Thursday Caps Clips: Breaking Good
by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 8:19 AM EST
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- The Caps get a big victory heading into the break - a sign of things to come? [WashTimes, WashTimes]
- A eulogy for Sid vs. Alex.... [Toronto Star (yes, Cox)]
- ... more suspension/All-Star hubbub leftovers... [WaPo, KOL, Edmonton Journal, STL Post-Dispatch, RMNB]
- ... and redemption. [Peerless]
- Is a list that rates Nicklas Backstrom as the 94th-best player in the League worth giving page views? Your call. [ESPN]
- Toss an old hat, get a deal on a new one. Win-win. [D.C. Sports Bog]
- Finally, everything you wanted (and didn't want) to know about Matt Hendricks ' split ear. Ew. [Dump 'n Chase, Puck Daddy, WaPo, PHT, ]
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Well – at least Nicky was ahead of Brad Marchand? FWIW — Pekka Rinne at 93 is also a joke.
I’ve lost a little respect for Bucci on this one. He knows hockey and has been a Caps’ supporter in the past.
All this said, here’s what he wrote about his “methodology,” as N. Greenberg turns over in his, um, couch:
What were my guidelines? I tried to rank players in terms of picking players for this spring. Guys you would want, and we assume they are all 100 percent healthy, for the 2012 Stanley Cup playoffs. Past production, whether trending up or down, was examined in an attempt to get an accurate snapshot today. “Potential” or “ceiling” or projected dropoff were not considered. At least I tried not to let them affect my thinking. It’s about who can help us win right now.
I also tried to use the parameter where if I definitely wouldn’t trade Player A for Player B straight up (not taking into consideration cap number), then Player A must be ranked higher, right? I agree, it’s hard to compare players that play different positions or have different roles. And it was difficult in situations where I know a team already had a goalie or a similar position in abundance. I admit to some human error and perhaps a contradiction or two. This is not an absolute list but a rough guideline according to one fool. I will probably have one or two glaring omissions that, upon further Ed Hochuli review, I will admit were foolish.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
OK, I get his “methodology”. But still putting Backstrom at only 94? Assuming he’s healthy, which is part of the methodology, he’s got to be top 20, no?
"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."
Not to mention that there aren’t 93 players you would trade Backstrom for straight up.
Not sure there are nine.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Are there 25 players under 25 you would trade John Tavares for straight up? Are there nine?
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 8:33 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
(And I know that’s not your criteria but is his… just needlin’ ya.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Poke. Poke. Poke.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I poke, poke his face
And yet he still ignores me
Poke, poke, poke, poke, poooooooooooooooooke
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 26, 2012 9:01 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
When did this place become Facebook???
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions
Heh. Yea.
Look, I get (maybe more than most) the challenges that come with creating a list like this. However, there are only 10 pivots who meet the following criteria:
1. Drive play (positive Corsi Rel)
2. Top six scoring rate (1.8+ points per 60 at 5v5)
3. Don’t get an over abundant amount of off zone starts (OffZ start <= 55%)
4. Play 14+ EV minutes per night.
I find it hard to believe that all ten aren’t in the high end of the “who can help us win right now” category.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
And if you consider how many play with dead weight wingers…
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 26, 2012 8:39 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
You are relentless about this. Is John Tavarez your cousin or something?
Patron saint of quality footwear.
___
I’m very defensive about all things Tavares. For example, tell me this record cover isn’t great and we’ll have words:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 9:20 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
The afros, the leisure suits (while shirtless!), the big jewelry…that approaches perfection, my friend.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Approaches?
"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 26, 2012 9:40 AM EST up reply actions
Is it sad that I remember this group? Am I that old?
And they we’re pretty good too… great vocal range.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 9:28 AM EST up reply actions
I just had my whole college life flash before my eyes…even the stuff I was too drunk to remember.
If you've read this far...seek help.
When you’re young, like those guys.
With age and experience, you can whittle that time in half.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Jan 26, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Apparently.
Not featured? Their smash hit “Three Inches of Love.”
/OT
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 9:35 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Or their duet with Henrik Lundqvist in the 09 playoffs, “Three Inches of Glove”
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We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:44 AM EST up reply actions
Also referred to as “Danny Briere’s Theme Song”
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 26, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
It’ll be great to just come up with a list of players that Buccigross would have traded Nicky for.
I smell a twitter hashtag #BuccigrosswouldhavetradedBackstromfor
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:33 AM EST up reply actions
0000
Does he really live in a world where he thinks that not only would it be wise to trade Nick Backstrom straight up for Kris Versteeg or Stephen Weiss or Mike Fisher or Dan Effing Girardi but he would think he got the BETTER DEAL? Yeah….
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.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:31 AM EST up reply actions
I also tried to use the parameter where if I definitely wouldn’t trade Player A for Player B straight up (not taking into consideration cap number), then Player A must be ranked higher, right?
It’s not as goofy as it sounds; it’s a crude application of pairwise comparisons. You do not have a “multivoter” scenario, just one person evaluating a population of candidates. You can rank them by pairing them off, each against each of the others.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Agreed – it’s simple and straightforward… in theory. In application, it’s obviously a complete shitshow if the person making the evaluations hasn’t a clue what he’s doing.
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 8:35 AM EST up reply actions 11 recs
I love his evaluation of Weiss
Has never played in a playoff series in his 10-year career, but I bet he would be dependable.
Lulz.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:36 AM EST up reply actions
I have long advocated bringing Mr. Weiss to Washington.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Yeah, but instead
we got Wise.
"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 26, 2012 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
"Potential" or "ceiling" or projected dropoff were not considered.
Yet he’s assuming Weiss would be dependable in a playoff series even though he’s never played on? Doesn’t that contradict this mandate?
"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
No, I think it means he’s not building for the long term. So if a guy is older, like Jagr or MSL, he’s not considering that over the next 2-3 years they won’t be the same player. And if a guy is younger, he won’t consider that they will be better in 2-3 years. It’s just about this season, and he thinks this season Weiss is reliable for a playoff series.
Please, call me F&B.
We actually use a very similar format to do performance reviews at my company. You want to know which employee is doing better, then put two up against each other and choose one.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
It’s a time-honored tradition in “Who’s Hotter?” brackets as well.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
And “Who’s Hotter” brackers are far more interesting than performance reviews. Unfortunately, HR would, I believe, look down on replacing performance reviews with a “Who’s Hotter” discussion.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
And now everyone knows why I got on the masthead instead of D’ohboy.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 26, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
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Rob Parker Jr is a looker, as you can see:
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, and that’s the face I use in normal day to day interactions. That’s not a photo-shoot pose.
Please, call me F&B.
The karate uniform really sets you apart from other lawyers, too. Makes you look trustworthy.
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
“Girls are more fun”… so he’s taken the Pepsi challenge on that?
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Jan 26, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Awww, ugly duckling
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 26, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
I didn’t even click the link.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Jan 26, 2012 8:42 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
That’s probably what we all should have done. LOL.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Nor me. Don’t need to since I already know the upshot.
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 26, 2012 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
Still snickering at that Buccigross list. Can’t wait for the next installment.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:25 AM EST reply actions
Wincing as I write this, but I don’t think Damien Cox is way off base. His premise is simple, perhaps disputable, but simple:
- Sid will never be the same
- Ovechkin has thumbed his nose at the league
- The league can, therefore, no longer market the two of them as their “Bird and Magic”
- There is a void, therefore, in star power in the league
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Valid points except that I don’t think Ovechkin has thumbed his nose at the league; they’ve done it to him. Either you’re suspended or you’re not, there aren’t exceptions for parties.
"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."
No. Technically he thumbed his nose at them by declining to go. The league didn’t uninvite him. We might think the league was inhospitable, but there is a lot of sentiment among NHL pundits that Ovi is the problem, as least as it relates to the ASG.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
No, I’m saying he should have been disinvited. The league dropped the ball on 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."
I agree completely with that. But since they didn’t disinvite him, he did thumb his nose at them.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Maybe.
But I don’t see a soul complaining that the league actually wanted him there.
"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."
When I read articles that denigrate Ovechkin for his decision, I believe there is an underlying premise that, because he was invited, the league wants him there. Fact is, that Ovechkin has a large fan base and would have been appreciated by the fans at the ASG.
SI has an on-going poll using 20 top players asking “who would you pay to see.” Ovechkin is finishing 2nd to Crosby, but is far ahead of 3rd.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
The NHL suspends Ovi, creating a situation that would be awkward at best if he were to attend the ASG. Then the league (in a passive-aggressive way) said that they would let him decide whether to attend. What was he suppose to do?
