Monday Caps Clips: The Wheel Awaits
by EmilyB on Jan 23, 2012 7:09 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on yesterday's loss from us, Caps365 video (Hunter, Caps players), Vogs, Capitals Voice (audio), NHL.com, WaPo (gamer, blog), WashTimes (gamer, blog, blog, blog), CSNW (gamer, blog, video highlights), DCEx (gamer), 106.7 The Fan (pics), Frankovic, Peerless, RMNB, KOL, DSP, Alex Ovetjkin, hockey yelling, RtR, Rocking the Red in Pittsburgh, and from the Penguins' perspective, From the Point and Pens Through My Lens (pics).
- Suddenly front and center. Mathieu Perreault gets a battlefield promotion. [Dump 'n Chase]
- Well, the game was fun but the real entertainment begins this morning. Enter Brendan Shanahan, the NHL Department of Player Safety, and dueling disciplinary hearings. [NHL.com, Puck Daddy (and again), PHT, Half Smokes, Eye on Hockey, DCEx, WashTimes, DCEx, Empty Netters, Pittsburgh Tribune]
- Related: In which TSN's esteemed Bob McKenzie files his amicus brief, then takes a Twitter holiday from hockey commentary. [RMNB, SB Nation DC]
- Judgment hour is set for 1:30. [@RealKyper]
- Finally, happy 51st birthday to Timo Blomqvist and happy 33rd birthday to Scott Hannan.
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So the one team we thought they consistently bring it against, and they have a terrible first period, this is not going to end pretty. On the other hand, NBC sure liked to mention the play of a Pero and Ulzer. And what awesome PP QB D Carlson have they been watching?
"Money talks. I listen."
It would be helpful if RAHJCarlson could get it going. Puzzling.
by ShootTheBullets on Jan 23, 2012 7:24 AM EST up reply actions
Goin' Nuts...
This is what drives me crazy about this team. The first period in Pittsburgh was one of the worst periods they have played this season. The second was one of the best. Just a little consistency… please?
I don't know, maybe it was the roses...
They made a few comments that made me wonder who was briefing them. Off the top of my head there was the comment you allude to about how they were perplexed that Wideman was getting PP1 QB duty over Carlson and a comment about Hamrlik having been great this season right from the start. And then there was their overreaction when Alzner got caught out and couldn’t change for Hamrlik as “Hunter has reunited Alzner and Carlson”.
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Jan 23, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
So now us Caps fans wait in dread for the results of Ovi’s hearing. And wonder what our 1st line will be to face the Bruins. Presumably Sasha, Perreault, and a winger to be named later. If Johansson’s well enough to play, he’ll be there somewhere. Otherwise, do they move Laich up? Except, he’s needed to center a lower line.
And if we’re short of forwards, due to no MoJo and no Ovi, do we dress 7 defensemen?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Don’t think Hunter will play Sarge even if dressing 7 defensemen.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
1. Does anyone doubt that there would be non-stop wailing & gnashing of teeth if say the (insert Canadian team here or) Rangers’ best player (& 1st line center) was Canadian and out multiple weeks by a concussion caused by a Russian or a Swede player’s cheapshot? Seems to me the league (& the hockey media) have been inexplicably restrained about the dirty play that has Nicky still sidelined (yet Steckel’s clearly inadvertent collision was beaten to death for the rest of the 2010-2011 season)?
2. Has Crosby ever been disciplined (or threatened by the league) for some of his outside-the-rules but on-ice antics? I cannot remember an instance; can anyone else?
by ShootTheBullets on Jan 23, 2012 7:22 AM EST reply actions
I also can’t help think that if this game hadn’t been on national TV, with the attention given by McKenzie, Ovi’s hit would be less of a big deal.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
A Caps-Pens game is a Caps-Pens game is a Caps-Pens game, and will likely have attention placed on it for another few years regardless of where it airs.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can 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 23, 2012 7:33 AM EST up reply actions
Love how the NHL press release reads (adjust tinfoil hats):
Ovechkin:
The Caps’ forward appeared to have left his feet and made contact with Michalek’s head as he hit the Pens’ defenseman in the corner behind Pittsburgh’s netMichalek’s hit:
a minor elbowing penalty after making contact with Washington’s Matt Hendricks behind the Penguins’ net.So basically, Ovechkin’s was a head shot, while Michalek’s was an elbow that hit Hendricks where?
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Instead of a grand conspiracy, don’t you think it has more to do with the players involved? It’s news when a player of Ovechkin’s status does something borderline, but who really cares about Michayluk?
by RCheli on Jan 23, 2012 9:51 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Agree with both points. But my point was the descriptives used imply a much more egregious hit by the former vs the latter.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
What has Crosby done that deserves suspension? His play has been slimy, but I don’t think it’s ever been dangerous enough to take a seat in the press box.
Please, call me F&B.
The only hit that people point to is the elbow on Foligno in front of the net. I can’t remember when it was. To me, it was an innocuous play as part of protecting the goalie. It was an elbow to the face, but nothing like Michalek’s hit on Henricks last night. It’s something I’d want my defense to do to protect my goalie.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Yeah, it was a play that could be penalized in-game but you never see a suspension for. Ditto for the Valabik. Ditto for jumping McLean off the draw. Ditto for his too-numerous-to-count slashing fouls. I’m by no means in Sid’s corner but I see nothing to suspend him for.
Please, call me F&B.
Valabik, Crosby was third man in. I believe that is supposed to warrant at least a hearing (might be wrong). Jumping Mclean was a gutless punk move.
He’s not Matt Cooke, but he plays a dirty-but-not-suspendable game. and generally isn’t really held accountable for that stuff. Except for Cherry’s rant back in December.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1154.38!
That’s a tenuous third man in based on how the NHL calls it these days, but it’s a fair point.
Please, call me F&B.
yeah, the NHL rule book….they’re more like suggestions. Suggestions to be very loosely interpreted.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1154.38!
Yeah, pretty much. Unless you full on mug a guy you aren’t getting third man in. Have you ever even seen it called?
Please, call me F&B.
I don’t think so. it’s possible I saw it watching on TV at some point and have just forgotten about it. someone must have been called third man in for those epic Wings-Avs brawls back in the day?
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1154.38!
Any word on Johansson? I heard he was ill…Was he at the game or did he return home early? Flu? Or was he sore from the hit in Montreal after playing all out on Friday in Carolina?
I could have sworn that someone said on Twitter that they counted 13 forwards but later admitted to being confused since they had seen 7 defensemen, so I don’t know the answer.
Was anyone at the game and watching warm-ups for a more definitive answer?
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I did just note in the Dump & Chase article that MP was asked when he knew he would be skating as #1 center and he said not until he showed up to the rink for morning skate, and that he “didn’t even know he was (sick)…” So I guess something had come up overnight for Marcus.
Is Marcus really sick? How about an injury from that hit he took and told Whyno he was fine? Not surprised if the team wasn’t completely truthful about an injury.
Not that I disagree, but if Perreault “didn’t even know he was (sick)…” that sounds legit – he’d likely have known if MJ90 was hurt, and wouldn’t have been surprised. But who knows?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I’m assuming he was just sick, but I don’t think Perreault’s comments tell us much IF the alternative is a head injury. If it was a leg or something like that, the comments might be meaningful, but given what we’ve seen and learned about head injuries and the onset of symptoms after the fact, hard to know much based on what has been released. I hope, hope, hope it’s just a simple old-fashioned illness for #90.
Flu is the new way of reporting a concussion early on.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Why can’t the flu just be the flu?
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 10:01 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
How about just “he’s sick?”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I was being a bit snarky. It’s always “flu-like symptoms” in every sport.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Because a concussion is an “upper body injury”.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Here’s hoping Jim Balsillie’s new job doesn’t leave him with the free time(or desire) to buy a team again.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Rocking the Red in Pittsburgh made some pretty damning comments about Neuvy. I’m not enough of a student of the game’s nuances to appreciate if the author knows what he/she is talking about, but it sounded believable and somewhat disheartening.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Jan 23, 2012 7:54 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Just read that article. Not completely sure about the Neuvy comments, but I will say I was blaming Neuvy some for the second goal and the third goal. I thought Neuvy was leaning forward some on the 3rd goal and wasn’t tight to the post, and then the puck went in over his shoulder. There was a lot of traffic there, but I wasn’t sure why he was leaning forward then.
There was a blogger last season that took a look at the location of all the goals against for Neuvy. Here’s the link. According to the graphic there, he has an equal distribution of goals against in the various locations. I haven’t been paying attention enough this season to know if the claim he is letting in most of his goals against over his left shoulder is true.
Hendricks gets bitched clean by a shitty FO guy on the draw and Neal rifles one through a handful of skaters and that second one was on Neuvy?
Lemme guess… Varly stops it?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 23, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Neal was as “seeing-eye” as they come. Top, near corner, through at least four players.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Seeing eye and a highly skilled shot. Give some credit. How many shots do you think he takes from that exact spot in each practice?
Please, call me F&B.
Whoa whoa whoa… the Pens practice? Maybe that’s what the Caps are doing wrong…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You picked up on “practice.” I picked up on shots. That’s the Caps’ problem. No shots.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Practice shooting at that? Why do the Caps need to practice a skill that they won’t use but 20 times a game?
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
For the record, I did. Regardless of what else that bullet point talks about, it was still a helluva shot by a top-notch player. My only thought is that he was ready to make that shot, and better goalies would not have that opening. As for whether I know what the heck I am talking about… there’s a good chance that I don’t. I’ve never played hockey, let alone goalie. I have many friends who do, though, and have made it a point to ask them and educate myself as best I can on the game and its nuances. All of my opinions are based solely on observation and a perceived frequency or pattern. That and the fact that early in the second period I paused the game, pointed to Neuvy’s positioning on a similar play, and told my dad that he could expect a goal to be scored there.
Both of Neal’s goals were seeing eye perfect shots. Neuvy was let down on all four goals by his defense up front.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:31 AM EST up reply actions
On the power play goal, they let LeTang (who has a wicked shot) get into a great spot to shoot. On the second goal, the faceoff loss lead directly to Neal’s shot (and Neal was in the zone yesterday). On the third goal, they didn’t stop Malkin despite that he face down, again setting up Neal for a bullseye shot. In OT, they left Malkin alone near the goal to bury a rebound. Neuvy had zero chance on any of the shots.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
I know it’s not a popular position in the comments section of most blogs, but my mindset is that a good goalie stops good shots. Just because a good shot is taken does not mean it has to go in, or that it is OK every time. Better positioning on goals two and three, and to a far lesser extent the game winner, very likely would have meant a save. Vokoun, and yes, Varlamov, have better positioning than Neuvirth. Do you think Thomas, Luongo, Lundqvist, Rask, Rinne, Hiller, etc. get passes on goals because they were on good shots? Of course not. Maybe every once in a while, like that second goal, for instance. But when you say that he had no chance on every goal in a four-goal game where he only faced 27 shots… that sounds like there is some blame on him.
