Ovechkin, Wideman Named All-Stars
by J.P. on Jan 12, 2012 12:58 PM EST
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"Congrats to #Caps all-stars Alex Ovechkin and Dennis Wideman." - @VogsCaps
Per the team:
ARLINGTON, Va. – Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and defenseman Dennis Wideman have been selected to participate in the 2012 NHL All-Star Celebration festivities to be held Jan. 26-29 in Ottawa, Ontario, the league announced today. Ovechkin and Wideman will be part of the NHL All-Star Player Fantasy Draft on Thursday, Jan. 26, to determine teams for the NHL All-Star Skills Competition event on Saturday and the All-Star Game on Sunday.
Ovechkin, 26, will be making his fifth-consecutive NHL All-Star appearance, tying the Capitals club record (Peter Bondra). He currently leads the Capitals in goals (17), shots (156) and power-play goals (6) and ranks second on the team in points (33) and hits (133). His 156 shots rank seventh in the NHL.
Wideman, 28, will be making his first appearance at an NHL All-Star Game. The Kitchener, Ontario, native currently ranks fifth in the league among defensemen in points (29), tied for fourth in goals (8), tied for fifth in assists (21) and leads the Capitals in average ice time (24:08).
Ovechkin was selected, first overall, by the Capitals in the first round of the 2004 Entry Draft. Wideman was acquired from Florida in a trade on Feb. 28, 2011.
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Congrats to both. Ridiculous that Backstrom is snubbed
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
There’s probably a pretty good chance that he wasn’t actually snubbed.
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Meaning, what, they want to the Caps and said “He good to go?” and they said “No sirree?”
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Could be.
For a no-contact game that’ll take place 17 days from now.
That… is not good.
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I don’t know that I’d go that far. I might look at that as like a “one percent solution.” Today, 17 days out, if the league needs to announce rosters, and I think there is a 1 percent chance Backstrom might suffer a relapse tying his skates, I might be inclined to tell the league, “pass.”
If you've read this far...seek help.
Sure, I buy that too – the League has been embarrassed in the past by players pulling out, so they want 100% firm commitments.
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I haven’t looked at the rosters—are there any guys on there with injuries?
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True, but in today’s professional sports world, being “named” to the All-Star team is the real recognition players seek (as many could really care less to actually play).
Not sure about hockey as much as other sports, but contracts can even have bonuses tied to it. Seems like it would be appropriate for the league to name him to the team, even if he isn’t able to play….
Or maybe not, who knows?
"I am ready for his provocations"
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by PaintDrinkingPete on Jan 12, 2012 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
That’s absolutely true that it’s an honor just to be named. But maybe that’s not how the League wants to roll any more.
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Not going because of injury and not going because you’re old are different. Nobody gave Crosby shit for not playing last year, but when the Detroit Old Balls didn’t show up despite being healthy that was an issue.
Please, call me F&B.
seems the NHL quietly asked certain players if they’d accept the invite before the team was announced this time around. Lesson learned?
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that they learned a lesson at all is a minor miracle.
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The year Datsyuk and Lidstrom didn’t show up, Crosby didn’t play but showed up for the corporate handshakes and other stuff so the League didn’t have an issue with him. Corporate sponsors and PR…
During that year, Datsyuk didn’t play in the All Star game, due to injury. I believe it was a groin, not a major problem but still hurt. So, Dats and Lids were both forced to miss the next regular season game, but with pay.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Lidtsrom and Datsyuk both had nagging injuries, but not so bad that they would sit out a game. So they decided to skip to ASG and get a few extra days to heal. The NHL was not pleased. Crosby was out with a high ankle sprain.
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I’d guess we won’t see him back before the All-Star break. He’s not even skating, so you have to figure he’s not going to play in the next week at a minimum. Best to let him rest and have him back 100% on the other side of the break…. hopefully.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 12, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
The only player with more points than Backstrom that didn’t make the cut is Jordan Eberle.
Gotta suspect Selanne was invited and declined. I can’t see the NHL putting Perry in the ASG over Selanne when Selanne is putting up better numbers despite his age.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 12, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Ah true.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 12, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions
Hardly ridiculous that Backstrom did not make it. Check the top 10 centers in league scoring. You could make a case regarding Tavares but of course every team must have a rep.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
If he wasn’t invited, then it is ridiculous. If he was invited and declined, which I think is likely, then not so much.