"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
He thumbed his nose at the advertisers more then anyone
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
Ovi should’ve said to ‘em, "Y’know, if the All-Star Game is so fucking important to you guys, how about I go and you count it as one of the three games for which I’m suspended?"
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 8:54 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’d agree with that move.
"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."
Huh. So do (did) I.
"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
(Oops – sorry I missed that.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If they wanted him there that badly, they should have suspended him for one game, not three.
On a related point, if he had gotten one game and Michalek had still gotten nothing, I suspect there would have been a hell of alot less hand-wringing.
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
Then Cox would be ranting about politics and how the league is more concerned for marketing rather than justice for Michalek. Nevermind that real justice wasn’t going to prevail anyway because Michalek wasn’t suspended. It’s a lose-lose situation for Ovi no matter what.
by jopierce on Jan 26, 2012 9:20 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
he was simply holding his nose to block out the smell of the shitshow the league just unleashed towards him
by Beakers Lab on Jan 26, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Two “shitshow” references before 10 AM… impressive. :D
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 9:31 AM EST up reply actions
Shithawks, Randy.
"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 26, 2012 9:56 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The people that are upset with him already didn’t like him. I doubt it added to his list of haters. Just more ammo for them to bash Ovi. If the NHL had suspended him for a game like they should have, Ovi would be there. He still would probably be a distraction cause all they would show is the hit and how he should’ve gotten more games.
But he’s saying there’s a void in star power and at the same time, saying the league doesn’t need those two any more. Huh?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:34 AM EST up reply actions
Then so did Lidstrom and Selanne. Wrong answer.
"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 26, 2012 8:40 AM EST up reply actions
They are old and revered. Ovechkin is not in the same category yet. There is not equality here.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Heh, so “old and revered” is ok but “unworthy and disinterested” is not? How do you figure?
"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 26, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Sorry son, but life isn’t fair. Lidstrom and Selanne have earned the right to such an exemption. Both 1st ballot Hall-of-Famers. That’s just the way it is.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Haha ok so I guess this discussion is over since STLSpidey’s rule of law trumps all other opinions. ;)
"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 26, 2012 8:49 AM EST up reply actions
Nice to see I have that power here, but my kids certainly don’t think I do.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Ovechkin’s already a first ballot HoFer.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 26, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Whoa!!!!!!!! Look who showed up for the dance!
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We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Twice in three days! I stand by my statement, though.
by DrinkingPartner on Jan 26, 2012 10:33 AM EST up reply actions
But the think of the sponsors! The sponsors want to see Lidstrom and Selanne!!
If you've read this far...seek help.
Sponsors wanted the Red Rockers as well ;)
/ducks
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 2:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
But you don’t think “fans” wanted to see them, too? I’d sure as hell would have.
"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."
The “fans” stuff is bullshit. If fans wanted to see the guy, they’d have voted him a starter. And if they had, I bet he wouldn’t have pulled out.
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 8:48 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
And it’s not the 1970s. You can see the guy on TV every freakin’ night.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
If fans were an important part of the ASG, more tickets would be available for fans to purchase.
by sk84fun_dc on Jan 26, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I’m not familiar with the ticketing for the All Star Game. Does anyone know how it is apportioned?
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
“The NHL All-Star Game has sold out annually with priority given to the league’s corporate sponsors, and the host city’s team sponsors, suite holders and season ticket holders. As such, it is unlikely that any individual tickets will go on sale to the general public. The best way to gain priority to access All-Star Weekend tickets is the purchase of a season ticket package by October 31, 2010. A waiting list will be compiled,…”
by sk84fun_dc on Jan 26, 2012 11:46 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great stuff. Might be worth repeating in today’s Nooner comments…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Heh, definitely didn’t see that coming. Anyway, as I noted in previous days posts, not ‘a fan’ of the the comments about ‘fans’ and ASG.
Yes, I will wait to post more, but won’t be around at noon. There’s another portion of the Ottawa facts worth posting, if someone wants to post the part about seat location when the noon number goes up.
This only makes me support Ovi more. F the sponsors
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
Eh. He says Ovi backed out of the ASG for “reasons still not entirely clear.” How clear does it have to be? He said as much that he didn’t feel like his heart was in it or that he deserved to go, and he said the suspension would be a distraction. Does Cox want a fireside confession and words different than those already said? He seems to be looking for something that isn’t there, whether an admission of anger at the league for reasons other than suspension (and who wouldn’t be upset by a suspension?) or a narrative that is his proof that Ovi is the jerk Cox assumed he was all along.
“Refusing to be part of the league’s biggest sales push” doesn’t really help his case, either. Cox is living in a fantasy world (or lying) if he doesn’t realize the only thing the media will talk about is the suspension. His presence at the ASG distracts from the festivities. That’s not to say that the Toronto Sun is going to write 500 words on Under Armour now that Ovi is out of the ASG, but it’s still a distraction for the league.
by jopierce on Jan 26, 2012 8:45 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Cox offers this (ridiculous) theory on Twitter: “Having embarrassed Kessel last year at the NHL all-star draft, you wonder if Ovechkin bailed this year to avoid the same happening to him.”
Yeah, no.
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Hell, I think he would have embraced it, taking bows and vowing to show them all. It’s amazing how fragile the Canadian hockey media seem to think Ovechkin’s psyche is.
If you've read this far...seek help.
My thoughts exactly.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Don’t put this all on the Canadian media. The Philly media’s got plenty of venom too.
"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 the fuck is wrong with people’s command of grammar? I can understand a kid from a middling college misusing quotes, but a journo? C’mon.
“Opting”
“Protests”
When did Ovi use either word (which is what using quotes in each case clearly implies)?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Some of these journalists were most likely kids in middling colleges who never grasped the basics.
by jopierce on Jan 26, 2012 9:33 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
This was my favorite part:
In fact, he already had a trip booked to a tropical destination for the weekend.Funny how he knows the details of Ovi’s vacation plans as facts, yet the local reporters who were present when Ovi made those comments report him only saying he just had vacation plans.
"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
More importantly, in fact, Alex Ovechkin can afford the $100 cancellation fee.
Fucksticks.
Alternatively, if he’d made vacation plans, it’s because he didn’t expect to be going to the ASG because he felt he truly didn’t deserve to go all along… which is in line with part of his explanation for ultimately not going.
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Yeah, and who ever said he was going somewhere tropical…
"Hockey is my life, wine is my passion." -- Igor Larionov
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 26, 2012 1:29 PM EST up reply actions
Ha, I love how he says that the NHL “threw Ovechkin a bone” by inviting him to the All-Star Game. They didn’t invite him out of the goodness of their hearts, they invited him so that they could market the hell out of him.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 26, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
No kidding. And beyond the TV ratings, I’d bet that of all the invitees, “kid of president of corporate sponsor X” would be most interested in getting 8’s autograph. Hell, I bet “president of corporate sponsor X” would rather shake hands with Ovi than anyone else.
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you don’t think they’re falling all over themselves to meet James Neal? JAMES FREAKING NEAL!
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And yet, if anyone was honest about what the ASG should be about – honoring the top performers, year-to-date, they’d laud Ovi stepping aside for Neal.
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when was the last time the ASG, any major league ASG, actually about that? If they were, Mike Green would have missed a lot more flights because he’s too busy knocking back a few in the airport lounge
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I think the NFL Pro Bowl probably comes closest to actually rewarding performance over name, but that’s because the Pro Bowl is such a non-factor in NFL marketing. Plus a lot of the big names bail out anyway because of injury or the Super Bowl.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 26, 2012 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
I think the balance between players and coaches and fans in selecting the Pro Bowlers helps mitigate stupidity/ballot-box-stuffing.
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
Yeah, but the NHL only lets fans pick 6 players and the non-fan picks are still riddled with marketing conscious decisions.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 26, 2012 6:12 PM EST up reply actions
So what makes the Pro Bowl less marketing-conscious? The fact that nobody gives a shit and they know that?
Eat, drink, and be merry! And then drink some more.
