Wednesday Caps Clips: Capitals @ Predators Game Day
Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews and sorta-previews of preseason game numero cinco from RtR, The Tennessean and others (coming soon - check the "What We're Reading" sidebar throughout the day), and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner, On The Forecheck, for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday out at Kettler (which, by the way, is worth a visit):
- In general. [Caps365 video (Kettler Report, Boudreau, Ovechkin), 106.7 The Fan (audio), Caps In Pictures (pics)]
- Is Brooks Laich a center or a wing? He's in good shape - how about second-line left wing and third-line center? Kidding. Mostly. [CI (Carrera), CW (Whyno)]
- Skating with Alex Ovechkin and Marcus Johansson yesterday likely means that Chris Bourque has made the team. Or that he's already basically been cut. Or neither of those things. [CW (Whyno), DCEx (McNally)]
- Troy Brouwer talks about his first game of 2011-12. [CW (Whyno), DCEx (McNally)]
- Hello accountability, our old friend... [CSN Washington (Gormley)]
- ... while Bruce Boudreau defends the guy who so often brings that subject to the forefront. [CW (Whyno)]
- Roman Hamrlik makes the Caps plenty deep at power-play quarterback. Now it's time for some touchdowns. [CI (Carrera), CW (Whyno, with a note on Dmitry Orlov as well)]
- Jay Beagle spent the summer training with Karl Alzner, which means he can now grow a full playoff beard in 14 minutes. [DCEx (McNally)]
- Leftovers from Monday night (don't worry - they're good for three or four days). [CI (Carrera)]
- Elsewhere, some people didn't mind them. More folks despised them. So it was a net "nyet" on the new nets... [Ted's Take, WashTimes (Whyno), Puck Daddy, CI (Carrera), DCEx (McNally) Capital Games, Caps News Network, Peerless and PHT]
- ... and now they're gone. [Ted's Take, WashTimes (Whyno, with more at CW), CI (Carrera), DCEx (McNally), Peerless, SB Nation DC]
- Mike Knuble did a phoner with Elliot In The Morning yesterday. [YouTube]
- Ah, expectations. [Baltimore Sports Report, Box Seats (Cooper)]
- Speaking of expectations, peerless prognostications for Alexander Semin and Joel Ward. [Peerless, Peerless]
- Could D.C. host the 2013 Winter Classic? [ESPN (Custance, $)]
- Caps Convention: the gift that keeps on giving (for bloggers). [Examiner (Hoffman)]
- Down a level, all eyes are on Braden Holtby... [LDN]
- ... and expect to see a lot of Julien Brouillette in Chocolatetown. [Patriot-News (Leone)]
- Remember that time that the Caps traded Tomas Fleischmann? That was awesome. [mediachameleon]
- Chat with Steve Konowalchuk, if you're so inclined. [WHL]
- Finally, happy 58th birthday to Doug Gibson.
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Rut-roh
@Haar_Daddy_18 (Garrett Haar)
sorry to all the boys….trying to get better as quickly as possible. Not working out too well. #10.5poundsdownthedrain#misstheice
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Ooof. That’s a lot of weight. That’s more than just the flu.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I had a friend get one when we were driving down to Fla at a Denny’s in Middle-of-Nowhere, NC. They got the fruit cup… everyone else got something that was cooked.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 28, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions
Sign Avery?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2011 9:38 AM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I’m imagining that’s not the most attractive way to lose weight.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Mono!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 28, 2011 9:47 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hey Caps fans
How well do you think Marcus Johansson is going to do this season? I liked the way he played in the playoffs so I just picked him up from the waiver wire in my fantasy league. Yahoo’s team report says he could be centring one of the top two lines… is this true?
I could really use a steal at centre :S
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
P.S. I have Ovechkin too, took him 1st overall ^^
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 8:04 AM EDT up reply actions
How well do you think Marcus Johansson is going to do this season?
I have an RMNB post coming up on this in next day or so.
FWIW, I just finished a draft last night: 20 teams, H2H league. I got MJ90 in 20th round.
"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
(FWIW, I have MoJo as my 286th-ranked forward for fantasy.)
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Well
My centers kind of blow.
Ryan Getzlaf
Jarret Stoll
Rich Peverley
Brian Boyle
Nathan Gerbe (bn)
Mike Santorelli(bn)
I don’t know if Johansson will replace any of those without a stellar second season but I’m in trouble if my second best center had only 43 points. Stupid auto draft…
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
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by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 8:48 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
I’d say you should be able to count on 40 points. If he spends a lot of time with AO, that pushes up closer to 50. If he really took a big step this off-season then you may be looking at a solid 50. It’s hard to tell since we haven’t seen much of him yet. With the lines, BB always juggles so you can’t count on anything.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Hopefully he rides AO’s coattails all fricking season then!
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 8:49 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Can you give some details on the league? H2H? Number of teams/forwards starting, categories, etc?
"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
Well, it's my first fantasy draft ever
League tracks…
G A P PPP SHP Shots FW Hits Blocks, pretty sure that’s it but I don’t have that info on hand
It’s a relatively deep league with 30 players per team on 12 teams
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
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by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 8:45 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
To be honest, the only one of those categories in which MoJo is likely to be any good is assists. Throw in PIMs and you’d have a hard time coming up with a league in which Johansson would be less valuable.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(And by “any good” I mean “acceptable” – I’d be mildly surprised if he topped 30 helpers.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Do you think he’ll provide more value than Rich Peverley at least? Or Nathan Gerbe?
