Wednesday Caps Clips: Pens @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Jan 11, 2012 6:42 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's battle of the banged-up from Vogs, NHL.com, SB Nation DC, Peerless, RMNB, CRtC, hockey yelling and Sick Unbelievable, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner PensBurgh for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- The Caps will be playing a rare "red-eye" game tonight. (Of course, the Pens played last night...) [Dump 'n Chase]
- The rivalry, it is a-wanin'. [WaPo, DSP, Sick Unbelievable]
- Tomas Kundratek recalled? Tomas Kundratek recalled. [WaPo, WashTimes, DCEx]
- Kid can sure rock a New Year's sweater. [LDN]
- As well as his Czech Extraliga Oceláři Třinec and Czech national team jerseys. [YouTube]
- He can also rock other Czechs when necessary. [YouTube]
- And a bit more on Kundratek. [hockey yelling]
- The road has been unfriendly to the Caps, a fact that we can mercifully sorta ignore for the next week or so. [WashTimes, WaPo]
- There's been a lot of "one step forward, one step back" with this team of late, and that, simply put, will not cut it. [WaPo]
- Remember when Mike Knuble would receive more attention on the ice than off it? Good times. [WashTimes]
- Some Caps-specific chalk talk from Bourne and friends. [Backhand Shelf (and again)]
- Is Alex Ovechkin worthy of an All Star selection? [The Star (Cox, y'all), DSP]
- Which Caps are providing the most bang for the buck? [Caps Degenerate]
- Bruce Boudreau on the straw that stirs the Caps drink and more. [ESPN, WashTimes]
- Evgeny Kuznetsov is the next one. Or something. [WTOP, NHL.com]
- A look at the Caps' minor league prospects (not all of whom are minor leaguers at present)... [HF]
- ... Braden Holtby is, though, and he's still a hot commodity. [The Goalie Guild]
- Remembering Ron Caron. [Frankovic]
- Finally, happy 47th birthday to Tim Bergland.
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Kundratek
My reaction last night when seeing that Kundratek got called up was along the lines of, “what effing eff?”
If Schultz is outta here we better get some value for him.
by kovachs on Jan 11, 2012 6:58 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Schultz or Erskine?
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
I saw a report somewhere that the Chicago Blackhawks were looking at Schultz.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Yeah, sk84fun RT’d that last night from a Blackhawks writer. Makes sense if he’s fallen out of favor here – fresh start somewhere else.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
what can we expect in return? Part of a larger swap?
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 11, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Yes, one of the beat writers made it sound like he overheard scouts talking or perhaps someone said something to him. Still, it sounded like a conversation in a pressbox overheard and it would be logical for scouts to be discussing a player on the outs with an organization. Doesn’t mean a trade is next step, although it’s possible.
I’d have to think Schultz. I don’t see Erskine as having any real trade value.
Failure is always an option.
Erskine is the type of player that is traded at the deadline for a 5th rounder, and you almost forget about it immediately.
I get your point, but in today’s NHL with everyone looking for Dmen, Erskine brings at least a 3rd if not a 2nd.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 11, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
If McPhee could get a 2nd for Erskine, a statue should immediately be erected in his honor and the opposing GM should be fired.
In a league where Andy Sutton nets a 2nd round pick, I wouldn’t go that far.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 11, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions
He already got a 1st round pick for post-lockout Brendan Witt, so…
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 11, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions
I’m a bit surprised that if there was a call-up it would be Kundratek, and not Patrick McNeill. McNeill is 6-7-13, plus-9 in 15 games since December 1st. Perhaps the folks who follow the Bears closely can shed some light on this.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I have to say, though...he will be wearing the number of one of the great Caps...
If you've read this far...seek help.
The complete list of Caps #36’s:
Kent Paynter 1990-1990
Jim Mathieson 1990-1990
Mark Ferner 1991-1991
Shawn Anderson 1993-1994
Mike Eagles 1995-2000
Colin Forbes 2002-2006
Jakub Cutta 2004-2004
Yikes.
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I went to “Best by the Numbers Athletes,” and you won’t find that the number “36” is often associated with greatness…
Robin Roberts
Jerome Bettis
Uh, that’s pretty much it. In hockey, two hall of famers wore it, one with a team that was not the one with which he enjoyed his best years, another who wore it as a replacement number when his jersey was stolen.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Mike Eagles was wearing the visor down to the nose before it was cool.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 7:55 AM EST up reply actions
You’d be hard-pressed to find a non-goalie number in team history with fewer goals per game (given a certain minimum games played), I’d wager.
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7 :)
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 8:11 AM EST up reply actions
I’d bet on 5 too…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions
Rick Green kills that.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
Rick Green’s 1978-79 season: 8/33/41 -45
Wowza.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
Whoops, you’re right, forgot that….
Believe it or not, Rick Green as a Cap precedes my time here… When I got here it was Langway in his prime.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions
Interesting who the best player on that list was. Mike Eagles probably had the most suitable jersey ever. The only better one would have been if Miroslav Satan had ever played for New Jersey…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions
…or if we trade DJ King to Los Angeles.
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by bilspacecadet on Jan 11, 2012 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
And now we have another guy whose name means “Eagles” — Dmitry Orlov.
Other suitable jersey names:
Paul Ranger — if he had ever played for the Rangers
Michael Nylander - if he had ever played for the Islanders if he ever plays for the Blues
Martin St. Louis -
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Jim Mathieson
…was one of my favorite obscure Caps stories—we’re going way back here…
If I recall, the Caps were decimated by injuries on the D-corps, as were the Skipjacks—apparently there was an obscure rule allowing for the recall of a junior player on an emergency basis.
So they called up 19-year-old Jim Mathieson from the Regina Pats—he played in a couple games, looked like a junior player playing in the NHL, returned to Regina, and never played another game in the NHL again. And now we debate whether he was better or worse than Jake Cutta. (Worse. I think.)
My favorite part was getting the news that he was called up while the team was having a meal on a road trip, at—where else?—McDonalds.
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by bilspacecadet on Jan 11, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions
Was gonna ask why Life magazine was taking photos of Dale Hunter and Mike Eagles, but an examination shows this shot is from the 1998 Final. That was a fun ride…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:32 AM EST up reply actions
It’s gotta be Shultz since he never plays anymore. I also think we could get better value for him than Erskine at this point.
Agreed on all counts, except for the spelling of the player’s name.
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by J.P. on Jan 11, 2012 7:44 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I see nothing….
Oh come on, you know someone would have to bring this up…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions
It boggles my mind that the team might consider playing Kundratek over Schultz.
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by fat_daddyo on Jan 11, 2012 9:00 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
With Kundratek, it's all about first impressions
Tim Leone’s write-up of the Dec 10th loss to WBS included this:
Bears defenseman Tomas Kundratek scored off a center-point shot with 40 seconds left. Kundratek extended his point streak to five games and has produced three goals and two assists in 10 games since being acquired in a trade from Connecticut.
"He seems to be gaining a little bit more confidence being continually in the lineup," French said. "We’ve seen some offensive flair to his game, and it’s been probably most of it in the last two games."