That’s my guess. The high dropout rate probably plays a role too.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 26, 2012 9:22 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry ma’am, that’s James “The Real Deal” Neal
(barf)
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 1:08 PM EST up reply actions
Bill McNeal may have a copyright infringement case there.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 26, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
Ditto for Evander Holyfield.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
It’s all part of the “Squeal for Neal” marketing campaign the league is rolling out.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I am guessing the “Squeal for Tyler Kennedy” campaign got sidetracked by too many memories of Deliverance.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 1:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Kennedy is actually a former Star Wars extra
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 26, 2012 1:26 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
This makes me feel ill in places I never want to feel ill in…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
I was hoping he’d be picked last and as the tv cameras pan to him he would take out his own camera and start taking cheesecake-style photos of himself.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Oh how I DESPISE this line of reasoning. Really? He’s sitting out and going through a media shit fit so he doesn’t get picked last in the fantasy draft?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
Phil Kessel has scored 39 goals in 82 games since being picked last in last year’s game. Might be guys climbing all over one another to hide in the back so they get picked last.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I saw a picture of Datsyuk’s car once on the web…. it looked freaking amazing.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
Join the club in despising that line of reasoning. Some of these people in the media are hell bent on portraying Ovi in the worst possible light. “Ovi is a petuland, immature baby”; “Ovi is a dirty player”.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
well, they aren’t giving out an AMG Merc for the last pick right?
I’m just in it for the Schadenfreude. -D'ohboy
by Alz in the family on Jan 26, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
There is something in Cox’ article that got me to thinking, “yeah, it IS over,” but maybe not in the way Cox would argue. Ever since these two guys came into the league, it has been a case of “anything you can do, I can do better.” Ovechkin wins a Calder, Crosby wins a Cup; Crosby wins a Ross, Ovechkin wins a Hart; Ovechkin wins a Richard; Crosby starts scoring goals at a 60-goal pace until he is injured…
Crosby gets the “C;” Ovechkin gets the “C”
But all that “anything you can do…” is over. Not this season, but perhaps in the off season (when the Caps might be looking for a new GM and a new coach), it might be time to relieve Ovechkin of the “C,” to start with a clean slate but to just let Ovi be Ovi. Not every Hart winner — or Conn Smythe winner, for that matter — wears the “C.”
Not saying the Caps should, but that it should be considered.
If you've read this far...seek help.
All according to the NHL’s firm policy of doing things the absolute dumbest way possible.
When you market a small set of individuals or just one individual, there’s a big risk involved: they either become unpalatable, or irrelevant or they retire or decline or whatever. The NBA provides a nice, shiny and recent example. The NHL ignored it. They lose.
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I disagree. Marketing people is the only way to market a league, because people want to see people, not teams. Its always been the case, across almost any sport, and if you can have a rivalry, thats even better. I’d cite examples, but I could write an entire article on it. Its all about the people. Hell, even with the Bruins, probably the least superstar-ie team of any team in the league, created Thomas into a first rate superstar just so they could market him. If Nathan Horton had skipped the white house thing, no one would give a shit.
Rivalry games are marketable, regardless of the current players.
I couldn’t name half the players on the Redskins or Cowboys, but I watch those games because I grew up rooting for the Redskins and hating the Cowboys.
Redskins don’t have any really marketable players – and yet top the revenue of the Patriots and every other NFL team except the Cowboys.
I went to Maryland. So I hate Duke. And I have no idea about any of the current players.
Bruins and Canadiens, Flyers and Penguins, Oilers and Flames, even Capitals and Penguins; all rivalries that have nothing to with who is currently on the team.
And the Bruins didn’t have to do much to make TT a star. He’s an American-born, Horatio Alger story, with 2 Vezina Trophies, Conn Smythe, and a Stanley Cup – no one had to “make” him.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 26, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
– no one had to "make" him.
unless he’s a cyborg….
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
I went to Maryland. So I hate Duke.
Check out the great SBN blog Testudo Times!
/ot
by discuit on Jan 26, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I concur. It’s a great blog.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions
I’ll third that. One of the few that I check daily.
"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 26, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
The argument wasn’t about individual fans of individual teams. Its not like the NBA had a total fan base of zero before Bird & Magic, but its been well documented that Bird & Magic revived the NBA and made it into a top sport. That rivalry of the Celts & Lakers was well established before Bird & Magic were even fetuses, yet they are credited with reviving the NBA as a business. That is the argument. That is a successful business model, and one the NHL needs. Or maybe it doesn’t and its happy with its current revenue and fan base.
There isn’t a void in star power. There is a void in NHL marketing smarts. The NHL chose to make it into a two man show.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
by oldemystix on Jan 26, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
There is a void in NHL marketing smarts.
But they gave us the Guardian Project!
That'll make your weagle wink!
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 12:17 PM EST up reply actions
it seems like the nhl “media” is just galvanizing itself with all of this ovechkin criticism. They want to bill him as the big star in the big match-ups; yet, take every opportunity they get to discredit him as a player.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on Jan 26, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
I think those are two different camps – the League and NBC want to bill him as the big star, yet the columnists around the League take shots at him. (And obviously there’s a bit of overlap with guys like Milbury who, in fairness to him, has been pretty mellow on Ovi lately… hey, maybe that’s because…)
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boutros suggested that perhaps Milbury’s been taking mood stabilizing drugs since his arrest….
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Ha. I think I like that version better.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 2:07 PM EST up reply actions
There definitely are two different parties with obviously conflicting agendas. That being said, columnists and writers write about Ovechkin because he’s been billed as the big star. It may be a bit of a stretch; but, the more disparaging stories they write about this guy, the less of a star he becomes.
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
But what do they gain from that? It’s in their best interest to keep him relevant so they can keep writing about him. Build him up… tear him down… repeat.
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Whatever keeps hockey in the news is good for a league that has struggled. Ovechkin can be the fantastic superstar or the anti-establishment rebel. It all works. Period.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Right, but either way he’s a “star” in that he’s getting attention. The worst thing for the League and the writers would be for him to become irrelevant.
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You and I are in violent agreement.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Build him up… tear him down… repeat.
That’s exactly what they do. Remember all the “Ovechkin’s back and ready to take on the NHL” stories at the end of December, when he scored 6 points in 3 games? Now it’s “he’s not worthy to snub the All Star Game.”
"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
It’s not skipping the All-Star Game that hurts the NHL’s marketing. It’s the fact that he’s not a super star player anymore.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 26, 2012 12:50 PM EST up reply actions
It’s the fact that he’s not a super star player anymore.
Don’t sell him short. He’s still in the top 5, worst case top 10 of players that fans want to see. Whether they boo him or cheer him, like him or hate him, they want to see him play.
He is some marketers’ dream. He’s a rebel that gives a shit about institutions. When at full speed, he’s aggressive, plays hard, is far from a pansy. He’s got a gap toothed smile that makes him memorable. He is much more interesting to marketers in the U.S. and Canada that more vanilla players like Lidstrom or Selanne or Stamkos or Kessel.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Jan 26, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Since when has Kessel become a vanilla player? Wasn’t he the guy who was considered to be immature in college and that the Bruins didn’t want to sign as a restricted free agent and traded him for two of Toronto’s first rounders, one of who was Tyler Seguin.
I’m surprised you didn’t include Toews in your list of more vanilla players, as he is Captain Serious.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Eh, it’s a little of both. He’s still arguably the NHL’s most marketable/interesting player, but obviously he’s even moreso when he’s playing well.
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Truth!
Get busy winning, or get busy dying.
(props to Peerless)
by TexasLex on Jan 26, 2012 8:29 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Peerless, you picked the right net handle. Gorgeous article.
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Jan 26, 2012 8:46 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Jeff Carter is "100% Available," according to Darren Dreger
After this year, he’s got 10 years remaining on a contract that pays him $5.27 [million] in terms of cap hit every single year. Columbus would like to trade Jeff Carter. They’d also like to get a similar package in return to what they gave Philadelphia, and that’s a high draft pick and a good young roster player. I say good luck.
Would Caps fans want him?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
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how’s that separated shoulder? Is he EFehr2.0?
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 8:41 AM EST up reply actions
Not at that price (more the term than the dollars).
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I’d think real hard about taking him. I’m very bullish on NHL finances/salary cap issues. I think most long term deals for good, young players are going to turn out good for the teams.
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 26, 2012 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
I guess the under-discussed other part of the equation, of course, is what would have to go the other way to make it happen. For that much coin, you’d think 28 would have to be included (CBJ would be doing the Caps a favor there to make the dollars work), but they’d need some real assets. A “high draft pick and a good young roster player.” Sounds steep.
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Man, I’m really trying to think of a past big time draft pick with a drug problem so I can make the “high draft pick” joke, but I just can’t.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 10:14 AM EST up reply actions
Semin might be included just for the dollars, but the real piece I see going back would be Mike Green. Even with his injury woes over the last couple of years, he gives Columbus something they have never had in their history: a bona-fide PP QB.
Marcus Johansson could also be the “good young roster player.”
The pick would likely have to be either the Caps or Colorado’s first, which, at this point, are lookin’ pretty equal.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
I don’t think I’d trade Green straight up for Carter, much less include other assets. Certainly not before I see how his surgery turns out.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 26, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
They just went all-in on Wisniewski to QB their PP, no?
