Tuesday Caps Clips: Flames @ Caps Game Day
by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 6:32 AM EST
in Caps Clips
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PrintYour savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's fracas with the Flames from Vogs, NHL.com, QMI, SB Nation DC, Peerless, RMNB, hockey yelling and CRtC, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Matchsticks and Gasoline for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday's practice out at Kettler:
- In general. [Caps365 video (Kettler Report, Hunter, Ovechkin, Backstrom), Joanne P (pics)]
- Alexander Semin didn't practice... [WaPo]
- ... due to a cut on his right arm... [WaPo]
- ... or not. [@VogsCaps]
- Mike Green is "pretty close" to returning to the lineup, which is "pretty close" to being great news. [WaPo]
- Back to Hershey with ye, Cody Eakin. [Nosebleeds]
- Jason Chimera had his ~2025 Draft-eligible son out on the ice. Aww. [CSNW, RMNB]
- Alex Ovechkin is your Second Star of the Week. [Capitals, WaPo]
- Things are starting to come together for the boys in red. [WaPo]
- The Caps have been finishing strong of late (on the scoreboard, at least). [Dump 'n Chase]
- Jeff Halpern is killing it in the dot. [WashTimes]
- The Caps hope to sneak up on a trio of upcoming Western Conference opponents. [KOL]
- "The Washington Capitals' ticket revenue climbed 82 per cent in five seasons to $1 million per game last year." That's like one Mike Knuble every two games! [The Star]
- In case you hadn't heard, the NHL staged its annual "Winter Classic" yesterday, and now that it's over, we can all spend the next year or two speculating about when our nation's capital will host one. [CSNW, ESPN ($), DSP]
- A look at the top Bears moments of 2011. [SHoE]
- Finally, happy 43rd birthday to Hall-of-Famer Steve Poapst and happy 38th birthday to Stefan Ustorf.
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In the KOL article, Alzner mentioned that when the Caps played Colorado, Colorado “picked”
“The team picked a lot in the [defensive] zone and it was hard for us to defend it and they ended up beating us.”
What does this mean?
I’m assuming the [defensive] is wrong and he actually means the offensive zone. I’m pretty sure it means the same as in basketball or football, going around your teammate in a way so that the defender runs into him.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
I’m assuming the [defensive] is wrong and he actually means the offensive zone.
I’m sure he meant the Caps’ defensive zone.
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Okay, that makes sense then. I was thinking in Colorado’s perspective the way he said it.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
I read the quote as Alzner saying “The team picked a lot in the zone” and the reporter adding the parenthetical to attempt to clarify. Whatevs – we all know what he meant.
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"Pick"
Karl said to me that they picked in the defensive zone. I changed “D” to "defensive, hence the parentheses.
Co-founder of Kings Of Leonsis and Capitals Editor at SB Nation D.C. Follow me on Twitter at @Adam_KOL.
Word. But he obviously meant the Caps’ defensive/D zone, no?
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Player without the puck sets in position. Teammate with the puck skates his defensder into that player in set position, thus freeing the skater for a path to the net or an open shot. It is illegal (Rule 56.1, “Interference,” where the practice is described in more detail).
If you've read this far...seek help.
And the Red Wings (among other teams) get away with it. All. The. Time. (And not just in the offensive zone – watch their puck retrieval.)
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say that too loudly and thew Wings Army will invade and scream about how you don’t respect the greatest team ever.
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Speaking of the Red Wings, respect and how I’ve lost some, seeing Hockeytown’s captain in a Honda ad is absolutely revolting.
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Of course they do, but I don’t buy the car being parked right outside the rink.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I’ve not seen this abomination. was it on yesterday?
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http://www.kuklaskorner.com/index.php/tmr/comments/borderline_blasphemy/
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
zomg! With Corey Perry?! Of the much-hated Ducks?! that’s so beyond blasphemy!
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Franzen’s got the Dodge truck ads.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
To clarify my objection, having Detroit’s captain shilling for a Japanese car company is barftastic (a Swede pimping a Chrysler brand, on the other hand, is fine).
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I can believe Mule drives a big ol’ Dodge truck :)
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Isn’t Chrysler now owned by Fiat nowadays anyway? And Mazda, Ford. And most of the parts of all of them are made in various countries.
Enough to make one’s head hurt.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
yes, Fiat owns 53% of Chrysler. And lots of Fords (I think) are assembled in Windsor. I’m happy to discuss it further in OTOT :)
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First thing I thought of when I saw it was that the director is a Paul Thomas Anderson fan.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
It’s a global world, dude. There’s probably more “Made in USA” in that Honda than in the Ford assembled in Canada driving next to it.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 10:15 AM EST up reply actions
Very true. But I guarantee the optics don’t play that way in Motown, where that ad will understandably feel like a slap in the face to plenty of UAW members.
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did you read the comments on the Malik article? yeah, not playing well at all.
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No, I didn’t. I can imagine, though (obviously). Should we expect a typically sensitive response from Lambert on this issue?
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oh god, I hope so. Considering how he didn’t exactly get to have the WJC he wanted, he can direct all his efforts into writing a treatise on how all the Wings fans complaining about Nick Lidstrom selling a non-American (but American-made) car can go STFU. He’d tell them to throw themselves into the Detroit River while they’re at it, but then he’ll note how none of them actually live anywhere close to Detroit.