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
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by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 9:52 AM EDT via iPhone app up reply actions
Doubtful. Peverley will probably play 3rd line wing in Boston at best and Gerbe 3rd of 4th line center. They both got donkey punched down the depth chart.
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 9:57 AM EDT up reply actions
Peverly got 2:42/60 at 5on4 last year, he’s PP2.
Gerbe got 1:28/60 for 15th on the team. I bet he goes up a little this year, but I think I would take MJ90 over him in that format.
Are Peverley’s numbers post-trade?
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 10:01 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve got Gerbe out-producing MoJo across-the-board, and hugely in PIMs and SOG.
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And tiny adorableness.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:03 AM EDT up reply actions
That too. His ADORBS/60 is impressive.
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by J.P. on Sep 28, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions 2 recs
I guess I don’t understand fantasy leagues well enough yet so I’ll take your word for it. I just have a hard time understanding how Peverley and Gerbe will outproduce MoJo playing 3rd and 4th line minutes while MoJo centers Ovechkin :S
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 10:04 AM EDT up reply actions
Well, in part because MoJo won’t center Ovechkin all year. Probably won’t center him most of the year or even much of it. Bruce loves 8-19 too much.
Also, even if MoJo were to get a lot of time with 8, his SOG, hits, faceoffs and blocks will still be relatively terrible.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Alright then. I’ll keep Marcus Johansson on my bench for now just in case though I might drop him early if he isn’t producing.
I just really want to get another decent center. Dropping off from Getzlaf to Peverley, Stoll, Boyle, and Gerbe is depressing.
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 10:09 AM EDT up reply actions
If he gets off to a quick start… sell high! Convince someone he’s Ovi’s center and get value in return.
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Who else is available? It took forever for Jordan Staal to go in our lig.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
As far as free agents or waiver Centre’s go, Lombardi is tops… and his condition it uncertain. I’m trying to pick him up too though, just in case
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
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by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 10:15 AM EDT up reply actions
How much more are you expecting J. Staal to produce? He’s never hit 50, and Malkin and likely Crosby will be back this year.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
No clue. But I got him in the 13th round at 222 overall, and I have a decent group of forwards already with Stamkos, Eric Staal, Miiikkkooo Koivu, Clarke MacArthur and James Van Riemsdyk.
I call him a bargain.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:23 AM EDT up reply actions
The best you ever had?
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by J.P. on Sep 28, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
Gambled on Taylor Hall too. Thinking he might make a second year jump.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:24 AM EDT up reply actions
Hall’s going to be a pimp sooner rather than later.
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Taylor Hall and John Tavares got taken in the first round in my pool for some reason
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
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by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 10:27 AM EDT up reply actions
Were you drafting for the 2011-12 season or 2015-16?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I mean it’s a dynasty league so we’ll all be keeping our teams minus six players at the end of each season. Still, first round, really?
Tavares went freaking 3rd overall!
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 10:30 AM EDT up reply actions
I had Tavares fairly highly ranked but there are a lot of players that dropped to later rounds, like Malkin to the third
My first 4 picks were Ovechkin, Weber, Phaneuf, Backes, and Clowe I think
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
First 5*
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
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by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 10:33 AM EDT up reply actions
Really? Peverley put up something like 41 points last year and ~6 in 20 after being traded to Boston, and he’s likely not playing center anymore
Sometimes it seems this cycle never ends, we slide from top to bottom then we turn and climb again.
Stoik_Leafs Twitter
by Chris Stoikoff on Sep 28, 2011 9:58 AM EDT up reply actions
I’ve got Peverley out-producing MoJo across-the-board.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Thought it was curious that the author of the accountability article referred to Semin’s salary as “exorbitant”.
"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 Sep 28, 2011 8:05 AM EDT reply actions
Erhoff’s salary is exorbitant. Brad Richard’s salary is exorbitant. Bryz’s salary is exorbitant. Semin’s salary is a bit high, but not head-scratchingly so.
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I looked up the Finnish translation of “exorbitant salary” and it came up as “Ville Leino”
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 9:54 AM EDT up reply actions 9 recs
win. I can’t even attempt to top this.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Ville Leino…an anagram for “El Evil Lion.”
Yeah, he wishes.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 10:51 AM EDT up reply actions
I was curious to see how Semin ranked league-wide, so I looked at the NHL stat charts. Dany Heatley (also LW) had 27 minor penalties just like Semin did, and scored 27 goals last year (Semin scored 28). 2010 was a down year for Heatley, since he had 39 goals for the Sharks in 2009 and 39 goals for the Sens in 2008. Semin had 39 in 2008 and 40 in 2009. Heatley had more assists and had fewer PIMs than Semin. And his cap hit is $7.5 million this year.
I’m not very familiar with the Sharks organization or its fans so I don’t know if anyone was clamoring for accountability there. The most recent “call out” I can find is from the Fear the Fin Sharks blog, where a post in June discussed a potential buyout (the Sharks eventually traded him to Wild). For all of his faults, the writer did not mention his penalties as a problem.
Well first off the Sharks didn’t sign Heatley to his contract, Ottawa did.
Second, Heatley had one down season with the Sharks followed by a crappy playoffs and he was quickly traded. It doesn’t seem like he’s the best example to use for a lack of accountability in other organizations.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 28, 2011 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions
F&B yesterday:
If the Caps want to think about protecting Green by giving him a partner that can skate to loose pucks and take that pressure off of him, Schultz is not well-suited for that role.