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Yeah, but they might want a guy that misses time for injuries rather than suspensions, right?
Plus, Wisniewski could use some help since he’s also devoting time to being the team’s official Shake Weight instructor.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 26, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I would give Matt Hendricks’ ear for him. He’s my new Pavel Kubina.
But I’m terrified of his shoulder. Terrified.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
How can this team, in the state it’s in, go all-in (on term) with a third player?
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Backstrom for Carter!
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Go Jacketzzzzzz
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Chicago has made it work (kind of).
I’m really not liking that Joel Ward contract at the moment. /sigh
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
I’m really not liking that Joel Ward contract at the moment. /sigh
Was never a fan of the $ either. The term would be OK, if he was being used optimally. For instance, why isn’t he killing penalties anymore?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
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He wasn’t even used as much as I’d expected there by Boudreau. But we’ve lamented it plenty – I think he’s behind Hendricks (among many others) in SHTOI under Hunter.
If I had to offer an explanation for it, I’d say it’s that, while he’s a solid defensive player and good along the boards (all in theory), he’s not necessarily quick. Somewhat similar to Steckel (but not nearly as awful a skater) – you figure he should be a good PKer, but just isn’t, necessarily, for this PK.
Also, as I noted on Twitter, I’m pretty sure that Matt Stajan is the only guy in the League with a higher Cap hit and less TOI/G (min. 20 games) than Ward has gotten under Hunter. And Stajan has a lower salary on a non-cap team.
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There’s an important lesson to be learned with players like Ward:
If their value derives primarily from being used in a very specific manner, they’re probably much less valuable than they appear.
Unleash the Apathy.
I don’t disagree but IIRC the reports were that Ward was a versatile player how moved around the lineup in Nashville. Maybe Nashville’s dearth of quality forwards moved him around more than his true versatility.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 26, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Corrollary probably being “If their value derives primarily from being used in a very specific manner, make sure you intend to use them in that way.”
Another example is probably Hamrlik. They brought him here to play in Boudreau’s system, and that was an utter failure. Was it because he works best in a different system or was he just a hot mess? The return to a familiar system – Hunter’s – suggests the former.
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Agreed. Which says to me that one or more of the following is true:
A) The Caps’ pro scouting is terrible
B) There was little to no coordination between the front office and the Boudreau coaching staff
C) The front office didn’t plan on Boudreau finishing out this season, or at the very least the term of the Hamrlik contract
Unleash the Apathy.
I can buy a combination of A and B, but can’t really see C being something the consciously considered, especially since there was no guarantee (or was there?) as to whom the next guy would be.
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I don’t know how germane it is to the discussion, but on C, wasn’t their some slight wavering on GMGM’s part in the offseason? It might have been in camp, so there may be a chicken and egg component there, but for what it’s worth.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 26, 2012 11:49 AM EST up reply actions
Chicago was kind of two and a half players at the time (if memory serves), but yeah.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 26, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions
Two and a half men. With Brian Campbell playing the role of Charles J. Sheen.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
Campbell? I would think Patrick Kane and his limo rides would have cast him in the Charlie Sheen role. #WINNING
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions
Let’s see….right now the Hawks have Hossa on a 12, Sharp, Toews, Kane, and Seabrook on 5’s, and Keith on a 13. And Campbell walked with his 8 to Florida.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:02 AM EST up reply actions
Bringing it back around to Ward for a second (and depressing the hell out of me in the process), Kane, Toews and Keith combined cost less at the time they won the Cup than Ward does now, with room to spare for what must have been a really cool celebration party.
"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 26, 2012 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
This makes me want to weep.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:07 AM EST up reply actions
How is that even possible? Can you elaborate?
"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 26, 2012 9:08 AM EST up reply actions
Yep, Toews and Kane were $850 and $875k respectively, and Keith made $1.9m (or a little over an Erskine K and Sloan buyout combined).
/slits wrists
"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 26, 2012 9:11 AM EST up reply actions
Frak, you’re right. Ward ($3m) vs. Kane, Toews and Keith ($3.625). Coffee 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 26, 2012 9:16 AM EST up reply actions
Not that it really changes your point…
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Jan 26, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah (was leaning on NHL Numbers, so disclaimers and whatnot).
"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 26, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
It was all due to the mighty fortress of awesomeness that was Cristobal Huet.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:10 AM EST up reply actions
For about 20 games in his career, Huet was awesome. It was nice that he was awesome for a bunch of those games in February through April 2008.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 9:36 AM EST up reply actions
Because they can amnesty their way out of one of their long term contracts next summer…
Please, call me F&B.
Just gotta hope it gets written into the CBA.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:25 AM EST up reply actions
But not resigned?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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No. This roster already has enough “stability” (or inflexibility, depending on where you sit) with long term deals for Ovechkin, Backstrom, Laich, and Ward locked up through 2015 or beyond. And even though he is an upgrade to any center in the Caps’ system not named “Backstrom,” I’m not convinced Carter is a $5.27M player when healthy.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I agree with JP on the whole term vs. dollars thing. 5.2 is a bargain for a guy with his talent, but it’s still a lot to commit to in terms of years, especially with his injury history. If he was someone who was healthy most of the time, I’d make that deal in a heartbeat.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:03 AM EST up reply actions
And obviously the only reason he’s a 5.2 bargain is because of the term.
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Yep. I call that a bargain.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Best I ever had.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Jan 26, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Anyone taking on Carter is likely anticipating buying out the last 3 years of that deal. So yeah, you eat some there but that’s how you get him in at 5.2. for the time he’s playing for you.
I’d be interested in kicking the tires, but not for any deal that would include MJ as someone mentioned. Maybe MP. :-)
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, Carter knows
Head and shoulders, knees and toes, cost you dough
It’s not perfect. But it’s early.
by jopierce on Jan 26, 2012 9:09 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions 1 recs
He definitely is a 5.27 player when healthy. He just hasn’t been healthy.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 26, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
When he’s healthy the only person with a sweeter contract is Crosby. For points per dollar, he’s pretty much better (though that is certainly a flawed metric)
However, as we saw when Pronger broke Green, Carter will never be a consistent 60+ point player again. 50 for 5/year ain’t bad, but it ain’t worth it for the Caps.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
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(Giroux and Letang and Toews also have pretty sweet deals)
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by red army line on Jan 26, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Not sold yet on Giroux – how much did Carter/Richards help him, though, it’s apparently not that much)
and Letang – still young, but all signs point toward steal
Toews is another absurd contract though, definitely.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
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How are you not sold on Giroux? He’s done better since Richards and Carter have left. And he’s the only reason Hartnell is in the ASG. It’s not as if this is his only good year of play.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 26, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
Waiting for the year to be up. Not that his numbers are unsustainable but he looks like a 70pt+ player for the time being.
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
…who plays top lines, plays PK and PP alike, and has one of the lower zone starts on his team (45%, which isn’t that low, but only ahead of Talbot and Couturier). He’s had a rougher time of late—I suppose that 20% shooting had to come down, and he’s been slumping on the whole this year—but he’s still a total stud. I mean, 70 pt center is top ten, and he’s still young enough that he might have one more big growth year ahead (though I doubt it, considering how far he’s come the past three years).
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by red army line on Jan 26, 2012 3:47 PM EST up reply actions
So you’re not sold on him because he looks like a 70+ point guy, yet are sold on Toews with his one 70+ pt season (as many as Giroux) and is on a contract that is ~$2.5MM more than Giroux’s?
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 26, 2012 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
Toews wasn’t in the shadow of anyone, though. Giroux was always very much in the shadow of Carter and Richards.
I’d say the exact same thing about a lot of players. If Malkin goes out, I’m not going to say Neal is (what’s he projected for, like 70points too?) a consistent 70 point player till he’s been on his own or with lesser teammates for awhile.
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
plus, as I remember from the Olympics, Toews put on a pretty reasonable show of defensive mettle from what I remember. He’s more than just points.
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
Toews is, imo, pretty much the only member of that Canadian squad that showed up to play every single game. he didn’t carry them, but he played hard every night.
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He’s only producing at a 103 point pace with out being “in the shadow of Richards and Carter”. Toews for what it’s worth, is only at an 84 point pace (and also has yet to be a "consistent 70 point producer).
Giroux leads his team in PPTOI, FO%, is 4th among F on SHTOI, first among F on ESTOI per game. So you can’t say that he doesn’t provide anything other than points, as he really does it all.
Toews doesn’t lead in PPTOI or ESTOI, and is 3rd among F for SHTOI. Though he is better on FO% (and also leads his team).