Failure is always an option.
As a baseline, top 10 centers right now for league scoring:
1 Henrik Sedin VAN C 44 11 39 50 +13
2 Steven Stamkos TBL C 41 29 18 47 +6
3 Evgeni Malkin PIT C 35 17 28 45 +1
4 Jason Spezza OTT C 44 16 28 44 +2
5 Pavel Datsyuk DET C 41 13 30 43 +16
6 Jonathan Toews CHI C 43 22 20 42 +12
7 Nicklas Backstrom WSH C 38 13 29 42 -2
8 Patrik Elias NJD C 42 15 25 40 -4
9 John Tavares NYI C 40 14 25 39 -6
10 Tyler Seguin BOS C 38 17 21 38 +33
..
19 Mikko Koivu MIN C 39 9 24 33 +9
25 Logan Couture SJS C 39 17 13 30 +12
Couture and Koivu were almost certainly selected to fulfill a team requirement. Who then is the ridiculous selection over Backstrom?
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Ovechkin.
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by J.P. on Jan 12, 2012 3:31 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Totally but since we’re talking about centers, your contention is more geared towards how Thomams Fleischmann got screwed.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Tomas Fleischmann embraced Simeon Semyon Varlamov example of changing your name?
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Why are we talking about centers? I see 10 there. Two teams, four lines… eight centers. Two of those guys are going to be playing on the wing, yeah?
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4 centers per team and 1 extra. You have to draw the line somewhere no?
I’m already kind of ashamed I put this much thought into the ASG, which I generally disdain – in all sports.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Seguin shouldn’t be in over him. I’d say Tavares, but it looks like he’s the only Islander in there. Couture shouldn’t be there – Thornton and Marleau both deserve it more. When you include the wingers, Backs should be there over Ovie, Michalek, Gaborik, or Kane.
Failure is always an option.
Have to disagree on Gaborik, not a big fan but he’s 3rd in the league in goals.
Regardless, they had to have some positional requirements. To me it’s arguable that he missed out but hardly ridiculous when compared to the farce that is “fan voting”, or rather gratuitous ballot stuffing. May as well let the host team play it’s top line and top D.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
They obviously do not have positional requirements. There are 4 LWs, 9 RWs, and 11 Cs. There are not that many forwards in the NHL better than Backs, so it would be extremely ridiculous if he was not sent an invite – unless injury was the reason. If he was sent one and declined it, or if he wasn’t due to injury and the NHL being unsure if he’d play, then I’m fine with it. And as I said, I think injury is likely the reason.
Failure is always an option.
Tavares isn’t even a top 25 player under 25 years old, much less an actual all star.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 12, 2012 4:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He is 22nd in the NHL in points. The real reason for him making it is likely just that the Islanders had to have a player there.
Failure is always an option.
Would be nice if the NHL released a complete list and not just this article mentioning additions, since there are names missing from this article.
As to Ovechkin vs Backstrom, should have been Backstrom, IMO, regardless of injury and C vs LW.
I don’t know nearly enough about hockey. I learning by coming to these boards every day.
But the reason I come to these boards, the reason lots of new Washingtonians care about hockey, the reason mites all over North America have gotten into hockey and wear number 8 is due to the charisma and awesome talent of Alex Ovechkin.
He is having an off year, but nonetheless, the league would be making a huge marketing blunder by not including him. The All Star Game has to attract the casual fan, as well as the avid ones, and Ovi brings them in.
by KSR17 on Jan 12, 2012 1:02 PM EST reply actions 9 recs
Agree about the marketing aspect.
I thought he’d be named as an injury replacement; maybe for someone they already know won’t be going.
Would not have guessed at the beginning of this season that of my three fantasy goalies (Bryz, Rinne, Elliott) that Elliott would be the only one to get a nod here.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Very good point. We’d like to think All Star games are all about who the best players are that year, but the reality is that that is not always the case for a variety of reasons. I think Ovi’s performance in Montreal (wearing the Canadian flag in his hat, etc) showed that he’s one of the few top players in the league who actually embraces the All Star game and gets that it’s entertainment. From that standpoint, it’s good to see him go there.