That was the Hershey game that Hunter and Johnson attended.
"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
We were at that game. From what I recall, he was very active and didn’t get pushed around much. Hershey lists him as 200 pounds and 6’2 so maybe that will translate well to the NHL.
Photos from that game are on my page. There are a few of Kundratek. http://goo.gl/KD5ho
by jopierce on Jan 11, 2012 9:06 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
A few options where to chime in, but I’ll choose here, because I thought back to that game, too. Of note, I believe that was Patrick McNeill’s worse game of the season, plus an injury he tried to play through.
As to the recall, I am surprised as others. If it’s a righty/lefty decision and Collins/Kundratek decision, I think Kundratek has made a case for himself to be on the list. Good size, decent skater, can skate the puck up (McNeill can, too), gets his shot on net. I question if he’s ready for the NHL speed and decision-making required of a dman at the NHL level based on what I’ve seen at the AHL level so far.
McNeill has played very well for Hershey for most of this season and played well this weekend. He played a regular role on the Bears successful powerplay, too. Lefty/righty issue, but he has to be miffed at Kundratek getting the recall ahead of him.
At least he’ll be able to understand Vokoun’s yelling better if he makes a mistake.
by jopierce on Jan 11, 2012 10:00 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Further to your point, per Dan Rosen:
“@drosennhl Hunter saw Kundratek play once in Hershey and liked what he saw, especially in skating. Wants to give him a chance at NHL level.”
Good call by you.
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It’s close
Bouchard:
2011-12 Hershey Bears AHL 9 0 0 0 8 -4
2011-12 Connecticut Whale AHL 25 3 7 10 14 4
so 34GP 3G 7A 10 Pts
Kundratek:
2011-12 Connecticut Whale* AHL 7 0 2 2 2 -1
2011-12 Hershey Bears* AHL 21 6 2 8 14 2
so 28 GP 6G 2A 8 Pts
Awesome. I’m pretty shocked that GMGM got anything of value for Bouchard, even if Kundratek only ends up being an AHL player.
Please, call me F&B.
Absolutely.
The guy had been here what…5 years and had never ever been called up. Not even once. That’s a problem.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:43 AM EST up reply actions
Caps got a good-sized dman on his ELC (for this and next season) who is younger than Bouchard. Bouchard, a forward, no longer on an ELC and underperforming at the AHL level. Bouchard had a good spring ’10 and played well in the Calder Cup playoffs. However, instead of building off of that last season, he struggled and this season was even worse; sad how poorly he played once Perreault was with the Caps.
The Paquette piece was plenty perplexing. Since I didn’t follow Paquette’s ups and downs if anyone can clarify what his specific issues were, on and off the ice, I’d be grateful.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
It seemed at training camp and development camp, he would pick fights in the scrimmages just to pick fights.
One thing that turned a lot of fans off was the fact that he considered Matt Cooke a role model.
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If Paquette should ever make it to the show, he might have a standing weekly appointment with the office of Brendan Shanahan.
If you've read this far...seek help.
If Paquette should ever make it to the show,he might have a standing weekly appointment with the office of Brendan Shanahanit means it’s 2003-04 all over again….
Fixed, although yeah, he’d be a regular guest on Shanny’s Video Hour…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
Paquette absolutely did not want to report to the Stingrays from Day One. He nearly refused to go at all.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I can understand that – why should a supahstah like him have to toil in the E?
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The state of the Penguin defense…
Paul Martin is ill, so Pittsburgh calls up Simon Despres…he gets hurt trying to throw a check.
Kris Letang…out.
Strait, Bortuzzo…on IR
No Penguin defenseman has played in all of their games this season, and only four have played in more than 22 games.
Based on games played, the defense tonight for the Pens could be: Niskanen, Engelland, Orpik, Michalek, Lovejoy, and Picard.
As for goaiies, Johnson got the start last night but was pulled after allowing four goals. Guess the Caps won’t see a backup tonight.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Catching up a bit this morning. I saw sk8r’s post last night and assumed (duh) that Kundratek was going from SC to Hershey. Not a name I knew.
Then I realize that another shoe has to drop to fit 36 on the roster. Green or Backstrom to LTIR would be an option? Barring that, someone has to be traded or sent down?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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My money’s on Captain Vespa to LTIR.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 8:38 AM EST up reply actions
Perhaps. But that would really say a lot about the Caps’ (lack of) faith in 55 and 4. Did they really recall 36 to sit behind those two as insurance? Seems unlikely to me that 36 doesn’t play tonight.
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The Caps’ healthy defensemen include, at the moment: Erskine, Wideman, Carlson, Alzner, Orlov, Hamrlik, Schultz. That’s seven (unless there is an injury I’m missing). It is a little perplexing why the Caps would bring up an eighth defenseman, especially when one considers that absent any other moves, if Green was in the lineup Orlov could very well be sent down.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Outside the box thinking a bit here, but maybe the Caps dress 7 defensemen tonight because Hunter dislikes all the 4th liners?
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Even if that’s the case, why bring up Kundratek? I don’t think even Hunter would play him before Schultz or Erskine.
Failure is always an option.
You don’t usually call up a prospect to have him sit in the press box if there are enough healthy bodies to play the position. Either there’s an injury we don’t know about it (and which George will deny that there are any such things as injuries), or he’s getting a look.
Would not surprise me to see 7 defensemen tonight and 11 forwards.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
I’ve seen call-ups for “just in case” situations, but even the Caps have been a bit up front about this. Remember when they brought McNeil to California last year? He never got in a game and was sent down.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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True, but McNeil wasn’t a prospect. Kundratek is a prospect for the future with the Caps.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
Um, what. McNeill was a prospect when he was called up last year; it was his fourth pro season. He’s 2 years older than Kundratek.
Happened with McNeill for the Cali trip and with Pinizzotto in Toronto a few years ago.
For the record – and advice to all — I will never question your knowledge about the Capitals organization top to bottom.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Nice of you to say, but I’m a fan; just a prospect geek on top of being a fan.
As to the sk8’r reference in this thread, never seen that one before :)
It’s been noted that Hershey is on the road this week, though Charlotte and Norfolk aren’t really that far away.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Hershey has games in Charlotte tonight and tomorrow night.
Of note, Hershey doesn’t have a lot of healthy dmen at this time. Wellar out with a high ankle sprain. Oreskovic was recalled from SC. Flemming with SC (in Kalamazoo for a game tonight.) So Hershey has 6D with Kundratek recall and Wellar injury: McNeill/Collins; Brouillette/Oreskovic; Miskovic/Richmond.
Even if there is an injury we don’t know about, Kundratek would still be 7D. It could be like McNeill (as Spidey pointed out) where he’s there as a backup, but why do it at the beginning of a 4 game home series?
Failure is always an option.
Also consider the schedule. The Caps played Monday night in LA, didn’t get home until Tuesday AM. And now they have 5 games in 8 days…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
You don’t usually call up a prospect to have him sit in the press box if there are enough healthy bodies to play the position.
