Thursday Caps Clips: Blanking the Bell Centre

Neil Greenburg is doing a hit on the Junkies this morning

RAMPAGE

by JediChewbacca on Jan 19, 2012 7:32 AM EST reply actions

Thanks. (Unless that was a warning for people to stay away)

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by NGreenberg on Jan 19, 2012 8:34 AM EST up reply actions

Was anyone else a just a little dismayed about the lack of “response” after Darche picked up Hendricks and swung him like a mace into Neuvirth?

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 7:41 AM EST reply actions

I don’t know how you could be at this point. Par for the course.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions

If you’re talking about when Darche crosschecked Hendricks into Neuvy, Hendricks went after Darche as soon as he got back on his feet, and the other caps came over.

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 9:07 AM EST up reply actions

Eh. He swatted him with the stick on the leg. That was about it.

I just figured that with all the talk that’s been going on, especially in lieu of the Backstrom Incident, that someone would have tried to really go after Darche there.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:09 AM EST up reply actions

And you saw two Caps go down with what appeared to be knee on knee collisions in the game.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:13 AM EST up reply actions

I certainly did. Although as my good friend Gimli would say, neither of them looked deliberate.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

No, neither of them looked deliberate, but that was on replay (and the jury is out on Cole IMO, though there’s no way he’ll be fined or suspended).

During the game you see two guys go down grasping at their knee after awkward collisions. Don’t you think a “what the fuck are you doing?” is in order? Basically, the response Chimera gave Bourque after that elbow is what I’d like to see for the knees, and the response I’d like to see for the Bourque hit involves bare knuckles. The Caps’ response dial is down at a 2, we could use it at least around a 6 or 7.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Preach it.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

Would you go as far as looking for more “grit” at the deadline?

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by Kolzilla on Jan 19, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions

Not at the cost of anything valuable. At this point I wouldn’t give up anything significant because there’s no way this team is a real contender. In a month if they’ve turned the corner then maybe. “Grit” guys are usually available at the deadline for not too much, but that’s because they aren’t that good. The Caps need guys that are good at hockey and especially guys that can make sure they are the ones playing with the puck.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

Not to mention grit gets here and softens up. I’m no doctor, but I’m unaware of any successful backbone transplants.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Yeah, I’m not sure how you root out the problem long-term either. You can’t really point to Ovechkin as the source. Getting rid of Semin isn’t gonna do it.

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by Kolzilla on Jan 19, 2012 10:02 AM EST up reply actions

If Dallas decides to close up shop, would Brenden Morrow be intriguing? You’d have to pay him one more year at 4.1. He does have a no-trade.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions

He’s in a major scoring slump. And isn’t particularly durable.

That said, I’ve always loved that guy’s game.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions

He’s also a wing, which doesn’t help the center problem. Would solve (some) of the grit problem I would think.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

You know I’m down with that.

Winterhawk fever. . . Catch it!

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by D'ohboy on Jan 19, 2012 12:56 PM EST up reply actions

Winterhawk Fever when it makes the NHL

by Rather Bengt on Jan 19, 2012 1:01 PM EST up reply actions

They have glove malfunctions?

by Dirk Dangler on Jan 19, 2012 1:16 PM EST up reply actions

I have no problem with the Caps not going after anyone there. They weren’t blatant, and they weren’t especially obvious. I didn’t see that either appeared to be a knee-on-knee until the replay was shown.

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t know what play you’re talking about then. In the one I’m talking about, Hendricks went over to Darche, pushed him, and got in his face. It was at that point that the other Caps came over – I don’t think any of the rest knew what had happened yet.

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 9:14 AM EST up reply actions

Darche flung Hendricks into Neuvirth late in the game. No call. Neuvy was a little shaken up.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah, and that’s when what I’m talking about happened.

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

And it wasn’t a fling – he crosschecked Hendy from behind.

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

Well, I’m being facetious. He didn’t “literally” pick up Hendy and swing him like a mace.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions

But they did see Neuvirth down on the ice in obvious discomfort and Hendricks looking pissed off. You don’t need to know exactly what happened, the circumstantial evidence says some shit went down and you got two boys who are in a bad spot, so start getting mean.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

And as soon as they saw Hendricks come after Darche, they all came over. It’s what they should do.

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

They surrounded him and looked at him angrily. Hendy gave him a little slash on the leg.

THAT’S not old time hockey!

To be fair, I’ve heard several color guys on other teams speak in disbelief when a Cap player – usually either 21 or 22 – knocks their goalie over and there is no retribution. So it perhaps isn’t just the Caps.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions

You can make a good argument (although I don’t buy it myself) that Lucic running over Ryan Miller and the lack of response from the Sabres ruined their entire season.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

Rob Ray said that (per J.P. in the roundtable comments yesterday). Hard to say whether that’s ex-player narrative or there’s something to it, but I don’t think you can just dismiss it out of hand.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions

I think it’s certainly “a” factor in a series of many factors. I never thought they were that good to begin with, and they’re down to calling up Joe Finley to play defense. But I don’t think it’s “the” factor.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions

Especially with a 3-0 lead in the third. There’s no real danger of a penalty coming back to bite them.

But we’ve been talking about these things for 3+ years now.

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by Kolzilla on Jan 19, 2012 9:59 AM EST up reply actions

Can we stop referring to stuff such as face-washes and projecting bad breath at someone as “went after” and the like?

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs

Face washes are only bad in Boston Men’s Leagues.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions

Yikes.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 9:41 AM EST up reply actions

“Only the runs can stop the opponents from running the goaltender”

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

I’m not picking up the reference, and from JP’s reaction I’m fairly sure I would like to.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 11:10 AM EST up reply actions

Here you go.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

How has no one given Zung Nguyen the nickname “Dung” Nguyen yet?

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

Hah, I had forgotten about that.

Gross.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 11:36 AM EST up reply actions

Someone was kicked out of a men’s league for defecating in opponent’s glove.

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by apk3000 on Jan 19, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

Last season, Dustin Byfuglien ran Neuvirth pretty severely. Dave Steckel skated toward Big Buff to have words and was summarily brushed aside like a house fly. That is what we have here. A team full of Steckel-flies.