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If the player without the puck sets in position and doesn’t move, it’s not interference. Guy has the right to his ice.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
If the guy is stationary, I agree. However, if the person moves intentionally to block a defender from reaching a person with the puck, then it is interference, whether the “picking” person makes contact or not.
It’s a very fine line and is rarely called.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Yeah, I’ve never seen an interference call on a guy who didn’t actually make contact. But you see it alot, especially on dump in’s where the defender tries to redirect guys away from a straight line to the puck.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
The most common non-call is when the offensive player dumps the puck down the boards and the defenseman impedes the offensive player from chasing after the puck. That gets called only when the offensive player’s momentum is clearly stopped. Part of the reason that plays works for faster skaters like Chimera, however, is the fear of that interference call.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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(See the Detroit model I referenced above, especially that first video clip.)
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Sorry. You Tube gets me a big red hand here in corporate America. I assumed it shows what I described?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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It’s from Rob’s “protecting Mike Green” post – shows Lidstrom picking while Kronwall (or whomever) goes back and grabs the puck on a dump-in.
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Goalies do this constantly, and Ryan Miller is the posted child for the “goalie pick.”
He comes out of his crease to play the puck, passes to his defenseman in the corner, and stands there admiring his pass for an extra second or two. Meanwhile, the attacking player is forced to squeeze past him along the boards to forecheck the defenseman. By the time the forechecker can get there, the defenseman’s moved the puck up ice with time and space to make a good pass. Of course, the attacker can’t run the goalie, because the referees will have that call every time, but never make the interference call.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 3, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions
MAF is also exceptionally good it (and doing so behind the net)
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We had a lengthy discussion at a referee camp a couple years back about whether an interference call is appropriate when there is no body contact. After a lengthy (nearly an hour) discussion, the consensus was that contact is necessary for an interference call to be appropriate. The logic: by altering his established skating lane to avoid the pick, the non-offending player has forfeited his right to the space in question.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 3, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
So what was the thought if the forechecking player continues into the space in question, i.e. does not forfeit the right to the space and doesn’t alter his skating lane? I think that would get called about 50/50 on the “picker” and the forechecker.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 3, 2012 11:13 AM EST up reply actions
In theory, if the forechecker maintains his lane, and the defender has left his established lane to “pick” the forechecker checks the forechecker, it should be interference.
After that’s been established, you get into the other nuances… like whether a “check” occurred… etc.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 3, 2012 12:24 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve seen that a lot and I agree with your general position. Just saying I’ve also seen where the attacker dumps it behind the defenseman, the other D picks it up, and while the attacker tries to angle across on him, the “picker” moves laterally to get in that new lane without initiating contact. Up until this point, I’d say no penalty has occurred. But then it’s a catch-22 for the forechecker — avoid the picker and forfeit the right to the lane, or initiate contact and depending on the ref, draw the penalty or get penalized.
It’s actually more prevalent in youth/high school hockey. The pro D are pretty good about “catch & release” where they get right in the way but don’t follow through because they know that will draw the call. Obviously, both the players and the officials are less experienced in the youth arena, so I was interested to hear your dissection of it.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 3, 2012 12:30 PM EST up reply actions
The other consideration, is that two players moving toward the puck aren’t prohibited from making contact. So long as both players are moving toward the puck, they’re permitted to use their bodies to establish a better lane to the puck. As you’ve noticed, NHL D men are pretty good about knowing where the line is.
High School/Midget/Junior players? Not so much. USA Hockey actually does a really really good job of working with amateur officials to help them see the more “borderline” infractions, and properly apply the rules, but it’s no different from being a great player… there’s only so many people that have the right mix of physical and mental attributes to be a great referee.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 3, 2012 12:37 PM EST up reply actions
If you had to discuss this for an hour, don’t you think that means that these calls — which have to be made split second — aren’t going to be made during the game?
Keep in mind, this was a higher level amateur official’s clinic. The officials were mostly the type of guys you see working higher level youth games, club college games, etc. An NHL official is capable of making that call at the NHL level. I couldn’t do it though.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 3, 2012 12:31 PM EST up reply actions
What kills me is the current idea that what’s really causing the concussion crisis is the speed of the game, and interference slows the game down, so interference is good for safety and good for the game.
I think that’s part of why interference is becoming legal again, and I hate it.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 2:04 PM EST up reply actions
Watching Cold War on Ice last night, the lady commented that she didn’t like what she was seeing. She described it as “Slow and barbaric.”
I have to agree with her… the speed in the “new” NHL makes the game so much more beautiful to watch.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
This is the explanation accompanying Rule 56.1:
A "pick" is the action of a player who checks an opponent who is not in possession of the puck and is unaware of the impending check/hit. A player who is aware of an impending hit, not deemed to be a legal "battle for the puck," may not be interfered with by a player or a goalkeeper delivering a "pick." A player delivering a "pick" is one who moves into an opponent’s path without initially having body position, thereby taking him out of the play. When this is done, an interference penalty shall be assessed.
This would seem to explain what is analogous to a “moving pick” in basketball.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Cody’s return to Hershey means that one or both of Beagle and Perreault are ready to play again, and also means that there’s a roster spot open. Just in case there’s some other random Capital ready to play again.
=)
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by EmilyB on Jan 3, 2012 7:26 AM EST reply actions 1 recs
The Caps are hoping to sneak up on their Western Conference opponents, huh?