Karl Alzner says hi.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 11, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Managing minutes? Or maybe they want to get a look at Kundratek?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
If they’re shopping Schultz, it would make sense that they’d want to get a look at TK.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
If they were shopping Schultz, it would make sense not to tell the world that you’d rather play a guy you traded straight-up for Francois Bouchard than him.
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But Erskine’s sitting too right?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
If everyone other than 52 is healthy and Kundratek is playing. Lotta ifs. But presumably they’re not trying to trade 4, so they don’t care what message they send about him.
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Maybe there is already a deal in place for Schultz, and all that’s left is the announcement. I have to think that given the way he is (not) being used and his $2.75M annualized cap it, the team really wants to move him to free up resources to do other things (given that Semin is almost unmovable except for pure salary dump, but it you aren’t going to resign him, any return is a positive).
If you've read this far...seek help.
That was my first thought when I saw that Kundratek had been called up. Either that or another dman aside from Green and Poti has a serious injury – which I think is unlikely.
Failure is always an option.
From my perspective, it doesn’t have to be a serious injury, just has to be an injury meaning the player will miss time.
If it wasn’t serious, would they be bringing him up for a 4 game homestand? Just doesn’t make sense to me.
Failure is always an option.
Last game the scratches were Green, Schultz and Backstrom. I’m not saying I understand what’s going on with Schultz, but we know Green is hurt again. I’ll go so far as to say he could have to be shutdown or have surgery. Who knows what the result of the meeting with the specialist was…give it a try and what’s the next step if he can’t play through it.
So another dman is hurt and most assume Schultz plays, but what if it’s a puckmover, righty dman? Also, they need someone here if someone got hurt in morning skate if they knew there was already someone else hurt. With the west coast travel and no practice yesterday, hard to know.
I agree with all the trade speculation going on that it seems plausible that’s what is happening, but there are other possible explanations.
I hadn’t considered the lefty/righty dynamic. Of the Caps presumably healthy dmen, who’s a righty and who’s a lefty?
Failure is always an option.
You hadn’t? It was pretty much Bruce’s “how to manage the D” bible…
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Speaking of which, do Hunter and Jim Johnson read the same bible? I haven’t paid enough attention.
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I think cainoo meant same bible as Bruce, not as each other.
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Snark detector isn’t giving me a clear reading on this, but I meant if they followed the same bible as BB.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
Johnson did say something the other day about being able to move Orlov back to the left side, “his preferred side”. I’m pretty sure that Orlov has consistently said he prefers to play his off side (the right). Language barrier?
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 11, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Hasn’t Jim Johnson talked about his love for #fancystats before? One would really have to question the coaching staff’s logic if Schultz sits for Kundratek, thought I doubt either will play.
Advanced stats is a broader category than traditional stats at this point. It basically means non-box score stats. That doesn’t necessarily mean he’s making all his decisions on the BtN stats, or the ones fans commonly look to. There are a lot of ways to evaluate a player with non-traditional stats, and some of those may not be too kind to Schultz. What if a primary statistic the Caps coaching staff looks at is “puck battles won/lost”? Then you’re looking at (potentially) and entire different outcome from the Corsi and GA/60 type stats that Schultz has generally performed well in.
Please, call me F&B.
Great points. Whatever metrics they have obviously seem to justify Erskine over Schultz. I doubt the coaches sit around in meetings and go “on the one hand, Schultz has good BtN metrics, on the other hand, Erskine is RUGGED!!!”
So I can sort of understand Erskine over Schultz. An untouted AHLer over Schultz? That would be perplexing to all of us.
What if a primary statistic the Caps coaching staff looks at is "puck battles won/lost"?
I think, based on what I have heard, they use more of a “touches” system. So a Dman who makes a hit that eventually leads to a scoring chance would get credit of some sort.
Much easier to do with game tape.
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Game tape. Awww man imagine what you could do with that, NG.
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by nogoodtrying on Jan 11, 2012 9:46 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe Poti got healthy and they just need cap space to get him off LTIR.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 11, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Poti… “Tag! You’re groined!”
Green…“ouch…”
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
How does it reflect on GMGM if he’s trying to trade a guy he signed to a multi-year contract after a year of the signing again? (Nylander, Schultz)
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by red army line on Jan 11, 2012 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
He’s the poor man’s Paul Holmgren?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
Not poorly – in both cases those guys were signed under one system and a coaching change changed that. It happens.
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Look around the League from the Richards and Carter trades from Philly to Kurtis Foster going from Anaheim to NJD and other examples, it happens.
While discussing the d-system and future moves, is it relevant to discuss what is an apparent ‘slippage’ in the performance of Carlzner under Hunter-Johnson? If statistics support a downward trend (and I would appreciate an analysis from those more knowledgeable than I) then it comes at precisely the same time they are presumably making moves (moving Sarge?) with the future d structure. It seems to me that you need to figure out whether the ‘system’ is adversely affecting the foundation of the future d (Carlzner) before tinkering with it.
by Wilderthing on Jan 11, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Erskine’s been on and off injured this year with his shoulder issues. I’m wondering if his surgery didn’t go well.
"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
My guess is Backstrom to IR. He hasn’t played since January 3, which means they could do it retroactive to then if he’s not playing tonight (which it sounds like he isn’t.)
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That doesn’t make sense. Why call up a D and not Eakin? You’d have no extra forwards.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I still say call up Potulny rather than Eakin, but as Jesse Jackson said in an old SNL skit “The point is moot.”
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Nothing that the guys already here should be doing but aren’t…
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MJ90? What has 85 done lately that suggests he doesn’t need a shove as well? At least MJ90 is on a little run.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Ack, you beat me to it…
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
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by nogoodtrying on Jan 11, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
Every center on this team, except for one, needs a shove, imo. I can’t say I see 2C in MJ90 right now, and I sure as hell don’t see Brooks Laich as a 2C. MP85 is a bottom six guy who flashes top six offense about twice every ten games. Halpern is made for the bottom six of a contender.
All I’m saying is that a little competition at pivot is good, and Potulny brings that. Full disclosure: I don’t see Potulny as the answer at 2C either.
Cross check and all call.
Unnecessary. Perhaps MP85…
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
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by nogoodtrying on Jan 11, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions
It’s six on one hand, one half dozen on the other. If you know you have enough healthy forwards for the game tonight, but one of your defense is day-to-day, you can ship Kundratek back down and call up a forward if necessary. All you really need is the roster spot.
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Yes, that was my thought, as well if it is simply a roster move and there isn’t a trade in the works.
Backstrom: can be put on IR retroactive to 1/4 so would be eligible to return.
Green: can be put on IR retroactive to 1/8.
Also, for those commenting, the Caps don’t need cap space to recall Kundratek, by my count he fits, just barely, using LTIR space from Poti’s contract. Could be wrong on the math, but that’s my take. They need the roster spot not the cap room if it’s the only move made today.
I like the Goalie Guild and support what he’s trying to do, but this line struck me as incredibly circular, and I’ll leave it at that:
Furthermore, the fact that I called Braden a “Capitals goalie” is proof of his inevitable rising long-term value.
Please, call me F&B.