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by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 19, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions

Sid trembles at the thought

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by Cap-O-Vens on Jan 19, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

So do you get a goon on the roster? Burke just ditched his; he’s the guy who believes in fights so much he’s willing to go fight a GM in a random barn. If he’s ditching Orr, we’re at the point that the league has turned a corner and the whole violence-after-the-fact isn’t really tenable.

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by sydtron on Jan 19, 2012 12:27 PM EST up reply actions

Steckel’s reaction was mild but Erskine went nuts and got a few good punches in before the refs got involved. It was the Oct. 23, 2010 game.

by jopierce on Jan 19, 2012 1:38 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

Calling Dimagus. Any chance we can get a GIF of this play?

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by cainoo7x on Jan 19, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions

No gif, but video at http://youtu.be/tDNyTY3BYgc

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by AMusingFool on Jan 19, 2012 11:11 PM EST up reply actions

Ovi’s on pace for 35 goals this year.

Over or under guys?

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 7:41 AM EST reply actions

Over. Rumors of his demise are greatly exaggerated.

Cross check and all call.

by bigonetimer on Jan 19, 2012 7:54 AM EST up reply actions

I’m gonna put my $ on 38

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:09 AM EST up reply actions

Over… he’ll hit 40.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:31 AM EST up reply actions

Wow, I love your optimism. I think 35 is about right but if pressed, I’d take the slight under.

by Dirk Dangler on Jan 19, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions

If you don’t include the first 10 games or so I bet his pace now would get him at 40,

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

Don’t bet, do research.

He’s currently on a 34.6-goal pace.

Remove the first ten games of the season and that drops to 32.8.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

(Over his last 16 games, though, he is on a 51.25-goal pace, but just 23.4 over his last 7 games.)

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions

Don’t bet, do research.

Well where’s the fun in that?

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions

Saving me the time doing your homework.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

But I got you to do the homework.

SUCKAAAA!!!

Naaa, but you know me. I love digging for stats and I usually do my research to back myself up (well.. sometimes)

Just a busy morning at work

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions

Ovechkin has had nine five-game segments to his season so far. He pace, based on cumulative goals to the end of each segment are:

1: 16.4
2: 41.0
3: 38.3
4: 28.7
5: 26.2
6: 27.3
7: 28.1
8: 34.9
9: 34.6

He had a dip in the Great Malaise (after the benching in the Anaheim game) but appears to be rebounding to respectability, if not “Ovechkinosity”

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 11:35 AM EST up reply actions

Based on this, the 39 we prognositcated appears high, but I think he will finish between 35 and 40.

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions

And yet he has a higher shooting percentage than in his 56-goal season.

Shoot.

The.

Fucking.

Puck.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions 8 recs

I think he will begin to shoot more…

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

He is on a pace for 304 shots. In the year he scored 56, he had 528.

yeesh…

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions

If we take out the first 10 games this team is on the outside looking in playoffs wise

by Obi wan Knuble on Jan 19, 2012 11:16 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

Also very true.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions

Also, I like Tracee Hamilton even less for gargling Sidney Crosby’s nuts this morning. I know it’s unavoidable at a national level, but seriously? You are a local columnist

RAMPAGE

by JediChewbacca on Jan 19, 2012 7:42 AM EST reply actions

Aside from THAT visual before 8 in the morning, I don’t really see anything wrong with being pragmatic about coming back after the injuries he’s suffered.

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by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2012 7:48 AM EST up reply actions

Eh, that was clearly a “Peyton Manning, sit out and get healthy, so Dan Snyder can overpay for you later” column.

"Money talks. I listen."

by apk3000 on Jan 19, 2012 7:51 AM EST up reply actions

Haven’t read the column, but I’d love it personally if Crosby came back. I hate the jersey he wears, but I love watching him play.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 7:59 AM EST up reply actions

Hear hear.

And actually, I don’t necessarily love watching him play, because it greatly improves a team I despise. But I do want him back all the same. Good for hockey.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:05 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Seconded. I don’t care how much I hate a player, I don’t want to see a career ended by a life-changing injury.

"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."

by gfcaps fan on Jan 19, 2012 8:21 AM EST up reply actions

If he doesn’t come back, I fully expect Rob Lowe to break the news.

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by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs

Agreed, I hate Team Canada.

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by nogoodtrying on Jan 19, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Agree, especially regarding the style of play. He played gorgeous hockey.

I’ll be interested to see if he plays as hard-nosed a game as before the injuries.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 9:04 AM EST up reply actions

Well he was certainly stirring shit up during his recent return. I don’t think he knows any other way to play.

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by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:06 AM EST up reply actions

gorgeous hockey when he’s not being a dirty little shit with careless elbows and liberally wielding that stick.

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Those elbows aren’t careless, they’re quite deliberate in my opinion.

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by gfcaps fan on Jan 19, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions

I’m trying to giving him the benefit of the doubt :) I, actually, really dislike how he plays the game because of his “extracurricular activities”

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions

It’s a rough game. He plays with an edge. I like it.

He sets my teeth on edge when he speaks, fwiw.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions

It’s a rough game, sure. But playing with an edge doesn’t have to mean you are a carving people up with your stick like they’re all freshly cooked birds. Lots of people play with an edge and do it honestly. I don’t think Sid’s edge is an honest one.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions

Fair enough, I’ll make an exception for the stickwork.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

No Morrow is a guy whose edge I would love to have on the Caps.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

*

Now.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

Morrow isn’t a gutless puke who crotch-punches guys from behind.

Unleash the Apathy.

by D'ohboy on Jan 19, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

Pronman on Kuz

…due to how many red flags I’ve received about him over the years on his in-game intangibles, I’m not 100% ready to wipe clear some of his risk projection.

In-game intangibles. Is this supposed to be shorthand for ‘lazy Russian?’

Cross check and all call.

by bigonetimer on Jan 19, 2012 7:43 AM EST reply actions

It’s probably the type of thing that forms that stereotype, but Corey’s not one to generalize like that without reason.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 7:44 AM EST up reply actions

Must be referring to the on-ice intangible of Owning Canada, in which case, I dig.

Cross check and all call.

by bigonetimer on Jan 19, 2012 7:52 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs

I thought there were plenty of Alex Semin comparisons for Kuz in the past.

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by apk3000 on Jan 19, 2012 7:53 AM EST up reply actions

He’d noted it before, that there were mixed (both positive and negative) reviews on his work ethic every shift and consistency (knocks which Tarasenko and Yakupov don’t have against them).