Varlamov has better positioning than Neuvirth? False.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Utterly and incomprehensibly.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, I think jury’s still out on overall talent. Good re-write.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It’s a little like Fleury in Pittburgh. He has a ton of talent, and in the beginning constantly was out of position because he was using his athleticism instead of being better positioning. And while Fleury isn’t (and likely won’t) be a top 5 goalie in the league, he certainly plays a much better game.
Varlamov could be like that in a couple of years.
Sorry, I forgot that Varly is a dirty word around here. Much like Fleischmann and Perreault. Merely mentioning any of the three leads to flame wars. Safe to say I disagree with 90% of the people who post on here about all three players.
That’s funny. There are people that defend all of those players, though the Flash love has died off some.
Varly isn’t a dirty word, but you should be accurate about what he is and isn’t. He is extremely athletic and talented, he isn’t as positionally sound and controlled as Neuvirth.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Not to mention most people made this evaluation while both Varly and Neuvy were still Capitals. This has nothing to do with the fact that Varly is in Colorado.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Jan 23, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
That’s just something I disagree on. Back to what I said earlier, it’s solely based on my perception of what I see. I see Neuvirth skating too far out of the crease and having to scramble back and forth, but only when he isn’t busy leaving the top and sides of the net exposed. Maybe I will just never forget the image of him reaching across his body to try and catch a puck in his glove hand, and that has tainted my perception of him forever, but I just do not see him as a positionally sound goalie. His control, I think, has actually improved greatly this season, so I won’t argue with you at all there.
And this is why, frankly, I don’t like you. I’ve never met you and I think you’re a prick. All snark and no heart. I give honest responses, and have done my best to back up what I say with why I think what I think. Last year I got into it with you and JP on here and have since tried to avoid being a dick myself, and it’s a major reason I started writing my own blog in the first place. I’m totally fine with you disagreeing with me and my opinion, and I welcome comments on my posts and questioning what I base my thoughts on. Just don’t be such an ass about it.
by Boush on Jan 23, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Yeah, that’s not ok.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 23, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The only part of that I object to is the “no heart.” That’s just baseless.
MP is more physical than AO is just as defensible as Varly is a better positional goalie than Neuvirth. Find any other person that has made that observation/conclusion. You’re literally the only person that said that, and it’s apparently because you saw Neuvirth try to catch a blocker side shot with his glove.
Well I saw what Fedotenko did to Varly’s glove in ‘09, so I’ll just forever believe that Varly must play with Jim Abbott’s glove hand.
So you demonstrate your own complete bias all while accusing everyone else of being biased. And then take a personal shot on top of it all. Well done.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
What the hell does “no heart” even mean? He’s not pulling an Alex Semin and disappearing when the going gets tough.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It means you are one power short of forming Captain Planet.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
This is the best possible answer.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
Jury is still way out on Varlamov IMO…moreso than Neuvirth. Getting Varly something that resembles more of a full time goalie coach would help his long term development/positioning/conditioning (as vtcapsfan has mentioned) but that’s not a Caps problem anymore.
justin goldman of the goalie guild (and NHL.com) agrees and has been pretty vocal about the lack of a goalie coach in colorado as a huge disservice to varly.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 23, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Especially with the improvement on Varly’s glove over the years here. I think that’s the only time Varlamov has flat out been able to compete against Neuvirth in a real world situation — Varlamov’s athleticism allowed him to make saves he shouldn’t because his positioning was suspect compared to Neuvirth. I can’t remember which game but up in Montreal Varlamov stole Roy’s glove and came back with it. Tremendous improvement considering that was the book against Varlamov — shoot glove high, get a goal.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
If Colorado could bring Irbe into the fold somehow, I think that would do wonders for Varly, and as a result for that organization. I got the feeling his leaving was directly related to Varly’s status on the Caps and subsequent trade, and Varly’s numbers with Irbe coaching him were just shy of Vezina-worthy.
I got the feeling his leaving was directly related to Varly’s status on the Caps and subsequent trade
I can’t find one mention of Varlamov’s status having anything to do with Irbe leaving. And FWIW, Neuvirth’s numbers with Irbe were nothing to sneeze at
27-12-4; .914 SV%; 2.35 GAA
You mixed up the GAA stats, I believe. Neuvirth has not had a 2.35 GAA in any single season of his career. In fact, his lowest is 2.45, from last season. His GAA under Irbe is more in the 2.55 range. But the .914 percentage is correct.
Damnit. Link didn’t show up.
http://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2011/jun/9/caps-goalie-coach-irbe-wont-be-back/
Which I think was more of a coaching problem than a Varly problem. It’s all moot, now, though. He’s the starter in CO, and is having a pretty lousy season, although it is better than Neuvirth’s. I’m going to be keeping an eye on his progression as best I can.
I merely assume that the goalies don’t play rock paper scissors to decide who starts each night, is all.
I think it’s a stretch to argue that he’s starting in CO. He’s roughly splitting time with Giguere, and the Avs seem to be getting behind Giguere.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 23, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
I think that’s a pretty fair comparison there, but I do think Varly has more talent than Flower. I think half of the time I spent watching Pens games with friend in Pittsburgh was spent yelling at him to get back to the net.
In terms of Varly vs. Neuvy, the break down would be like this:
Positioning: Both are very good at positioning, but both take a generic approach to it, in that they regard all shooters equally. As they gain more experience, they’ll learn tendencies of how players shoot and how certain players behave when shooting. Sure all goalies play Pavel Datsyuk differently from John Erskine, but it takes experience to play Datsyuk differently from Malkin… Both will learn by playing.
Athleticism: Varly has the big edge here. Varly may have the quickest reactions of any goaltender under the age of 25 in the NHL right now. Neuvy’s no slouch, but his reactions don’t compare to Varly.
Durability: This is where Varly loses to Neuvy… Varly has yet to play a full season as a starter. Hopefully he will figure out how to remain in the line-up as opposed to ending up his generations Rick DiPietro.
Intangibles: Both have a good demeanor, and are probably good teammates. Varly has a higher opinion of himself than Neuvy has of himself. Neuvy has been very good about the Caps bringing in Vokoun… I doubt Varly would have reacted similarly. And the biggest detriment right now to either of them is the lack of a specific goaltending coach in Denver. Both are still unpolished, and while Neuvy is getting some very specific coaching, Varly isn’t.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
This year is the first year he’s been healthy… but there’s still a bunch of games left. I believe it when I see him play more than 50 games in one season. In the four seasons from 2003-04 to 2007-08, DiPietro got 50 or more starts in each of those years (over 60 in the last 3!)
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that Varly is more athletic, overall, but some of that is that Varly is more overtly athletic. Neuvy is more conservative in his movements because he relies much more on fundamental positioning.
Agreed, but also Varly having more athleticism allows him to take chances Neuvy can’t (or won’t). Again a lot of that will come with experience. Both should be quality NHL goaltenders for at least another decade…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
I vote “won’t” on Neuvy taking chances, as did Justin in his piece last year on The Great Deceiver
Neuvirth, who is clearly one of the most composed, calm and quiet goaltenders in the NHL, thrives in a world of deception. Even though he plays a positionally sound butterfly style that relies on economical movements, he actually has even better foot speed, reflexes and agility.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Neuvy doesn’t have a high opinion of himself?
“He came to me [before the series] and said, ‘Bernier is getting a lot of press.’ I said, ‘Yeah, yeah,’ and then he goes, ‘but I’m better,’ " Hershey coach Mark French said. "It was with a very straight face and he meant no disservice, but I think he took this series as a personal challenge.
“It was a great series, great series for the fans and I am very happy to beat Bernier,” Neuvirth said. “He is a top-class goaltender that is going to be in the NHL and I am happy I proved I am better in the playoffs than him.”
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Jan 23, 2012 1:26 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Yeah, just because Neuvirth seems more willing to accept competition in the net that doesn’t mean that he lacks confidence.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
Never said Neuvy doesn’t have a high opinion of himself. What I said was that Varly had a higher opinion of himself than Neuvy does of himself. All goalies at this level have a high opinion of themselves (well, maybe not Bryzgalov, as who knows what he’s thinking at any moment…).
My point was that Varly’s ego is probably bigger than Neuvy’s…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
That’s fair. I think Varly has too much ego. You need some to be a goalie and do well, but being able to work with others is needed as well. Though from the little I follow Colorado, I don’t remember any stories of him reacting poorly to Giguère taking the starting role.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I didn’t think the 2nd goal was totally on Neuvy. But go ahead and completely disregard my opinion in the rest on the post, including the 3rd goal, because I happen to like Varly. I feel like I was very fair to Neuvy providing the link to his goal distribution from last season and saying he didn’t show a problem in that area.
Honestly, if your opinion of me is that my opinion is not valid on anything because I like Varly, not sure I should bother to participate in your blog if I’m viewed as an idiot and my comments don’t add anything. I really don’t know why you had to bring Varly up now when I said nothing about him.
by vtcapsfan99 on Jan 23, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
I completely disregarded your opinion in the rest of the post because I didn’t disagree with it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Another instance where a clean loss on the faceoff has an almost instant, brutal result for the Caps. Maybe over the course of a game or season, the importance of faceoff win percentage is overstated, but put me in the corner that thinks at least how you win or lose them IS important.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Jan 23, 2012 10:34 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Absolutely. But here’s the thing – Hunter put out Laich for that draw. He got tossed. The Caps had a second C on the ice, since it was a D-zone draw, and one that was winning north of 55% of his (limited number) of draws on the season. He got waxed by a mediocre faceoff guy (essentially the same FO% as MoJo, for reference).