He’s the white Don Beaupre.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
If nothing else, wondering what the Caps’ next move is will keep us monitoring Twitter and Clips all day. Can’t imagine we won’t be disappointed, but maybe we’re talking Blockbuster by the end of the day. Who knows?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I saw a post yesterday from Gormley who specified Green’s injury as a groin tear. I had not seen it described as a tear previously, did I miss something or is Gormley trolling for page hits again.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
If it is a tear, then he’s done for at least a month… or day-to-day for thirty days at least…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
If it’s a tear, then that’s buh-bye for at least at least another four to six weeks, assuming no surgery.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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“a tear” can mean a VERY wide variety of things. Nearly all strains involve a small amount of tearing. it’s when the word “ruptured” or “pulled away from the bone” starts getting tossed around that things are really worrisome.
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To clarify he was talking about his original injury, not the latest.
This was in his blog post on CSNWashington from yesterday. Interestingly, looking at it today it says “groin problems”. I swear it said “tear” yesterday. I was totally on my meds and everything when I read it. Perhaps the Caps asked their “broadcast partner” to correct the post.
“Hey Chuck, this is Sergey from the Caps and the MONUMENTAL SPORTS NETWORK. Perhaps you want to correct your statement about Mike Green’s groin, mm’kay. Yeah, thanks.”
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 11, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
On Paquette:
He’s yet to crack the Bears’ lineup, and he’ll struggle to make it with the Capitals, who don’t typically use enforcers on a nightly basis.
Yeah… the lack of enforcer use is why he won’t make the NHL.
Please, call me F&B.
Kind of a stretch to refer to him as an enforcer, no? He seems more of the “rat” type from what little I’ve seen of him.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
I agree. And it’s his lack of skill that will hold him back more than anything else.
Please, call me F&B.
I figure they already had “that guy” in Stefan Della Rovere, and it took them about 30 seconds to move him out of town. I’ll bet money Paquette peaks in Hershey and never sees a game here.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
And SDR was better at being “that guy” as well. I do think they could use some more feistiness, but the guy has to be able to play as well.
Please, call me F&B.
Feistiness and playing ability… oh you mean Danny Briere?
I kid, I kid… although….
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:39 AM EST up reply actions
Steve Ott.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, if you can play, there is a spot for you know matter how big a D bag you are. If you can’t, there isn’t.
Did you know Steve Ott is top 5 in the NHL in face offs? It’s on NHL.com, he’s pretty good at them. He’s probably going to win this draw.
Please, call me F&B.
He’s the best. I loved that thing he did that one time where he kept looking at the back of the call-up’s jersey so he could see what his name was.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
If there’s a “rat” type guy out there I hate, it’s Patrick Kaleta. Oh how I HATE that guy.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:50 AM EST up reply actions
Kulemin levelled him with a nice clean hit in the BUF-TOR game last night. It was beautiful.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 9:58 AM EST up reply actions
000
Via @nonamericanhero
Gold.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Man, that tail bone took quite a hit.
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Jan 11, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
SDR has had an interesting season. He had a fight (and a concurrent elbowing major) in a game in Traverse City in September. He has had five fights in 32 games so far this season at Peoria in the AHL (two since the start of the new year…maybe it was a resolution). As for performance, he is 3-4-7, minus-7, 89 PIMs in those 32 games. Don’t know if it is the profile of a guy with a lot of upside, but he won’t be 22 until late next month, either. Still, the projection looks more like “AHL pest.”
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
The problem with SDR is that he never really showed great offense in juniors. I mean, as an overage guy, he wasn’t overpowering the other team with goals and assists. His skills are defense and leadership, and he should work on those in the minors.
His overage year he played on a monster offensive team that could and did score at will. Delly’s offense wasn’t key to his team’s success but his defense and leadership were.
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He enforces the notion that if you play like a moron, you’re unlikely to stick around in the modern NHL.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 11, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s not an enforcer. Paquette is the guy a team’s enforcer will pull aside in the locker room and tell him to tone it down…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Sabres C Derek Roy has been mentioned in various trade rumours lately. Supposedly ANH GM Bob Murray is interested in him. $4 million this season and next. Should the Caps be interested?
This season in 40 games Roy is 8g 16a and 24 pts -4
I’ve always hated Roy but he’d be a huge upgrade at 2C. Gotta think at least one first round pick is going back for him, and I don’t think I’d want to part with much more than that. I could do a first and a second but I’m not sure that gets it done from BUF’s perspective. I wouldn’t want to give them two first round assets.
Please, call me F&B.
What about Gaustad?
/ducks
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions
That’s fantastic.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
Uh….. no.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 11, 2012 9:39 AM EST up reply actions
I should have said /gooses instead of /ducks
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
Either would be an upgrade. On a line with Semin, I think Roy might work better though. He’s a pretty good playmaker.
Failure is always an option.
i always think of Bolland as more of a 3C than a 2C. And Roy would provide more scoring punch.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 9:54 AM EST up reply actions
Sold on Roy—good short term K, just 28. He would cost, though.
Bolland is tough to play against and I think DH values that. Would come cheaper, hopefully.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 11, 2012 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
One thing about Bolland is that he has some experience playing with Brouwer in CHI. I don’t know how much they were on the same line, but I am guessing there is familiarity there.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
In the SCF run, Brouwer got moved off the Toews line pretty early on to play with Bolland.
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by red army line on Jan 11, 2012 10:26 AM EST up reply actions
At one point in CHI it was the lawfirm of Bickell, Brouwer and Bolland that skated time together. A handful, that line.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 11, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
DH also coached Bolland in London, and I think DH really values that.
But I can’t see him getting pried out of Chicago.
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Schultz and Semin for Kane and Bolland, then…
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 11, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Boyd Kane plays in Hershey already.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
can I have a lapdance while we’re wishing?
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 11, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, kidding I was re: Kane. I still see CHI as a viable trade partner though.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 11, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
There has been discussion of the possibility of Schultz getting traded. If he went as part of a package anywhere, that would free up most of the space. Shouldn’t be too tough to free up $1.25M after that – and I’m not sure how much space the Caps have with LTIR.
Failure is always an option.
I think Buffalo would be more willing to acquire just draft picks or players on an ELC. They have some brutal long term contracts already on their payroll, and Myers’ cap hit jumps to 5.5 million next year. I agree that Schultz is probably the easiest way to clear cap space, especially since he’s just going to waste in the press box right now, but I would look to move him to another team. I think the question then becomes, what could the Caps realistically get for Schultz?
by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 11, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions
Including ShaMo’s contract buried in Rochester, the Sabres’ actual payroll (not cap payroll) is just north of $80 million this season. Ouch.
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I just pulled them up on Cap Geek, and it looks like they only have a little over 7 million in cap space at the end of this year. Obviously the salary cap could change, especially with the new CBA, but I think if they were trying to move Roy, it would be to clear salary, so I think any hopes of using someone like Schultz to improve the Caps’ trade package wouldn’t work. Boyes, Hecht, and Gaustad are all UFA at the end of the year, and I’m sure they’ll want at least two of them back, and they do have good depth at center. That being said, I think the Caps would be wise to inquire about Roy because he’d be more than just a quick fix.
by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 11, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions
All this talk about the Caps Pens rivalry cooling off; last time I checked this rivalry pre-dated Crosby/Ovechkin. It would be nice if both teams were 100% healthy and playing well, but I don’t think this rivalry is going anywhere. Do others?