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 26, 2012 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry I pissed on your pancakes but I’m not going to make definitive statements on players based on a half season of play. Hell, even just one season can be too mucheechoo.
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 one season isn’t enough, how is Toews a consistent 70 pt producer? (Also, lets see what he does on his own or without Kane, Sharp and Hossa for a while…)
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 26, 2012 4:10 PM EST up reply actions
I agree that Giroux is a stud, but Toews has a longer track record as a top line guy and has accomplished a lot.
Please, call me F&B.
Point is that Giroux offers just as much special teams play as Toews, and is producing better offense, and is on a significantly lower cap hit. Considering the lower cap hit, he would have to do less to be on a what is considered a friendly contract, but is instead doing just as much, if not more.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 26, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
Toews may not have been in the shadow of anyone because of his draft status and captaincy, but he had just as much (if not more) help up front as Giroux ever had. Kane, Hossa and Sharp aren’t exactly scrubs.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 26, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Not with his injury record and not for a top prospect and a high first round pick.
Nice job, CBJ.
Please, call me F&B.
I agree that Columbus overpaid for him. I’d want him, but probably not for a top prospect and a high pick
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 26, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
Not just that they overpaid for him, but that he’s apparently a guy that they are willing to move less than a year after getting him. You don’t make that move if you aren’t making the guy a core piece, you don’t make a guy a core piece without doing some due diligence. It just looks terrible. And it’s more smoke for the “PHI was cleaning up locker room issues” fire.
Please, call me F&B.
It’s also a hell of a lot more fuel for the “Columbus doesn’t know what they’re doing” fire. If they move him, it looks terrible for CBJ and bad for Carter, IMO (and potentially bad for the acquiring club).
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A new manager would make that a heck of a lot easier, though reports yesterday indicated no change there.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 26, 2012 10:24 AM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t want to take on a 10 year contract. Two guys on long contracts is enough for any team.
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Let me rephrase the question:
Would you rather have Alex Semin on this team, or Jeff Carter and an extra million dollars to spend?
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 26, 2012 10:03 AM EST up reply actions
which version of Semin are we talking, and which version of Carter?
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Or neither and an extra $6.7 million to spend in each of the next ten years?
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“Zach Parise, please pick up the white courtesy phone. Zach Parise, you’re needed at the white courtesy phone”.
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.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Or betrothed to the Wild. Or that clause wasn’t in Brooks Laich’s contract that the Caps aren’t allowed to acquire anyone more handsome than he is.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 10:18 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
he’s going to Minnesota? Interesting.
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That seems to be the consensus. Jersey’s having all sorts of money issues, and from everything I hear, he wants to go back and play at home.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
I think every team in the League has fans who want Parise. Yes, there’s a lot of speculation about the WIld wanting him and Parise considering a return, but I haven’t seen anything to indicate Parise or his agents have given even a hint of his intent. All fan and media dreaming at this time.
It would be nice to finally be able to get a Parise shirsey, since I don’t buy from Patrick Division teams on principle, even though I’ve almost diverted from that a few times because I love that green and red Devils jersey so much.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
I love the Christmas Tree jersey. I find opinions are really extreme on that thing. The people that love it really love it, and the people that hate it just loathe it.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
He and Koivu would make one of the best two-way lines in the league, regardless of the third player.
Please, call me F&B.
I’d be green with envy. Love me some Mikkoivu.
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Tracee Hamilton is like a monkey flinging poo on paper, except instead of using her own poo, she throws the poo the other monkeys are already throwing
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 9:34 AM EST reply actions 12 recs
Law of Conservation of Poo?
There's always more to learn about Hockey.
by WordsOnIce on Jan 26, 2012 9:34 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Wow! Don’t hold back, Jedi. How do you really feel! :)
(And yes, Rec’d)
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions
I didn’t see an original thought in her column this morning, just eleventy-six already used cliches. If I read “He’s taking his puck and going home” one more time I might snap
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 9:42 AM EST up reply actions
I think Marek used that one at least 500 times in the last few days, along with “boo-boo hurt”
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.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
Something new this morning? Because that’s from yesterday. Or was it only online yesterday and in print today? Haven’t brought my dead trees in yet.
"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 only just read it this morning, didn’t see it online yesterday
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 9:45 AM EST up reply actions
The Post’s new policy seems to be put stuff online first, which then show up in the next day’s paper.
"Money talks. I listen."
And they wonder why newsprint is a dying media.
"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’ll repeat what I said yesterday: stop reading/listening/clicking. They’ll get the hint when their advertising revenue dries up.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 26, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
The paper comes to the house regardless of whether I read her column or not…
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 12:11 PM EST up reply actions
The 20th century called, it would like its news media back.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 26, 2012 1:28 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I just graduated college and am living at home and saving up money for a few months, so I get to read the WaPa and the NYTimes every morning courtesy of my parents
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 2:01 PM EST up reply actions
The guy who first coined the “____ just called, they want their ____ back” joke called, he wants his joke back
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 26, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The 1930s called, they want their clothes and words and shitty airplanes back. And watch out for that Adolf Hitler, he’s a bad egg!
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 26, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Hey, some of us actually lived in the 20th century!
"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."
But none of us was a Caps fan then.
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sam Gagner
Talking about young Top 6 Centers who could be moved by the deadline, Darren Dreger was saying that Oilers GM Steve Tambellini is getting a lot of calls for Sam Gagner.
22 years old. First rounder in 2007.
Has scored over 40 pts each of his first three years. 5g 16a 21 pts -4 in 42 games this year.
Played under Hunter in London.
$2.275 which expires at end of year and is RFA.
Should the Caps be interested?
My exposure to Gagne is extremely limited, but in a vacuum I’d say the answer with regard to any young center is yes.
In the real world, the obvious question is what it would cost to get him.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Well Tambellini is looking for D-men to shore up the Oilers blueline which is pretty paltry. So it is more than likely that a blueliner with NHL experience would have to be part of the package.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
Hey! Jeff Schultz is a blueliner with NHL experience!
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
You could probably make Schultz part of a package deal for him
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 9:51 AM EST up reply actions
The Oilers have Gilbert (who is the only Oiler in the black by scoring chances no matter what way you analyze the numbers), Smid, a perpetually hurt Whitney (at least, so it seems), and a bunch of AHLers.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 26, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
(so they need any NHL D at all)
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 26, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Any idea whether Gagner would be a worthwhile pickup for the Caps RAL?
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 1:41 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know. He hasn’t made a ton of progress scoring-wise but his rookie Oilers may have been the best Oilers team he’s ever played on, with the best linemates he’s played with. He was drafted 3 picks after Turris and has a track record that’s not much more impressive than Turris. I recall doing a H-R search that indicated that most players with a track record like Turris’ in the NHL thus far end up as second liners.
I’d like a little better, personally, but I suppose you take what you can get.
Red Line Station and @RedArmyLine, featuring coverage of the most frustrating team in the NHL
I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 26, 2012 1:45 PM EST up reply actions
We have one Gagner on our roster already and his name is Perreault. Gagner was given all the time to develope but didn´t succeed as 1st line, neither as a 2nd center and his highest points total was 49 in his rookie season. I bet that Perreault could beat that, given more time on the top lines. Gagner has some silky hands and can still develope but he is not a 2nd center that we need right now.
That is awfully generous to Perreault. Sure, if you force feed top-line time to Perreault maybe all the other talent on the Caps could get him close to 49 pts, but Gagner put up 49 pts on a team where the top offensive threats were Horcoff and Hemsky, not Ovechkin and Backstrom.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 26, 2012 6:17 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather have Dave.
He also played for probably the coolest OHL team ever, the Brantford Alexanders, who were formerly the Hamilton Fincups (LOL).
The Brantford Alexanders also had an official theme song recorded by County Line, called “Cowboys Of The Ice”.
I need to find this.
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We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
Now Dropping Bombs at Capitals Outsider
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions
I am sure Sam’s dad would be thrilled you said that.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 9:53 AM EST up reply actions
New Lunchbox is up, with special guest Corey Masisak.
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Go comment so Kellie doesn’t feel self-conscious…
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not until she says firecrotch again. ;)
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
She does emote a certain zest for living.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 26, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Please tell me Corey doesn’t actually talk about lunch.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 26, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
Is a list that rates Nicklas Backstrom as the 94th-best player in the League worth giving page views? Your call.
Nah. Piss off, ESPN.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 11:06 AM EST reply actions
John Buccigross (born January 27, 1966 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania) … on occasion, he uses a Pittsburgh English or Pittsburghese accent, in his announcements of Pittsburgh sports.