Carrera today:
Pairing Hamrlik and Wideman is certainly an intriguing option, and it would allow Green to play with longtime defensive partner Jeff Schultz, which could benefit both of them.
"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 Sep 28, 2011 8:27 AM EDT reply actions
I think two different views. F&B’s outstanding post yesterday was about protecting Greener from bodily harm, particularly in the playoffs. Katie’s comment seems to be more about maximizing Green’s offensive potential by pairing him w/ the defensive minded Schultz. Two different takes on how best to manage Green’s talents while keeping him in the game.
As a follow-up to the F&B’s Greenpiece- what, if any, role do the forwards would have in making sure Greeenlife doesn’t end up as a bug on the glass? Do the forwards have responsibility to ensure pucks get tossed into the opposite corner to ensure that it’s not Green who is forced to fetch?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Sep 28, 2011 8:45 AM EDT up reply actions
Fs have a hard time forcing the dump in to any one corner, but they can backcheck in such a way that they limit the attacking F’s options, which allow the D to cheat back for the dump in. They also need to be back for support so that when the D fetch the puck they have somewhere to move it quickly and don’t have to be sitting ducks on the end boards.
As J.P. has touched on a few times, there can be some subtle interference that buys the D more time. A lot of that has to do with reputation, though, so it’s questionable whether the Caps will benefit from those calls.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
I’m not sure that Schultz would better maximize Green’s offensive potential than would Hamrlik. Particularly when you consider that the best way to maximize Green’s offense is to keep him healthy and in the game.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 28, 2011 1:14 PM EDT up reply actions
Schultz could be good for Greenie’s offense from the standpoint that Green can feel free to rush the puck knowing that he’s got a defensive partner to cover up. Similar to Carlson w/ Alzner.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Sep 28, 2011 4:50 PM EDT up reply actions
I get that, but you don’t think Hamrlik can do the same thing while also assisting Green on the breakout so that he can rush the puck?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 28, 2011 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions
So the white netting is gone and black is back. Who says the Caps can’t adjust on the fly?
by b.orr4 on Sep 28, 2011 8:36 AM EDT reply actions 3 recs
Here’s the lineups (WSH included) for tonight, and it looks like everyone but Jon Blum, Jerred Smithson, and Mike Fisher are in for Nashville, so they’ll be at reasonably full strength.
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
Thanks for the link; as one would expect an extra F and an extra D listed for the Caps, the traveling team.
How has Bergfors looked this preseason? Also, hadn’t seen Kyle WIlson on the cut list, any chance of a depth role, in particular due to injuries like Geoffrion’s to start the season?
Bergfors has looked pretty energetic on offense, with a couple of assists, but I’ve only “seen” radio-only so far. As for Wilson, if Geoffrion’s healthy, he’s gone to Milwaukee.
Lemme quote the late, great Colonel Sanders. He said "I'm too drunk to taste this chicken."
by Chris Burton on Sep 28, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions
awesome I’m so excited to turn on the TV tonight and…. damnitsomuch TELEVISE THE PRESEASON GAMES
by Beakers Lab on Sep 28, 2011 11:36 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
C’mon. There has to be a place for “Ravens One on One” and tape-delayed UEFA matches.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 11:40 AM EDT up reply actions
The Preds will have a live video stream on their website for the local region (TN, AL, MS, GA, KY). Hopefully the Caps will steal it use it with their permission like they did with the Columbus game last week.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Speaking of GA and Nashville’s local region, did I hear correctly that more Preds games will be on in Atlanta this season than the Thrashers ever had televised in a season?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Preds will have 40 games broadcast in Atlanta
They’ll split with Carolina, so perhaps between the two teams Atlanta will see more games than ever before?
Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and founder of HockeyGearHQ, a site devoted to hockey equipment and accessories.
And Philips Arena will be just as full.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
yeah watching a choppy stream on a 14" screen or watching in HD on 60" screen…
It’s amazing the to me that the games aren’t televised. There are 2 games on NHL network every night and the Caps have to be one of the more marketable teams out there. at least Sunday night’s game is going to be on it.
NHLN just picks up local feeds and runs them.
In DC, do you really think that the cost of producing an HD broadcast of a preseason game is going to be offset by advertising dollars they could get for that game (which, of course, would be driven by viewership)? I don’t think it would be even close. So you’d be asking CSN to take a loss to show the games. Granted, the long-term benefits of doing that might make it a worthwhile investment of sorts, but it’s still a tough business decision for them to make.
Also, these games aren’t even sold out – put ’em on TV and attendance would be even worse.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Bonus game tonight – if he’s playing, we can watch AGord and the Ducks at 10 on NHL-N.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
this guy…yes, it’s the preseason
There was this by the Ducks beat writer:icemancometh Eric Stephens
“Looks like Carlyle is trying the Gordon-Cogliano-DSP combo on the third line tonight against Vancouver. McMillan up with Koivu and Selanne.”
Oooh, and I don’t have to get up at 5:30 tomorrow morning…. (hey, Temple doesn’t start that early).
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Temple started pretty early last Saturday.
/vomits
/fire Edsall
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 1:45 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That was CP2’s point on Twitter, which I can understand, but I’m still surly about it.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions
Laich Corsi% when playing wing vs. center
I posted this on Twitter yesterday. Over past two years:
Laich lined up at wing Corsi% was 52%. When at center, 42%.
Fenwick%: At wing 51%, center 36%.
Granted, the sample size for when BL21 has played center is smaller than wing, but still. Wasn’t expecting them to be so disappointing.