No. It’s narrative crapola. But I do think it’s fair to say it’s in a little bit of a lull due to the two missing pieces (Crosby and Ovechkin’s game… zing!).
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Cousin of famous director Francis Ford Crapola?
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
I’m sure once I get to the VC, I’ll be all pumped up and ready to go, and the atmosphere in there will be crazy and I’ll be deliriously joyful when the Caps beat the pens tonight. but, for whatever reason, I’m a bit “meh” on it right now.
(or maybe it’s because I’m swamped at work and mildly stressed out)
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I know what you mean. I’m feeling meh too. But not meh enough to avoid a stop at the Rink to get my daily fix.
I’m hoping to get revved up tonight. A good Caps game is needed by everyone—Caps and fans alike.
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by capsyoungguns on Jan 11, 2012 1:12 PM EST up reply actions
yeah, same here :) I mean, I’m here every single day.
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I have to find pleasure somehow, someway about this team, and thought you would appreciate the thread non sequitor. The interview of the newbie Kundratek gave me a warm and fuzzy feeling.
He’s quite the cutie—what with his excitement about getting the call up and about joining a team with so many Czech players. (Wait I thought the Caps were the Russian team, no the Swedish team, oh no I’m so confused).
What I found fascinating is that he asked his agent to seek out a trade because he kept getting scratched since he was in competition with 8 other defensemen. Clearly his skills—which he refused to characterize as just an offensive defensive—did not fit the Rangers’ needs in the AHL or the NHL. Yet they do seem to fit Hershey’s and presumably also the Caps.
I hope he has a great and wonderfully memorable game tonight. That first NHL game is special. (Notice I am staying out of the discussion about whether he should have been called up or not).
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Jan 11, 2012 6:26 PM EST up reply actions
Matt Cooke: …the rivalry started with Sid and Ovi…
Seems Matt Cooke started paying attention to hockey in 2005!
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by Alz in the family on Jan 11, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
In fairness to Cooke (ew… did I just type that?), he obviously is referring to the current incarnation of the rivalry, and why would he be? It’s not like the players care about what happened in the 90s.
There’s a difference between the players’ and fans’ view of any rivalry.
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I don’t know if is a lull as much as a hiatus. The Pens/Caps rivalry was born in the Patrick Division and the playoffs. If there is ever the realignment that just got shot down, it would be a way to rekindle it.
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 11:47 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think this rivalry is going anywhere
Well, in Canada it is on TSN2, not TSN (EDM/NJ is, according to James Duthie). Wouldn’t happen if 87 was in the lineup.
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TSN2 has always taken the Versus/NBCSN feeds and tonight’s Pens-Caps matchup likely would still be on TSN2 even with Sid dressed. TSN games always have at least one Canadian team in them and have the TSN PxP team at the game. The exception is during the playoffs.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
Is tonight an NBCSN exclusive? I sure hope not.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions
000
Hot damn!
/farts
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
You could do what I do and just watch Jeopardy! on your DVR during intermissions. Wait, you mean you don’t DVR Jeopardy! every day?
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I always forget its on. And Trebek is too Canadian for my tastes.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
I got to attend a taping and when I asked him (in the live-audience-banter-during-the-commercials part of the proceedings) what team he preferred, he said the Habs. This was summer 2010, and it was still fresh, so I might have booed him. Quietly, but still.
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Trebek was born and raised in Sudbury, Ontario. A lot of Northern Ontarioans are pretty steadfast in their allegiances to the Habs.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
I keep forgetting my geography and realizing it’s not really all that far away.
The weird thing about North Ontario is that I keep hearing about this town there that has dream comfort memory to spare.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
He looks like a ventriloquist dummy.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, it’s Fred Armisen!
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by BetterOffWith28 on Jan 11, 2012 4:44 PM EST up reply actions
Who played junior hockey for the Portlandia Winterhawks.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 4:58 PM EST up reply actions
Why did I think he was from Regina?
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The “town in North Ontario” referred to in the opening line of the song is often presumed to be Ontario native Young’s hometown; Young himself cleared up the rumors in a 1995 Mojo interview with Nick Kent:
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Omemee, just west of Peterborough, is well within what is now considered Southern Ontario, and 130 km from Toronto by road.
by Tommy Williams on Jan 11, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
(it was about Alex Trebek…not Neil Young)
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
My apologies. Well the Leafs or the Habs or whoever can have him, I say. We have Pat Sajak.
by Tommy Williams on Jan 11, 2012 2:27 PM EST up reply actions
True that, sir.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure….Trebek attended the University of Ottawa. So he didn’t go for Regina for any learnin’.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Pats fan?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
If only because they do cool paintings with their players
Caps prospect Garrett Mitchell
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
…how have I not seen this before?
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
It looks like they ’shopped the dog from Terriers.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
2011-12 WSH SIM
Ran Caps through the ole Monte Carlo Machine for the second half of the season, and the results were, well, underwhelming.
Obv the game isn’t played on a ’puter, but it is telling how much the lack of performance on the road is killing them. And they have some brutal stretches on the road in the second half.
Proj Points
<88…….. 79.6%
88-90….. 12.8%
90-92….. 3.2%
>92……. 4.4%
Sim has them getting to the Mirtle threshold of 92 points less than 5% of the time over 1,000 simulated seasons.
Change is needed. /understatement
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by NGreenberg on Jan 11, 2012 9:56 AM EST reply actions 6 recs
To be clear, I’m rec’ing this so people see it, not because I like it. Brutal.
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by Scott in Shaw on Jan 11, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions
On the other hand, there is the 1st half/last half thing…
07-08: 16-20-5 (37pts)/27-11-3 (57 pts)
08-09: 27-11-3 (57 pts)/23-13-5 (51 pts)
09-10: 24-11-6 (54 pts)/30-4-7 (67 pts)
10-11: 23-12-6 (52 pts)/25-11-5 (55 pts)
11-12: 21-17-2 to date…
And, strictly by projecting home and road points earned to date this season they would finish with 90 points (1.45 pts/game at home; 0.75 pts/game at home).
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 1:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Fact of the matter is that this team has played its best when there’s some sort of sense of urgency, be it manufactured or real; the quicker they realize that it’s real right effin’ now, the better.
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by J.P. on Jan 11, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Bleh. Under 88 points in 80% of the sim seasons…that is ugly.
I got a bad feelin’ about this.
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Backstrom and Green are not skating.
So assume one of two is on IR. I assume Backstrom simply because he’s available to come off IR as soon as ready, if so.
If we’re getting all speculative, is there a typical time that players are informed of trades? A la Bourque being told right after practice? Is that usual?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
No pants required?
Luckily Tarik told us he’s in shorts.
But what footwear?!?!?!?!?!?!