On the other side, being named to the ASG probably means something to most players. It’s recognition of their play that year and must be an honor, even if they would rather not actually play. To the extent a guy like Ovi is named due to marketing reasons and that excludes a player who earned it with his play, that’s a bit unfair, IMO.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 12, 2012 1:07 PM EST up reply actions
When Jason Spezza had his name stuffed in the ballot box, he probably took the Backstrom ticket to the ASG. They have very similar numbers.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Which is heinous, IMO. The fan balloting ruins it.
Then again, does anyone take the All Star game seriously?
I was trained to mix concrete and sign complicated insurance forms.
by The Moose on Jan 12, 2012 1:09 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I have no problem with fans vorting, especially in hockey, which is a gate-driven league. Fans pay the freight. They should have a voice in who they see in the ASG, in my opinion.
But online voting, where if you are sufficiently IT savvy, you can stuff ballot boxes in the blink of an eye (or, if you are less adept, just spend the day clicking)? No, not a fan of that. Voting is an act…there should be an effort attached to it. Go back to ballots.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 12, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
So it’s like pirate voting?
I need 100% of you guys to give 110% 100% of the time.
by capsfan4life on Jan 12, 2012 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
can we plunder things?
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Plunder all the things!!!
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 2:49 PM EST up reply actions
That perspective I can agree with. And I can appreciate that the league has tried to increase interest in the game with the skills competition and other measures.
Still, though, as a fan of a host city, wouldn’t you prefer seeing players from other teams rather than the ones you see in person 41 (or more) times a year?
I was trained to mix concrete and sign complicated insurance forms.
by The Moose on Jan 12, 2012 1:17 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Would I rather see Jamie Benn than Alex Ovechkin in an all star game at Verizon Center?
probably not.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I guess it depends on fan perspective. Don’t get me wrong, I love watching 8, but I like watching a lot of other players from the West as well.
I suppose as long as attention and revenue are there, it’s moot.
I was trained to mix concrete and sign complicated insurance forms.
by The Moose on Jan 12, 2012 1:21 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The thing is, I wonder how many Ottawa fans will actually be in the stands? And as for TV, it’s just an exhibition game, and if you’re inclined to watch players from other teams, there is NHLN, NBC Sports, NHL Center Ice the rest of the season.
If you've read this far...seek help.
But Canada loves the game!!!1
I was trained to mix concrete and sign complicated insurance forms.
by The Moose on Jan 12, 2012 1:26 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I’m not a fan of the fan voting because of the way it has ended up for the past few years. I would, however, be OK with letting the fans vote for the two team captains
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
It’d be nice for the league to get more creative with the All Star game, overall, so as to keep up a level of interest.
I was trained to mix concrete and sign complicated insurance forms.
by The Moose on Jan 12, 2012 1:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I don’t really see it as a big deal. The hosting team also makes up the vast majority of the fans going, who mostly only care about their own players. They’ll still get the big names like Ovechkin, Sedins, etc. regardless. I doubt there’s many Ottawa fans there upset that Backstrom won’t be playing.
What ruins it are the markets the NHL feels they need to coddle each year. Look at Chicago. 3 players this year, 4 players last year, 3 players in 2009. Want to know why Backstrom wasn’t invited? Look no further.
I would think Backstrom isn’t in because of
injury, like JP said above.
I was trained to mix concrete and sign complicated insurance forms.
by The Moose on Jan 12, 2012 1:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
The fan balloting ruins it. Some of us like the ASG, pissy-pants.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I don’t see how this is possible.
There are so many amazing players in the NHL that there are a billion permutations of players that could make legitimate “all star” rosters. Add in the utter lack of defense and effort and that number probably grows. So out of 100+ amazing players they narrow it to ~40 and sprinkle on some young stars. If you like the idea of really good players showing what they can do at three-quarter speed against men’s league defenses then the game isn’t ruined at all, it just becomes fans complaining that their particular permutation was picked. Would having 50-man rosters for each team really make it better?
It is what it is and fan balloting doesn’t ruin it, it just changes some of the mechanics of it.
Please, call me F&B.