"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
Any insight into his most frequent linemates in each situation? I’d imagine he played a lot with Semin in both scenarios, but if he was much more frequently with 28 when playing wing, that would explain a lot (to me, at least).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Any insight into his most frequent linemates in each situation?
Haven’t gotten that far yet. I just got the ability to break it down by his position in my database and just ran a quick Corsi/Fenwick query.
I plan on looking at a more robust WOWY plus zone info soon.
"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
Also, it would make sense to me, conceptually, if his time as a center involved more low-Corsi situations (i.e. taking D-zone draws) whereas when he was on the wing it was perhaps with a MoJo/BMo so more O-zone-heavy.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That definitely makes sense, and leads to another question: How was the split by C/W defined? Was it just based on who took the FO?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Obviously Neil can answer that, but if that was the methodology, how would you account for shifts that don’t start with a faceoff?
In Laich’s case, it probably isn’t hard to figure out. Here are his top-five ES line combos in each of the last two years:
10.63% EV 90 JOHANSSON,MARCUS – 21 LAICH,BROOKS – 28 SEMIN,ALEXANDER
7.04% EV 21 LAICH,BROOKS – 85 PERREAULT,MATHIEU – 28 SEMIN,ALEXANDER
6.47% EV 14 FLEISCHMANN,TOMAS – 21 LAICH,BROOKS – 28 SEMIN,ALEXANDER
5.58% EV 90 JOHANSSON,MARCUS – 22 KNUBLE,MICHAEL – 21 LAICH,BROOKS
5.22% EV 14 FLEISCHMANN,TOMAS – 22 KNUBLE,MICHAEL – 21 LAICH,BROOKS
23.58% EV 14 FLEISCHMANN,TOMAS – 21 LAICH,BROOKS – 28 SEMIN,ALEXANDER
12.85% EV 21 LAICH,BROOKS – 9 MORRISON,BRENDAN – 28 SEMIN,ALEXANDER
12.53% EV 22 KNUBLE,MICHAEL – 21 LAICH,BROOKS – 9 MORRISON,BRENDAN
6.45% EV 16 FEHR,ERIC – 21 LAICH,BROOKS – 9 MORRISON,BRENDAN
6.43% EV 19 BACKSTROM,NICKLAS – 21 LAICH,BROOKS – 28 SEMIN,ALEXANDER
The only ones of those I’d even question whether Laich was C or W was the ones with Fleischmann… which of course was a lot last year. Shrug.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
How was the split by C/W defined?
If he was listed as C on the PxP data, it was counted. I am not sure how they differentiate. It may be at the time of faceoff, but I would have to look. I am not sure.
"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
Oh yeah… I forgot that was on the PxP sheet. Derp.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Doesn’t seem to be by faceoff – only have to get down to the 7th line of the last game for which there’s a PxP sheet (G4 vs TB) to see “.B won Off. Zone – WSH #21 LAICH vs T.B #91 STAMKOS” with Laich listed under “L.” Huh.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s not ideal. I am open to suggestions.
"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.
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I haven’t a clue how you’d do it from the sheets. I’m really curious how they do it for those sheets, though.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Intuitively, I don’t know if this is surprising. Laich doesn’t impress me as an initiator, either as a passer (to set up others for shots) or as a shooter (creating opportunties on his own). He is more of an opportunistic sort. I would think that sort of player is going to have a higher Corsi value when he isn’t relied upon to create, but takes advantage of others’ abilities to do that.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Agreed – any line on which Brooks Laich is the center isn’t likely to generate a ton of offense. Which isn’t to say it can’t be effective, but I think the “Can Brooks Laich center a scoring line?” question has long since been asked and answered.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
But he does help drive play. Scoring chance% were higher with Laich than without him too.
I expected a drop. I didn’t expect a drop below the Mendoza Line.
"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 the disconnect here probably centers around the role of the center (high in the zone) versus the winger (puck-retrieval and winning battles along the boards, things at which Laich is pretty adept).
The drop-off is steep, though, but my hunch is that it’s explicable by linemates and zone starts, as I noted above. I could be wrong, though, and he might just be a shitty center.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(Obviously interesting data, btw.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Another major role of the C (unless AO is on your line) is to get the puck through the neutral zone. Which is also an area I’d expect Laich to suffer.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Right. I’d meant to add that.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Great data breakdown, I think this is the first time I’ve seen someone do this. Obviously it confirms my bias, so maybe I’m not the best to comment on it. Does that make you think he can’t be a 3C? Should he just be a W now, or is there something else going on (i.e. weak wings when he was C)?
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Does that make you think he can’t be a 3C? Should he just be a W now, or is there something else going on (i.e. weak wings when he was C)?
The sample size is small enough for me to think he can be a center, so I am going to hold off judgement, which was why I tweeted the info and didn’t blog about it.
It does bear watching in-season.
This year my scoring chance data will be integrated with NHL’s PxP data, so I will be able to see chances based on where BL21 lines up too.
Have to put a pin in this one and come back to it for now I think.
"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
Glad you went the PG way on that.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2011 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions
Rather than the “Summer in Provincetown” route?
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It wouldn't have been approved by the new SBN CIO.
![]()
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2011 1:09 PM EDT up reply actions
As if. SBN couldn’t be more tolerant.
(I know it was snark, but had to defend against it anyway.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Wow. Superb posts from NG, F&B, Peerless & J.P. It also confirms my anti-Brooks ‘bias’ (as opposed your factual offerings). It seems to me that because he has not – nor, apparently, can not – generate enough offense as a 1 or 2C, he automatically becomes a pretty good defensive-minded 3C who can pop some offense on occasion. Fine. If that is the case, then why such big bucks and such a long term contract? If, on the other hand, he is a mildly effective opportunistic 2W, why Brouwer then? I can only assume that someone in management is expecting Knuble to log some substantial 3W time that enables Brooks to spend a lot of time at 2W.