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Gore Tex.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
Oh those things are creepy.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
And he just tweeted Kundratek’s in tonight. Paired with Orlov.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
Wow. That pairing has … um .. potential for something.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 11, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
I can’t wait to see them get 10-12 minutes while the top 4 all go over 23 minutes and wear down.
by Beakers Lab on Jan 11, 2012 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
That will be, um, interesting. Of note, I believe both played in only 1 Hershey game after Kundratek arrived via trade and before Orlov was recalled.
Just looked at the game by game info. Only game they both played was 11/13 vs Bridgeport.
Orlov’s Hershey game by game stats.
Kundratek’s CT/Hershey game by game stats.
I was thinking maybe they’d pair Kundratek with Hamrlik for the vet/rookie pairing, plus the Czech aspect.
Per Hamr, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
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Wow. One minute you’re a healthy scratch 5 games in a row, the next you’re making your big-league debut playing in the capital of America and partnered with a 1300-game countryman who you grew up watching. Crazy.
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Well…that’s a way to go. What’s the over/under on combined minutes? 15?
Dale’s gonna ride those top-four hard tonight.
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
scratch that…
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Must be a funny migraine.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 11, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Wow.
SWhyno Stephen Whyno
Looks like Tomas Kundratek will make NHL debut tonight for #Caps, paired with Dmitry Orlov.
Failure is always an option.
Also:
SWhyno Stephen Whyno
#Caps lines: Ovechkin-Johansson-Semin, Knuble-Laich-Brouwer, Chimera-Halpern-Ward, Hendricks-Perreault-Beagle.
Failure is always an option.
Huh, with Backstrom out, I actually like these lines. I might switch Semin and Knuble or Brouwer, but I can live with this.
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TarikElBashir Tarik El-Bashir
Potential #Caps D pairings: 27-74; 44-6; 81-36 (Kundratek). Nos. 4 and 55 are out there, too.
So…. Kundratek is getting started over both Erskine and Schultz?
Failure is always an option.
Not really. Unknown prospect v. known mediocrity. I want to see what K has, too
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 11, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions
Hardly any way to categorize Erskine.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 11, 2012 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
A bit too eggs-in-one-basket-y for me. Drop Semin down a line.
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Agreed. Isn’t Semin a natural Left wing? And Knuble a right wing?
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by cainoo7x on Jan 11, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I suppose. Those lines say, “We’re playing for a 2-1 win.”
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Watch this game be like an 8-7 slugfest.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Yep. Crosby with a hattty, Staal with two and Letang with four assists. Backstrom 2 and 3, Green with 2 PP goals.
What?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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We are just so way past this whole “Alexes on the same line” thing. Does it work? I mean, reliably, not as a jump start when they get behind?
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
Can you prove it doesn’t work?
"I couldn't bring myself to cheer for Pittsburgh. But since they won, I may as well use it."
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by nogoodtrying on Jan 11, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Backstrom’s on paper IR. Can be activated any time since it’s retroactive.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:29 AM EST reply actions
I’ll admit to having to look up who Kundratek was. I haven’t felt this out of the loop on a Caps transaction since I drafted a release about signing the wrong Mike Green.
Yep, shortly after I returned to the PR gig in August 2005 I had written a release that we’d signed this guy.
He was never a finalist for a major NHL award (though he wouldn’t have been out of place in camp that year).
by NateEwell on Jan 11, 2012 10:39 AM EST reply actions 9 recs
“Wolfsburg Grizzly Adams”? Awesome.
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I thought it was awesome that he was a Macon Whoopee alum.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
000
Great jersey
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Per Wiki:
The professional team is named after the title character of The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams, while the parent club is known as EHC Wolfsburg.
The team enjoys substantial financial support from the Czech automobile manufacturer Škoda Auto, which in turn belongs to the Wolfsburg-based Volkswagen Group. Grizzly Adams themselves have been engaged in providing support to a nearby bear park.
And Nathan Paetsch and Stephen Werner play for them!
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Wow. They employ Dallas Stars Legend Blake Sloan, and former Capitals prospect Stephen Werner.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
My first thought was “Orest Kindrachuk? How old is he now?”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Pens get blasted by a local scribe for their effort last night.
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I don’t read Pens coverage on a regular basis. Does this writer regularly cover the Pens or is this someone chiming in like Hamilton does here. Name sounds familiar, but not beat writer type I thought.
He’s a columnist, so mostly Steelers stuff.
And I’m not actually too familiar with his work, but can fairly assume that the comparison to Hamilton is insulting to him. :)
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I didn’t mean the actual writing, more the columnist chiming in aspect, although in this case, is it that far off????
No need for me to further denegrade Ms. Hamilton’s work, but I’d say yes, it’s that far off.
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Far be it from me to denigrate your spelling, but I don’t like Ms. Hamilton, either!
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Pretty awesome that I crap on someone’s writing with misspellings.
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You’re a “blogger,” she’s a “journalist,” and we all know what that means!
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What?…You’d rather read Steigerwald?
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
Better to take mine than to read hers, says I.
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Steelers stuff = plenty of time on his hands. /Tebow’d
I’m just in it for the Schadenfreude. -D'ohboy
by Alz in the family on Jan 11, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
He is a Captain Obvious type of writer, always piling on the downside. Not an overly talented or insightful man, but not bad. I think his main interest is the fucking Pirates, if you can believe that.
If one had watched the game, the Pens were feeling a little sorry for themselves, and skated like shit. Wcich clearly paves the way for a another 5-2 beating on our boys tonight.
by S h a g g y on Jan 11, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
Two thoughts:
1) Man, there are a lot of defensemen really high on that list. Having two first-rounders is a big boon to the Caps this year, at least in terms of restocking the D pipeline.
2) As well as Boston’s playing, it looks like they’re going to be drafting in the 25-30 slots. Given how deep this draft seems to be, though, I still wouldn’t be surprised to see GMGM take Boston’s pick this year rather than Colorado’s next year.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
Third observation: there are some tremendous names in this draft. Mathew Dumba. Zemgus Girgensons.Olli “Wassa” Maatta. Griffin Reinhart. Slater Koekkoek. Cody Ceci. Martin “I don’t give a” Frk. I want nothing more than to hear how Bob Cole mispronounces these.
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What does “LV” next to Galchenyuk mean?
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by red army line on Jan 11, 2012 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
It is way, way too depressing to devote much intellectual effort to the draft with 42 games of hockey left to play in the regular season. #thisisnot2006
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Wow, Ebert fell to 70. I haven’t heard of half the guys in the top-30, so I guess I’d better read up.
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by red army line on Jan 11, 2012 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
Well, he IS missing his entire jaw.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
He hasn’t been the same since he lost Siskel as a linemate.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I’d kinda like the Caps to try an get Olli Maatta in the draft…. defenseman, offensive skills, plays on the London Knights, and I’d love a Finnish prospect!
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by thebreakawaygoal on Jan 11, 2012 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
From PensBurgh’s preview: In the first two matchups of the season, Pittsburgh has out-shot Washington 76-36.
Yowza.