I can think of another band of red-clad individuals whose chief weapon was surprise. Well, surprise and fear. Well, surprise, fear, and ruthless efficiency. Well, surprise, fear, ruthless efficiency, and a near fanatical devotion to- you know what, I’ll start again.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Jan 3, 2012 7:35 AM EST reply actions 2 recs
Right now, I’m thinking no one is expecting Sasha at all. That back and forth yesterday about possible injury – I think Katie caught Hunter off guard when she asked him about it and he said a bit more than the company line (“I haven’t seen the cut”).
"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."
Oh come on…
No one expects the Sasha Inquisition!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 8:57 AM EST up reply actions
Love the sawed-off Bauer Cale Chimera is using…very Adam Oates-esque
If you've read this far...seek help.
He’s got a pretty good equipment manager too.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
If Chimera gets a goal tonight, his son skates at every practice.
If you've read this far...seek help.
On the fourth line. In place of Knuble.
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by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 7:59 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Not on the third defensive pair in place of Hamrlik?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 8:58 AM EST up reply actions
I think everyone needs to reasses their thinking on Hamrlik a bit – he’s been adequate-to-solid for a while now, bordering on good lately. (More in Ups and Downs, which drops at 11.)
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He looked very good on Saturday.
Jim Johnson 1 vs. Bob Woods 0?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Could very well be (though it’s probably as much if not more DH 1, BB 0); his numbers have turned around quite a bit since the coaching change.
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He’s talked about how the new system is pretty similar to the one he played (and had more success with) in Montreal – not surprised that he’s not only playing better but also feeling comfortable enough to join the rush more often.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Yep. I was actually surprised to see him having more success in a system that requires more footspeed and attention to detail, but hey, whatever works.
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I wonder if any of that success comes down to the forwards being more committed defensively. Gap control is one of the biggest issues with D, especially slow D, and that gets a whole lot easier when you have forwards who are committed defensively. Just spitballin’.
Please, call me F&B.
Forwards finally playing D bellow the dots can’t hurt. But I’m sticking with his shaking a nagging LBI because he hadn’t skated so well in any game I’ve seen this year.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 3, 2012 9:46 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
I wonder if more than footspeed (in Hamrlik’s case) it takes advantage of his 1,300-plus games of experience to anticipate where to be in this system.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Not sure of why Hamr is looking better, but it surely is a very good thing. I don’t think it is the coach, though… He looked pretty damned good in the preseason (like he looks now).
I think it is definitely the coach.
or a least the system change the coach implemented. And here’s the quote I was looking for…
"It’s not that much different than what I was playing in Montreal. Now that Huntsy is here we are more desperate and it is more man on man in our defensive zone. He’s looking for good defense creating good offense. From my experience it’s a good thing because everybody works hard in the defensive zone," said 20 year NHL veteran Roman Hamrlik, who was on the 2010 Canadiens team that knocked off both the Capitals and Penguins in the first two rounds of the playoffsEd Frankovich 12/23/11
It's not that I don't like people, I'm just happier when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
Same pattern as with Hannan last year.
Let’s hope it doesn’t end the same way. Start working on those line changes now, Dale!
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Interesting read on expected points by score and time in the game. That “down 1” graph really nosedives in the second half of the second.
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I believe in next year.
I was originally reading the graph as expected goals (i.e., individual points for someone). Took me a minute to figure out he meant standings points.
I wonder how much the empty net factors into this.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 8:43 AM EST up reply actions
Perhaps the reason many coaches emphasize a 1-3-1 trap later in games to lock down the lead.
Maybe I’m just out of the loop, but has there been a rash of teams implementing the 1-3-1 this season? I thought it was still just TBL, and that the other teams were using mostly a 1-2-2 trap.
Please, call me F&B.
I think the 1-3-1 is just being attributed to every team that runs the trap now because of all the hoopla it created.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
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My Caps practice photos from 1/2.
https://plus.google.com/photos/111849486183254240776/albums/5693235244352339281
by jopierce on Jan 3, 2012 7:42 AM EST via iPhone app reply actions
Shame on me, not reading the clips thoroughly. Didn’t expect it to be there. Thanks for including the link!
by jopierce on Jan 3, 2012 8:01 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Whoops. That should have been an abbreviated link. My apologies.
by jopierce on Jan 3, 2012 7:44 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Good news – the Bolts are effed!
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Related: if Tampa misses the playoffs, should Stamkos be considered for the Hart trophy?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
It is awarded to the “player adjudged most valuable to his team” so my thought is look at any candidate and then replace with avg. point production and factor in the whole “heart/leadership” thing. If the Bolts finish with 70 pts. and Stamkos wins the Richard and continues to account for 15% of the teams points and 15% of their goals it would be a very strong argument for him.
Wow – you are sparking one of the timeless debate in all sports as to the definition of MVP:
1. The “best player” in the league
2. The best player on a successful team
3. The player considered “most valuable” to his team
I’ve always been a fan of definition #1, which tends to be clouded by teams located in media centers, IMO. However, Ryan Braun (PED charge notwithstanding) seems to have broken the mold in MLB this year.
I am not supportive of trying to determine #3, as some people are. How do you judge that?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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We know who the MVP should be:
Team record with him: 8-0-0
Without him: 12-15-2
Although they usually give it to a winger…. oh wait, right, the media has him pegged as a wing and they vote for the award…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
He’s got competition – team’s 4-0-0 with Beags in the lineup.
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When Beags gets to 8-0-0 we can talk about that (and boy, do I hope it gets there…)
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 9:29 AM EST up reply actions
Whoa there.
