armareddon.
by D'ohboy on Aug 5, 2011 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
Not sure what you’re asking, but I think Radulov is a lock, they may get one of their goalies, other than than I’m not seeing the talent. It’s not like that discussion about a week ago where the only NHL snub we got was Frolov. All the young Russians are in the NHL or seem to be heading there.
No to the second.
Third: assuming everyone is re-upped, which I think is likely, Gaborik, Lundqvist, Dubinsky, Callahan, Anismov I see there, and maybe one of Richards/Staal/Girardi. Erixon also seems like a good bet, and McDonagh isn’t too shabby either, though he has a ways to go.
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 Aug 5, 2011 11:22 AM EDT up reply actions
Girardi isn’t going to get a sniff. If Richards didn’t make it in 2010, I’m not sure how he makes it in 2014. Callahan has an inside track, but Dubinsky is going to have his work cut out for him. We’ll see what the young crop of US forwards does, but there aren’t going to be a ton of open spots if they lean towards incumbents, and there were a few other guys competing with Dubinsky for that last spot in 2010, ignoring the guys who will emerge in the interim years.
And I dispute that Frolov was the only snub. He was the only one that was clear cut, but I think it’d be pretty easy to find more Russian players that were better than the KHL line.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Who do you have as so far ahead of Girardi? Suter, Martin, Carlson…
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 Aug 5, 2011 12:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Well Wikipedia has him as a Canadian, so I wasn’t comparing him to USA born D. Does he play internationally for USA?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Shoot, my bad on that one.
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 Aug 5, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
No worries, when you first said his name I assumed he had to be American. No chance at cracking Team Canada.
Even on the US he has an uphill climb. Suter, Martin, Carlson, Johnsons, Gleason, Komisarek, Orpik, Whitney, Bogosian, Fowler. I’m not a huge fan of Whitney, Gleason, or JJ, (and Komisarek doesn’t really stand a chance anymore), but incumbency seems to matter with both USA and Canada. They like guys that have worn the national jersey before. (Of course, if Girardi actually was American, maybe he’d be an incumbent of several tournaments by now).
Obviously, this is all speculation.
And McDonagh will definitely get a sniff. Jon Blum might as well, depending on how the next few years go. Alex Gologoski is going to get a serious look.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Tinordi’s generating a little buzz in London this summer. Think he’ll be too young and unproven for 2014, but he could be someone to look at in 2018. A lot of things would have to right for him though.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
No way 2014 happens, I don’t think. I won’t root against him, but I do like seeing a) BBCD get overrated and b) Habs fail.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Bruce-Boudreau-Clearing Defenseman?
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Aug 5, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
If only…
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 Aug 5, 2011 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Jeff Shuzzzle?
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Aug 5, 2011 7:04 PM EDT up reply actions
Sell
Sell
Sell
Buy
Buy
Sell
Sell
Buy
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
--BB, 2009
by nogoodtrying on Aug 5, 2011 12:05 PM EDT up reply actions
I’d say that sounds like the floor of the NYSE right now if you’d had one or two more sells…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Aug 5, 2011 12:07 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
No, No, Definitely Not, Yes, No, Hell to the no, No, and ??
Team Russia won’t win in international competitions as long as they keep recruiting half the team from the KHL which is the national policy.
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.
Why definitely not? Anaheim is probably looking at RPG, Hiller, Sbisa, Fowler. San Jose I think had the most for Vancouver with their top line, Boyle, goalie, and Pavelski. I don’t think that it’s out of the question for the Rangers to have six.
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 Aug 5, 2011 3:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Which 6 do you see the Rangers having in the Olympics in 2014?
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 Aug 5, 2011 3:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Well Gaborik, Lundqvist, and Callahan are basically locks.
Dubinsky, Anisimov (depending on how KHL-heavy Russia wants to go), and Staal will get a look. Richards will be in the discussion, but I don’t see it happening. Maybe Stepan gets a look? McDonagh will get a look. Sauer is American and he probably gets a look. If the cards fall right the Rags could have 6 in the Olympics.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
And Erixon as well. Kreider probably has an outside shot.
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 Aug 5, 2011 5:50 PM EDT up reply actions
Because Tomas Fleischmann ALWAYS reaches peak performance when fans are rocking the red.
by Alex Reed on Aug 5, 2011 11:44 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
That reminds me. I need to get tickets to the first home game vs Florida. There are a lot of opposing players that need some applause, if not a standing ovation.
Hopefully Jose will be in net for that. I was in the crowd on Kolzig’s return with Tampa Bay and thought it was such a great, classy gesture to have that little Ode to Kolzig on the jumbotron during that short break.
It’s nice to show the rest of the NHL was class looks like
It’s nice to show the rest of the NHL was class looks like
You’re serious, right?
Signed,
Bell Centre staff
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Aug 5, 2011 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions
I found that article yesterday (and posted a link in Wednesday’s Clips). In any case, the Panther fan zone is the Red Zone. Does it have something to do with the fact that they’ve signed up so many ex-Caps for their team? LOL!
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
still not cool that jeff friesen wore #12 those 1st few games. guess that’s why it never worked out for him here
Totally agree. Seeing him in 12 makes me throw up in my mouth.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
What some teams do (and the Caps should learn from this) is that if a number isn’t going to be retired, but has been worn by a significant player for some time, is keep the number out of circulation for a year or two. That way some time has passed and the legacy of the number is preserved.
I think the Caps held #6 out of circulation for a couple of years after Calle Jo retired before letting Jamie Heward have it. He actually didn’t ask for it, but he found it in his locker when he signed with the Caps and he said he was honored to wear it.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 5, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
The Redskins do that. The Redskins have only retired one jersey – #33 for Sammy Baugh.
However, you won’t see anyone wearing 44, 7, 9, 81, 43, 42, 28, etc. They don’t even give those out.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Never understood why they issued it to him. That was wrong on so many levels.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Aug 5, 2011 12:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Carlson and Halpern today
Both hanging out at a ColdRush camp at Kettler participating and talking to the kids:
Pictures via ColdRushHockey Twitter feed, plus:
Jeff Halpern skated with us this morning. He spoke to the kids about the importance of metronome training and getting out what you put in.
Are you not entertained?
by Seminrocks on Aug 5, 2011 12:26 PM EDT reply actions 2 recs
Tick tock and you don’t stop.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
With all due respect
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.
That one kid needs a six-pack
"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 Aug 5, 2011 1:06 PM EDT up reply actions
Hey, that’s the future franchise left-winger you’re talking about.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Being pretty good and the best are two different thing! He’s got just too much extra weight on his frame and its clearly holding him back. I mean seriously looks like he’s got 5% body fat? If he wants to be a pro it should be .05%
go flyerz
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.
That is awesome. My son, now playing HS hockey, went to the Blues camp for two summers. Same type of thing with Jamal Mayers and a few others.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Nope. Just pay your money and go.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
And today’s image for the “NHL Players as Kids” is a certain dark haired goalie.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Today’s image is also missing a subject line so the post can be collapsed.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
by Bald Pollack on Aug 5, 2011 8:13 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
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