So what could have been done differently? It was coached right. The execution just sucked. It happens.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed. Outside of the execution, nothing could be done differently. I’m just lamenting how quickly failed execution resulted in a puck in the back of the net.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Jan 23, 2012 10:53 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Yep. And usually (I couldn’t even begin to guess at the number, though), failed execution there doesn’t, as Rob points out. In sum, shit happens.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s true. Unfortunately failed execution resulted in three goals against yesterday, with RomHam being the primary culprit on the other two.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Jan 23, 2012 11:08 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Well, while it’s all ultimately “execution,” I’d differentiate between getting beaten clean on a draw and chasing Malkin and then the puck around the ice in OT – the former is almost purely a physical failure, the latter much more mental.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Good point. I still think the third Pens goal was the most egregious. RomHam knocks Malkin down and yet he still gets beat to the puck and fails to tie him up.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Jan 23, 2012 11:16 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Sure, losing them cleanly is worse than losing them in a contested manner. But it’s easy to remember the FOs that are lost and end up in the net. How many losses don’t end up in the net? In a very specific micro-level analysis an individual FO can be hugely important, but in the big picture 4-9 and 5-9 are not nearly that different as the percentages indicate.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I think Vokoun wins us that game. But I think Neuvy definitely kept us in the game.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
I haven’t watched a replay since watching the game, but the puck went from the corner to the bottom of the circle with a ton of traffic in front. Looks like Neuvirth went into his V-H stance (which he does a lot with success) to play the odds and cut off anything low or short side. He may have ducked a little lower trying to find the puck, but that was a D breakdown followed by a sick shot. I don’t think Neuvirth deserves much blame there.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
It is now almost 12 hours later and I am responding to my own post, which I’m guessing is some sort of possible douche move, but I have been away all day and this is my first chance to read the response(s). Jesus H Christ! This is why I love this place.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Jan 23, 2012 6:34 PM EST up reply actions
Me too. I also think it’s hysterical that we are still having a Neuvy/Varly debate.
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 23, 2012 10:18 PM EST up reply actions
From Frankovic
Perreault certainly earned himself some more ice time with this performance and his offensive skill seems to be the best fit with Ovechkin and Semin right now with Backstrom out. Even if Johansson comes back on Tuesday, I’d still keep 85 there because he is more gifted offensively and the two big guns need a center who can handle and pass the puck.
85 played a fine game yesterday—drawing Orps out of position and subtly dishing to Semin on the go ahead goal was a beauty. His play is worthy of more time in the top 6. But OV and Semin—when they play together—need a defensive conscience with them, so I don’t agree with Frankovic here.
Cross check and all call.
Yeah, that line will spend a lot of time in their own zone, I think. I like how he plays with the puck but I’m still worried about his play without the puck.
Please, call me F&B.
I’m still worried about his play without the puck
On the plus side, his play without the puck rarely involves standing around – he’s got a motor, just needs to learn a bit more about where to go, etc. (if that can be learned).
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Yeah, he had a motor last night, but I think his motor has tended to burn out after a few games historically. He probably needs more leg strength to keep that up. He’s tenacious on the forecheck as well but he just gets swatted away by most NHL D.
Please, call me F&B.
The positive(s) about Perreault is that he at least moves the puck quickly, and he tends to move it accurately. As you note, his problem is getting the puck in the first place.
Still, given that there are plenty of guys on the Caps right now who have problems both getting the puck and being able to get rid of it effectively, I’ll take one out of two.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 23, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, exactly. Especially when we are talking about a fill-in 1C because our other two players that could reasonably be asked to play that role are out of the lineup.
Please, call me F&B.
I still feel that Perreault can be effective on a line with players like Knuble and Brouwer who can cover for him defensively and limit his need to go get the puck.
And I increasingly believe he should be a wing long-term. And I also believe he ought to play a hell of a lot more on the PP. At the very least, he won’t just stand around.
Unleash the Apathy.
You know I agree with all of that. I’ve said he still has the potential to be an NHL player for a long time now, and I’ve always said he should be tried out on the W. His willingness to move his feet and his puck skills are something the team needs now more than ever. It was easy to bury him when the team had 3 lines they thought could score, or even two lines. Now? Maybe one line. May as well see if they can find a way to use his puck skill.
Please, call me F&B.
An 85-21-20 line would be interesting, but then again I’m in the re-arranging the deck chairs on the Titanic mood right now.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Yeah, sure would be interesting to see MP on the ice for 13 of the last 16 goals against. I wonder if he’d even sniff the lineup after that.
Please, call me F&B.
You mean Perreault produced when he played with scoring wingers?! Whoa, man!! I’d rather keep Perreault as a center and put Mojo back to wing once everyone’s healthy. Perreault has a higher FO%, and is much better on the forecheck and cycle than Mojo. Mojo, to me, seems utterly ineffective in a half-court offense but in the open ice, he may be our best player since he utilize those wheels.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
The FO% is largely irrelevant – neither is good enough to be counted on to win a key draw, and neither takes enough draws for the difference in percentage to matter.
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Is it? Because it was better than Mojo’s last year too. I guess the only way to get a better sample size is to keep giving him minutes. I also don’t want to hear about Perreault’s “inconsistency” label when Mojo went what, 20 games without a goal with top-2 line minutes and plenty of PP time? I sound like I’m hating on Mojo, but I love the kid, but I think he’s unfairly-favored golden boy of the two small young centers.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
Well, I’m not ready to buy Perreault as a >50% FO guy quite yet. And I think people get wrapped up too much in FO% sometimes, especially when talking about non-specialist/first-liners. What I mean by that is that MoJo’s at 44%. So that’s an average of 4-for-9 every night, more or less, given his role. That’s one draw a night going his way instead from being 55% (which is obviously great). Manage the “where” of his draws and the impact of 44% is really pretty negligible.
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Inconsistency was never limited to scoring, though. There are a lot of other considerations.
Please, call me F&B.
Well as we saw on the Pen’s 2nd goal one faceoff loss is nothing to sneeze at. If they were at 48% and 50% respectively I’d be more inclined to agree with you. Again, only way to find out is to let the guy take more draws.
Rob-Really, it wasn’t scoring? That’s what everybody harped on, and rightfully so. His skillset is that of a playmaking center and therefore his primary job is to produce points. I’m just saying MP unfairly has the “inconsistent” label stuck to him when lots of Caps players (and no not just Semin), this year and last, could’ve been slapped with the same label. Except those other Caps, e.g. Mojo, aren’t sent down to Hershey/benched/given 5 minutes of ice time.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:13 AM EST up reply actions
Well as we saw on the Pen’s 2nd goal one faceoff loss is nothing to sneeze at. If they were at 48% and 50% respectively I’d be more inclined to agree with you. Again, only way to find out is to let the guy take more draws.
… and Matt Hendricks has won 57% of his draws this year, which goes to my point – either a guy’s a reliable faceoff option (and on this team, that’s limited to Backstrom, Laich and Halpern, IMO), or he isn’t. Quibbling about a few percentage points in efficiency among the latter group doesn’t mean much to me, and even the best guys in the League lose four out of every ten draws.
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You cherry-picking a single point out of several doesn’t mean much to me either, sir. Mojo is terrible at faceoffs, 40% is unacceptable. You saying “well, it’s only 1 draw he loses per game” is hardly re-assuring or logical.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
I’m cherry-picking a single point? You’re the one that brought up the second goal. I responded to it.
MoJo is at 44%. Perreault is at 51% in just 120 draws after 46% last season. If you’ve seen enough to say that Perreault is a markedly better faceoff man than Johansson and that the difference between the two is meaningful, that’s your call. But I’m very comfortable sticking with “neither is dependable, and the raw numbers don’t make that big a difference at the end of the day.”
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In regards to my original post on Perreault vs. Mojo, yes you cherry picked a single point: faceoffs. I never said “markedly better”, but looking at the numbers, they say Perreault is better at faceoffs, yes. Yes we need a bigger sample size to draw stronger conclusions…so I repeat: , l’d like to see what happens when Perreault takes more draws, i.e. gets a decent chance at 2C.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
Oh, my bad. I thought this was a place we could discuss items brought up by others to which we took exception. Nevermind – I withdraw my comment and everyone can continue to post whatever they want without fear of someone questioning it.
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by J.P. on Jan 23, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Well I still see lots of replies to your points on faceoffs, don’t you?
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
I don’t think it’s been unfair to MP. His energy has waned as he has played more consecutive games each time. MoJo hasn’t consistently produced but he has more consistently had his skating legs. He’s also got a lot more upside and has had less time developing so he has presumably is going to learn quicker.
Please, call me F&B.
True, Perreault did look slower at the tailend of his call-ups. So is it a matter of better conditioning during the off-season then? Hard to tell what shape he’s in this year with such limited minutes. I just get the feeling he’d be more consistent if he had more job security. Gotta be tough playing with constant fear that you’re going to be back in Hershey (last year) or the doghouse.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
And maybe that’s why he tried to play through the concussion last year. I’m sure he could use better conditioning in the off-season and better overall strength. But there were also discussions about his off-ice habits when he first got called up to the NHL. He’s not entirely blameless in this whole thing.
Please, call me F&B.
Really? Partying at Russia House with Ovi and what not? I didn’t hear that. Bad Matty.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
He’s also missed meeting(s). But maybe he’s outgrown that stuff.
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I think MJ90’s defensive positioning and size (relative to MP85’s) give him an edge in playing top-six minutes, but I agree that his lack of productivity is a major concern.
Cone of Corsi Incompetence
It’s just interesting that MoJo looks absolutely terrible by the fancy stats as well, he even sucks down his line mates with him, and yet it never really seems to impact his ice time.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 23, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
In the D-zone Mojo is at best equivalent to Perreault. On offense, once the opposition clogs up the neutral zone so Mojo can’t use his speed, he’s prettyy darned ineffective. I’d say Perreault’s offense versatility, better FO%, and superior forechecking and cycling abilities give him the edge. But I see the blogosphere establishment has spoken :P
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Well, to be fair his defensive #fancystats early in the season were probably dragged down quite a bit by Semin. MJ90 has also faced tougher competition than MJ90.
Again, not saying MJ90 has been good enough at 2C for a cup contender, but I’m not sure MP85 (or anyone else in the organization) is going to help.
Mojo is significantly better than MP defensively. Last season, he and Backstrom were one of the best PK pairs on the Caps. MP might have as much offensive talent, but his tendency throughout his career – including this season – has been to score a bunch early and then disappear.
Failure is always an option.
Mojo’s defensive skills have taken a serious turn for the worse this year. When you just look at Goals against scored while at even strength, MP’s number is 0.379 (11 GA in 29 GP), while Mojo’s at 0.667 (30 GA in 45 Games played).
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Very much. If you look at it in terms of goals allowed in comparison to time played, it is much more even. Johansson is on ice for 1 ES goal against per 20.17 minutes played, MP is on for 1 goal allowed per 23.32 minutes played. Factor in QOC, and that would probably even things more. However, I did also just notice that Johansson’s PK time has mostly disappeared this season – just over 19 minutes so far.
Failure is always an option.