League MVP? Team MVP is a colossal stretch already.
My snark-o-meter must need a smacking this morning or something.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 3, 2012 9:37 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Are any of them actually healthy enough to trade?
"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."
Rumor has it they liked what they saw in the Alumni Game and are going to take a flyer (no pun intended) on Bernie Parent.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 3, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Did he make the Alumni game? If so, I feel shamed. NHL “career” notwithstanding, he was a lot of fun to watch in college.
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
He played almost all of the 3rd period for the Flyers. Was also mic’ed up on NBC.
by Rather Bengt on Jan 3, 2012 12:59 PM EST up reply actions
A little late but here are the pictures I got of the team warming up before the game against CBus
http://s830.photobucket.com/albums/zz224/beakers_lab/Caps%20vs%20%20Blue%20Jackets/
awesome!
How was the game? Girls enjoy it? Did you have that “We drive all this way to watch them lay a turd?” feeling until midway through the third?
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Game was great, it was good seeing them in person again. My wife said “If they lose I’m going to cry” during the 2nd intermission.
One thing I didn’t like was the amount of sh*t that Dorsett got away with without having to answer to anyone. In the dustup with Ovi that got matching minors what lead to that was a hit to Ovi’s face that went uncalled. He was hitting very late and taking some liberties the entire game. During one of the TV timeouts right after another borderline hit he was pulled to center ice by one of the Refs and one of the linesmen and they talked to him the entire break and you could see he was arguing with them.
As you may or may not know, I have a bit of a fetish for pics of multiple players celebrating a goal while one guy on the scored-upon team is in the shot all distraught. In fact, I started a Tumblr for such images.
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Speaking as a person who enjoys Schadenfreude, those are awesome JP.
"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
Heh. I’m undecided as to whether I want to expand beyond pics involving Caps. Probably not.
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Those are quite amazing. Can I suggest an addition?
There are so many priceless ones from the Caps and Rangers series. One of my favorites is this.
Doesn’t count – gotta be one and only one guy on the scored-on team.
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Alex Ovechkin is a captain who looked around at the sinking Washington Capitals and determined he wasn’t going down with them. Someone else needed to take the fall, and it turned out to be coach Bruce Boudreau, who had benched the captain in a key moment earlier in the season.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Yeah, I saw that and decided it wasn’t Clips-worthy.
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Loverro should stick to baseball
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 3, 2012 9:13 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
From Katie’s “Semin has a boo boo” article:
Infection is also a concern, according to the source, as it is any time a player is cut in an area that will come into contact with sweat and pads during the course of practice or a game.
You know, as opposed to all those other areas on a hockey player’s body.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
BTW, in case it was in doubt, Torts is a major league a-hole. It’s one thing to criticize the refs (even when deserved) but to throw NBC under the bus suggesting a conspiracy to send the game to OT is especially lame. They are the very reason you are able to play this game and get all the publicity to help sell the league. How ’bout you swallow it for a second and just show a bit of class for a change.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Besides, we know it wasn’t an NBC-orchestrated conspiracy; someone just wanted to stay at Buffalo Wild Wings.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Jan 3, 2012 8:41 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
NBC orchestrates the Winter Classic match-ups, you know.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 9:02 AM EST up reply actions
Like I mentioned the other day, Torts is an asshole’s asshole.
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Besides, there’s no basis for it. It’s not like he was up against a team from Pennsylvania.
Wait, theywereplayingwhonow? Oh, hrm, maybe there’s something to it.
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 8:45 AM EST up reply actions
Tain’t what I meant at all.
Ew.
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by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 8:50 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
There is no way it’s a conspiracy, duh. Argue the call, which was borderline, but no way there’s a conspiracy.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Obviously. That said, if I was a Rangers fan, I’d have thought that officiating was a bit… contrived. The DoG was one of the worst calls I’ve ever seen, the Cally “holding the stick” looked awful in real time (though was clear on replay, and a lot of the respect he’d earned in my eyes from those shot-blocks the other night is tempered by that crap), and then the PS call. Not good work (which, of course, doesn’t justify Torts’ rant).
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The DoG on McDonaugh was awful. Just awful. The Callahan call was borderline, but odd in how quickly it was called.
I’ve long thought that referee’s subconsciousness does play a role in some of these calls. It has to.
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I believe the DoG was when a NYR player was pushed into his net and dislodged it.
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Both were probably called DoG but the one when the net was dislodged is the one I thought was brutal. I thought the PS was a bad call but at least plausible. That ref is going to feel serious shame when he sees the replay of the net being dislodged.
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That’s what I was referencing. McDonaugh was clearly showed into the net.
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The penalty shot was “covering the puck in the crease,” according to the Rangers box score. http://rangers.nhl.com/club/boxscore.htm?id=2011020569
I thought the Callahan call was a good one, and the ref was in perfect position to see Callahan grab the stick and pull it into his body. I wish refs would make that call more often.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
On the other hand, at least one of the Ranger’s goals looked like a missed offsides. That DoG was awful though.
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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 3, 2012 8:51 AM EST up reply actions
They were also the beneficiaries of two very quick whistles in front of King Henry late in the game. The first of which negated an open net shot opportunity for the Flyers, so I think it evened out.
by HockeyGoalie29 on Jan 3, 2012 9:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Not really. I thought it was pretty ironic that the PHI fans chanted “Ref you suck” when the only reason they were on the PP in the first place was because one of the worst calls in the history of ever. Taking NYR from a 2 min PP that all but ices the game with ~3:30 to go and then putting them shorthanded for 2 minutes is not evened out by a quick whistle.