Looks like I made the right call.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 11:08 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I know, just joking around.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
Toss an old hat, get a deal on a new one. Win-win.
I was always under the impression those hats were made available for fans to retrieve after the game somewhere. Of course, I always wondered how the hell one might find their hat again, especially since many are identical.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 11:09 AM EST reply actions
you can retrieve your hat (never tried it). but the hat trick=20% off all hats also applies to everyone, not just the hat throwers. So when your bro shows up in a Bruins hat and you want to inflict one last measure of pain on him before the night his done, you go buy a Caps hat and make him wear it :)
no, I would never do anything so mean, why do you ask?
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Well, surely you would owe him a new hat after throwing his Bruins hat on the ice. :)
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
I was nice and did not throw his hat!
back during the 07-08 miracle run, the Caps played the Bruins in March, and we went as a family. It also happened to be fleece hockey helmet giveaway day. So we decided that if your team lost, you had to wear the silly thing all the way home on the metro. And of course we got stuck in metro construction delays on the way home. My brother looked like a total fool for close to 90 minutes.
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Metro strikes again.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
I thought they were going to use unclaimed ones for some sort of hat trick memorial.
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
..
They actually do that in Phillly
"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
He’s going to market that game whether he likes it or not.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 26, 2012 11:21 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
What about all those sweet, sweet Canadian children with dreams of getting snow showers from ovechkin? It’s just not fair
I think that’s still my favorite overblown Ovechkin story. That and the “Is Ovi fat?” thing from over the summer.
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We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
Ovi snow showers children and gets fat eating candy bars because he just doesn’t get it!!!!
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Jan 26, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Should have Crosby as a plane crashing into it.
Too soon?
"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 26, 2012 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
About the Caps announcing a Hershey Norfolk game at Verizon Center next season:
timleone Tim Leone
Yingst said possible Hershey-Norfolk game at Verizon Center in 12-13 would be a Norfolk home game.
That’s odd. It’s our affiliate, and it’s closer from Hershey to DC than it is from Norfolk to DC. Maybe that was a condition of them agreeing to play the game?
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We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
It would be surprising that Hershey would want to give up a home date given attendance numbers and the split NHL allegiances of the fanbase.
As I noted yesterday, as of now, my understanding is the official affiliation agreement only extends through this season, but unless something drastic happens, I’d expect it to continue.
more from Leone:
“Yingst said a Hershey-Norfolk Verizon Center game would still have to be approved through AHL scheduling procedure.”
Looking at the schedule
Caps play FLA three times from 2/1 – 2/17. Praying for no mutha-uckin’ 3 point games. That’s 6 points the Caps could grab and 6 points to deny FLA. Holy tiebreakers.
At least one of those is on the second leg of back to back games, as an FYI.
"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 26, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
the 2/1 game. the Caps play 1/31 in tampa, and then quick hop across the state to play the kittens.
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000
Let’s all point and laugh at Dave Hodge
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We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 11:50 AM EST reply actions
Pretty tone deaf and stupid (and, frankly, offensive), if you ask me.
But the best response I saw on Twitter was something to the effect of, “Forget the implications here – isn’t the real issue that Tim Thomas may have kidnapped three of Roger Clemens’ kids?”
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He said something to the effect that he thought it was interesting that Tim Thomas had three children whose names all started with the letter “K”.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
"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 26, 2012 11:53 AM EST up reply actions
000
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 11:56 AM EST up reply actions
...
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
000
You’ve never heard “My Toot Toot”? It was a worldwide hit! And covered by a zillion different people, for example:
/OT
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We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
I’d rather not hear about Denise Lasalle’s “toot toot.”
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
___
Thought I’d take it in this direction…
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Or....
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Goddamnit
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions
Where’d you find the black-and-white of Danny Briere?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 26, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Ouch.. this made me hurt myself to keep from laughing out loud.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 2:10 PM EST up reply actions
Nice.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Toots and the Maytals are fuckin awesome
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
by kingzman264 on Jan 26, 2012 12:51 PM EST up reply actions
To clarify, yesterday’s tweet was simply an attempt to suggest that Tim Thomas named his kids after a racist organization with a history of violence against minorities, and was meant to be humourous and not intended to be offensive.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“To clairify, I’m the last person in the developed world to figure out that sarcasm doesn’t work well in a non-verbal, 140 character format. I’m also a moron.”
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 26, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
Three things that should never show up in your tweets: the KKK, the Nazis, and Glenn Beck.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions
I did join the Facebook group to make a dung beetle more popular then Glenn Beck
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Jan 26, 2012 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
I was going to let it slide, but yeah.
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Oh shit, did I just violate some elementary figure of speach..one sentence before I called someone a moron?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 26, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
http://www.grammarist.com/usage/oral-verbal/
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So the grammatically correct phrase for something not spoken is “non-oral”? Sounds sadly familiar.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 26, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, when I see “non-oral,” I think “anal.” But that’s just me.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 1:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You’re such a cunning linguist, sir.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 1:09 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
“If you want money, go to the ATM.”
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 26, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
You must be married…
You’re the boss, applesauce.
by SethB on Jan 26, 2012 1:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Amazed at the sheer lack of judgment when dropping an even remotely racially tinged remark b ya well known, and by all accounts, well liked HOCKEY journo, of all people!
by S h a g g y on Jan 26, 2012 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
This has to me my new favorite website … http://www.didgomezscore.com/
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Jan 26, 2012 12:08 PM EST reply actions
*to be …. post fail
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by TheFuryUnleashed on Jan 26, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions
Of the following Caps (roster players only) on their final contract years:
Semin 6.7 UFA
Knuble 2.0 UFA
Halpern 825 UFA
Perreault 525 RFA
Beagle 513 RFA
Green 5.25 RFA
Wideman 3.94 UFA
Carlson 846 RFA
Vokoun 1.5 UFA
Who do you make an effort to resign, who do you use at the trade deadline to make a move, and who do you let go?
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Well most of them are too young to resign, but Knuble would be the guy you’d look at there. He seems like he wants to keep playing though, so I’d doubt it.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 26, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Excellent work there, better than what I would have done.
"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."
Much more tactful than me.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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First word that comes to my mind about you. After that, I’d think of polite, amiable, open-minded, considerate, and progressive-thinking.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
000
You left out pleasant!!
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 1:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I see what you did there.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
It’s the salary cap version of “fuck, marry, kill”.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Re-sign: Halpy for about the same, MP if he shows some signs of consistency, Beagle, Green, Wideman if it won’t be too expensive, and Carlson. Let Vokoun, Semin, and Knubs go.
Failure is always an option.
I’d talk to Vokoun but I think he’s going to be looking for more cash and term than it makes sense to give. That said, if Neuvirth and Holtby don’t turn it on in the second half the Caps are going to be looking for at least 1 goalie in the summer.
Please, call me F&B.
Nittymaki!
So twerps like Max Talbot can score their first NHL goal as he watches himself on the jumbotron
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
Tim Thomas!
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 26, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
Semin – Keep, but at a much smaller number.
Knuble – If he’ll take another cut, keep, but the present administration seems to want him to go.
Halpern – Keep if it’s under 900K
Perreault – Keep, arbitrate if possible
Beagle – Keep
Green – This is the top priority in what’s left of this season. The Caps need to get Green extended if they want to keep him, otherwise they will have to make a QO to Green at his current salary, which he will sign, and then he’ll be a UFA.
Wideman – Keep, but he’s gotta take a cut. If he goes up, he’s going to go.
Carlson – Keep, maybe get him at $2.5M/year
Vokoun – Keep, but if his audition keeps going as it is, he’s going to make a lot more $$
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
Why would Wideman take a cut? He basically carried the d with Greener out, has terrific numbers, liked by his teammates (I think), and was elected an alll star. I am not his agent but have to believe the starting assumption for renewal is his current salary. His future is probably tried more to Carlson’s progress and/or regression during the rest of the season. That is, if Carlson does not turn things around, the Caps would probably give Wides an increase.
by Wilderthing on Jan 26, 2012 12:52 PM EST up reply actions
Because he was overpaid on his current contract.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
Wideman’s getting $5M on his next deal. They could lower the hit using the standard cap cheating method and tack on a few years, but he’s getting a raise.
I like him but pessimistic he fits into our salary plans. Not that we won’t be saving some nice cash with Carlson leveling off this year.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
Wideman won’t take a cut, he’s going to go up in value and someone will overpay for him. While I like having the guy on the roster now, as Orlov matures and Kundratek gets a little better, where does Wideman fit? Next season the Caps Defense will have Green, Orlov, Alzner, Carlson, Hamrlik, Kundratek. Poti is still under contract as well, ditto for Erskine.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Unless he’s moved (and at this point, any move brings back 70 cents on the dollar) or he spontaneously combusts, I’d bet the team does the QO.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 26, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
There’s always the possibility of a Vespa accident.