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by red army line on Jan 19, 2012 8:37 AM EST up reply actions

Exactly my point – it’s his opinion (or his aggregation of the opinions of others), but it is player-specific.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:41 AM EST up reply actions

Pronman, on intangibles:

I’m not naive enough to discount intangibles; you need them to be a pro athlete. However, we need to be careful about which intangibles we’re talking about. Intangibles only really matter if there’s a direct impact on your shift-to-shift production. Those intangibles usually are your on-ice work ethic, keeping yourself conditioned/getting gym work done, and making sure you stay on the ice.

Specifically on Kuz:

I’ve gotten divided opinions about his work ethic. Some sources question his shift-to-shift determination, and I’m certainly not too enthralled by it either, although I don’t think it’s horrible. However, one NHL source went as far as to say his determination is his best asset.

Cross check and all call.

by bigonetimer on Jan 19, 2012 8:53 AM EST up reply actions

This week’s showdown between Kuzya and Tarasenko (who, admittedly, was playing only his first or second game with the powerhouse team he just got traded to) ended 3-1 Kuzya, who was in on all three of Traktor’s goals.

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by EmilyB on Jan 19, 2012 9:03 AM EST up reply actions

I think the word he meant to use was “enigmatic.” He’ll get the hang of it. They all do.

by jopierce on Jan 19, 2012 7:46 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions

Enigmatic Russian. Remember they’re all huMANNNNgous enigmatic.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions

hu-MANNNNN-igmatic

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

How bizarre is it to see the Caps sitting there towards the top of the standings with a +1 goal differential right smack next to Boston with a +68?

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 7:44 AM EST reply actions

About as bizarre as it is to see them tied in points with Florida when the Caps are five games over .500 and the Kitties are three games under.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 7:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Speaking of the Kitties, will they stay in the Top 8? Given the teams below them include Toronto, Winnipeg, Buffalo (who can’t stay healthy), Montreal (who looks to be a mess this year), and Carolina, they might have a shot.

And then there are two other teams with more points (but less ROW) than the Caps: New Jersey and Ottawa.

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by CapsFan75 on Jan 19, 2012 7:48 AM EST up reply actions

I think New Jersey’s skaters are playoff caliber. Question is whether they’ll ask a competent goalie to start for them or stick with declining Brodeur, like Columbus with Mason.

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by red army line on Jan 19, 2012 8:38 AM EST up reply actions

If you are Lou Lam how do you bring in another goalie and put Marty on the bench?

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by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions

That’s a non-starter, I would think. It’s either Hedberg or Brodeur for the rest of the year.

Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Jan 19, 2012 9:09 AM EST up reply actions

Wyshynski wants them to go after Carey Price in the offseason (if Marty retires)

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

I think it’ll be hilarious if Marty doesn’t want to retire and doesn’t want to take a pay cut. I hope either Marty or the Devils get the spurs put to ’em.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:11 AM EST up reply actions

Saw news earlier in the week that he is considering playing another year; I think he’d take a paycut, possibly with performance bonuses since if the CBA doesn’t change that would be an option for him if he does sign a one year deal to return.

by sk84fun_dc on Jan 19, 2012 7:30 PM EST up reply actions

And if they make the playoffs it’s Brodeur.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:10 AM EST up reply actions

For better or worse, Marty’s earned that opportunity in his career.

Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Jan 19, 2012 9:11 AM EST up reply actions

He has, but does he still give them the best opportunity to win?

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:12 AM EST up reply actions

Unfortunately, that’s not a question that is relevant for NJD this year.

Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Jan 19, 2012 9:16 AM EST up reply actions

Oh indeed.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:13 AM EST up reply actions

Don’t count Marty out yet… He’s been “over the hill” before.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions

He hasn’t been 40 before — your body really starts accelerating how fast it breaks down at that age.

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by sydtron on Jan 19, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions

Poor Knuble

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by Bman21212 on Jan 19, 2012 5:28 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t think he’s as bad as he’s been so far this year, but I don’t think he’s that reliably above-average-to-elite goalie he was as late as 2008-2009 or so.

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by red army line on Jan 19, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions

NJ does have plenty of great skaters; i.e., Parise, Kovalchuk, Zajac. They have still made it a habit to go to OT and win in a shootout.

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by CapsFan75 on Jan 19, 2012 7:10 PM EST up reply actions

Buffalo and Montreal won’t make it. Even without their injuries a lot of guys aren’t pulling their weight in Buffalo. I think Ottawa’s points record is misleading, and they’ll drop out. WPG/FLA/TOR to fight for the last two spots, barring a hot goalie suddenly leading a team out of nowhere.

by Vinn on Jan 19, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions

The Sabres’ payroll this season (actual cash money, not cap money) is north of $80 million. Ouch.

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by EmilyB on Jan 19, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions

And I, for one, couldn’t be happier.

Danterry Snydergula

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

“Hey, boss, I need some time off next week. I have to go under the knife and get this ugly snydergula removed.”

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by SmallZ827 on Jan 19, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

This brings us back to the earlier discussion of Roy as a possible trade target to fill the 2C (or 1C depending on when Nicky gets back) void.

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by cainoo7x on Jan 19, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions

that too

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:09 AM EST up reply actions

Also, fuck you very much, Florida, for a) getting another loser point and b) losing to the Avs. If there was one game that needed to end in regulation…

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions

Worst of all possible outcomes to that game, there.

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by SmallZ827 on Jan 19, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions

Eh, a Cats OT/SO win would’ve been worse at this point.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions

I suppose. The Eastern Conference is weaker, on the whole, making Florida more likely to pick up intra-conference points, so I guess you want them to lose the game and assume Colorado gets their asses kicked out West.

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by SmallZ827 on Jan 19, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

I will take FLA getting 1 point, Since they were up 3-1 in the 3rd and then blew it. Avs winning in OT helped us out!

by DBake on Jan 19, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions

Not in the draft

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by AMusingFool on Jan 19, 2012 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

If Mueller can stay healthy, the Avs might have a decent shot of making the playoffs. He gives that team a big, skilled scoring threat that they just don’t have otherwise.