I don’t really enjoy the game itself, but I did find that the skills competition is an enjoyable way to chill out on the couch with a beer or 5. And having been in Minnesota for all the hoopla around the ASG there, I have to say it was a lot of fun to go check it all out and enjoy a day of all sorts of hockey stuff. Since I don’t have the money to travel to ASGs every year (or anywhere else, truth be told), it was an incredibly fun, probably-not-going-to-happen-again experience.
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Okay, fine, it isn’t "ruined" per se – but I don’t think it adds anything, at least not in the way it’s done. I think it could be designed better, because while there are always so-called undeserving guys in the ASG the fan-balloting makes it even more prevalent and takes away roster spots from those for whom it would be a real honor and a reward for their accomplishments.
And btw, it’s perfectly okay to not like the ASG and not watch it – totally your choice and you’re not alone. You don’t have to shit on it, though, some of us do enjoy it. It’s fun, cranky boy. The players who go – particularly the ones who have never been before – always seem to fight through their hatred of this impure, non-hockey experience and pretend to be having a blast. They’re such good actors, NHLers.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I wouldn’t even shit on the all star game.
Who got voted in and really doesn’t deserve to be there? How many guys get voted in? What percentage of the ASG squad is that? How many deserving players are held out by fan voting? I’d bet more players are held out by the “a player from every team” rule.
Please, call me F&B.
I wouldn’t even shit on the all star game.
That’s because you physically can’t with the red, white and blue color scheme for the jerseys.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 12, 2012 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
Ballot-box stuffing and hometown love aside, when two players have very similar numbers and are competing for one slot, I think it’s fair to give it to the guy whose team has a better record
by DonnieKnutts on Jan 12, 2012 1:20 PM EST up reply actions
Haha, now Stamkos, that’s a deserving nod. I criticize the NHL all-star game as I do the Pro Bowl. It’s exactly as it’s called the star’s playing, not those of deserving accolades. I’m sure they tried to vote Crosby in, but on second thought, they realized it probably wouldn’t go over well..
Well.. if all-star-worthiness was based on just numbers then we wouldn’t need voting. We would just have a formula
In the end, I don’t think it is really about who deserves it – it is about a televised event that they want people to watch. In other words, entertainment. Names people recognize, personalities that attract attention, and also skills that can be shown off. Then you also have to balance in representation from every team to keep the attention of every fanbase.
Four thoughts:
1. Crazy that Boston has such a massive goal differential, yet they have one forward on the team.
2. Fan voting for the starters is a travesty and never has worked in any sport.
3. The game is rarely based on current season performance for about half the players. Players like Ovechkin, Crosby, Chara, Iginla, Malkin, Toews, and others will always go. They have marketing value.
4. The requirements of one player per team is crazy. It will never go away, but should. They have this in baseball as well, but not in football and not in basketball (the roster size doesn’t allow there).
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Now that I realize Lidstrom isn’t there, I may have to rethink point #3, although it’s still valid in some instances.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
On #4—why?
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by bilspacecadet on Jan 12, 2012 1:24 PM EST up reply actions
4 applies in the NHL instance to include rookies. Not all teams are represented on the all-star roster (Ryan Johansen from Columbus is their only rep, and he’s on the rookie team)
If you've read this far...seek help.
I didn’t realize. That is at least better.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
By my review/count, I might have missed someone
Young stars only for NJD, Carolina, Columbus, Colorado, & Edmonton
Anaheim: Perry
Boston: Chara, Seguin, Thomas*
Buffalo: Pominville; Y: Adam
Calgary: Iginla
Chicago: Hossa, Kane, Toews
Dallas: Benn
Detroit: Datsyuk, Howard
Florida: Campbell
Los Angeles: Quick
Minnesota: Koivu
Montreal: Price
Nashville: Suter, Weber; Y: Smith
NYI: Tavares
NYR: Gaborik, Girardi, Lundqvist
Ottawa: Alfredsson*, Spezza*, Michalek*, Karlsson*; Y: Greening
Philadelphia: Giroux, Timonen; Y: Couturier; Y: Read
Phoenix: Yandle
Pittsburgh: Malkin
San Jose: Couture
St. Louis: Elliott
Tampa Bay: Stamkos
Toronto: Kessel, Lupul, Phaneuf*
Vancouver: Edler, D Sedin, H Sedin; Y: Hodgson
Washington: Ovechkin, Wideman
Winnipeg: Byfuglien
Carolina: Y: Faulk
Colorado: Y: Landeskog
Columbus: Y: Johansen
Edmonton: Y: Nugent-Hopkins
New Jersey: Y: Henrique; Y: Larson
by sk84fun_dc on Jan 12, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Because when you require one player per team, you automatically shut out more deserving players. There are sometimes three or four players on certain teams that deserve to go before a player on another team.