At this point the Caps need an offensive pulse more than a defensive inclination. I’m all for MP85 centering the top line for the time being.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Jan 23, 2012 10:38 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
Wearing my tinfoil hat for the moment, does anyone else find it amusing (or choose your own adjective) that the only one who found a problem with the Michalek hit was Shanahan? No mention in any media outside of DC until a hearing was announced.
"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."
I certainly haven’t checked every outlet on the Internet, but I don’t think that’s entirely true. Even our buddies over at PensBurgh noted it, and Kukla acknowledged it. But yeah, it certainly wasn’t as nearly well-publicized, but that probably is to be expected, given the parties involved in each.
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I tried looking and couldn’t really find anything, other than Caps fans complaining about the lack of attention. Granted, I didn’t look that hard. Good to know at least some people did.
I’m willing to acknowledge Ovi’s hit was bad, and if he’s suspended, so be it. Honestly, with the lack of attention on Michalek at the time (probably along with the fact that he did get called for a penalty in-game), I’d probably be ok if all he gets is a fine. There’s also the presumed fact that Hendricks didn’t seem hurt on the play, although we all know how that goes sometimes.
"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."
Predictions on what Shanny does with a) Ovechkin and b) Michalek?
On Ovechkin, I say he gets one game. They’ve probably gotta do something, and if they give him more than one, they’ll have the uncomfortable predicament of an All-Star Weekend during which one of the game’s most-recognizable players is “currently serving a suspension.”
On Michalek, I say he gets two.
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Screenshot at Ovechkin's point of contact:
Posted by Icehammer97 yesterday
Now, I’ve been wrong about a ton of things in my life, but I’ll be damned if those feet aren’t firmly planted on the ice when contact is made. A suspension would be incredibly disappointing to me.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
*MS Paint comment.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can 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 23, 2012 9:04 AM EST up reply actions
Care to make that a bit more substantive? All screenshots are dismissed out of hand in your opinion?
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah, I knew I’d get called on that as soon as I clicked post. I was merely saying that, particularly in cases like this, screen shots don’t tell very much of the story.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jan 23, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
Although if the point of the screen shot is to show contact and the relative position of the feet at the time of contact a lot of the critique goes away, no?
Please, call me F&B.
Even then I would still mock it a little because the league isn’t going to care where his feet were at the time of contact if they see he is launching himself into the hit. See the Deryk Engelland suspension as precedent on that one. That’s what the screen shot misses, the motion of the play. This isn’t a showing that a puck crossed a line, or a player was offsides.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jan 23, 2012 10:09 AM EST up reply actions
Similar to what I said right below – not sure why it matters whether he’s got a toe on the ice or not.
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They haven’t said much about where the hit connects after the primary point of contact. Are they going to start fining players who make a check, then fall down and make contact with the opposing players head? Just going by what Shanahan and the league have been saying so far, you’re in the wrong.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
At any rate, your point is well made. My original comment was rather foolish.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jan 23, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
I haven’t seen the Engelland hit, so I can’t comment on that. In this thread I’ve said a few times I don’t think the skate on the ice should be the salient issue, but if the NHL continues to use the skate on the ice as a determining factor then the screen shot is instructive.
Please, call me F&B.
I think a better point would be that if you take a screen shot a half-second later (when Ovie’s actually making contact with Michalek’s head), his feet are most definitely no longer on the ice.
Either way, it doesn’t matter. It was a dirty hit and I wouldn’t be shocked/upset at a suspension. It’s not like the Caps are going to beat the Bruins anyway.
Unleash the Apathy.
PAYD, i think you’ve come around a bit from our discussion of the cooke-on-tyutin hit from last year, where screenshots were how you buttered your bread. (on two different blogs.)
fwiw, i think AO makes the same upward driving motion that i took offense at in the cooke hit.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 23, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 13 recs
honestly PAYD could not be taking more diametrically opposing positions.
ovechkin hit:
screen shots don’t tell very much of the story.
the league isn’t going to care where his feet were at the time of contact if they see he is launching himself into the hit.
That’s what the screen shot misses, the motion of the play.
cooke hit:
screenshot, then..
Cooke didn’t leave his feet before the hit
Maybe someone has a better angle or freeze frame they can show, but what I see hear is contact had begun and skates are still on the ice.
followed by GIFs from knee high showing “the motion of the play,” in PAYD’s words. knee high points out cooke’s “upward trajectory,” where he “transfers his weight into a hop, then explodes through the numbers.”
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 23, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 11 recs
Thanks, you’ve made my original point for me. I was LOL’ing screen shots based on past history being on both sides of the argument, nothing more, nothing less.
And thanks for also pointing out, through the links, that at least when I used screen shots to try to make a point, I was sure to provide examples with some sort of quality so that you might actually make out what had happened, unlike the one that initiated this particular discussion.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jan 23, 2012 7:56 PM EST up reply actions
Besides, these were two different arguments. I pointed out, correctly I might add, that Cooke did not leave his feet before the hit. At that time, this seemed like an important point.
Now, after the Engelland suspension, I can see the league does not care when the player leaves his feet, whether before or after contact, so in this case that point is moot.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jan 23, 2012 7:58 PM EST up reply actions
Honestly, I’m not sure you can tell from that angle. Or at least I can’t. And I’m not sure how much it matters – to me, he’s launching himself at the dude’s head when he had a perfect opportunity to just drive through his body. I’d rather the League gets rid of those hits.
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To wit, a great read from Jibblescribbits from a couple years back.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Holy shit… Wideman hit someone?
Also, great post and points (and nice pull by you).
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Wideman occasionally hits… but no one is ever going to confuse him with Alzner or Carlson…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
I suppose it probably helps to actually know the rule before I start arguing about when feet were where, right?
Rule 42 – Charging
42.1 Charging – A minor or major penalty shall be imposed on a player who skates or jumps into, or charges an opponent in any manner.
Charging shall mean the actions of a player who, as a result of distance traveled, shall violently check an opponent in any manner. A "charge" may be the result of a check into the boards, into the goal frame or in open ice.
So, if a jump is a jump is a jump, why then is there so much talk about leaving feet whenever a hit like this happens? (I’m legitimately curious, listening to those debates led me to believe it mattered)
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
Because it’s become a sort of rule of thumb. They have just sort of looked at whether the skates were on the ice as a bright line rule (despite the fact that it’s not always so bright) and often overlooked the actual violence of the hit.
Please, call me F&B.
Right. Also, if he’s left his feet before the hit, he’s certainly jumped; if he leaves the ice upon contact or through the hit, it may just be momentum.
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Right, but if you focus on the violence of the hit instead of the “leaving the feet” then momentum is irrelevant. You shouldn’t be violently launching through a guy. Mike Richards had a skate on the ice when he killed Savard but he also went flying like 5 feet after contact because he was so out of control by violently launching himself. If the focus had been “did Mike Richards, as a result of distance traveled, violently check Marc Savard in any manner?” the answer would be pretty clear-cut, no?
Please, call me F&B.
Well, sure. There are clear-cut examples and less clear-cut examples. Look at a guy like Kronwall – half the time people complain about him leaving his feet, it’s after contact because he’s bowled through a guy. Harder to justify having a problem with that than if he’s airborne upon contact.
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Booth, not Savard. Cooke was the one who took out Savard.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
This is why I don’t like you.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 2:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Jealousy is such an ugly quality.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 3:56 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t say firmly. Maybe the toe of his blades are on the ice, and perhaps only his right blade based upon this screencap.
He left the ice, I don’t think there is any doubt about that. To me the question is why? If he skates right into him it’s probably a harder hit and avoids the head entirely.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 8:56 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
I’ve not played a lot of full contact hockey in my time, but what’s the logic of jumping in this situation? Is it instinct or self preservation? Not sure why you would leave the ice when staying on the ice probably results in a harder hit.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
No clue. But Ovi’s 6-2, Michalek 6-1 – I can’t imagine any reason Ovi would need to jump up to hit him.
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I saw it as trying to drive through for a hard hit and springing a little too early. I don’t think there was malice.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
I don’t think there was malice, per se, but certainly recklessness.
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You absolutely generate more force through the jumping motion. Once you’ve actually left the ground you begin to lose energy, but in order to generate maximum force, leaving the ground is a necessary byproduct. This is why players tend to charge/jump within very short distances of their target – maximize force while minimizing the force lost through leaving the ground.
A general analogy would be a jump shot vs a set shot in basketball. You can shoot a ball much further jumping rather than standing still.
I think Ovi wanted to have his knees bent before the hit and then explode up and into Michalek to get more power, but his timing was off. If he waits just a little longer to make that movement then he might leave his skates during the hit, but it’s a clean and hard hit. Timing was off by a split second so he makes that move early, and wala his feet come uip a little early.
by hockeyman33 on Jan 23, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t call that “firmly.” I’d say they are probably making contact but he’s clearly launching himself upward regardless.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
As I pointed out yesterday, I also don’t think that screencap really captures the exact moment of impact. Maybe it gets the point of contact (which still isn’t even clear), but it’s not the moment of impact.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Fines all around. Neither is a “repeat offender” by NHL definition. Ovi’s hit resulted in no penalty and no injury (although if I were Michalek I would claim that PTSD caused him to hit Hendricks). I think there is enough doubt about the initial point of contact on Ovi’s hit. He left the ice so I see him getting fined for that. I don’t see them suspending Michalek and not Ovi.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 8:54 AM EST up reply actions
Right, Ovi’s not a “repeat offender” per the CBA, but there’s no statute of limitations on the use of his prior record in considering disciplinary action in the here-and-now.
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Priors or not, how many unpenalized hits by non-repeat offenders which resulted in no injury get suspensions?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Dunno. But your implication of precedence and consistency mattering is adorable.
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by J.P. on Jan 23, 2012 9:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wasn’t Sutton technically a non-repeat offender when he got suspended the first time this year?
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions
Based on the uncertainty here, it looks like neither of you are experts.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agree about the ASG playing into Ovi’s suspension. Since the “meet n greets” with the big-money sponsors is a major part of the weekend, no way would the league want him there in a bad mood.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
We had better pray no one asks him about the 2014 Olympics.
by Pinoy Power Play on Jan 23, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
or asks him about the 2010 Olympics, for that matter.
by kingbonehead on Jan 23, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed on all counts.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can 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 23, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
I agree with you on Ovechkin. If he gets more than one, they can’t have him at the All-Star Game. Even if he gets one, it still might be uncomfortable. Tough call, Mr. Shanahan.
"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."
Since the ASG is an exhibition, they may indicate the suspension is for two regular season games.