Unleash the Apathy.

by D'ohboy on Jan 19, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions

Given his past history, that sounds like a mighty big “if”.

by Rather Bengt on Jan 19, 2012 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

If Vokoun doesn’t let in another goal until next season the Caps will win the Cup.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 6:40 PM EST up reply actions

Not if it’s because of a season ending knee injury…

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by Killer_Carlson on Jan 19, 2012 7:06 PM EST up reply actions

Ottawa has six more standings points than the Caps and is a -1

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 7:56 AM EST up reply actions

And only three teams (ANA, TBL, CAR), have given up more goals at 5 on 5, only two teams (TBL and NJ) have given up more shorties, they’re tied with most goals given up at 4 on 4 with BUF and CBJ, and they’re tied for most goals given up 4 on 5, with BUF, and only CAR, CBJ and TBL give up more goals than their 3.08 per game.

Ripe for a fall? Ripe for a fall.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:04 AM EST up reply actions

There have been too many times where a Cap has said they’re okay and they turn out to be out for a while. Hope Johansson’s okay. Or is Brooks Laich officially our first center? And who will be our 2nd Center? Halpern? Eakin? Perreault?

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by CapsFan75 on Jan 19, 2012 7:45 AM EST reply actions

I’m waiting to jump off that bridge when we get to it.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 7:46 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs

I admit I’ll be worried about MoJo until he shows up in a game.

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by CapsFan75 on Jan 19, 2012 7:12 PM EST up reply actions

0000

There’s only one thing to do at that point

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 7:47 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I’m doing just that.

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by CapsFan75 on Jan 19, 2012 7:48 AM EST up reply actions

As we put it…“work the beads, work the beads.”

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 7:54 AM EST up reply actions

Just use lots of lube.

Unleash the Apathy.

by D'ohboy on Jan 19, 2012 1:05 PM EST up reply actions

Don’t worry. MarJo is 2 Legit 2 Quit

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions

I hope so. Because if he takes too many more pumps and a bump, he’ll have to deal with the funky headhunter.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:53 AM EST up reply actions

Then he’ll be iced iced baby

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:54 AM EST up reply actions

please hammer, don’t hurt ’em!

by kingbonehead on Jan 19, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions

Stop!

Hamr Time!

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Oh snap. Why didn’t we think of that one earlier.

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

I thought it was interesting his gloves say Hammer

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by Cap-O-Vens on Jan 19, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions

He’s had them long enough that they talk?

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by AMusingFool on Jan 19, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions

At least they say something mild like “Hammer”, unlike those Boston gloves that just talk shit all the time.

by HockeyGoalie29 on Jan 19, 2012 1:54 PM EST up reply actions

Finally, happy 46th birthday to Sylvain Cote.

Remembering that in 1992-93, Cote, along with Al Iafrate and Kevin Hatcher scored 20 goals. This is the only time in NHL history that three defensemen on the same team accomplished that in the same season. Just to add a little context: that season, only 4 other d-men in the league scored twenty: 20 goals have been scored by a d-man only 134 times in NHL history, and only 3 other times by as many as 2 members of the same team.
While in and of itself, this feat is maybe more a curiousity than accomplishment, it’s unique and I’m surprised Susan O’Malley missed the opportunity to cheese it up with a banner.

by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Jan 19, 2012 7:53 AM EST reply actions

She was probably too busy writing ad copy like “Come see your favorite stars like Lemieux, Hextall, and Richter and we’ll throw in the Gretzky game free!”

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by apk3000 on Jan 19, 2012 8:04 AM EST up reply actions

Isn’t he doing fishing charters out of Annapolis now?

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:06 AM EST up reply actions

___

Good times, that. And this (for Becca):

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:08 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs

coteeeee

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:10 AM EST up reply actions

even at 46 he has the healthiest groin for anyone who has worn #3 in red in the last 13 months

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by Cap-O-Vens on Jan 19, 2012 8:56 AM EST up reply actions

And the least Achy-Breaky Pelvis!

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:57 AM EST up reply actions

Can we entice Cote to participate in a groin transplant?

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:59 AM EST up reply actions

Got to meet him at a few events, a very nice guy. Saw him a couple of years ago at the arena and he looks like he still can play.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

Super nice guy and yeah, he can still play. Friend of mine got him to come out and play a pickup game with us in Annapolis last year during the playoffs. Had to be the highlight of my life playing one on one with Cote!

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by highslot84 on Jan 19, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions

Poking through the stats this morning to wake up

Ovechkin is 5th in shots this year with 167. Tied with Eric Staal. The top two in shots are Penguin (Neal & Malkin)

Hendricks finally cracked the top 10 in # of major penalties. Yay!

3 of the top 5 face-off leaders are Caps or former Caps (#2 Jeff Halpern, #4 Stecks, #4 Belanger). Makes me wonder if top faceoff guys (or any specialty players for that matter) have a higher turnover rate that the average player.

PIM leaders. Hendricks. Only #46 in the league w/ 64. Only three Caps crack the top 100 (Hendricks, Erskine, Semin ). I want to think that maybe I give Semin too much shit for his penalties, but if you sort by # of minor penalties, he’s #13… so nevermind.

Ovechkin is only #19 in hits. Is that good thing or bad thing? (FYI: Brouwer is top 5).

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:11 AM EST reply actions

The post about the numbers Malkin and Neal are putting up together on Pensblog t’other day was crazy.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:18 AM EST up reply actions

Makes me wonder if top faceoff guys (or any specialty players for that matter) have a higher turnover rate that the average player.

I’d say it’s just the fact that they are role players that makes them turnover more, nothing related to FOs. None of them are exceptional at anything other than FO%.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions

I assume they’re the first casualties because most teams want to retain their young star players, who are undoubtedly going to ask for more money. They want to pay that star winder 6 mil instead of 4.5 mil. Mr. Faceoff here makes 1.5 mil and we gotta trim the budget so we trade for some draft choices and a young, young player or an old old player that’s good on the dot that requires only 1 mil

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions

Right, but Mr. Faceoff makes 1.5 because he’s Mr. Faceoff, not Mr. Awesome At Hockey. There are more than a couple guys that are great in the dot and aren’t turned over every year.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:32 AM EST up reply actions

True. But it’s probably easier to dump a great faceoff guy and get a cheaper faceoff guy that’s consistent than it is to find a star scoring machine that’s consistent.