Please, call me F&B.
Normally I’d agree, a quick whistle <<< terrible call(s). But watching that play it sure looked like a goal had the whistle not been blown early. Lundy was on his back at the post and a Flyer had the puck in the slot with an open net. With the usual caveat that anything could have happened (whiffed shot, great defensive play, etc), I think the Flyers were robbed of a goal at that point.
by HockeyGoalie29 on Jan 3, 2012 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
Well Callahan still poked the puck away and the Rangers D had stopped skating. When the whistle was blown the puck was on the side of the net where Lundqvist was and it would have taken a great shot to get the puck over him and score. There were also 3 D in the area. Sure, PHI had a nice chance there, but it surely wasn’t a lock for a goal.
Please, call me F&B.
Yeah, I definitely would have to see a replay today to refresh my memory but now that you mention it I do recall the puck being lower than I had originally thought when the whistle was blown. I was thinking the Flyer forward had the puck and was already well on his way towards the slot when it was blown dead but now I’m not so sure.
I had also forgotten about the terrible hooking non-call on the Rangers breakaway late in the 3rd FD mentioned below. Add that to both bad DOG calls and the Rangers definitely have a better argument for getting screwed by the refs then the Flyers.
by HockeyGoalie29 on Jan 3, 2012 10:16 AM EST up reply actions
Personally, I applaude that ref for having the stones to call the penalty on Callahan. There was a recent call aginst Ward, I think, where he got his stick up on a guy and the guy clearly chicken winged it to draw the call. Would like to see the refs identify that more often.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
Yeah, it was definitely the right call (I also would’ve accepted “diving”).
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Not to dredge up other philosophical issues, but I wish there was a distinction between embellishment and diving.
If it’s embellishment, then you call both the offender and the offendee.
It it’s diving or acting, then it suggests that there was no original offense. Do they every call diving without the original infraction?
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They do, but not often. And that distinction would be fine with me, though I’d favor one “unsportsmanlike” call that encompassed both AND negated any coinciding infraction (i.e. whatever the other guy did that was illegal and embellished).
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The problem I have with the call on Callahan, is that the initial hook makes contact right inside the elbow. Did Callahan sell it? Probably, but his arm is going to close anyway because Timonen is hooking him right where the arm bends.
To me, that doesn’t restore fairness. If Timonen takes a minor there, he’s taken a good one. He took away a great scoring opportunity on an empty net by committing an obvious infraction. I have a hard time seeing the weak-ish call on Callahan even up a solid one on Timonen.
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by iwearstripes on Jan 3, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
My thinking was “yeah, that’s maybe technically two minutes, but c’mon…”
The optics on the whole thing were terrible. You have a guy from Philly, a former Jr. Flyer no less, calling the penalty, against the Flyers opponent, in a game broadcast on NBC, which is owned by Comcast, a company the Flyers’ owner is Chairman of…
The tin foil industry loved it.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
Probably, but his arm is going to close anyway because Timonen is hooking him right where the arm bends.
I don’t buy for a second that Callahan’s arm would have closed because of the hook. Hooks in that spot are more likely to just pull the arm back, not snap it shut and draw it into the chest.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
Towards the end I think Eddie O and Doc referenced one of the refs as being from Philly about 4-5 times. Almost like they were implying….nevermind.
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I already said my piece about Callahan and what he does. He’ll do anything, cheating and otherwise for an advantage. His job is to help his team win, no matter the cost. What you can’t make up for in skill, you can make up for in treachery.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions
And you’d not want that on the Caps every day of the week and 20 times in the spring? Guy’s a $$ player.
Cross check and all call.
by bigonetimer on Jan 3, 2012 9:19 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Never said I didn’t want him. I’m not happy with it when he’s playing for the Rangers. Would love to have him on the Caps roster. He’s Dale Hunter without as many PIMs.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 9:26 AM EST up reply actions
And probably not quite as much offense. But I love Callahan, so that’s not a knock.
Please, call me F&B.
I’m not knocking what he does either. He does everything he can with an eye towards winning games for the Rangers. It’s his job. Calling him courageous for blocking shots fine. Trying to buy a whistle by faking an injury… well, then the courageous takes a step back.
Don’t get me wrong, I’d love to see him with the Caps… heck he could keep his #24, since it’s available.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 9:33 AM EST up reply actions
Argue which call? The fucking horrific DoG call or the ridiculous and without visual evidence to support a penalty shot in the final 20 seconds of the game call? That was a prime example of incompetent NHL reffing.
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Torts is awesome.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 3, 2012 9:15 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The non-call on Timmonen (?) on the breakaway at the end of the third was dreadful.
The simultaneous minors were technically the right call, I think. Callahan definitely grabbed the stick a bit.
I think Girardi did close his hand over the puck.
I also think the NYR were offsides on both the Rupp goals, although I haven’t gone back and looked to verify.
Anyhow, NHL refs suck routinely. You’d think Torts would have figured that out by now.
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I just watched both Rupp goals and I don’t see either being offsides. The first is definitely onsides and I think the second was as well.
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No? Fair enough, then.
It received no mention from anyone else besides me, so you can probably infer something from that alone.
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Submitted for your approval
Someone else mentioned it in this thread, but here’s the screen cap from the NHL highlights.