I think Ovi gets only one though as the hit wasn’t that severe, and while he left his feet, it was clearly after contact had been initiatied.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
I was thinking something similar. I did wonder this morning if the order for the hearings would have any impact on length. Doubt it will, but I think I saw on twitter this morning that Michalek’s hearing is first. Couldn’t find the info. just now when I looked.
Kyper had it – Michalek at 10, Ovi at 1:30.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Pittsburgh must have a huge stake in NBC with all those replays they showed of that hit AFTER the fact. With ZERO on the hit from behind on Perreault on 2 on the Michalek hit on Hendricks. LOOK SHANAHAN, LOOK WHAT OVI DID OMG SUSPENSION!!
Typical
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Ok, Tortorella, take a breath.
"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 23, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It’s not about a stake in the Pens, it’s about driving a media narrative and getting higher ratings. Drama sells, and Ovechkin just put on a Greek play.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
Oh shit. I just realized this is an excuse for hockey talk to show up on PTI today.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Well, the hockey media certainly loves to pick on Ovi. But I’m preaching to the choir here.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
Actually the team that has a stake in NBC are the Flyers (or more correctly NBC/Comcast has a big stake in the Flyers, as Comcast is part of their ownership…)
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions
Wow, didn’t know that. More reasons to break out the tinfoil!
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
But you wouldn’t know it by the adulation lavished on the Pens by the broadcast crew. My wife asked if NBC had a financial interest in the Pens based on all the love they were getting.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 23, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
Olczyk is a former Penguins coach. Other than that, not much in terms of interest one way or another.
Frankly, the Capitals didn’t deserve much love after that first; they got some in the second when they actually came out to play.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
McGuire was a scout and assistant coach for the Pens.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 23, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions
Olczyk also played for the Pens, plus McGuire won Stanley Cup rings as a member of the Pens organization as a scout and then as asst coach, IIRC.
I do think it factors into Olczyk’s coverage of the Pens, but the first period contributed to the storyline, too.
I’m sure the win streak of the Pens and Malkin’s recent play has factored in as well.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 23, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
The Pens actually were the better team for 2 of the three periods yesterday and in the OT. A lot of the adulation went to the Malkin line (who were on the ice for all the Pens goals, and directly responsible for three of them), and some went to Johnny Depp-look-alike-wanna-be Kris LeTang, who scored as well. They earned their comments.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
Ovechkin factored into every goal scored by the Caps. But you wouldn’t know that from the comments.
Malkin did have a great game. But Ovi did pretty well too.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 23, 2012 10:49 AM EST up reply actions
Ovechkin was named third star by the Pens media after the game. He to got his props…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions
But that was not part of the broadcast.
During the second intermission, when Milbury damned Ovi with faint praise, they shorted him on one of his assists. After his goal he had 3 pts and factored into all the Caps scoring. That really wasn’t talked up.
After Neal scored to tie it up, there was a long love-fest for Malkin and his play. Not undeserved, but some attention to Ovi’s play was warranted.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 23, 2012 10:56 AM EST up reply actions
Milbury doesn’t like Ovechkin and never will since Ovi called him “a little cat” on NBC back in 2008.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
… in response to Milbury calling him a dog.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Being called a dog on TV is one thing. But actually calling Milbury a pussy to his face on national TV (albeit euphemistically)… well, I was surprised Milbury didn’t start beating on Ovi with a shoe…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
I’ll take our guy in that fight.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 23, 2012 12:14 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Well, considering Ovi’s got 25 years on Milbury, I agree. But we both know we want to see Milbury try to beat someone with a shoe again…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
Milbury only fights kids
by Obi wan Knuble on Jan 23, 2012 2:11 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions 1 recs
Interesting game in that both team’s top lines could not be stopped. I think that’s why it was reminiscent of Caps-Pens games of year’s past…big guns exchanging volleys.
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, it would have been better if Backstrom and Green were in there.
What? Who else was missing???
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
If Ovechkin is suspended for at least one game, the Caps will be without Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Green for their matchup against the Bruins. I am fairly certain this will be the first time all three miss a game at the same time.
"How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? The man can't even trust his own pants."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 23, 2012 9:13 AM EST reply actions
Backstrom’s track record of durability makes it pretty easy to verify. He has only missed 14 games in his career.
"How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? The man can't even trust his own pants."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 23, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
Nothing gets Laichitor out of hiding like a good “is AO dirty discussion.” He just loves ’em.
Please, call me F&B.
I’m not sure if that is sarcasm or not, but other people’s opinion of Ovechkin is pretty high up on the list of shit I don’t care about.
"How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? The man can't even trust his own pants."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 23, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions
And very ironic that Semin will be the young gun playing.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 23, 2012 10:05 AM EST up reply actions
Thanks again to Emily for linking to my photos.
by PensAreYourDaddy on Jan 23, 2012 9:23 AM EST reply actions
For some additional context with injuries and a possible suspension on the horizon:
Caps upcoming schedule:
Tue, Jan 24 vs Boston
all star break
Tue, Jan 31 at Tampa Bay
Wed, Feb 1 at Florida
Sat, Feb 4 at Montreal 2:00
Sun, Feb 5 vs Boston 12:30
Weird number of day games in stretch before and after ASG and two sets of back to backs after the ASG break.
Per Tarik:
#Caps Nicklas Backstrom is on the ice at KCI skating in a jumpsuit.
It’s a step forward. I’ll take it.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Is it an Elvis jumpsuit?
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
Maybe - or one of these?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Whyno clarifies the fashion concern – stress is mine.
Nicklas Backstrom skating by himself at Kettler in sweatpants and hoodie, hat.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Hopefully not that hideous hat the Rangers use as a trophy…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Or wearing a Weenie:
http://video.nhl.com/videocenter/console?catid=35&id=151881
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Not helmet? Being on ice without one always seems like a needless risk.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
He was out prior to practice so there was no one there. He also didn’t take any shots, just did some stick handling.
by jopierce on Jan 23, 2012 1:52 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
They say you play like you practice…
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 23, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Hmmm… I’d think it should be more red….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
So, assuming for now that Ovechkin does get suspended for at least 1 game and assuming that Johansson is not available (just my assumptions), do they recall a forward for tomorrow night?
I know cap hit counts while suspended for on-ice activity, but the Caps have the cap space with Green on LTIR. IIRC the rules correctly, a suspended player does not count as a spot against the 23 player active roster. Also, they could send down Kundratek for the game, if the player did count, but pretty sure the player wouldn’t count against an active roster spot.
As Hunter is only contracted through the end of this season, what chances do you think he has of getting an extension? Also, do you think he even wants one? And what do you think will be the deciding factors on whether or not he’s in Washington next year?
Premature topic of discussion, IMO (which isn’t to say don’t discuss it – I just think there are too many moving parts at this point to get a good feel for the answers to those questions).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Very similar to the reply I was typing. So many factors, including whether there’s a GM change and so much depends on what happens between now and the end of the season.
I do think even if the Caps want Hunter to stay there’s the possibility Hunter decides being a head coach in the NHL isn’t for him at this time, but that’s based on looking at things as an outsider and knowing he has the option to return to the London Knights.
Well, I don’t necessarily think it’s too premature (and I suspect that McPhee and Leonsis have already been talking about it), but I can also see that any real speculation now would be just that — pure speculation.
I tend to think that Hunter won’t be back, and the decision will be his more than the Caps’.
I tend to think that Hunter won’t be back, and the decision will be his more than the Caps’.
I know he’s got an incredibly cushy and comfortable gig back in London, but why would GMGM potentially bet his job on Dale if he wasn’t sure that Dale was going to commit to the team as much as the team was going to commit to him?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Because I think he was hoping that he’d come in and change the attitude of the team, reignite the fires in the bellies, etc.
And if that doesn’t happen and he crashes and burns, why would the Caps want him back? I guess my point is that I have a hard time envisioning a scenario in which the Caps want him to stay and he wants to leave, because I don’t see the former happening if things aren’t headed in the right direction and I don’t see the latter happening if they are. But I could be wrong.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well this is the same management that gave Tyler Sloan a 2 year extension, so poor performance is not necessarily a barrier to wanting a guy to stick around.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If the two goals are 1) win the Stanley Cup and 2) Change the locker room attitude/reignite the fire, you can achieve one and not the other and still call it progress. Prior to the coaching change, the Caps were doing neither. Of course, only they know how much they’ve adjusted, attitude-wise, but Semin’s stick penalties are down, Hamrlik has looked more responsible, and I don’t see DH being as much of a “player’s coach” as BB was. That in itself may be progress. Not the kind you want when you want and need to win a Stanley Cup, but it’s progress nonetheless.
This is in line with my thinking. I think, regardless of record, Dale is not fired. He may resign, but he’s not fired. You give him the summer and next season.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
While it’s early to be discussing these things, the early results for Hunter have not been promising. He’s better than Boudreau was in the last week or two of his tenure because it was apparent that the team had more or less quite on Boudreau.
The best thing that can be said about Hunter so far IMO is that the team hasn’t quit on him, but that’s ultimately not going to be good enough.
And your “best thing” is as much about simply changing from Boudreau as it is about the guy with whom they replaced him, IMO.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think they were hoping that something would happen like it has in Anaheim. After a slow start, the Ducks have turned it around the past few weeks and are playing really well under Boudreau.
It’s starting to look more and more like a hail mary attempt at saving a shipwreck of a season though, isn’t it?
The odds of a mid-season coaching change resulting in massive improvement are incredibly low. I wish people would understand that. Bylsma’s Cup and Laviolette’s final are massive anomalies.
Looking at the coaching change as anything other than a multi-year change doesn’t make sense. Call it a Hail Mary pass, if you want, but I think it is simply a poorly timed-coaching change that should have taken place in the offseason – either summer 2011 or summer 2012.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Jan 23, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The odds of a mid-season coaching change resulting in massive improvement are incredibly low.
Well, yes and no.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
From the article – which is very much helpful.
It does, at least short-term, seem to work (bumps in Winning percentage and Points). Getting to the playoffs, however has a lesser success rate, 44%. And only one time has it worked to change coaches and win a Stanley Cup (Pittsburgh 08-09).
I wonder whether Boudreau had less than a 44% likelihood of getting to the playoffs? I don’t think so.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
How much of that is selection bias in that good teams rarely have to change coaches mid-season?
Please, call me F&B.
related question: how much of the improvement is regression to the mean? i’d like to see a study of team pdo before and after coaching replacements.