It won’t go away because it might be in the CBA and there is perceived marketing value.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Eh, this way kids get to see one of their guys regardless of where they’re from. I think that’s a good thing. I know the All-Star Games in all sports meant way more to me as a kid, and I was always excited to see an Oriole (for example) in the ASG even when they were terrible.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Is the game for the players or for the fans?
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by bilspacecadet on Jan 12, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
As there are (presumably) incentive bonuses for some guys in getting named, maybe both.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 12, 2012 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
I strongly disagree with this view. Every team should have a representative at these games.
Failure is always an option.
I strongly disagree with anybody having strong feelings about an all star game.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 12, 2012 4:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
2. Fan voting for the starters is a travesty and never has worked in any sport.
This is so true. Yao Ming being voted into the NBA ASG without playing a single game just because everyone voted for him from China is ridiculous. OT but proof that it never works
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
Boston just has ridiculous depth on offense. No stars at the moment, but a lot of guys who would be low end 1st liners or high end 2nd liners – Seguin, Bergeron, Lucic, Krejci, Horton, maybe Marchand. No forwards making more than 5M. I wish the Caps had that sort of depth.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 12, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions
Dear All-Star Game
Thanks for the Selection!
Regards,
D. Wideman Agent
Everything sounds smarter in Tikkanesse....
The contract he gets on July 1 – over/under 4.5M? I’m thinking over.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 12, 2012 1:59 PM EST up reply actions
D. Wideman Agent
Octagon, i.e. Walsh’s agency (though I don’t know if Walsh is his rep). Facepalm.
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This article may be the source of the early congrats for Nicky. It was the projected roster, as voted by 4 NHL.com writers. Backstom is on that list, and they report that Ovechkin (along with Patrick Kane and Corey Perry) got zero votes. Wideman isn’t even mentioned.
Clearly the NHL.com writers are not so in touch with the pulse of the NHL ASG committee.
That’s not a report, it’s basically a fantasy draft.
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Very confusing when you see:
@tsnjamesduthie: More All-Stars: TB: Stamkos, Wash: Backstrom
I fell for it. Ovie should wear Nicky’s jersey.
Lebrun was shocked Nicky was omitted.
I wonder if Duthie had his own source or was just tweeting it based on the speculation (Gormley, for ex.) and not citing.
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I thought I saw Whyno RT a tweet but not there now. A few of the local ‘reporters’ reacted to a tweet sent to Backstrom.
Right, I had RT’d that tweet as well.
But Gormley went even further -
@ChuckGormleyCSN People congratulating Nicklas Backstrom on All-Star selection Announcement forthcoming at 12:45 p.m.
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And here’s the tweet you’re referring to (I believe):
@Guttfasa Congrats to NHL All Star team buddy! @backstrom19 MG
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Now, try this on…an “All PDO Team” Select the highest ranked player on each team in PDO (min: 30 games played, ten minutes ice time per game) until all 30 teams are represented within position allocations (24F, 12D, 6G). I didn’t finish it (data from behindthenet.ca), but here is what it starts to look like…
CHRISKELLY BOS C
MICHAELDELZOTTO NYR D
TODDBERTUZZI DET LW
SCOTTHARTNELL PHI RW
STEPHENWEISS FLA C
MARIANHOSSA CHI RW
THEOPECKHAM EDM D
ALEXANDERSTEEN STL C
MARC-ANDREGRAGNANI BUF LW
BOYDGORDON PHX C
ROMANHORAK CGY C
CLAYTONSTONER MIN D
ALEXBURROWS VAN RW
BRENDENMORROW DAL LW
EDWARDPURCELL T.B C
TEEMUSELANNE ANA RW
JAMIEMCGINN S.J LW
LUKESCHENN TOR D
ERIKCONDRA OTT RW
JORDINTOOTOO NSH RW
JEFFHALPERN WSH C
If you've read this far...seek help.
wonder how the NHL would feel about Bertuzzi in the ASG…
interesting list, thanks for strating it.