And it’s not often you read about spontaneous human combustion in a hockey blog… well, unless the team has Sean Avery on their roster.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
You mean… he and Poti will be creating the National Capital Home for Defensemen with Chronic Groin Troubles?
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions
I am not so sure either. But, following this discussion, IF Greener does return to the Caps next year and is healthy and IF Carlson starts turning things around, then we probably could let Wides go (or better yet, trade him for some return value). But, because those are two big unknown assumptions, the Caps should probably try to keep him. Having Hamr, Erskine, and Poti under contracts, while relevant because of Cap issues, is not relevant in terms of needed quality production from the d-corps. Can you imagine where we would be without Wides so far this year?
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by red army line on Jan 26, 2012 2:59 PM EST up reply actions
There’s one tall, gangly dman missing from that list….
Failure is always an option.
by timmyv38 on Jan 26, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, I know….on purpose. I wish Sarge was playing this year and, yes, even next year but it appears from the current coaching regime it isn’t going to happen. Sigh.
I was actually referring to Mike’s list. But I do think you’re right, and it’s a shame.
Failure is always an option.
I left him out on purpose as well. I don’t expect Sarge to be a Capital after the trading deadline.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
And less and less capable of converting chances. But admittedly that’s just based on three great opportunities in the last two games that he failed to convert.
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Exactly. But what a nice burst and move on that one he tapped off the post. Fuck.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Since the theme seems to be 70s Soul Album covers
Both of these record titles would seem to pertain to Grampa Slippers
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 1:05 PM EST up reply actions
unless the team can get wideman and semin to re-sign right now for around 4.0 and 4.5 respectively (which they won’t), then i’m hoping they flip them for assets.
I’m with you. The Caps will have enough to make the playoffs the next couple of years, but re-tooling for a legit run in 2-3 years is starting to make more and more sense.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 26, 2012 2:51 PM EST up reply actions
Semin 6.7 UFA… I’d be shocked if he was a Cap next year
Knuble 2.0 UFA… He won’t be here, either.
Halpern 825 UFA… At this price, yes; but if he is offered more, I don’t know that he Caps match it
Perreault 525 RFA… I think he’ll be back
Beagle 513 RFA… I think he’ll be back
Green 5.25 RFA… His market is dropping; unless he has a big spring (and by that I mean no missing any games after he comes back and he averages something around .75 points/game), he might get his biggest offer from the Caps at substantially less than he is getting now; I think he will be back
Wideman 3.94 UFA… depends on if they think Carlson is having a blip on his career arc. I don’t think he will be back.
Carlson 846 RFA… I think he’s back
Vokoun 1.5 UFA… I’d be surprised if he’s back; I don’t see him signing another deal for that sum, and I don’t see the Caps going for maybe twice that or so to keep him.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I think Green is definitely back. Caps can just QO him and there is no risk in just keeping him one more year.
No way Semin is back at $6.7 next year and no way that I can see his agent letting him take substantially less to come back.
I can see Wideman asking for $5mil per year and somebody somewhere paying him that, but not the Caps.
The problem is, unless the UFA age goes up in the next CBA, after one more season, Green is a UFA. He’ll definitely sign a QO right now. The Caps need to try to extend him before they have to make the QO.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions
Then again, they’d have to offer Green at least his current salary as a QA.
Wideman will get a raise from someone somewhere. Any idea where?
Semin will probably not get his current salary from any NHL team. A few weeks ago, we had this discussion and it seemed that he’d probably get offered about $4-5 Million, about the range that Tomas Fleischmann gets now.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Same question, non-roster guys:
King UFA
Collins UFA
Hanson RFA
Ford UFA
Richmond UFA
Miskovic UFA
Bourque UFA
Micflikier UFA
Sabourin UFA
Aucoin UFA
Greentree UFA
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Hanson… only because of the name.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
Wrong Hansons: There Can Be Only Three
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 26, 2012 12:36 PM EST up reply actions
Personally, I think the conversation should be split F, D, G and within that possibly RFA/UFA. Also, I don’t like to suggest things like fanposts, but I think it’s difficult to discuss this stuff in a clips thread.
A few comments regarding the (current) minor league forwards with expiring NHL contracts:
Hanson RFA – He does not count as a vet or tweener based on AHL rules in the minors for next season even if he plays all remaining games this season. Based on age, NHL GP (<80) and pro seasons, he may qualify for Group VI UFA, but I will have to confirm if that’s the case.
King UFA – Unless something changes between now and the end of the season, why would he want to re-sign with the Caps? Yes there has been a coaching change, but I’d think he’d want a fresh start somewhere else.
Aucoin UFA – Unless he thinks he has a great opportunity with another NHL organization for NHL GP, I’d think he re-signs to stay in Hershey. Possible AHL only deal, but think he’d still be looking for an NHL contract.
Greentree UFA – Signed for 2 seasons and no recalls. Based on current AHL vet rules and games played by the end of this season, he’ll be considered an AHL vet when he signs his next contract. Pretty sure, this is the only NHL organization, which has given him zero NHL GP. Depends on other forward signings, but I’d think he’s likely to move on.
Ford UFA – This is his first NHL contract, next one makes him subject to waivers. Even by end of season, won’t have any type of vet status, which increases his appeal.
Micflikier UFA – Has played well in Hershey. This is his first NHL contract, next one makes him subject to waivers. Depending on how many games he plays between now and the end of the regular season, he may end up in the AHL tweener category. If an injury or roster management means he doesn’t, the appeal in re-signing him increases a lot, IMO, although I think his play is reason enough to try to re-sign him.
Bourque – UFA; to an extent similar to Aucoin. Some history with the player obviously, but possible he returns.
Budget also a factor with the salaries some of these guys pull in at the AHL level.
by sk84fun_dc on Jan 26, 2012 1:11 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Based on the past two years, does King even get a one-way NHL contract from his next team? Poor guy ended up screwed here, other than the paycheck.
I’d think someone like Aucoin would definitely try to stay in Hershey – his money is good and he’s mid-30’s, so it’s not like he still might make an NHL opening night roster somewhere. Bourque, on the other hand, might still think he could crack a roster somewhere else. Not saying he can, just what he might be thinking. Otherwise, he’s making the same money as Aucoin this year, so if it’s money only, why move?
"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 have the same view, I don’t think King got ‘screwed’. His role and skill factor into what has happened.
He was traded/signed to a 2 year one way contract coming off a 3 year, one way contract (per capgeek). Due to injuries and his role, he was limited to 23 GP over two pro seasons prior to the trade/signing.
Before signing the contract, his pro games played in his career by season (source: hockeydb):
’04-05 (lockout): AHL 74 GP
’05-06: AHL 67, ECHL 5
’06-07: NHL 27, AHL 38
’07-08: NHL 61
’08-09: NHL 1
’09-10: NHL 12, AHL 10
Totals before trade: NHL 101, AHL 189, ECHL 5
I’d agree about King not getting screwed. He was on waivers twice(?) with the Caps, and no one else wanted to claim him. It sucks that he didn’t get much NHL time, but he never earned it here.
Failure is always an option.
A guy without real NHL talent banking over a million for two years of playing? hockey. I don’t have NHL talent either, someone screw me, please.
It isn’t even anger-inducing. It does not seem to be worth that kind of emotional investment. It might not even be disappointing any more. It is expected.
-Peerless 5.6.2011
The point was that someone was willing to pay him to NOT play hockey. These guys are proud. Money’s nice, but I’ll bet he’d have been happy to be paid something less to actually get into a game on occasion.
"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."
In all fairness, he hasn’t even been making the Hershey roster with any regularity. He’s just not that good, except for fighting – and not even that recently. Maybe a fresh start would help, but I’d bet he ends up playing in the AHL next season.
Failure is always an option.
he’s a tweener, I believe, and Hershey can only dress so many of them each night. so that’s complicating things a little.
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Definitely a factor, Greentree sat on Sunday so he could play. French said something of note in the postgame on Sunday, as well. He said now that we know King is staying here, we will try to play him more. (Parphrasing what he said! )
Still, a vet whether the other tweener, Greentree, or a second vet will have to sit for King to play while everyone is healthy.
In general, I agree with that sentiment, but I think there are some agents who do a dis-service to their clients when negotiating contracts. if it’s all about the money than they haven’t done a dis-service, but if it’s about the combination of playing time and money and more than they have.