It’s a good point, and I think it’s safely “case-by-case.” For example, the stats community predicted STL would bounce back big time under Hitch because the underlying numbers were good. They were right. But they also saw in Columbus a team that was better than its underlying numbers… and I’m just not sure that’s the case.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Exactly right – why should we think that their PDO is going to regress to 1000 when they have a way-below-average goalie? Does that mean that we should assume they have way-above-average finishers that are going to carry them to 1000? It doesn’t make sense (and why I sorta hate PDO).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And add in that CBJ also has below-average finishers so you don’t have either end living up to the PDO equation…
Please, call me F&B.
Right. The thing that bothers me the most is that there’s simply no reason, conceptually, to think that SV% and S% have anything to do with one another – it’s correlation without causation, as far as I’m concerned. That it tends towards a certain number is nice and handy, but it makes little sense.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Wait – you’re saying that my waking up in the morning doesn’t cause the sun to rise? Damn.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Good discussion in the comments here on PDO and why it gives me heartburn.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
You took the words right out of my mouth.
I mean, even with the change, did you think that Carolina makes the playoffs this year? Even with the improvement, can Anaheim? A good coach — even a great one — can’t turn back time and get teams out of huge holes.
So that makes the 44% playoff numbers better than they should be? I get that.
I still believe, however, that folks who look at Hunter as this season’s savior are off base. It’s hard for a mid-season replacement to make that much of a difference. Likewise, judging him based on this season would also be short sighted.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
The thing about mid-season coaching changes is that teams are generally underperforming when they make the change, and so the new guy is inheriting a team that is better than its results (though not necessarily its play) might indicate. So you’re generally looking at teams with almost literally nowhere to go but up. It’s pretty rare to see a team with a winning record make a change, so the numbers end up being a bit inflated.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Right. But that’s not usually the case – GMs of horrible teams are generally pretty well aware that the coach has little to do with their trainwreck, and so they have a longer leash… until it’s seen as underperformance with even minimal expectations.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I haven’t watched the Ducks, but how much of their “turnaround” is related to their goalies finally stopping pucks?
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah – cause those Blues goalies have really sucked lately.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
No. I read Rob’s post as “Blues” and not “Ducks” and added snark on top.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
As a small distraction on this Monday morning, for those who missed it over the weekend, the Pens hired Don Waddell as a pro scout. Cheers.
Hopefully they put him on a fast track for GM.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 2:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
On a lighter note...
From yesterday’s clips, did everyone what’s drawn inside the sink at Ovi’s new digs?
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
by bagace on Jan 23, 2012 10:35 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
Gotta love Ovi! Always has a sense of humor.
The penguin on the left at the front looks familiar… is he the one complaining about Knuble in the “Run!” meme photo?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
I think I know the Penguin on the left on the inside too. Cruising around with his head down, accidentally running into things that can hurt him…
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 23, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Was I the only one posting here today who enjoyed the game yesterday? ;) I thought it to be very Pens/Caps-ian. Had Hendricks late shot clanged in, would it have changed people’s tunes about resilience and overcoming adversity, like killing a 5 on 3 PP?
That ping… brings back memories of game 5 in 1995. Caps are up 3-1 in games, in OT up in Pittsburgh, and Bondra pings a shot of the post in the OT. One millimeter to the center of the net, the Caps win the series in 5 games and this Penguins jinx doesn’t exist (maybe…)
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Which was worse, Knuble’s or Brouwer’s post?
by David C. Rothman on Jan 23, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
Knuble’s. Just bad luck on Brouwer.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 23, 2012 11:16 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry, yes, I meant Brouwer. And dont forget Knuble’s heartbreaker that floated near the goal line.
by S h a g g y on Jan 23, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions
@kcarrera: #Caps lines: 8-90/85-28; 26-21-20; 25-15-22; 83-50-42. All eight defensemen and both goalies are on the ice.
Assumption is the first line is a contingency should Ovi get suspended. Since they’ve had him there before, I assume Jojo will play the winger role.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
And if they’re making the assumption he’s not playing… he’s not playing.
I’m sure Shanny has talked to GMGM already and they know what’s going to go down. Otherwise, I’d wonder what type of message it sends to Shanny, pre-review, that the Caps are essentially admitting Ovi should/will be suspended. But that’s likely reading too much into it.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ehhhh…I think it’s more the folks covering the team making assumptions, not the team itself. MarJo missed the game yesterday due to illness. Until Backstrom is back, he’s he de facto 1C. Dale could just be seeing if MarJo is 100% while giving MP the opportunity to work with the the big guns.
Maybe. I’m not out there, so don’t know, but McNally tweeted “Looks like a Johansson-Perreault-Semin top line against #Bruins tomorrow.” Maybe just an assumption from him, but maybe there was something in the practice itself that led to that. Whatever. We’ll know soon enough.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yeah, I read that lineup as two pivots playing 1C. Maybe wishful thinking though.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 23, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
Why even bother having him take the ice if that’s the case?
"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 23, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
Because there are aspects of his game that could use some work?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Haha yeah fair enough. Why would he stop practicing? DUH.
"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 23, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions
GMGM (into phone): Hello?
Phone: Hello, this is Brendan Shanahan from the NHL Department of Player Safety. On Sunday -
GMGM: Just skip to the number!
Phone: – between the Penguins and the Washington Capitals. In the second period, Alexander Ovech -
GMGM: (puts call on hold, microwaves his lunch, gets his hair cut, picks up his dry cleaning…)
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Shanny should have Ed Hoculi do his videos.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Oh yeah! That, or maybe have Jeremy Roenick and Anson Carter, like those NHL Center Ice infomercials they did…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 12:13 PM EST up reply actions
I’m picturing Shanahan saying, “so where was I. Right. I had an onion on my belt, as was the style at the time.”
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can 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 23, 2012 1:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“The ruling on the field stands. It’ll be 2nd and dickety, New York Giants.”
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
by SmallZ827 on Jan 23, 2012 1:35 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Tech issues on Ups & Downs?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Something like that. Look for them at 1:00!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Gracias generalissimo.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can 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 23, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
Down arrow graphic was pulling too much bandwidth
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
by sydtron on Jan 23, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 8 recs
Each of the last two seasons and this year.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 12:10 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
This is why, frankly, I don’t like you.
by RCheli on Jan 23, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Ah, who am I kidding. I love you, man.
I think I’d love to have a beer with a lot of people on this site — even the ones I don’t agree with. There are very few assholes here, and if they are, I think that it’s the internet talking.
Yeah, the internet makes it tougher to tell, especially when you have blunt sarcasm. Based on the interactions on this site nobody would think D’ohboy and I would get along but you put some beer in us and we get along pretty well.
Please, call me F&B.
I am so confused after reading all of these threads as to whether you’re actually an asshole or not.
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 23, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Both, obviously.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 23, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
He’s absolutely an asshole. But he’s our asshole!
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 23, 2012 2:38 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I had abdominal tear surgery last Friday and frankly this has all been percocet surreal today. This might be why I don’t like you – you won’t come out and just explain exactly how you are an asshole. I do appreciate your writing.
by Ahberg on Jan 23, 2012 3:35 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Huge asshole. His one redeeming quality is that he’s at least funny about it.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
I'm the Dick, he's the Asshole
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 23, 2012 7:15 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
And when we get together we both end up shitty.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 7:32 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Speaking of discipline, didn’t Michalek have his hearing a couple of hours ago? Or are they going to wait until after Ovi’s to announce both results?
"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."
Shanny needs time to record his video.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Word leaks out long before that, you know that.
Where’s McKenzie? Sleeping?
"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."
I don’t agree. I think they’ve done a pretty good job of keeping the number of games under wraps until the video is released; see Ference for the latest example. It was assumed, maybe confirmed, he was being suspended but the # of games came out within about 5 minutes of the video being released.
all I know if every time I check twitter, I’m very nervous.
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Stars announce 4 year extension for Alex Goligoski. 18.4 million. Average of 4.6 per year.
Sets the floor or ceiling for Green? Goligoski is quite good and younger, if my memory serves. He’s missed some time, but not nearly as much as Green.
Green is at $5.25M in this final year.
I vote that this is not good news for Green.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Not great news for the Caps, but this isn’t even close to the worst news for Green we’ve seen this season.
A bit much, but offense gets paid and I think they are assuming Gogo continues developing and is a core part of that team going forward.
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah, that’s a “where he is on our depth chart” signing on top of the simple “raw talent and production” signing.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Still, looking at what Letang and Suter got (even if Suter signed his deal years ago) and it’s tough for me to see Gogo at 4.6 at this stage of his career.
Please, call me F&B.
maybe. letang hadn’t made the leap to #1 PP guy when he got his deal. the pens really timed it perfectly. gogo is currently leading the stars in PP time (and total ice time for that matter), and of course they’ve already paid a pretty penny for gogo in trade.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 23, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
after 15 points in 23 games last season with the stars. i think the stars (and the league) have seen enough to recognize him as a #1 PP guy. by the accounts i’ve read, his injured hand/wrist has bothered him for a large chunk of this season.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 23, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
You think an often-injured Green is worth more than Goligoski? Age? Potential?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I think that Green’s agent sure thinks that. I’m not sure how you factor injuries into a contract negotiation, quite frankly.
Please, call me F&B.
Answering further. There are some interesting comparables involving players with injury histories. The problem is, the ones I immediately thought of were all going to be UFAs at the end of their contracts when they were signed, so their AAVs would tend to be inflated.
Here are the comps I pulled up, just trying to think of skilled players with injury histories:
Andrei Markov
- Signed 5.75 per for 3 years in 2011
- Expiring contract would have made him UFA
- Played 78, 45, and 7 games in prior 3 years
Brent Burns
- Signed 5.76 per for 5 years in 2011
- Expiring contract would have made him UFA
- Played 59, 47, and 80 in prior 3 seasons
Marian Gaborik
- Signed 7.5 per for 5 years as a UFA in 2009
- Played 48, 77, and 17 in prior 3 seasons
Simon Gagne
- Signed 3.5 per for 2 years as a UFA in 2011
- Previous contract was 5.25 per
- Played 25, 79, 58, 63 in prior 4 years
Mike Green
- Will be RFA at end of current contract
- Played 68, 75, 49 and ? last 4 seasons prior to end of contract
Burns and Markov seem to be very good comps in terms of type of players, production, and injury history. They both got nearly identical extensions at 5.75 per. But both would have been UFAs, so we could expect Green to get less or maybe just a one year deal to bridge to the new CBA. I think both Markov and Burns could have gotten significantly more as UFAs if they had no injury history. Whether they signed for lower at 5.75 because they liked where they were playing or because they didn’t think they could get more b/c of their injuries is unknown. Gaborik certainly did not get an injury discount, but lolrangers. Gagne probably did get less due to his injuries.