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well, helps when the opposing team doesn’t get a PP until the 61st minute of the first game…
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That doesn’t justify 38-18 per game.
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the lack of shots is infuriating (so is giving up almost 40 a game, but not quite as much). I’ve been screaming about it all season.
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Two years after the 09 series, we’re still trying to figure out their forecheck.
/sigh
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
This is where you want to go all Fenwickian and Corsical…Pittsburgh spends little time in their own end. It is what drives the rest of their game, even more than the forecheck. They get the puck, they get it out. Opponents do not direct many shots at the Penguin net because they don’t posses the puck in that end long enough to do so. Given the fixed number of minutes in a hockey game, the directed shots have to accumulate somewhere. The do so at the other end of the rink. This is how a team can lose a Sidney Crosby and still be effective.
A hypothesis to test.
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
Pittsburgh spends little time in their own end. It is what drives the rest of their game, even more than the forecheck.
Completely, completely agree. You watch any of their games, and they move the puck out of there as quickly as any team in the league. Wonder why more teams haven’t tried to adopt something like that? It’s not like the Pens have extra special defensemen. But they have always had a monster bottom-six group of forwards.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 12:29 PM EST up reply actions
It helps when your forwards can spend an entire shift in the offensive zone, so even when the other team gets the puck and clears the zone, they’d rather dump and change than attack.
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by red army line on Jan 11, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions
Pittsburgh is second in the league in shots per game — at 34. Washington in the bottom third at 28.6.
Washington in the bottom third at 28.6.
… and falling.
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interesting little factoid…..despite the shot disparity, Pittsburgh ranks 8th with 2.95 g/g. The Caps are 9th with 2.92.
which the Caps should not take as a sign that they should continue to shot the puck less than the mites. Get some freaking shots off once in a while!
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Given the makeup of tonight’s roster in particular, and the trend generally, I’m not holding my breath.
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neither am I.
digging a little deeper……clearly what the Caps need to do is manage to get 4-on-4 hockey. That’s where they’re tops. (no, I have no idea what their conversion rate is at 4-on-4, just that they’ve score more than anyone else)
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With Backstrom and Green out, and the way they got smoked 4-on-4 with Semin playing “defense,” I’m not sure I want that, either.
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Backstrom, yes, Green not so much, since he’s been out and yet the Caps are still racking up to 4-on-4 goals.
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Best in the NHL (that’s sorted by save percentage by opposing goalies at 4v4)
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by red army line on Jan 11, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
awesome, thanks for finding that!
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I’m sorry, but sitting Schultz and bringing up Kundratek is absolutely baffling.
Schultz is not — and likely never will be — a physical presence doling out hits and making players shudder in their skates, but he’s significantly better than Erskine and every other option in Hershey.
This is nuts, and it hurts the team. Is Hunter doing this to prove a point? Or is he just incredibly stubborn?
Schultz is lefty (and shitty with the puck), Kundratek righty and the Caps need all the help they can get in breaking the PIT forecheck.
That’s the rational theory, at least.
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Does Kundratek have a 195 foot blast that scores goals? Sarge does.
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It didn’t help Ivan Majesky keep a spot on the team.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think Schultz “fits” with the current man-to-man defensive scheme. The last few games he played he was playing in close to single digits.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
The results beg to differ with respect to Hamrlik, at least.
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And mostly Erskine really has been playing the role of 6/7/8. Mostly.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
I guess what I’m saying is, Hamrlik is a very talented, though aging, defenseman who was playing badly to start the season but has certainly turned it around. I don’t think it is due to a different style of play as much as it is him just playing better.
Well, he would disagree with you, and that’s good enough for me.
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It’s a different style of play for sure. This defensive style fits more to the styles he played in the past. It’s common sense, really.
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by nogoodtrying on Jan 11, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
So you refuse to take my opinion over that of an actual hockey player (and, in fact, the one we’re discussing)? Whatever, man.
Heh. If an observer says, “The system isn’t responsible for him playing better,” and the player says, “I’m more comfortable in this system, so I’m playing better,” yeah, I think I’ll side with the player.
But I still value the discussion!
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If I’m worried about any defensemen “fitting” this system, I’m more worried about Alzner and Carlson. Both of them have been on-ice for a metric shit ton of goals lately, and that worries me.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
Exactly; I think this is the most serious question/issue facing the d right now rather than where Kundratek is going to play or whatever. If our ‘foundation’ is foundering, let’s figure out what is happening there first. I originally thought it might be related to Greener going down but they carried the defense just fine after that. Perhaps the answer to that question would also inform the bizarre situation with Sarge. My theory is that it must be related to the man-on-man instituted by Johnson, but what do I know…. I, too, am interested in any hypotheses, but have found no takers.
Why do I picture Sarge as Flounder from Animal House. Hunts is playing the role of Dean Wormer telling him that “Thin, soft and slow is no way to go through the NHL, son.” Then Sarge throws up on his desk when Hunts tells him he’s alerted the Blue Jackets that he’s available for trade.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 11, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
Dean Wormer IS the most underrated character in that movie though.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
So many great lines. He’s easily the best part of that movie. Easily.
/OT
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions
Not baffling to me. You know what you’re getting with #55. You don’t know what you’re getting with #36. Why not give him a skate out in a big rivalry game to see what he’s got?
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 11, 2012 3:37 PM EST up reply actions
Because the odds of him being better than 4 and 55 are low, because why do you need to, because why not replace the whole D corps with the Hershey D corps to “see what they’ve got!” Because when your NHL team is healthy there’s no reason to start calling people up.
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by SmallZ827 on Jan 11, 2012 3:40 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Because the team is fighting for a playoff spot, not cruising to a division title or stuck in the cellar where seeing what the kids got would make some sense?
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
by apk3000 on Jan 11, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Did the team not get stomped back to back with #4 in the lineup?
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 11, 2012 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
this team gets stomped with everyone on the caps roster out on the ice at some point, except for #52, and that’s only if he makes it through a whole game.
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Because of Erskine or the team’s general problems? I’m not familiar with the kid, but I’m assuming we’re not talking an Alzner-type prospect here.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
The point is, I don’t think we’re conceding tonight’s game by bleeding a defensive prospect at the expense of two average (if not mediocre) veterans who aren’t playing that much anyway.
If this was Game 7 of a playoff series, sure, it’d be a little risky. But this is as good a time as any to see what K is.
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 11, 2012 4:07 PM EST up reply actions
Kundratek 0 NHL GP
Orlov GP 22 GP
Carlson 144GP
Alzner GP 173 GP
Wideman 493 GP
Hamrlik 1347 GP
(source: hockeydb; regular season NHL games played)
that just gives me all sorts of warm fuzzies.
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Hamr’s ruining the curve.
That'll make your weagle wink!
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reminds of those first couple seasons the current Caps went to the playoffs, and it was Grandpa Poti with his 700ish career GP…….and everyone else combined had less than that.
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the veteran pairing of Kundratek and Hamlik average close to 700 games each!
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by Alz in the family on Jan 11, 2012 1:06 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
So…36, 81, 74, 27, and 6 have combined 50.6 percent of the games played as the total by Hamrlik alone.