Also, my point was except for one season, he has never been an NHL regular and even that season, he played 61 games, not 82. I don’t know if that was due to healthy or injury scratches, but doesn’t matter for this discussion, IMO.
I think there are other players who have been ‘screwed’ more than King.
As to getting into a game, King and his agent will have to make sure he signs with a team that doesn’t have a lot of AHL vets. He’s a tweener right now, for next season the AHL will consider him an AHL vet.
I don’t know anything of him prior to getting traded here, and maybe the term was a little harsh, but you do have to wonder what it does to a guy’s morale in a situation like that (and yes, I suppose at this point we’re talking about Schultz, 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."
Minor league trade by NHL teams:
Panthers trade Tim Kennedy to the Sharks for dman Sean Sullivan
makes sense for Panthers since Kennedy didn’t work out and the Panthers have some D depth issues at the moment due to injuries.
Tim Kennedy? The Tim Kennedy? As in the best Caps pick of the 2005 draft?!
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(Of note, Kennedy was traded right after the draft for Buffalo’s 6th round choice in 2006. That pick? Mathieu Perreault.)
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Did they even wait until the draft ended? My memory was that the trade happened before the draft even ended.
Would have been fun to have the cameras on Buffalo’s table when the Caps picked Buffalo hometown kid Kennedy. There sits Buffalo management team/scouts all ready to select Kennedy with a late 6th round pick and poof he gets selected. Picked with the Buffalo pick right after Caps picked Kennedy, Adam Dennis (London Knights goalie.)
It would be like when the Caps jumped ahead of Hartford to draft Bobby Carpenter, when the Whale had such a boner for him that I think they had already hired his dad to a spot in their front office.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
because MP85 came from the trade?
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
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in case you’re bored or attempting to avoid work, read today’s Tracee Hamilton chat transcript. Most of the hockey fans are ripping her a new one.
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That second Q&A is a riot:
Q.Hockey Columns
Can you please tell us who decided it was a good idea for you to write about hockey? You consistently come up with horrible columns that show you know absolutely nothing about the sport we love so much. Please do us all a favor and leave the hockey talk to Tarik.
A.Tracee Hamilton :
Okay.
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
the tinfoil rant about how Ovie, a RUSSIAN, got suspended because Brendan Shanahan is a CANADIAN and we all know CANADIANS hates skilled RUSSIANS, is a laugh riot for entirely different reasons.
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Yeah. That was a bit absurd.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Hamilton so got cled on that question.
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It is. I thought it started out perfectly logical and then diverted into the tinfoil territory.
"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."
did I get the use of ALL CAPS correct?
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Though I do love how every sportswriter will gladly go to a not-directly-work event hosted by their employer while they are suspended without pay.
by Gin and Tonic on Jan 26, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Eh. She just set that one up so she could then have an excuse to put out the 500 other responses that tell her how great her hockey columns are.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
The ASG draft is at a casino? Really? Well, assuming there’s no betting on the game . . . .
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Don’t knock it mate, Ottawa casinos are where Canadian federal politicians get their campaign funds.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
They’re also a ton of fun. They’re no Vegas, but they still pack a punch.
"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 26, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
Some notes from Hershey’s practice today:
In the wake of reports that the Bears will play the Norfolk Admirals next season at Washington’s Verizon Center, with Dec. 6 a potential date, Bears President-GM Doug Yingst said it is a possibility but such a game would still have to be approved through the AHL scheduling procedure.
"Yeah, our plans are to be playing Hershey Bears versus Norfolk at Verizon Center," Yingst said. "And it would be a Norfolk home game."
The possibility of such a game is a positive sign that the Hershey-Washington affiliation will be extended through 2012-13.
“We’re still in negotiations to increase the affiliation,” Yingst said. "This is part of it. We’d love to play a game at Verizon Center. We certainly don’t want to lose a home game at Giant Center, so Norfolk decided they would be the home team."
During Hershey’s practice, Cody Eakin played center on a line with Ryan Potulny, who moved to left wing.
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That would be super duper fun. I’d go for sure.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
Wonder why they’d hold it on a Thursday night? Doesn’t bother me, but if fans from PA or Norfolk wanted to go, they’d be screwed.
"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
FWIW, the info in the STH update email:
We hope you were able to participate in today’s Fan Forum Teleconference with Hershey Bear’s head coach Mark French and listened to today’s special announcement live on the air.
In case you missed it, the Hershey Bears will be visiting Verizon Center next season for a regular-season American Hockey League game against the Norfolk Admirals!
The Washington AHL Showcase will mark the first Hershey Bears game held in Washington since 1979. The game is tentatively scheduled for Thursday, December 6, 2012. The final date will be announced following the release of the 2012-13 NHL and NBA schedules.
Capitals full season-ticket holders will have the first opportunity to purchase their seats for the event at special season-ticket holder discount prices when they renew their season tickets. Additional details will be included in your renewal package in mid-February.
We hope you are as excited as we are to see the Bears come visit our nation’s capital!
"Money talks. I listen."
Well, I finally get to read the e-mail. I noted yesterday that because of this being out on twitter I realized that I had stopped getting my STH e-mail about a month ago. Working on getting it restored. Grrrr.
"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."
___
Funny, from over on TJ’s blog:
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by J.P. on Jan 26, 2012 1:50 PM EST reply actions 8 recs
Yeah, but who reads that blog?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
People who take themselves too seriously in this town.
"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 26, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
sweet!
I didn’t know it had turned green.
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Can we get Metric Julie to read this one too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 2:11 PM EST up reply actions
Jordan Staal at 55. /throws something
Mikko Koivu is at 57. /throws something else
Marty St. Louis at 58. So he’d trade either of those two straight up for Jordan Staal?
Gah.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 3:22 PM EST reply actions
Lulz
@LadyHatTrick: I adore you, but I have to agree with @CapsExaminer here: Backstrom at #94 under Fisher post-Cup run Senators is questionable.
Buccigross: With a seven game playoff series on the line, which was the basic premise of this Top 100, Backstrom would be about my 20th pick at center. Considering the five other positions on a team, his spot seems about right to me.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 3:23 PM EST up reply actions
he just keeps digging that hole deeper and deeper……so I’m guessing he’s an even bigger idiot that you think he is.
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I actually like Patrick Marleau but to write,
73. Patrick Marleau: Consistent, durable and pretty dependable whether it’s the regular season or the playoffs
Totally gets Marleau wrong.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 26, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions
lol, that’s a laughable summary of Marleau as a player. I’ve lost a lot of respect for Bucci
Soon the Championship with be ours, all ours!
I think Marleau doesn’t get nearly enough credit. He’s not bad…it’s more his teammates than him, I think.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 27, 2012 1:26 AM EST up reply actions
Top 30 centers in scoring from NHL.com — no way Nicky is 20th best in the league:
Evgeni Malkin
Pavel Datsyuk
Steven Stamkos
Henrik Sedin
Jonathan Toews
Jason Spezza
John Tavares
Patrik Elias
Anze Kopitar
Tyler Seguin
Patrice Bergeron
Nicklas Backstrom
Vincent Lecavalier
Valtteri Filppula
Olli Jokinen
David Krejci
Joe Thornton
David Backes
Stephen Weiss
Logan Couture
Ryan O’Reilly
Eric Staal
Ryan Nugent-Hopkins
David Desharnais
Adam Henrique
Ryan Getzlaf
Brad Richards
Ryan Kesler
Tomas Plekanec
Mikko Koivu
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
and some of those guys above Nicky play wing (or a wing-like game), even if they’re listed at C.
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Keep in mind that the guys above Backstrom on that list have played between 4-14 more games than he has.
Lobbies: Green, Carlson, Orlov
and similarly, Crosby is not on that list.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
no one gets by more because of their last name and their jersey than Jordan Staal. Okay, maaaaaaaaaaaaybe Gregory Campbell.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1210.35!
Everyone acts like JStaal is the second coming, but he’s NEVER had a 50 point season.
Now where's my hat? I'm going to the outhouse.
We don't have an outhouse
.....My tool shed!!!
Now Dropping Bombs at Capitals Outsider
Twitter
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 26, 2012 3:27 PM EST up reply actions
but he put the team on his back and carried them to…..um….ah…….to…….well, he carried them somewhere!
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Buccigross' new portrait photo
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 26, 2012 3:32 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Say hey.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Still rocking his Loko bracelet, for the record.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I lost mine :( anyone know where I can get a replacement? (mine specifically said “Washington Capitals” on it, too)
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1210.35!
Ask @Love4Loko
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He needs to get in shape.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 26, 2012 5:22 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
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