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions

Hence the turnover.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions

Stecks has two shorties this year. haven’t checked but hope he’s gettin’ paid well. :P

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions

he’s still on that contract he signed with the Caps. $1.1 million per season, I believe.

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

He’s a hell of a PK’er. was worth a little more I’d say.

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions

He’s actually not a hell of a PKer. No way is he underpaid on his current deal.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

Ah yes. I remember there were a lot of posts that debunked this particular myth.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions

To wit:

His defensive skills and willingness to do the dirty jobs gives Steckel value but, while he’s perhaps better than many of his teammates, he is by no means elite. As the team’s leading forward shorthanded ice time getter, and one who doesn’t far particularly well in the individual numbers (his 8.65 GAON/60 was better than only 15 of the league’s 169 regular penalty killing forwards), Steckel probably had to take as much blame as anyone (well, any of the players at least) for the Capitals poor penalty killing unit

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions

Further:

That leaves David Steckel, a fine enough fourth-liner (though be careful not to overstate the importance of a good faceoff percentage – see here, here and here), but with a bad contract, one that will pay him $1,100,000 in each of the next three seasons. It’s not a cripplingly bad deal, of course, but rather one that’s tough to love for a guy whose game regressed in 2009-10 (I strongly recommend re-reading his Rink Wrap) and who was a healthy scratch in four of the seven playoff games, when cheaper checkers like Blair Betts (and Boyd Gordon) seem to be available every summer. [Sidenote: in retrospect, this was not exactly GMGM’s best day, eh?]

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions

I think Burke gets more out of his contract but he’s a 4th liner, anyone making over $850ish is overpaid

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by sydtron on Jan 19, 2012 12:16 PM EST up reply actions

Sadly, that’s one more than the Caps as a team.

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by AMusingFool on Jan 19, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions

Look at the turnover before puck-over-the-glass wasn’t a penalty. Good at faceoffs? Come make our PK rock solid by winning faceoffs after whenever we want to slow down the PP!

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by sydtron on Jan 19, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

___

Think the Caps went (back) into a shell after scoring that third goal? Hang on for dear life, fellas!

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:12 AM EST reply actions

They scored that third goal and went on PK for the rest of the game.

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by EmilyB on Jan 19, 2012 8:15 AM EST up reply actions

They did do a lot of PKing from there on out, that’s for sure.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:16 AM EST up reply actions

(But “only” 8 of the roughly 30 minutes.)

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:17 AM EST up reply actions

I should say six of the 30 minutes, since the Habs took a penalty during the Ersk triple-minor.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions

I had terrible flashbacks to the Brashear Game when Ersk took the tripler.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:51 AM EST up reply actions

That was one of the worst weekends in recent Caps history.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:52 AM EST up reply actions

Was that around the time of the Backstrom Game, or when they got poleaxed by Chicago? They were hanging by a thread for a good while there.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:54 AM EST up reply actions

That game was on Saturday, Nick’s own-goal on Sunday.

I thought they were cooked. So depressing.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:59 AM EST up reply actions

Same here. Everyone did. I was at the Backstrom Game, and I’ve never experienced the air go out of an entire building quite like when that moment happened. And the place was CRAWLING with Pens fans. I was up in the 400s behind the Caps goal, and it felt like I was watching the game at Civic Arena.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:04 AM EST up reply actions

I can’t remember precisely, but I think Carolina had to go in the tank for the Caps to make it.

And yeah, that Brash triple minor was the sound of your playoff hopes expiring, or so it seemed.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 9:15 AM EST up reply actions

They did, IIRC. If Carolina beats Florida in the game before the Caps/Florida, the Canes are in the playoffs.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions

But if the Caps still beat Florida, they’re in, just not as #3 seed. So I don’t think it required Carolina to completely tank.

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by gfcaps fan on Jan 19, 2012 9:24 AM EST up reply actions

Cristo Huet down the stretch…good times.

Cross check and all call.

by bigonetimer on Jan 19, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions

Final Standings

I’m not sure they would have had the tiebreaker on Boston, would they?

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions

Caps had 2 more wins than Boston.

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions

I think the tie-breaker is head-to-head matchups? I know caps won both games at the VC that season, not sure how they fared in Boston.

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

What a way to miss the playoffs

I never thought I would be writing this tonight. But the Panthers just beat the Hurricanes in Raleigh for the first time six years, 4-3, despite being out-shot 46-17, despite losing goaltender Tomas Vokoun to back spasms

That’s the ouchiest of the ouchy.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions

That comes after wins. It’s at the bottom of the page he linked to.

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions

I can never remember if games won (including SO wins) was used in the old rules. because the rules on that page are the currently rules, not the ones from the 07-08 season, oddly enough.

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

Here we go

This was pre-Tampa:

The Caps have come up with the simplest breakdown of the scenarios I’ve seen yet. If they win both of their remaining games, they get in if:

1) The Senators lose one of their final two games (Leafs, Bruins) in regulation or lose both in OT.

2) The Bruins lose one of their final two games (Senators, Sabres) in regulation or lose both in OT.

3) The Flyers lose one of their final games (Devils, Pens) in regulation or OT.

4) The ’Canes lose to the Panthers in regulation or OT.

5) If tomorrow’s Bruins-Sens game ends in regulation, the most one of those teams can get is 94 points. The Caps hold the tiebreaker against both.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions

The Canes did anything but go in the tank. They played .700 hockey down that stretch, getting 21 of a possible 30 points in their last 15. The Caps were insane during that run, going 13-1 in their last 14.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:41 AM EST up reply actions

Huet got very, very rich off that month or so.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions

Shot attempts were 50-11 after the Ovechkin goal.

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 8:35 AM EST up reply actions

I’d like to think that if the Habs had potted one or two that the Caps would’ve turned the spigot back on, but seeing as it was a trickle to begin with…

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:40 AM EST up reply actions

The Caps have turned into the New Jersey Devils (circa 2002), with less “Brodeur”

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 8:42 AM EST up reply actions

Works for me. Good enough for a cup for them :)

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions

They’ll need “more Brodeur” for that

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 9:01 AM EST up reply actions

Marty had a .914 sv% during the 02/03 reg season. Not a problem for the KOUNNNNNN!

Although to be fair, his sv% in the playoffs that year was .934

Somehow he made it to the finals in 00/01 with a .897

WTF.