Goal 1:
Goal 2:
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by Rob Parker on Jan 3, 2012 9:48 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Rec’d for the visuals. Watching live is so subjective. At the time I was sure it was a blown call tho’ admittedly a close one.
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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 3, 2012 10:08 AM EST up reply actions
From Elias, Briere’s PSM in the final minute makes it 11 in a row by players under similar circumstances.
The last time a player made a game-tying penalty shot with under a minute left in the game? Eric Lindros, PHI at WAS, 12/26/92.
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Ugh… don’t remind me…
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 9:06 AM EST up reply actions
From the Toronto Star article:
Unlike other pro sports leagues such as the National Football League, which generates billions of dollars in revenue from huge TV and sponsorship contracts, the NHL is a so-called “gate-driven” league where ticket revenue accounts for close to half of the league’s total revenue.I wonder if that statement is still true given the new Comcast/NBC 10-yr agreement.
"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
In quickly looking, the revenue for the Lig last year worked out to almost $3 billion, and the TV deal is supposedly $200 million annually.
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On the strength of his incredible brilliance.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 3, 2012 9:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha. Didn’t even know he was one of you.
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If there was a HoF reference, it’s not there anymore, or I’m blind.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Tricky double link.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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History Might Be Made
Just in case folks forget, tonight there is a chance of history at the Phone Booth. Jarome Iginla has 499 career goals coming into tonight’s game. I don’t mind if he bags #500 tonight provided it’s a late goal in a 5-1 Caps win…
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I hope that the VC crowd gives him a respectful round of applause if he does score his goal. I know I sure will.
Hockey greatness deserves to be honoured, no matter who’s wearing the jersey.
honestly, I’ve found that 99% of the time, the VC crowd his happy to honor a major milestone like that. Assuming you’re not playing for a PA team, of course.
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Anyone else watch the Russia/CR game last night and think it looked eerily familiar? The Russians consistently trying to use individual skill, going 1 on 3/4/5 trying to enter the zone, while the Czech’s played dump and chase and frustrated the Russians to no end. Kuz was probably the worst offender. I hope that’s just a factor of him being a dominant player at this age group and will be willing to play more of a team game when he gets here. Or maybe there is something to GMGM’s comments about Kuz developing bad habits playing in the K and needs to get over to the best league in the world before those habits are too ingrained.
A few days ago after his 9 point game.
"He should be here next year. He’s ready to play here and he needs to play in a better league," McPhee said prior to the start of Washington’s game against Buffalo on Friday night. "Sometimes when you’re not playing at the highest level you can develop bad habits. We don’t want that stuff to become engrained — so get him to the best league you can and get working with him."
Just to set realistic expectations about the not-too-distant future means, even if Kuznetsov plans to sign an NHL contract for next season:
1) He is under KHL contract at this time.
2) NHL entry-level contracts, which a team/player do not want to count against the current season and to only apply for future seasons, cannot be filed with the League until March 1.
3) Most expect him to play for Russia at the World Championships in Helsinki & Stockholm, May 4-20.
If the Russians don’t learn to play with a team effort and play smartly against well-organised D-schemes, they’ll disgrace themselves at Sochi.
it would be nice if the Russians learned to actually take the best Russian players available, and not feel the need to placate their KHL overlords, too.
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I actually thought that strategy was alright. Kuznetsov and Yakupov were the best players and generated loads of chances. If Russia had a forecheck and paid attention to opponents without the puck, they’d have looked dominant.
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by red army line on Jan 3, 2012 11:44 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
If it was only those two, I’d probably agree with you. But it was the whole Russian team. And Kuz could’ve cost his team dearly when he didn’t take the easy clear on the PK at the end of regulation, circled and tried to skate it out. He got very lucky on that one.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 3, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
"He should be here next year. He’s ready to play here and he needs to play in a better league," McPhee said prior to the start of Washington’s game against Buffalo on Friday night. "Sometimes when you’re not playing at the highest level you can develop bad habits. We don’t want that stuff to become engrained — so get him to the best league you can and get working with him."
I predict that a Caps goal celebration tonight will involve Tebowing.
When the team was in shootout runs at the end of practise yesterday, Brouwer celebrated his score with the pose, and so did the next half dozen or so guys who scored. It was pretty great
Ups and Downs are up. Go and discuss them, won’t you?
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we touched on this a little last night in the second hockey OT…..Raffi Torres got 2 games for a blatant headshot. Which, quite honestly, seems insane light given that Ian Cole, with zero prior record, was given 3 a couple nights before. Thoughts? Seems incredibly inconsistent on Shanahan’s part.
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Cole.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 10:07 AM EST up reply actions
I’m baffled. Can’t have audio on right now, but how does Shanny justify that? Didn’t Torres leave his feet?
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Torres is a dirty MF’r, didn’t he escape from punishment within the last week for a headshot and then comes back with this one. I thought he should have gotten more than Cole got. Cole’s was a textbook what not to do which is why I think he got a relatively big suspension for a first time offender.
Torres, according to the Shanny video, was given a fine for targeting the head just hours before he delivered that hit. Was explicitly told by the NHL to knock it off. I’m not sure how that translates to only 2 games.
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It was only 2 because for most players, a hit like that would be a fine or a warning. His hit there wasn’t that bad, and in most cases, the player gets penalized and that’s it.
I am sure if Torres gets called to the Principal’s office again, he’s going to feel the full impact of the Shanahammer.