Something to consider. Over the past four years Laich scored 33 of 85 goals on the power play and 68 of 197 total points with the man advantage. His drop in scoring is almost entirely explained away by a drop in power play goals scored. He isn’t getting those points be being a “delivery guy,” he’s getting them by going to the “bakery.”
That he can play center is something that contributes to his value as a versatile player. It isn’t the same as saying he should be a center, especially on one of the two top lines. He can quite literally play any of the top nine positions amoung the 1st/2nd/3rd lines, and I suspect at one time or another he is going to this season, if only for a game or two. And he will not be much of, if any of, a liability at any of them. It’s just that there are better contributors as some of those positions. Depending on who is not, and who is not, he’ll split time between 2L/2R (depending on where they play Semin on the second line) and 3C, where his offensive contributions aren’t as critical. In any case, I’d be watching to see if his power play production bounces back. That was the bread and butter (the bakery thing again) that got him to being a 20-goal scorer.
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Yes, good analysis. I think you are correct and I agree. Versatility (even including D, on occasion) is a good thing and clearly brings value to the Caps strategic offensive offerings. And the fact that he is solid defensively and strong on both the PK (and the PP with his limited opportunistic tap-ins) increases that value as well. Fine. But, it just seems to me that the huge bucks that GMGM paid for the other big bodies – Knuble, Brouwer, & Ward – all with “similar” front of the net work, might have been been more effective spent on a true 1st tier 2C such as Pavelski (not that he was available, of course). In other words, I think 3 or those contracts would have been adequate, as opposed to the 4. In a previous post, F&P (I think) told me that if these 4 bruisers hit even their minimum our team offensive output should be sufficient for a Cup run so perhaps I worry too much about the lack of secondary offense generators beyond Ovi, Sasha, and Nicky. I just hope one of them doesn’t get hurt or they revert back to last season’s offensive slippage.
That’s your Hollywood alter-ego, Fehr and Palanced.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions
The Kono Link...
….goes to the Twitter feed of an equipment guy from the Minnesota Wild, not Kono. Mayhap it is broken?
A good tidbit though from the Wild, though. Good idea by the NHL.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
You’re welcome.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 28, 2011 9:40 AM EDT up reply actions
Interesting, the chat involves Kono and another former Cap Mark Ferner, although he played only 9 games with the Caps.
Winnipeg? Winnipeg??? Oy! (And now it's official...)
by MikeL-Pivonka on Sep 28, 2011 9:42 AM EDT up reply actions
Played a ton for the Skipjacks, though, IIRC.
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I enjoyed the wild, shirtless lyrics of Mark Ferner when they were combined with the competent drumming of Don Brewer and the bong-rattling bass of Mel Schacher.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions
...
“…You mean you kids don’t know about Grand Funk?”

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 1:27 PM EDT up reply actions 3 recs
I’m still waiting for the latest release by Bread.
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by Alz in the family on Sep 28, 2011 4:24 PM EDT up reply actions
What American man wouldn’t.
The Artist Formerly Known as CP2Devil.
Associate Editor at Five For Howling.
Guessing the Minnesota link is the info. about the helmet numbering.
Here’s the Kono link
Yep. The Minny equipment manager announced that the NHL will require all helmets to be numbered fore and aft this season, beginning opening night.
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That’ll take some getting used to.
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I agree. Looks incredibly odd.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 9:59 AM EDT up reply actions
True, but not as much as some other changes these last few years. Has anyone seen an explanation of why they added the additional number?
fan friendly?
calling penalties/id’ing correct player?
other?
I assume it’s for the refs, but was curious if there is anything out there about this other than the Minnesota Wild equip. mgr posting the info.
Don’t forget the incredibly powerful helmet sticker lobby. This requirement puts Americans Canadians Chinese someone to work and money into our the someone’s economy! Just think of it as the NHL’s stimulus bill.
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by J.P. on Sep 28, 2011 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
That makes the most sense to me. I can’t see having the number being helpful for the refs. The position of it makes it so that it’s rarely in their field of view (since it’s basically on the top of the helmet) and the refs already have a good view of the back and side numbers.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Sep 28, 2011 2:10 PM EDT up reply actions
Pix of Wild home and away lids with new front numbers:
http://twitter.com/#!/styleswild/status/118886474979622912
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Terrific revenue producing move by the NHL as fans purchase helmets rocking the number of their fave.
"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 Sep 28, 2011 10:07 AM EDT up reply actions
Why would they? The helmets have the numbers on them now. And concievably, where would you wear a helmet without looking like a doofus (keeping in mind that people can dress pretty doofus-y at sporting events)?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions
Yes.
"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 Sep 28, 2011 10:11 AM EDT up reply actions
___
where would you wear a helmet without looking like a doofus
The Japers’ Rink Caps Convention After Party?

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by J.P. on Sep 28, 2011 10:13 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
Kinda goes out the window when copius amounts of alcohol are involved ;)
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:14 AM EDT up reply actions
That’s actually a game-worn Matt Hendricks Avs bucket that she had him sign at the Convention (and he signed it with his Avs number, too).
Related: I’m all for wearing game-worn sweaters, I suppose, but… game-worn helmets?