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:07 AM EST up reply actions

in 01-02, NJD allowed only 23.2 shots/game (2nd); in 02-03 they allowed 23.6/game (1st). The Caps aren’t that team on defense.

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 9:12 AM EST up reply actions

Sure would be nice

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions

In 2001-02 NJD was 4th in the league in Shots for per game. In 2002-03 they were 2nd.

The Caps ain’t that Devils team.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions

I think they actually need more Scotts for that.

Release the Mackan!

by Killer_Carlson on Jan 19, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions

So Vokes’ wife will be pleased he’s not secretly seeing her sister (if she has one).

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by apk3000 on Jan 19, 2012 8:45 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

So maybe the Caps just have prostrate trouble.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

*

Prostate.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:39 AM EST up reply actions

prostitute?

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions

~15 shots apiece through 30 minutes….hahaha.

I like the tweedy goal indicating lines.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 9:13 AM EST up reply actions

Man, these fenwick and shot charts really show how awesome the Caps are and how sustainable their results are.

Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.

by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 19, 2012 10:43 AM EST up reply actions

Hendricks and Bourque on their tussle.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 8:16 AM EST reply actions

Wonder how unbiased that article would have been i Borque wasn’t fresh to the team

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 8:18 AM EST up reply actions

Bet if he pots that breakaway goal they put his name up in the rafters today.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:19 AM EST up reply actions

Loved the Hespeler drop in that.

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by Bald Pollack on Jan 19, 2012 8:22 AM EST up reply actions

Love this line:

Erskine hadn’t played 419 NHL games because of his soft hands or silky passing.

Silky passing? When was the last time anyone used “silky” as an adjective in hockey, Ovie’s comment about “sensitive skin” aside…

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

I thought there was some sort of silky award given to whatever Russian was playing center for the Red Wings?

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by sydtron on Jan 19, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

Hah! Frank Selke was anything but silky… he’s an interesting character, as silky as coarse sand paper.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

Dave Silk’s passes were always silky.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

Ah, so true.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

Don’t know about “silky,” but Caps fans are usually “sulky” every spring

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

huh?

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions

Mirtle used the word to describe a Caps draft pick a few years back.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions

some real gems in the post. Some wild misses, too.

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions

000

Just for giggles, playoff matchups if the season ended today:

East

(1) NYR vs. (8) Florida
(2) Boston vs. (7) Pittsburgh (for Marc Savard’s ghost)
(3) Washington vs. (6) New Jersey
(4)Philadelphia vs. (5) Ottawa

West

(1) CHI vs. (8) Colorado
(2) VAN vs. (7) LAK
(3) SJS vs. (6) NSH
(4) DET vs. (5) STL (wouldn’t THAT be fun?)

4 out of 5 Central Division teams in the playoffs. Christ.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 8:38 AM EST reply actions

The race in the Central Division is nuts. St. Louis had the best record in the entire league after their win against the Stars Monday night and then wake up Thursday morning as the 5th seed in the West.

Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Jan 19, 2012 9:04 AM EST up reply actions

And on top of that, they’re 19-3-3 at home, and Detroit’s lost fewer games than that at the Joe.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:07 AM EST up reply actions

Kinda like how we’re popping back and forth between 3 and 8, 3 and 8.

MADNESS!

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions

The East is terrible. That WSH/NJD matchup would be one of the most boring playoff series since the lockout.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions

But it would be entertaining in that there’d be the potential after each game for at least one Russian inappropriately laughing with his opponent within earshot of his coach’s presser.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 9:47 AM EST up reply actions

Plus, wouldn’t it be nice for the Caps to be the reason Marty finally says “F&KK this shit, I’m retiring”?

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:52 AM EST up reply actions

Yeah the East is so brutal that this may actually be the team’s best chance to make the conference finals yet.

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by Kolzilla on Jan 19, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs

That’s a funny way of looking at it. Montreal got to the ECF with ~15 shots a game, so can the Caps!

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:55 AM EST up reply actions

Certainly if they win the Division. If they don’t and have to go through Boston early… not so good. I shudder at the thought of this team getting bullied by those guys.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions

And if the refs swallow the whistles like they did last year that plays right into Boston’s hands. Oh you didn’t get the memo? Repeated rabbit punches to the face is totally legal in the post-season.

Do the Caps have a single player that would give another player repeated rabbit punches to the face?

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:57 AM EST up reply actions

Perreault. He’d do it while sitting on the shoulders of the player.

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 9:58 AM EST up reply actions

No but we have a lot of guys who would give that person a good, stern talking to.

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by Kolzilla on Jan 19, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Maybe Hunter and Kolzig hop onto the ice in suits and show the team how it’s done

by Brainumbc on Jan 19, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

I saw some tweets last night that said the Caps have the same record as this time last year and have scored the same number of goals compared to the same time last year. Is that right?

If so, why doesn’t it feel worse? Did we have the same group angst this time last year?

Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Jan 19, 2012 9:08 AM EST reply actions

Well last year there was the 8 game losing streak that made the record look worse than the team really was. This year there’s a 7 game win streak that makes the record look better than the team is. They’ve been winning lately, but there’s no way to convince me that playing hockey that is on pace to shatter the record for shot-futility is a blueprint for long term success.

Since Hunter took over, the Caps have 2 wins in games where the opposition scores more than 2 goals. Both those wins were against teams that absolutely can’t keep the puck out of the net, OTT and TBL. So basically as long as the goalies can keep the GA to 2 or fewer they should have a chance to win! When we see the Sv% come down to something more realistic does anyone think they’ll do that?

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I am blindly choosing to ignore everything that you’ve written except:

Well last year there was the 8 game losing streak that made the record look worse than the team really was.

They’ve been winning lately . . .on pace to shatter the record for . . .long term success.

Since Hunter took over, the Caps have . . . .a chance to win!

Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Jan 19, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions 13 recs

Well done.

Please, call me F&B.

by Rob Parker on Jan 19, 2012 9:43 AM EST up reply actions

Which political reporting site are you getting hired by, now?

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by AMusingFool on Jan 19, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions

My only hope is that Hunter is thinking, all I care about right now is improving the D, getting Fs to backcheck and commit to defense, etc. Once those habits are ingrained, we’ll focus on the other end of the rink. And that he as a silver bullet for what ails the O. Wishful thinking most likely.

by Dirk Dangler on Jan 19, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions

Are they really playing better defense as a team, or just getting more saves from the goalies?