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by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 11:44 AM EST up reply actions
Wonder how many Carcillo gets? That was a horrible and dangerous hit. I’m hoping for around 10.
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 3, 2012 10:32 AM EST up reply actions
I loved what Shanahan was doing early in the season, but lately he seems to have lapsed back into the nonsense of the Campbell regime. Between letting Bruins players get away with anything and everything and mind bottling decisions like these two it seems like the Wheel of Justice is coming back.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 3, 2012 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
WJC U20 Tuesday games
Semifinals on TSN and NHLN
5pm Sweden vs Finland
9pm Canada vs Russia
plus USA Latvia (relegation round game) at 1pm (streaming on fasthockey or nhl.com)
So – the teams that lose out in the relegation round have to play Group B games to get into Group A next year, correct?
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One team gets relegated.
The 2 teams losing the semifinals today still play another game, too, to determine seeding, but don’t risk relegation.
From the IIHF site:
“The four teams in the Relegation Round play a single round robin series. The three teams which finish first, second and third at the end of this round play again at the 2013 IIHF Ice Hockey U20 World Championship, while the fourth-place team is relegated to the Division I Group A. Teams carry over the points they earned from the Preliminary Round from the game against the other team from the group participating in the Relegation Round.”
Germany won the Division I Group A tourney earlier in December beating Norway in the finals.
Stayed up to watch the Russian/Czech game—pretty exciting. Damn those goalies were good. Looking forward to these matches. Not sure how Russia will fare against Canada though.
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 3, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions
Last time Caps played Calgary, this happened.
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AO also scored his last PPG for half a season. Ugh. But it was the beginning of a six-game win streak during which 8 had four goals and nine assists.
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The goalie fell asleep while Steckel took a year to skate it in
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 3, 2012 10:20 AM EST up reply actions
So we’re on the Mike Green watch tonight, but they would have to pull him off IR first.
Thinking 27-74, 52-44, 6-81.
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Per John Walton, 52’s in. Huzzah!
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Man, makes me wish we had done a “guess the date of Mike Green’s return” game. I totally was going to guess 1/3 v. CGY.
Please, call me F&B.
Well, you did guess it via email to us Rink writers, so there’s that.
Want to play the “guess the date of Mike Green’s next injury” game? You going with the same guess?
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Definitely the same guess, but that’s the easy part. The hard part is the time stamp.
12:38 in the second.
Please, call me F&B.
Further to this point, McNally:
Why Mike Green is nervous about comeback: Last 3 times he’s returned from injury bf hurt again: 1 game (LA). 2 shifts (NYR). 8 shifts (NJD)
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You totally were.
We could start a quick guess for a) the pairings after 27-74 and b) who sits.
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Eesh. Those pairs are pretty interesting. Green, Wides, Orlov and Hamr. One of those pairs is going to be cringe worthy on D. I’ll guess Green/Hamr, Wides/Orlov.
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As did I above, which means we both assume 4 and 55 are sitting.
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Any possibility Hunter runs with 7 D? I could see Green getting little but powerplay time.
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If Semin’s a no-go, I’d think that’s a possibility. But who knows?
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I think the bigger question is when Schultz is going to get traded. A $2.75M cap hit eating nachos is tough to swallow.
People raised an eyebrow when it was revealed that Hunter’s deal was short-term, but here’s where I think you might be able to gather a hint about the team’s commitment to him (and vice versa) – if they move Schultz, I think it’s likely an indication that he doesn’t fit in what Dale wants to do and that Dale will be here a while; if they hold him, maybe it means that they recognize the value of the asset and are willing to scratch him a bit to see if the next guy can better-utilize him… and that next guy might not be that far off.
Just a thought.
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Aren’t most first-time coaches given a pretty short contract, though? I don’t think Hunter’s situation is much different than others.
Well, the ‘Canes gave Muller four years. But the Hunter deal was SOP for McPhee, apparently, so I don’t think it was really noteworthy at all. But some made a big deal out of it.
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Four years?! Wow.
Maybe because a) Muller had previous NHL coaching and b) AHL head coaching experience and c) the Canes are rebuilding allowing him a little more time to succeed or fail.
Also, the Canes might have needed a bigger carrot to lure a well-regarded young candidate like Muller. Hunter was never going to get an NHL coaching offer from anyone but the Caps without paying some dues in the A or as an assistant in the Show.
Just speculating, of course.
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Hunter was never going to get an NHL coaching offer from anyone but the Caps without paying some dues in the A or as an assistant in the Show.
Bryan Murray tried to get him to take the Ottawa job a few years back.
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Further to that, from June 2007:
OTTAWA – If the call hasn’t already been placed, expect new Ottawa Senators general manager Bryan Murray to begin his search for his own successor by dialing the 519 area code to find former NHLer Dale Hunter in London, Ont.
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Dunno. Google it and see what turns up. My point was simply that it has been generally accepted that Hunter was a top coaching prospect for some time and likely to have more options than the one he finally took.
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someone linked to the article. it’s out there, somewhere.
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(And even further, they refer to him in that article as one of the top coaching prospects – doubt anything changed over the next four years to dent that.)
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The problem with Hunter always was that any NHL offer seemed to be a non-starter since he was so entrenched/happy in London.
I’m not arguing that point, merely noting that there was presumed interest in him outside of D.C.
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Heh. If you’re going to be wrong, might as well be spectacularly wrong.