So yeah, it depends.
I think they are the same age give or take a few months, Gologoski was in the same ’04 draft class although maybe that was his second time eligible. if you are comparing Green and Goligoski, like Green will be doing if he signs for a year or more, 1 year is a RFA season based on the current CBA.
I shouldn’t have been lazy.
Ok, I looked it up.
Goligoski: 2004 2nd rounder; July 30, 1985 birthdate; 236GP, turned pro for ’07-08 season after playing 3 years of college hockey at Minnesota
Green: 2004 1st rounder; October 12, 1985 birthdate; 376 GP; turned pro for ’05-06 season
Just a lurker looking for insight into an observation...
…and were I a bit quicker with the wit, I suspect herein lies a good late spring quip…
I think I’ve become somewhat deadened to Joe B and Locker’s standard lines-o-response and so this hadn’t jumped out prior, but during the commentary of yesterdays game the “he golfs it out” line was as alive as ever…
It struck me that the frequency with which that term is seemingly used in relation to the Caps defensive zone play/“strategy” is disproportionately more frequent than I feel like I hear in relation to other teams. Whilst I realize statistical evidence is probably nonexistent on this, I’m wondering if the tendency to “golf it out” rather than lay a hit/take the body and work to gain puck control and a controlled breakout is exemplary of the team’s “soft” side? And further exemplifying the habits engrained over the past four years which Hunter’s regime is working to overcome?
Or is just golfing it out always just the better idea?
I’ve hunted (albeit haphazardly and to no avail) into Hockeydb looking to understand “Hunter’s” style of hockey while in the OHL and whether low shots are a derivative of Hunter hockey… maybe it’s wishful thinking and blind optimism- but I feel like this team is only going thru the motions, reinventing itself and playing purely towards a complete metamorphosis in the post season…
If not for my procrastinational tendencies, I'd probably start an "Alan May for President" campaign... I think there is a chance he might well be my Messiah...
by bsche on Jan 23, 2012 1:10 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
…yeah, tho it just seemed to me that these little half steps (of taking a lazy whack with the hopes of getting the puck out vs. WORKING to win the battles) are an insight into just how monumental an adjustment the Hunter regime is charged with. In the BB era, I can see where the chip/golf shot was acceptable- as the forwards were cheating and in position to win the puck further down the boards. In Hunter’s system, seems it is essential to success to lay a hit and work to win puck control versus golf it out and take an icing/let the opposition reload… seems to me the underlying habits which were accepted in the past are manifesting themselves in a TON of tilted ice…
If not for my procrastinational tendencies, I'd probably start an "Alan May for President" campaign... I think there is a chance he might well be my Messiah...
They did the golf stuff a lot during the Hanlon era too. A lot of people assumed that was just a lack of talent, but they really haven’t improved.
"Money talks. I listen."
That’s what happens when you get hemmed in.
FWIW, the Blues are the best team I’ve ever seen (remember, hockey didn’t exist before 2008) at exiting their zone.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 23, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
…yeah, guess I can see that- just seemed to me that the Caps propensity to opt to try and golf it out is greater than most… was curious as to whether golfing it out was deemed an acceptable course of action (versus putting a body on the guy and working the wall for possession) by most coaches of the world…
If not for my procrastinational tendencies, I'd probably start an "Alan May for President" campaign... I think there is a chance he might well be my Messiah...
@TSNBobMcKenzie:
ASG fill-ins: Jordan Eberle in for Mikko Koivu, Kris Letang in for Dustyin Byfuglien. Nick Johnson in for RNH in rookie portion.
Wait, I thought Neil was next in line (since Ovi supposedly stole his ASG roster spot)
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
by bagace on Jan 23, 2012 1:38 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
what, no Jagr?
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by RedBirdie on Jan 23, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
When the NHL came to tell Hartnell he was going to the game, he flopped to the ground and screamed “OH MY KNEE!”
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by RedBirdie on Jan 23, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
vaguely saw something about that yesterday. groin issues again?
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Alzner happy dance at today’s practice. Missed what prompted it.
by discuit on Jan 23, 2012 2:02 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
awesome. He probably won the post-practice game.
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Ah, the ol’ celebration from NHL 94. One of the greatest win celebrations.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 2:14 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
per Whyno, Kundratek back to Hershey. Thank baby jeebus.
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I have never understood the Kundratek call-up; do not understand how he much better than 55 or 6. Regardless, does this mean Ersk is projected #6 and Schultz is projected Nachos nosher?
Caps have one game in the next 8+ days. Ersk plays tomorrow night, Kundratek gets time in HER, then he’s probably back here after the All-Star break. Who knows.
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Also, Hershey plays in Norfolk Friday and Saturday and only has 6 healthy D at the moment if all 6D made it through the 3 in 3 this weekend healthy.
Oh and agree, I expect to see Erskine in tomorrow night against the Bruins so if Kundratek sitting anyway, should be practicing in Hershey getting ready for the upcoming games.
Also, a minor factor, but fewer days on the NHL roster, game days on the NHL roster, etc., as it relates to pay/CBA, etc., of course, they are paying him for today.
I thought the callup made a lot of sense from an asset management standpoint. Kundratek is new to the organization, it’s worth management’s time to see how he performs in NHL condions.
That’s completely independent of your point on 55/4, which I think is valid.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
You and JP make good points/clarifications. However, I am not sure how letting Sarge get rustier and rustier helps either the team or his trading value. Something must be going on that will make sense of this. I would feel a little better about this if Hamr would be more consistent, although I think he has trended upwards lately (not counting Pens game). But, as JP says, who knows?
Wondering if you guys can tell me if the results of Ovi’s discipline hearing will be tweeted by anyone? Would love to know what the results are pretty quickly.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
The results of Ovi’s hearing won’t be tweeted by anyone. They’ll be tweeted by EVERYONE.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Jan 23, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
What do you mean everyone?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can 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 23, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
should if follow @everyoneandtheirmother for the latest?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 2:54 PM EST up reply actions
The Caps “pressbox” twitter list is a pretty good start.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
haven’t seen anything. Shanny is very good about tweeting these things out once there has been a decision. I’ve not seen anything of Michalek, either.
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fun game. let’s predict earliest tweet. i’m going @darrendreger.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 23, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
I guess Ochocinco…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
Or better: @BizNasty2point0
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
We’ll have a post up on it pretty soon after it comes down. I’m sure you’ll see it here before then, though.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Thanks. I’ll probably just wait to read about it in tomorrow’s newspaper. Still $0.25?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
They still print newspapers?
/Ted’d
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Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Ok, because this is becoming today’s thing in the hockey blogsphere:
Tim Thomas taking a pass on the White House visit. Big deal or no big deal?
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
Warning: don’t let it get political, you guys (which, ironically, Thomas did and that’s why we’re talking about it).
For me, I’d say it’s not a big deal, but his actions have distracted from his teammates’ big day.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
His teammates. If he said “this is why I want to boycott and I don’t want it to be a distraction so let me know how you feel” etc. etc.
Please, call me F&B.
I’m certain that he spoke to them beforehand (or he’s an even bigger me-first asshole than I’d thought). But it still takes away from the focus of the day, which is the world champs being honored by the most powerful man on the planet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So really he should just suck it up and deal with it?
What if he attended and then released his Facebook message telling everyone why he disagrees with Obama?
Please, call me F&B.
Further, is there anything he could say in the Facebook message that would make you change your mind?
Please, call me F&B.
I’d think he could have sucked it up and gone. If he wanted to say something afterwards, whatever. To me, the whole event is more about the office than the man holding it anyway (it’s not like they sign loyalty oaths or donate to the DNC to attend), and for an American to treat it that way is disappointing.
There’s plenty he could say on Facebook that could change my mind, but probably nothing political (i.e. if he was actually at the hospital with his wife, etc.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Gotcha.
Next question, counselor. Does the fact that TT has a Silver Medal from “playing” for Team USA enter into your consideration?
Please, call me F&B.
It might have, but I don’t think so. If he had publicly come out and said “I don’t support his President and will not be traveling to the White House,” he simply would have gotten skewered earlier.
There are three schools of thought here:
1. You don’t disrespect a US President. Period. End of Story. He’s still your President, and no one is asking you to vote for him.
2. You go, Timmy!! I wouldn’t be caught dead in that White House either.
3. It’s a free country. I believe #1, but I’m ok with Timmy not going.
On Twitter I’ve seen a lot of #1, some of #3, but zero of #2.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Oh, #2 is out there (mostly in replies to Lambert that he’s re-tweeted), but I won’t post them due to JP’s no politics rule.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
I’m pretty firmly (screen cap!) in the third camp.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Essentially, I see it similar to how I feel about people not standing for the anthem – it bothers me, it wouldn’t be my choice, etc., but if you forced someone to stand, you’re kind of defeating the whole point – anyone who’s defended that flag and this country has done so in part to protect your right to not participate in such things.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Once you go down a path of saying proponents of #1 or #2 are idiots or unpatriotic or whatever, then you’ve pretty much violated #3.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
No “He’s a goalie, goalies are crazy” option?
"Money talks. I listen."
by apk3000 on Jan 23, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Missed that one.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Did Thomas provide a reason for this? I completely missed/ignored all news about the trip (other than pictures on my Facebook feed posted by a friend that works for the Bruins).
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 3:22 PM EST up reply actions
He’s apparently going to release a statement on Facebook later. Also, mememememememememememememememe.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
What a douchecanoe.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
He hasn’t addressed it yet, but it’s widely assumed to be for political reasons. His “most admired person” in the team media guide is Glenn Beck
It is? I thought goalie masks were supposed to prevent head trauma……
by Wilderthing on Jan 23, 2012 3:29 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
wandering into politics here……
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he has not. Supposedly he’s going to post a statement on Facebook later tonight. Cam Neely made it sound like Thomas said he wasn’t going, team tried to convince him to do so, and he refused.
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I think you’ve hit the really important point. He made it about him, not the team. His teammates should be furious, but I’m sure they’ll let it roll off of them.
"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."
Dupont just tweeted his thoughts, succinctly: “Win as team. Lose as team. When team is honored, attend as a teammate.”
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by J.P. on Jan 23, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, they’ll let it roll. The only reason any of them get to go is because of him anyway.
Please, call me F&B.
Of course. But I’m sure some of them will have to answer questions that they’d rather not have had to deal with. Meh. Really not a huge deal, though. At all.