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions

I think it’s a work in progress, but without a doubt the forwards seem more committed to defense at this point. The Dmen, god I hope it’s still a transition period to the man-to-man because Carlzner hasn’t been good. Hamr’s obviously been better (with regression to the mean a part of it), Orlov and Wideman pretty much the same. But the main point/question I think is still valid — is the coaching staff focused now on shoring up the defensive side (whether the results are there currently or not) and will worry about offensive when they think the D is more or less taken care of. Grasping I know.

by Dirk Dangler on Jan 19, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions

On the bright side, maybe as long as the goalies stay hot, the defense “looks” “fixed” and they can “start” to “focus” on “offense” a little more.

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by red army line on Jan 19, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions

i like where you’re going, but the eventual “fix” for the offense will be ovi and semin shooting at a 16% clip for the last three weeks of the season, at which point the team will be declared ready for the playoffs.

by Ginga on Jan 19, 2012 10:58 AM EST up reply actions

I find it hard to believe Hunter’s system actually makes it impossible to draw penalties and get close to 30 shots per game. Still crossing my fingers.

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I believe in next year.

by red army line on Jan 19, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Results have not exactly been inspiring.

Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.

by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 19, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions

The refs doing their jobs would help a lot in the “drawing penalties” department. The lack of shots though… no idea what’s going on there,

Failure is always an option.

by timmyv38 on Jan 19, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions

Be interested to see if the raw total of chances against has gone down under Hunter. We know the percentages are horrible, but perhaps they’re conceding fewer chances overall.

Remind me to ask NGr when he next appears.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions

That is precisely how I see it too.

Or HOPE I see it.

Or something.

My only hope is that Hunter is thinking, all I care about right now is improving the D, getting Fs to backcheck and commit to defense, etc. Once those habits are ingrained, we’ll focus on the other end of the rink. And that he as a silver bullet for what ails the O. Wishful thinking most likely.

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by smutsboy1 on Jan 19, 2012 10:45 AM EST up reply actions

I think all the changes that have gone on with the staff, and how many times they’ve looked absolutely, horribly terrible this season have soured a lot of good will the team has engendered.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions

This year, 25-18-2 (52 pts) after 45 games; last year, 24-14-7 (55 pts) after 45 games

Scoring…this year, 2,82 G/GM (45 games); last year: 2.80 G/GM (45 games)

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 9:17 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs

Pick one for this weekend that would make you feel more comfortable going forward:

1) Caps win two 2-1 games in which they’re badly out-chanced/out-possessed and only get ~20 shots on goal in each game

2) Caps lose two 2-1 games in which they dominate their opponents (possession and chances) and get ~30 shots on goal in each game

I guess at this point you’ve gotta take the points (leave the cannoli), as it’s a bit late in the day for moral victories, but I sure wouldn’t mind seeing a couple of convincing performances, even if the results aren’t perfect.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 9:59 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

If you also told me that the Cats, Devils, Sens and Jets would lose, I might take #2. Otherwise, I’m taking the four points, thank you very much.

Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Jan 19, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions

Also, it’s a trick question because you always select the option in which the Caps beat Pittsburgh, even if they’re out-shot 100-1.

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by J.P. on Jan 19, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs

Whoops. Comment, read, think (step 3 optional).

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by SmallZ827 on Jan 19, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions

If this weekend didn’t include a game against the Pens, I’d say 2).

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by SmallZ827 on Jan 19, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions

10-11 season makes me think get outshot all you want, just win the game. Solid netminding hasn’t been an issue for the team, but odd man breaks, lazy backchecking and failure to reduce quality chances always has. If they’re getting goals with less shots, I’m fine with that so long as it is somehow tenable. With Backstrom out right now, I could care less what happens so long as they get points. If Backstrom is in the lineup and they’re not getting ~30 shots a night, there be an issue Houston.

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by sydtron on Jan 19, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Wins > losses… always.

That said, I’d like to see more offense out of the Caps, but the system they are playing defense first and they are still learning it (it’s pretty complicated compared to BB’s), but once they get the hang of it, the chances will come.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions

What if those wins create a “well we won like this; if it ain’t broke don’t fix it” mentality that reinforces many of the mistakes and bad habits?

Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.

by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 19, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions

I don’t think so. Eventually they’ll be more comfortable and be willing to take more chances. A man-to-man defensive system is a lot more difficult than a zone system like BB uses.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions

Hmm…what would Mike Cammalleri say? #playlikelosers

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by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions

If he says that, he’s in the right place in Calgary.

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions

Option 2 for me.

The Caps have plenty of time to catch FLA and the Cats are not a good team. If the Caps can consistently play good hockey, that is.

I’d gladly forgo (sp? No red squiggle but that definitely doesn’t look right…) the four points in exchange for a a team that looks like they can win consistently.

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by fat_daddyo on Jan 19, 2012 11:33 AM EST up reply actions

I’m an Option 2 man as well. Of course, I will take whatever wins we can get. BUT let’s face it: the current ‘system’ is not, exactly, blowing people away and, clearly, as eloquent discussions led by JP, Peerless, F&P, Greenberg, etc. have indicated, the discrepancies in possession and shots are never a good thing. Our D (as in d-men and goalers primarily) seem to be holding points against to a reasonable level. Assuming they can keep this up until Greener gets back, I think we need to focus on getting the biscuit up the ice and, if not in, at least near the opposition net as much as possible.

by Wilderthing on Jan 19, 2012 12:54 PM EST up reply actions

Photo of a stitched up Taylor Hall, via Pierre LeBrun. Warning: it’s scary which is why I haven’t posted it.

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 1:13 PM EST reply actions

holy shit he’s lucky

by Beakers Lab on Jan 19, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions

I just got around to watching the video and holy crap, talk about a freak injury. It reminds me of the Zednik injury from a couple years ago.

by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 19, 2012 1:25 PM EST up reply actions

That could have been really really bad. That’s scar is going to be almost a Guy Boucher level of scary.

I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.

by iwearstripes on Jan 19, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions

Access Denied

"He leaves every ounce of energy that he has on the ice and works very hard at it, and he wants to be the best and he wants to win, If you don’t follow that, you’ve got something wrong with you."

by nogoodtrying on Jan 19, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

Try this.

Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.

by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 19, 2012 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

Gracias!

"He leaves every ounce of energy that he has on the ice and works very hard at it, and he wants to be the best and he wants to win, If you don’t follow that, you’ve got something wrong with you."

by nogoodtrying on Jan 19, 2012 7:36 PM EST up reply actions

not for faint of heart.

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

Surprised no one’s linked Borje Salming post-Gerard Gallant yet.

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 2:06 PM EST up reply actions

Neuvy always says the right things. He’s mastered the “I’m a team player” soundbite:

Yeah, you know, I’m pretty happy with my performance, but Vokey’s playing great right now and we’ve been winning all the hockey games. So he’s No. 1 and I’m just happy to get a start, and I got a big ‘W’ for myself and the team.

reminds me of (paraphrasing) “It’s Theo’s streak, I’m just taking care of it for him tonight”

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 1:21 PM EST reply actions

I’m surprised Neuvy thought Vokes wasnt number one at any point this season.

What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.

by BetterOffWith28 on Jan 19, 2012 1:23 PM EST up reply actions

Vokes didn’t look like a number 1 for long stretches early in the season. Although Neuvy had chances to grab that clear #1 designation for himself and failed to.

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

Waiver Wire happenings from Bob McK

NSH claims COL’s Brandon Yip off waivers
CHI’s Brett McLean clears waivers.

FLA puts Michael Repik on waivers. CGY puts Brett Carson on waivers.

by Rather Bengt on Jan 19, 2012 1:34 PM EST reply actions

Yip? YIP? Uh-huh.

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by SmallZ827 on Jan 19, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions

Yip! Yip! Yip! Yip! Yip!

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 2:08 PM EST up reply actions

Wow.

Yip was once considered a pretty nice two-way forward. What happened?

by RCheli on Jan 19, 2012 3:58 PM EST up reply actions

Got the yips.

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Jan 19, 2012 4:06 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

I just got down to watching the Bruins-Jon Stewart mashup that PuckDaddy has. It is amazing.

Link

Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.

by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 19, 2012 1:43 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

it’s f’ing brilliant. You just beat me to posting it.

by Beakers Lab on Jan 19, 2012 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

It doesn’t take a lot to get me behind Bruins bashing, but that went above and beyond the call of duty.

Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.

by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 19, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions

Brilliant…

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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 19, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions

Series of tweets about Niittymaki suddenly not having a stall in the Sharks locker room had me thinking trade to Tampa, until they followed up with conditioning assignment.

"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."

by gfcaps fan on Jan 19, 2012 1:43 PM EST reply actions

What injury has he been out with?

Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.

by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 19, 2012 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t remember what it was, but I do remember reading that now that he’s healthy he can’t get a game because Greiss has been a decent backup to Niemi.

"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."

by gfcaps fan on Jan 19, 2012 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

I guess you could say that if he can’t recover in time from his injury, his ass….is Greiss.

/puts on shades

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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 19, 2012 3:03 PM EST up reply actions

He’ll be saying, “Greiss Gott”?

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by AMusingFool on Jan 19, 2012 3:13 PM EST up reply actions

You’ll be here all week?

"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."

by gfcaps fan on Jan 19, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions

Sounds like it might be to prove he’s healthy for possible suitors.

by sk84fun_dc on Jan 19, 2012 7:38 PM EST up reply actions

Hip surgery & rehab, IIRC.

Dingos are involved. Best not to ask.

by alex_k on Jan 19, 2012 1:51 PM EST up reply actions

Last night marks the 13th straight game that the Caps have been outshot.

In that time, the margin has been close to 10 shots (21.9 to 31.1).

The Caps’ record has been 8-4-1in those 13 games.

by RCheli on Jan 19, 2012 4:07 PM EST reply actions

I'm going to be pissed

When this team goes all Minnesota Wild on us, and they will, once the goaltending goes to merely ‘good’.

I’m going to be equally pissed when Dale Hunter gets a pass in some quarters because he’s Dale Hunter, Capitals Legend, Destroyer of Islanders and Eater of Babies. When your team stops generating offensive chances at the same rate that the prior coach’s incarnation does and the defense starts surrendering more chances, it’s hard to make any argument that it isn’t the coaching.

There will be players crucified that don’t deserve it, and it shouldn’t surprise me at all if there are players that are shipped out of town that won’t deserve it.

There are 30 NHL head coaches at any given moment. Let’s say that there’s a list of “best coaches” and at the top sit guys like Babcock, Bylsma, and Vigneault. Not all of the top-30 coaches in the world are currently employed; I think based on the results in STL that you’d be hard-pressed to make the argument that Hitchcock didn’t belong in the top-30, and I doubt that there are 30 head coaches in the world that are better than Randy Carlyle. Walking down the list, how far do you think you can get before you hit the worst NHL coach? 40? 50? 60? Every head coach in the NHL is North American, as far as I can tell, so let’s exclude the talent in Russia and the European leagues from the list.

What McPhee was essentially gambling when he made this hire was that Dale Hunter, without ever having coached a professional, non-Junior game in his life, was in the top-60 (conservatively) best head-coaches in North America. Even if he made the cut-off on the low end, that still makes him one of the worst coaches in the NHL. What were the odds that Hunter was even an average coach at the NHL-level this season?

If this move (or the failure to do his due diligence in the summer) costs this team a playoff berth, then McPhee should see the exit from the outside. There’s no way that a capped team with significant talent on ELCs (or better than ELC, in Alzner’s case) should be struggling to make the playoffs because the GM couldn’t work up the stones to fire the coach after the fourth year in a row of that coach getting out-adjusted (and to be fair, unlucky) in the playoffs.

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And on Pekka Rinne's PK SV% dropping under .920 by the end of the '12 season

by Knee high to a duck on Jan 19, 2012 8:23 PM EST reply actions 8 recs

man, could have used this smakedown over in the noon number earlier today.

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by RedBirdie on Jan 19, 2012 9:12 PM EST up reply actions

No kidding.

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by J.P. on Jan 20, 2012 6:43 AM EST up reply actions

Hope you don’t blow your brains out the UBS 7 o’clock news.

Totally agreed, BTW.

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by Bald Pollack on Jan 20, 2012 7:00 AM EST up reply actions