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Jeff Halpern would be an All Star?? SOLD.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
And Boyd Gordon!! DOUBLE SOLD.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
The faceoff event in the skills competition would be riveting.
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by J.P. on Jan 12, 2012 1:58 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
That would be a battle of the "fall down and wrestle in an attempt to win the draw" kings if ever I saw one…and it would be AWESOME.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
by Becca H on Jan 12, 2012 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
With shirts off!
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by J.P. on Jan 12, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
where can I sign up to watch this event?
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Not that I’m aware of. Shame all of ‘em aren’t. I had actually talked to Ted about that, and he said the ad agency that did them owns the rights and (IIRC) won’t allow them to be posted without getting more $. I know some crop up from time to time on YouTube, but they tend to get yanked before too long.
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as utterly perplexed as I am by the Wideman selection…..maybe he’s responsible enough to make sure the Washington contingent doesn’t miss their flight this year. Ahem.
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Maybe not a lot of d-men having a banner year?
Don’t know, but I can’t imagine how little offense we’d have this year if not for Wideman. Yeah, he needs to work on his d but let him do that after we sign him to a reasonable extension…
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
I was more perplexed that he was on the radar at all, not because I don’t think he’s deserving but because he’s not a Name in the way a lot of these guys are.
But looking at it realistically, it shouldn’t be THAT surprising…he’s top-five in every offensive category. The ASG is about offense. And every year at least one defenseman (if not every defenseman) gets in on the merits of his offensive production over his defensive skills.
Except for Mike Green, of course.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
clearly, it’s not the NHL picking the ASG team when it comes to d men, it’s Philly writers!
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Ooh, speaking of the Philly media, were they ever on a rampage over Hartnell earlier. Saying he deserved to be there over Ovechkin, blah blah blah – since Ovi is clearly the only "undeserving" forward and obviously took Hartnell’s spot. I could see Hartnell making it, but I also think Ovi has like one goal and three points less than Hartnell, so in terms of merit (this season) the two aren’t separated by much. And Ovi’s a much bigger, more entertaining star.
Also the Flyers have four reps in the game already…some teams only have one total. Maybe instead of targeting Ovechkin they should yell at the Flyers for having so many good rookies.
I love the ASG :) Nothing like it to bring out the blatant homerism of certain media members…
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Maybe instead of targeting Ovechkin they should yell at the Flyers for having so many good rookies.
Or maybe they just shut the fuck up. The game’s for the fans, for TV – they want to see 8, not Sideshow Bob.
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by J.P. on Jan 12, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
…well yeah, that too ;) That was kind of my underlying point, as usual you sum up my 1000 words in one sentence.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
So we can swear now? Hell damn fart!
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Jan 12, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
you’ve never done a GDT with me and Christoph, have you?
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A fine Simpsons reference… bravo!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
Philly media never fails to disappoint!
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In my dreams, Backstrom tweets, “No All-Star Game for me. Instead, I’ll be going to Rene Bourque’s house with a tire iron that weekend.”
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by J.P. on Jan 12, 2012 2:04 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Tire Iron??
Poor choice, he should go with one of these:
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Old school, baby
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
by macvechkin on Jan 12, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Rene was worried about that and got himself traded to Montreal to hide.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Jan 12, 2012 11:22 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
From see you next year, to see you four times in the next 2.5 months.
Enjoy your complimentary ticket to the ass kicking buffet, Rene.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
from Whyno:
When getting call from GMGM, Dennis Wideman was wondering if he got traded. Nope, going to All-Star Game.
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So… was he happy or disappointed to be wrong?
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McNally:
#Caps D-man Dennis Wideman on learning he’d made All-Star team: “George [McPhee] called me and I was like ’Oh, man. Where am I going now.”
Whyno:
Wideman on #NHL ASG nod: “I was pretty excited and a little caught off-guard and a little shocked.”
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sorry, I actually meant to reply to my original post.
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"George [McPhee] called me and I was like ’Oh, man. Where am I going now."
“Dennis, you’re going to Ottawa.”