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I thought about some sort of Roman helmet comment (hey, there’s a Roman on the Caps, now), but thought I should wait until I know the identity of the helmet-wearer. Anyone powerful/influential?
"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 Sep 28, 2011 10:25 AM EDT up reply actions
Pre kudos for the wonderful Roman Helmet joke.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t know her, but I’m sure someone here can identify her.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
OK, so not a member of the Rink staff? All bets are off.
"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 Sep 28, 2011 10:28 AM EDT up reply actions
Anyone who has ever seen the inside of a hockey helmet knows that’s a terrible idea. Only gloves could be worse.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Aye. I mean, how much would someone have to pay you to don a game-worn Scott Hartnell helmet?
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Pre or Post hair cut?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:31 AM EDT up reply actions
If Ewoks and Sasquatches mated…
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by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 11:25 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
So he’s a Wookie?
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by J.P. on Sep 28, 2011 11:26 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
He was in 2000.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions
No, he’s been in the league a few years now.
Signed,
Elmer Fudd
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by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions 14 recs
I’ll give you twice what I pay you now to put on a game-worn circa 1993 Jagr lid.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Hey, they wanna be like the NFL. Today, numbering front and back on helmets, tomorrow, sweet TV contract for a gazillion bucks.
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by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 12:39 PM EDT up reply actions
There’s a number on the front of NFL helmets?
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Sep 28, 2011 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions
000
On some of them.


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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions
I know the Steelers and Giants do. Those are the only two I can think of that have numbers on the front of the helmet.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 2:04 PM EDT up reply actions
For the Giants it is a throwback thing dating back to the days when Sam Huff played (ditto for the gray pants they adopted).
Maybe the teams could put the team logo on only one side of the helmet….the Steelers are the only NFL team to do that.
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I’m just glad they don’t cram a set of numbers on the front corner of the jersey. Woof.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
I wish. Those jerseys are/were fabulous.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions
Hard to see the number on Ben’s helmet. My eyes are distracted by that LARGE number on his jersey.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
I must be having eye problems. I can see Ben’s, but damned if Brady’s lid doesn’t look blank.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Sep 28, 2011 2:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Re Doug Gibson et al
I’ve been drilling down on these players who had cups of coffee in the NHL – the Harvie Poczas and Doug Gibsons of the hockey world. it is incredible how many talented players can’t make it in the NHL.
I’d compare Gibson to a Matthieu Perreault – slight, fast, shifty center who posted big numbers in the minors. Once had a 116 point season w/ Rochester and posted 21 points in 16 games in ’79-80 Calder Cup winning run with Hershey. Sad to think he couldnt cut it.
(Interesting note: as I was looking up the numbers , I read that Milton Hershey originally named his hockey team the Chocolate B’ars, then was criticized for the commercial nature of the name. Hershey finally became the Bears in 1936.)
I’d love it if they were still the Hershey B’ars. It’d be the best name in sports.
And they could do a sister team thing with AK Bars Kazan.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:32 AM EDT up reply actions
Apparently named after a civic organization in Omaha, the Ak Sar Ben Knights.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:36 AM EDT up reply actions
And “Ak Sar Ben” spelled backwards is…
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Holy crap I just realized that it’s “Nebraska” backward.
Franchise moved to Quad Cities, then moved to its current location in Abbotsford. I assume Quintin Laing is still playing there.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:38 AM EDT up reply actions
I like how the entire purpose of the organization was a complete failure
While the purpose of the organization was to save the Nebraska State Fair for Omaha, it was eventually moved to Lincoln and subsequently to Grand Island.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:40 AM EDT up reply actions
The entire purpose of the Caps organization is to win a Stanley Cup, and 35+ years in…
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I’ve been to Grand Island. It’s not so grand.
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by Alz in the family on Sep 28, 2011 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions
“Obi Wan Keno…” no, wait.
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by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
They could have taken the anagram to delirious heights:
The “Ak Sar Ben Bra Snakes” or some such.
by S h a g g y on Sep 28, 2011 10:48 AM EDT up reply actions
Ladies and Gentlemen…your Washingto-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-n Slatipac!
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by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 10:49 AM EDT up reply actions
000
Awesome, but it’s no Macon Whoopee.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 10:37 AM EDT up reply actions 4 recs
I hope that tonight is just Boudreau and the teams giving Bourque one last chance to show something, because I just don’t think that he should be an option to start the year in the NHL.
He is going into his 8th professional season, and it seems that everyone pretty much knows what kind of a player he is: a very good AHL forward.
I’m with you. The fact that he got some real quality time with Malkin/Crosby and did nothing says a lot. Unless he blows away his competitors, which he hasn’t, I’d like to see that spot go to someone else.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Or at least someone who is a little more versatile. Sjogren can (and has) played all three forward positions. Perreault won’t look out of place on the 2nd PP unit. Bourque is best used as a… [Fill in the blank]
MP has looked stronger this year, it’s a crap or get off the pot season for him, so I think he should get a chance to crap.
Obviously, this is all speculation.
Let’s hope it doesn’t come to that… the Zamboni can do only so much.
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by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 10:50 AM EDT up reply actions
Point man on the PP!