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maybe the whole media circus will distract them so much they don’t have their heads in tomorrow’s game. pleaseohpleaseohplease.
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by RedBirdie on Jan 23, 2012 3:33 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
John Walton adds another solid point on teh Twitterz – it’s bad for the sport, since it’ll get traction and negative attention beyond just hockey circles.
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Good point, and I’d be watching ESPN tonight (if I was going to be home).
Kornheiser is going to evicerate him, if not on PTI (they film early enough that they might not cover it, and they have a ton of other stuff to cover), then tomorrow morning on the radio. I know lots of folks here aren’t fond of Tony, but I can’t wait to hear this one.
"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."
Too long ago for me to remember. I do want to see if he argues the point because of the office, not the person. Tony is an admitted left-leaning liberal, so I’m sure we’ll hear about that too
"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."
Same stuff. Although if i recall Harrison’s excuse was less political and more about how the President only invites the winners or something stupid like that. Lots of head hits.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 4:34 PM EST up reply actions
And he skipped an invite with Obama. So at least he’s consistent.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 23, 2012 4:59 PM EST up reply actions
..
Or, in a more cynical note, his actions should get the NHL some mainstream press in the US for a couple of days.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Selfish act. Overshadows what should be a light hearted and incredible day for most of his TEAMMATES. Guys who quite litterally fight for him every night. Can’t swallow his politics for a few hours? Do what I do when I go to someones house i don’t like. Drink all their beer and ruin their bathroom.
Appearing with the President you don’t agree with does in no way compromise your political beliefs. Not to make too big a deal about the actions of a dopey goalie, but the fact that someone won’t even stand in the same room as another man in a non-partisan setting just because they don’t see eye-to-eye politically is pretty much what’s keeping the country in the muddy ditch it’s stuck in.
BTW, my research shows B’s owner Jeremy Jacobs has contributed money to many democratic candidates such as Hillary Clinton and John Edwards. If Thomas really had balls he’d request a trade based upon his political beliefs.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Do what I do when I go to someones house i don’t like. Drink all their beer and ruin their bathroom.
I hate the Bruins, but I’d laugh my ass off if TT dropped an upper decker in one of the White House bathrooms.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 23, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
Or he’d opt out of the NHLPA. (Actually I don’t know if that’s possible) It is a union after all.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 23, 2012 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know the finer points of the NHLPA, but a lot of the time, even if you don’t want to be part of the union, you have to pay an “agency fee” to cover the costs associated with representing you at collective bargaining and what not. My last job, all non-management, non-confidential staff (The exec assistants and those working in the legal dept were considered confidential) were unionized. being non-union wasn’t an option.
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My sister is a nurse and my brother is a teacher. So I know that there are some places where if the workforce is unionized – you have to be whether you want to or not.
All I know is that the NHLPA is a union and is what protects players and provides for the pay and benefits they enjoy.
If TT refused to go to the WH based on TP ideology, and did so to make a pricinpled stand against whatever, then he should do the same regarding his union benefits and opt out.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 23, 2012 5:23 PM EST up reply actions
It's called a double standard
and they’re really good at it. Glenn Beck is in a union too but everyone elses union is an evil socialist institution.
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Not as big a deal as a still dazed Marc Savard mistakenly going to White Castle and asking to see the Rose Garden.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can 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 23, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
All this Tim Thomas talk, and guess who’s trending #1 on Yahoo right now?
Nope, it’s Ovi.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Having lived in Boston and rooted for them during their ‘89 cup run (despite Milbury being the coach), I’ve always had a soft spot for the Bruins.
Until now. Tim Thomas and Boston are now my least favorite team.
Well my least favorite team is Pittsburgh.
by Ahberg on Jan 23, 2012 3:57 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
He’s turned the occasion into something it shouldn’t be about. I find it interesting that the winning team gets a White House visit since most teams are made up of foreigners. Players from many of those countries would have more of a bone to pike with the American Government, but they don’t turn the event into a platform.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Jan 23, 2012 4:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
He’s still trying to pay his cab fare. He should have brought Patrick Kane with him…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
Did he get a call from Obama in the locker room after they won the Cup? I can’t remember who he usually calls — coach, team president, MVP?
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 23, 2012 5:38 PM EST up reply actions
In other news, “One Sad Hockey Player” made Puck Headlines today.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
Congrats JP!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 23, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions
I know, dead horse and all...
To me one of the most rewarding things about sports fandom is its ability to transcend politics, race, etc., if only for a short time. I work with a guy – actually he reports to me – whose politics and mine are diametrically opposed, and after a number of heated arguments we’ve ageed to stay away from that subject. But we can talk SFGiants and 49ers for hours. That’s what I find most – well, disturbing may be too strong a word, let’s say irritating – about Thomas’ behavior, the injection of politics into an arena that can sometimes provide a respite from same.
You had me at Ovechkin.
Have you considered that maybe it’s not politics for TT? Maybe he’s just racist.
I’m just asking questions people!
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
And wonder why people don’t like you? :-)
I like you of course, but I’m just sayin’
Of course, you’ve just given Steigerwald enough ammunition to write an entire article about how TT is a racist.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Maybe TT just doesn’t like Harvard Law. Maybe BU is his favorite law school in the city.
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Jan 23, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
My thought is this, TT should have gone to support his team, and to not turn this into a political event when politics should stay the hell out of hockey.
However, what he could have done, once there, is quietly explain to the President that he doesn’t share his views and maybe say one or two things he thinks are important. How often does anyone get the chance to FACE TO FACE speak to someone with that much power?
I have far more respect for people who disagree when they are willing to calmly talk about why they disagree and suggest ways to meet in the middle.
Sure beats throwing a public screw-you-guys-I’m-going-home sort of deal.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Jan 23, 2012 4:43 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I have taken your points and considered them and while they are well stated, I respectfully disagree because….
Oh screw this it’s almost 5 pm, I’m going home.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 23, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
Isn’t a hockey team meeting with a president making it a political event?
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Jan 23, 2012 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
eh. There’s a long tradition of Presidents hosting the championship team from the major sports leagues, the Olympic teams, etc. it’s not like it’s a campaign event, the Bruins aren’t out soliciting donations for the DNC or anything. presidents, regardless of their party affiliation, have been doing this for a long time.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1154.38!
I understand that — I was just being technical.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Jan 23, 2012 5:14 PM EST up reply actions
The sad thing is
Most of the stuff he thinks he disagrees with on Obama are probably bullshit because he’s hearing from Glenn Beck.
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Just went to the Boston blog “….Cup of Chowder” and the posters there are almost universally dismayed. He is the only American on the cup team and didn’t go. Some of the posters are regretting their jersey choice…
by KSR17 on Jan 23, 2012 4:43 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Good. Fuck Tim Thomas right in his stupid face.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Our assistant coach just weighed in on the subject (albeit discreetly):
@jimjohnson06
The pinnacle of leadership is reached when you care more about others standing on top of the Mountain than you do about your own view!
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
@MolinariPG: No fine or suspension for Penguins D Zbynek Michalek for hit on Washington’s Matt Hendricks Sunday.
Logic says no suspension for Ovi, since Michalek had direct elbow to head contact.
Tin foil says at least two games.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
If the Michalek hit isn’t “the kind of hit they want to take out of the game” then what is?
Please, call me F&B.
We may find out pretty soon…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 23, 2012 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
you really want me to bust out the tinfoil, don’t you?
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SWhynoStephen Whyno
NHL spokesman confirms no fine or suspension for #Penguins’ Zbynek Michalek, explaining that D’s knee buckles, contributing to lunge.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
AO had a bad case of gas, contributing to lift off.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 5:20 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
really doesn’t explain why Michalek got his arm up into Hendy’s head, but, hey, whatever makes the NHL feel better about not suspending the guy, right?
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1154.38!
The delay between the Michalek no fine/suspension and any news regarding Ovechkin has me nervous. Shanny might be making a video…
Tu ne cede malis
Go ahead, throw the book at him. At this point let the NHL turn itself into even more of a joke. Hopefully they slam him, put him in the ASG, try to market the shit out of him, and then he levels someone with a vicious check and pulls out his cell phone to take a picture on the ice.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 23, 2012 5:54 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Whoa. Bob McKenzie just backed off his stand from last night, saying he could see Ovi getting no suspension or maybe a game, based only on his past history. (“if they start penalizing all those hits”….).
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
Bit late for him to back peddle.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Marchand called a little ball of hate?
That puke isn’t fit to sniff Verbeek’s jock.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 5:38 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
According to Ray Ferraro and Bob McKenzie on twitter, Ferraro was actually the little ball of hate. Pat Verbeek was the big ball of hate.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
Huh, well how about that. My point still stands. Regardless of which one is the big and which one is the small, Marchand is not fit to sniff their jocks.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 5:57 PM EST up reply actions
New theory: it’s either nothing or 5 games, and they’re waiting to announce it in hopes that the news gets lost among the coverage of this evening’s games.
I think Michalek was told “you were just fine” because I didn’t see anything about him paying money.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 23, 2012 6:14 PM EST up reply actions
SWhynoStephen Whyno
Been told George McPhee had to leave Kettler, so he won’t address media tonight. #Caps #ovechkin
1 minute ago
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
some irritated media members, I bet!
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Diversion while waiting for the info from Shanahan —
Interesting poll on SI.com as to which players we might pay to see, about 5K votes in —
Crosby – 80% would pay to see
Ovechkin — 75%
Malkin — 57%
Stamkos – 56%
Datsyuk — 55%
Toews – 53%
Lidstrom – 51%
Sedins – 49%
Thomas – 46%
Giroux – 35%
Lundqvist – 35%
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Are you shitting me?
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
He should tell the ASG to go fuck themselves.
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Or just pull a Tim Thomas
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Thanks to all the “Ovie is dirty” lobbyists.
[foil hat]
Seems ridiculous since it was the less dangerous hit.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I was going with the “because the logo on the front of your jersey determined how harsh the NHL comes down on you”
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1154.38!
The NHL is awful at their jobs. Shanahan can go fuck himself with a jackhammer.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 23, 2012 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
TSNBobMcKenzieBob McKenzie
by VogsCaps
Three game suspension for Alexander Ovechkin.
42 seconds ago
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
I will wait for a new thread from JP before I throw out obscenities.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Discuss it here: http://www.japersrink.com/2012/1/23/2728523/alex-ovechkin-suspended-three-games
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Obama should go to his first game tomorrow night just to fuck with Thomas.
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Thankfully he’s busy.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can 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 23, 2012 9:04 PM EST up reply actions
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