“Oh man. I guess I better go pack up my stuff.”
“Well, you don’t have to be there until the end of the month, so there’s no rush.”
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Jan 12, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
So, who's everyone's pick for last selection?
I’m thinking Jamie Benn.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 12, 2012 2:22 PM EST reply actions
I’ll go Pominville or Couture.
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Couture was going to be my next choice. Was going by something DGB said on twitter, that it’d probably be a young-ish forward without any teammates there.
After realizing that Benn has many more points than I thought, I think I’d like to switch to Couture. How’d he get there with 30 points, ahead of Marleau and Thornton who each have 35?
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 12, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
No chance. A game with no defense? Sign him up.
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Is this predictive? “Everyone’s pick” makes it sound like “who do you want,” and I’d hella-enjoy that narrative. Plus I think he’d ham it up.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
I said on Twitter a few minutes ago, I think Ovechkin would be an awesome last pick. I think if anyone in this League could take something like that and really have fun with it, it’s 8 – besides, it’s not like he’s in doubt of how good he is so his confidence would be fine. But I also think it doesn’t happen because he IS too good, and perfectly suited for the ASG; guys doing the picking will want him on their team.
The only way he gets picked last is if the others conspire against him to do it (which to be honest would also be hilarious and awesome and totally in keeping with the theme of the weekend, which is to have fun).
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I also thought this. Would love to see Kessel get the captains on board with this. And pull out his cell phone. If Ovi’s not picked in the first 6 he should fully expect this and have a good response ready.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 12, 2012 3:04 PM EST up reply actions
I could totally see a laughing Ovi running up to the stage with his cell phone so that they could take a picture of him sitting by his lonesome.
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 12, 2012 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
And then driving away in his new Leaf. The sponsors would not be unhappy with this result.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I can just imagine Ovi cruising down Wilson Blvd. in a matte black Leaf with fancy wheels.
by jopierce on Jan 12, 2012 4:44 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
And when he makes turns in that Leaf, we could refer to it as turning over a new Leaf.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
My yet to be conceived kids winced at that.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 12, 2012 7:37 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
So a bad season means he’s no longer talented? Got it.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I didn’t say he’s not talented. I said maybe he’s not as good as he thinks he is. His drop in production is alarming on its own. Anyone with fewer points than Scott Hartnell doesn’t get to believe he’s king shit of fuck mountain.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 12, 2012 5:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Kessel doesn’t have the ball to pick Ovi last.
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by J.P. on Jan 12, 2012 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Ouch… rec.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Have to admit, I like the idea of Kessel being the other captain with what happened last season…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Girardi.
It's not that I don't like people, I'm just happier when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Don’t they do some goofy shit where the D’s have to be drafted up by the third-to-last round or something?
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Oh, right.
Karlsson then.
It's not that I don't like people, I'm just happier when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Green'd ya.
It's not that I don't like people, I'm just happier when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
And the goalies, too, right? So last pick has to be a forward; takes half the fun out of it.
"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."
Well, being a decent defensive defenseman in the ASG is like being the girl with the best SATs in the strip club – nice talent to have, but not in that venue.
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Congrats to Ovie and Wideman!
Have they announced the captains yet? I imagine that Daniel Alfredsson will be one. And maybe Jarome Iginla? It could be an informally East-West (yet very Canadian) affair.
Iggy would be a very deserving choice as captain….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 12, 2012 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
Does anyone else think it would be cool to have a “Canada vs the World” ASG? If you switch Byfuglien with Duncan Keith or Brent Seabrook and Jimmy Howard with Luongo or Fleury, and each side has the right number of forwards, defensemen, and goalies. It’d definitely get people more interested.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 12, 2012 5:09 PM EST reply actions
they used to do North America vs. The World format. I think the AHL still does? Or has in the past?
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AHL has done Canada vs. Planet USA (their fancy name for Not Canada) before. The NA vs. World started as a way to pimp the NHLers going to the Olympics, as I recall.
"Money talks. I listen."
per nhl.com re the all star game
Wideman, who has been traded three times in his seven NHL seasons, said in his experience, calls from the GM usually are a bad thing.
“When he called me I was like, ‘Oh man, where am I going now?’” Wideman said.
LOL! Poor Dennis
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