/ducks
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 11:08 AM EDT up reply actions
I don’t disagree with the conclusion, but in fairness, CBo’s top line combos in PIT:
17.3% EV 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 24 COOKE,MATT – 11 STAAL,JORDAN
9.67% EV 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 28 GODARD,ERIC – 17 RUPP,MICHAEL
7.77% EV 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 26 FEDOTENKO,RUSLAN – 11 STAAL,JORDAN
6.68% EV 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 13 GUERIN,BILL – 11 STAAL,JORDAN
5.18% EV 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 26 FEDOTENKO,RUSLAN – 71 MALKIN,EVGENI
5.04% EV 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 87 CROSBY,SIDNEY – 26 FEDOTENKO,RUSLAN
2.59% EV 27 ADAMS,CRAIG – 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 17 RUPP,MICHAEL
2.45% EV 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 71 MALKIN,EVGENI – 17 RUPP,MICHAEL
2.18% EV 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 9 DUPUIS,PASCAL – 17 RUPP,MICHAEL
2.04% EV 27 ADAMS,CRAIG – 12 BOURQUE,CHRISTOPHER – 24 COOKE,MATT
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
(And two of his three points came with Sid and Fedotenko, one at ES, the other on the PP.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, other than the second line there with Godard and Rupp, he was mostly surrounded by better-than-average offensive guys. Staal, Cooke, Fodotenko, Guerin, Malkin, Crosby… And he had 3 assists in 20 games.
Not sure how much better-than-average some of those guys are/were, but I was just pointing out the line combos (and agreeing with F&B’s general conclusion).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And actually, both Crosby and Malkin had higher Corsi’s playing with Bourque than without him (obviously tiny samples, in the 20-25-minute range).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ovechkin, too, FWIW (in 20:37).
Bourque for President!
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Chris Bourque, making other NHL players better since 2007.
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by ThePeerless on Sep 28, 2011 11:45 AM EDT up reply actions
This being some detail about Bourque’s time with the Pens.
I’d also note, this post is not advocating Bourque on the NHL roster, but players take many paths to the NHL and Bourque’s pro career started earlier than it should have. See Matt Hendricks as a player who took years to make it to the NHL.
Or maybe not…
@VogsCaps: Five of six “bubble” forwards in lineup tonight for #Caps in NSH. Chris Bourque staying in DC; he had three helpers vs CBJ on Mon.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Let’s be realistic. Bourque came back to tear it up in the A in his free agent audition year.
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He’s the white Alexandre Giroux.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 11:38 AM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
I’d like to see Bourque and Perreault get one last kick at the can to start the season. Let Sjogren and Eakin both start the season in Hershey, as they don’t have to pass through waivers. If, after ten games or so, it’s obvious that neither of them is going to hack it, then send them down once most teams have already finalized their rosters (and they’re therefore more likely to clear waivers).
Armareddon.
Doesn’t Eakin have to go back to Kootenay?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 11:47 AM EDT up reply actions
Rosters are up for tonight's game
There will be two scratches for the Caps, as this list has 22:
http://www.ontheforecheck.com/2011/9/28/2455455/predators-capitals-preseason-game-roster
Enjoy…
Managing Editor of On the Forecheck, SB Nation's blog covering the Nashville Predators, and founder of HockeyGearHQ, a site devoted to hockey equipment and accessories.
Oh, and new content on the front page, yo.
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Great line by Chemmy on Twitter (I assume it’s one of those old hockey lines, but it’s new to me):
@felixpotvin We’ll call them the Zen Buddhists: they’ll never have possessions. RT @DavidAlter590 Brown on a line with Dupuis and Orr today
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The Alexander Semin Image Rehabilitation Tour continues:
TarikElBashir
Just had my first on the record interview — in English — with the #Caps Alexander Semin. Says he plans to do more interviews in ’11-12.
TarikElBashir
#Caps Semin: "It was time to speak English."
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Only took 8 years.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2011 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions
Criticize not the flower for taking so long to bloom, but rather enjoy its delightful fragrance now that it has.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Sep 28, 2011 1:37 PM EDT up reply actions 8 recs
Ha, nice.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2011 1:41 PM EDT up reply actions
Translation:
“All these people taking a shit on me after they leave here is hurting my value. I better learn to communicate better to the press so I can control the story”.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 1:38 PM EDT up reply actions
Sunshine Care Bear!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He needs his own Blingee.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 1:44 PM EDT up reply actions
Don’t think anyone here qualifies for this:
“…Must have Masters degree in Business Management & 5 years of professional hockey management.”
(saw via JonJordan’s twitter)
I don’t have a masters in business management, but I’ve led teams like the Islanders to the Stanley Cup several times in the NHL video game 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
by sydtron on Sep 28, 2011 2:06 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
posting for an assistant GM on monster? okaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
Related: the @TeamWorkOnline twitter feed is fascinating.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
"This [job] would be so much easier if it wasn't for the fucking [customers]."
by Bald Pollack on Sep 28, 2011 2:13 PM EDT up reply actions
Maybe they’re looking for the next Paul DePodesta, or his non-union film equivalent, Peter Brand?
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 2:15 PM EDT up reply actions
Will this be filmed by Stephen Spielbergo?
Armareddon.
by D'ohboy on Sep 28, 2011 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
yup, which is part of why I posted the link…guess one could argue they are trying to reach people not in the ‘inner circle’ of the hockey world…well, except for the 5 years requirement …
Weird that a guy who’s been in the game as long as Tallon would go this route. Interesting, too.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yzerman…
I took it as a way of looking for hockey people not in the innermost circle, but I thought it was very interesting.
Different ownership and management, but it’s not that far in the past the last time this franchise went down a different path.
isn’t hockey just one innermost circle? either you’re in hockey (in which case, people know you and you don’t have to be trolling monster for a new position) or you’re not—so you lack the requisite hockey experience and Stevie cares about you about as much as he cares for Mike Green.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
http://lightning.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=50495
Perhaps Kurvers left or is he on his way out, he predates Yzerman and doesn’t live in FL…
Oh, damn, my bad – I thought it was the Panthers.