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by ThePeerless on Jan 11, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
Came here looking for shared outrage over Backstrom’s IR. Why so quiet on this? If this becomes the long road… Bourque should _______________?
be diced and quartered in a public square in Stockholm and be made into meatballs.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t give two shits about Bourque; I give many shits about Backstrom. But being put on IR doesn’t in and of itself mean anything negative at this time.
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Get traded to New Jersey (with a 2nd round pick) for a 2C?
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 11, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
be very scared of DJ King the next time the Caps play Calgary!
Deterrence!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
I highly recommend the two backhand shelf pieces in the Clips. Of course, those are in my nerd wheelhouse but I do think there’s a lot someone can get from them.
In particular, look at how his breakout looks on the second post. None of the forwards end up skating in the lanes that their nominal position would suggest. It really shows how flexible positioning is. And when you consider that the C is the late guy, but frequently the best distributor, you’d want to see the wings breakout in a way that allows the C to get back in the play. One guy busting up ice as soon as his team touches the puck breaks down that support net and changes the entire dynamic of the attack (for the worse, IMO).
Please, call me F&B.
“We’re being cautious with him," ”http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/capitals-insider/post/hunter-capitals-being-cautious-with-backstrom/2012/01/11/gIQAJhD9qP_blog.html?wprss=capitals-insider" target="new">Hunter said of Backstrom, who has not been seen on the ice since Friday’s practice in San Jose. "He’s still not feeling one hundred percent, so we’re being careful."
Hunter added that there’s no timetable on Backstrom’s return.
Coach has a different definition of “cautious” than I do, apparently. Feh.
Gah.
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Would your definition include not playing him in the same game after he took the hit and/or not flying him across country twice to not play?
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Of course.
The utter disregard for taking care of long term assets is frustrating as hell. Why doesn’t GMGM dictate from above “Players who might have a concussion don’t fly away from DC”? Especially players that are locked up for a decade. Losing some games that you might lose anyway without your 1C is vastly preferable to losing your 1C.
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Green was spotted walking gingerly into the practice facility prior to the morning skate. He also did not speak to the media.
Neat.
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Hope he didn’t injure his riding leg.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
I bet Green’s character in Skyrim is fucking boss
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
He used to be our #1 defensemen, but then he took an arrow to the groin
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 11, 2012 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
I hate all those foolish vanities. Green should probably be using a cane right now to take some of the wieght and stress off that area. Just like Nicky couldn’t be seen with a splint last year.
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BillHoppeSabres
#Sabres Christian Ehrhoff said he wasn’t hurt fighting in Washington — it was the hit seconds earlier. #Buffalo
“Ehrhoff also laughed and shook his head when reminded how much money he’ll make this year.”
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No, but as he shook his head I did hear someone ask him “Please…..”
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:50 PM EST up reply actions
From Gormley
"It’s very discouraging," Schultz said Wednesday. "Maybe the team needs a spark from a guy getting called up. Maybe he’ll bring something new to the team that will help us be successful."
And maybe the Capitals have come to the conclusion that at age 25 Schultz no longer fits into their immediate future, despite the fact he is in the second year of a four-year, $11 million contract.
Schultz said he has not asked the Capitals for a trade but wants to play somewhere and is leaving those discussions to his agent.
and
John Erskine was equally discouraged by the Caps’ decision to call up Kundratek, who who will make his NHL debut tonight. Erskine said he is healthy enough to play tonight and has not discussed his role with coach Dale Hunter.
"Yeah, I’m surprised," he said. "That’s all I can say. Just keep working hard and see what happens."
Hunter described Erskine and Schultz as "professionals," saying he wants them ready to play when the Capitals need them.
It's not that I don't like people, I'm just happier when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Knuble, Schultz, Erskine… probably Neuvy… maybe Ward… anyone else having a superawesomefuntime under DH32?
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A feature, not a bug?
It's not that I don't like people, I'm just happier when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Isn’t Matt Hendricks down to about 3 minutes a night?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
Asked if he thought his role had changed since Dale Hunter took over as Caps coach, Joel Ward replied “Let me sleep on it and I’ll get back to you.”
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Ah Chuck Gormley. The Lincoln Steffens of getting the views of the healthy scratch.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
I actually appreciate hearing from Sarge. But yeah, clearly trolling.
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I’m going to miss hearing his dulcet tones during the game tonight. I look forward to his reports every game.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions
He should never be allowed to speak on camera. It is as awkward as watching a pimply D&D kid trying to talk to a cheerleader.
You’re the boss, applesauce.
by SethB on Jan 11, 2012 4:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And in print he likes to make his speculations sound like facts.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Jan 11, 2012 5:37 PM EST up reply actions
Way OT, but seriously, please don’t be this type of parent, thanks in advance!
derek_popke Derek Popke (skating instructor
“parent called saying son needs to lengthen stride and improve footspeed. son was born in 2007. they write books about parents like this.”
I agree with the parent – kid needs to lengthen his stride and improve footspeed… so he can get the hell away from his lunatic parent(s).
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… they writebooksreality television shows about parents like this.
FTFY
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
“Hockey Dads” could be a great alternative to “Dance Moms”
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I’m scared of Dance Moms just by the ads I’ve seen. I can easily see Milbury in that role—for those who like their 15 minutes of fame to include abuse.
Knuble: "I am what I am. I play well with good players."
On his milestone: "It's going to be like unwrapping a birthday present. Then the day after you're kind of like [sighs]....Now you just have to keep going."
by capsyoungguns on Jan 11, 2012 5:39 PM EST up reply actions
SI Overrated to go along with the underrated posted recently.
Two Caps in top 15, no surprise.
Should this list of 15 be called overrated or overpaid?
Yeah. Does anyone even rate Scott Gomez any more?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions
So the players – who have three times voted Ovechkin the best player in the League – now say he’s overrated. OK, fine… but you’re the ones that overrated him, yeah? And honestly, does anyone still consider him one of the best players in the League? Not really – the media has beaten that out of people.
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Iggy’s on that list too. Whatever.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
That whole list is crap. Gomez and Bouwmeester are not overrated. They’re awful. Any of the players polled would take most of the top 15 on their team.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Bouwmeester awful?
Nah, he’s just nonexistent come playoff time.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
When was the last time he scored a goal?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Last night in fact.
I was more making a joke at the fact the Bouwmeester has gone his entire NHL career without being on a playoff team.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 11, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
pghpenguins Pittsburgh Penguins
The #Pens have activated Dustin Jeffrey from injured reserve and placed Simon Despres on IR.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
/slow whistle
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 11, 2012 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
So I guess we can scratch him off here:
Chris Kunitz – Evgeni Malkin – James Neal
Eric Tangradi – Pascal Dupuis – Tyler Kennedy
Matt Cooke – Richard Park – Steve Sullivan
Arron Asham – Joe Vitale – Craig Adams
Brooks Orpik – Deryk Engelland
Simon Despres – Zbynek Michalek
Matt Niskanen – Ben Lovejoy
Marc-Andre Fleury
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 Jan 11, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
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