I guess I don’t get “we’re looking for an outsider who has five years on the inside and is surfing the web for a gig.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, I couldn’t come up with a creative reply to the Tallon comment this late in the day :)
and I agree, maybe 5 years of European pro hockey management, lol, or 5 years of hockey experience before there was a CBA
5 years in the Southern Professional League. “Salary cap? Wait, you pay your players? Millions?!”
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
funny
But on a serious note, no salary cap in the AHL but the ECHL salary cap isn’t fun to manage, I imagine the same in the SPHL…those guys have smaller budgets but do deal with a cap.
you are just a wealth on info on various league caps. I have no idea how you manage to keep it all straight.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
I have no life…but seriously, always thought it was bizarre that the AHL has no cap, but the ECHL and SPHL have caps. Has some to do with AHL being a development league and so many players under NHL contract, but still strange.
Also fun reading accusations from time to time about minor league cap fudging.
Anyway, get ready for numbers that are not in the millions or as they say some people play for the joy/fun/love of the game, not for the money :)
000
“Gilroy? You’re cut. Thompson? You’re cut. Tyrell? You’re cut. Bergeron? Oh you better believe you’re cut”

Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
Box Seats Blog
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Sep 28, 2011 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions
Puck Daddy has a interview with Sheriff Shanny. And as it relates to yesterday’s discussion about what defines “repeat offender”
After 18 months, a player’s repeat-offender category, which is used for calculation of a fine, resets. But as far as a player’s historical incidents, they all still can come into the judgment and they always have.
I see a distinction between a repeat offender and someone who has a history of violent infractions.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
good if true, but not how I read that CBA section or my understanding of how it’s been applied in the past…pretty sure we’ve seen comments made that a player’s ‘ancient’ history doesn’t factor in due to the rules.
I don’t think it’s good at all. If for no other reasonn than Ovechkin’s slate is no longer considered clean.
I think it’s clean in that it doesn’t automatically impact fines or suspensions. I think it’s right to consider past incidents when evaluating suspensions. AO doesn’t have a long history, so if there are 18 months or more between bad hits I imagine they will still treat them as rare events and he won’t get the book thrown at him. But if Matt Cooke goes 18 months without a suspension, do you think they should just wipe the slate clean and say “well he elbowed a guy in the face, but he hasn’t done it for 18 months so he’s basically a first time offender. 1 game.”?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 28, 2011 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions
If Matt Cooke can stay clean for 18 months, he might deserve the Nobel Peace Prize.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
I’m thinking maybe he blows out a knee and has to miss a full season.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Sep 28, 2011 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions
Arnott/eye surgery…interesting that he flew to DC for the procedure per Strickland…
“Blues veteran Jason Arnott traveled to Washington D.C. on Tuesday to have a cataract removed from his right eye. …The operation is being performed by Dr. Tom Clinch, the official eye Doctor of the Washington Captials, who Arnott has seen before. …”
cataract? Doesn’t he seem a bit young for that? sounds not fun.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
I assumed it’s possible there was an injury that started the problems with one eye… given the timing and what is noted below, I’m guessing this became an issue with the other eye once camp started and he started skating /practicing with pros …otherwise sounds like something that would have been done weeks ago.
Strickland added this: andystrickland Andy Strickland
“Arnott also had Lasik performed on the opposite eye by the same Dr. Felt now’s the time to balance out vision”
That was my reaction. Don’t usually hear about cataracts in someone that young. Going to have to webMD or something to look up what causes them besides age.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
Using steroid eye drops or injections for other conditions (for example: glaucoma, retinal vein occlusions) can cause cataracts. I also heard of someone using steroids for asthma (so either inhaled or oral) that got cataracts at a young age (less than 30), although that is probably pretty rare. I think there are some other medications that are related to steroids can also cause this issue. Poti was using steroid eye drops for allergy issues after his eye injury. Perhaps Arnott has had some eye injury or condition.
And, “seen before”? Really? In two months here? I thought he had a knee injury during his time here, not eyes.
Don’t try to figure Sasha out. Just ride the wave.
wondering if the knee injury was just a cover for the first cataract surgery.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
"Blues veteran Jason Arnott traveled to Washington D.C. on Tuesday to have a cataract removed from his right eye. …The operation is being performed by Dr. Tom Clinch, the official eye Doctor of the Washington Captials, who Arnott has seen before. …
… and he really wanted to hang with Ovi one last time."
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Sep 28, 2011 4:42 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs
one last night of country music together at Hill Country.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Supporting autism awareness and treatment.
I know it will be in tomorrow’s links, but the Ovechkin interview in the “What We’re Reading” section is 100% pure gold.
by b.orr4 on Sep 28, 2011 3:29 PM EDT reply actions 1 recs
One thing to note is this interview is not new, it’s probably a month old. They talked with Ovechkin in Russia before he left for the season. I know I read it when it first came out although of course a real person translating it is many times more valuable than google translate version.
I missed it somehow, but it’s fresh enough.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Sasha, who you’ll go to see before your departure to America?
My Granny! Ha ha. I always visit her when I’m in Russia, I love her so much.
Mama Ovechkin approves.
by capsyoungguns on Sep 28, 2011 4:59 PM EDT up reply actions








