I think I knew that but had obviously totally forgotten it.
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Although I think the general point still stands that Kirk Muller, if he doesn’t take the CAR job, probably gets another offer sooner rather than later.
Hunter, probably not.
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Yeah, Muller was definitely an “it” guy.
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I think you’re right about that, as well.
Also, I have never heard of a junior coach being hired as a head coach in mid-season before (although it may have happened).
I don’t know, I feel like Orlov and Hamr had a few shifts together over the weekend and did pretty well…but maybe I was just drunk. Totally possible.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Are the two mutually exclusive?
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Becca – Do you think the Caps should try to pick up Plekanec off the Habs so he could beat up the younger members of the D corps in practice to motivate the team?
by Rather Bengt on Jan 3, 2012 10:45 AM EST up reply actions
…because it’s worked so well in Montreal? :P
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Do the Caps have enough turtlenecks in stock to keep Pleks happy?
by Rather Bengt on Jan 3, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Guess the time of Mike Green’s next injury
Bonus points for correctly guessing the injury
Triple bonus if you guess both the injury, and the irrelevant cause of it (i.e. slash to wrist causes concussion)
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
sweet glorious bay jebus! Break out the champagne and happy dance!
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I think Green plays with Orlov to limit his ES minutes initially. Long-term, I think you have it right (though that 6-81 pairing makes me a little nervous).
by Dirk Dangler on Jan 3, 2012 10:29 AM EST up reply actions
After Green missed the last six weeks of the regular season last season, he played 26:30 in Game 1 against the Rangers. Before that, after he was concussed by a shot from Brooks Orpik against the Pens, in his first game back he played 22:03. Before that he left a game against Atlanta after five minutes to an upper body injury. Next game back – 23:43.
I won’t be surprised if he gets more than 20 minutes, especially under a coach who rides his top four defensemen pretty hard in terms of ice time.
If you've read this far...seek help.
What about the game he was a PP specialist only? I can’t even remember what he was coming back from that time. Or the game.
"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."
IIRC, for that shitshow (against Atlanta?), Bruce only dressed 6D. Brilliant.
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Yup. What’s really impressive is that the D minus Green has already combined for 76 points this year (although granted two-thirds of that has come from Carlson/Wideman)…get Green back in the lineup and this blue line group is pretty scary.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Dennis Wideman is fifth overall in scoring by defensemen this year, which is pretty impressive in its own right.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
how do those 76 points compare to the rest of the league?
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So I lied, it’s actually 77 points – that ties them for 15th in the NHL (with Pittsburgh). Throw in Green’s 6 points (in 8 GP) and they jump to 11th.
Btw, if he produces at the same rate he’ll finish with about 40 points. Not expecting that, mind you, but even half that amount in the remaining 45 games will be helpful, especially if Wideman and Carlson maintain their production levels, Hamrlik picks it up a bit, etc.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Btw, if he produces at the same rate he’ll finish with about 40 points.
Only if he plays games at the same rate he did for the first seven of the season.
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MP and Schultz are on ice for extra practice, and Semin left the ice early. Does that mean Erskine might play – and therefore 7D, as speculated above?
Failure is always an option.
With Semin going off the ice early? Sure seems possible.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
Well, Hunter says they’re going with 7D, so you’re right.
"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."
Just saw McNally report that. So what would the lines be? 8-19-20, 90-15-22, 25-21-42, 83-26 maybe?
Failure is always an option.
Looking at those lines, The lack of a 2nd line center is a huge hole. Would anybody here be opposed to trading for Getzlaf at the deadline if the Ducks are out. Things aren’t sunny with him this year and it hasn’t gotten better since BB’s arrival.
http://ducks.ocregister.com/2011/12/31/getzlaf-deals-with-boudreau-sitting-him/104973/
He makes 5.3 and is signed through the 12-13 season.
What do you trade for Getzlaf? We don’t have Flash anymore, that would have been the best Boudreau bait. I doubt the Ducks are looking for 4W or 7D.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 3, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions
Was hoping to get some idea’s from you all. LOL, It’s tough to say who goes to the Ducks. My intent is to get Semin a center to play with so I’m not up for trading him.
Looking at our roster and salary, I would say to start the discussion maybe 2 defensemen and a pick? Wideman and Schultz are canidates..
No way they would trade any two D not named Tom Poti and Pom Toti for Getzlaf. But as timmyv38 noted below, without dropping serious salary, Getz isn’t an option. Wideman and more would almost have to be moved, and I don’t think that’s a net positive for this team.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 3, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions
I think Wideman shouldn’t even be considered. He’s 5th in scoring among all dmen, and 3rd in scoring on the Caps. Schultz is definitely a trade candidate – maybe a forward as well? I just don’t see too many guys on the Caps as very tradeable, due either to their importance on the Caps or lack of performance.
Failure is always an option.
Anaheim needs help in every department, but particularly in the defense department. They could also use some better bottom-six forwards.
Given how deep this draft is for defense, you have to imagine they’ll be selling off what assets they can for picks. It wouldn’t shock me to see them move Beauchemin or Lydman some time in the next month.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
I’d consider moving Wideman. Certainly if Getzlaf were in the offing.
I’m not sure Wideman’s the best playoff performer. I am sure Getzlaf is a playoff difference maker.
Mike
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 2:13 PM EST up reply actions
Main issue would be that the Caps would have to free up quite a bit of space first. I also don’t see who they would trade for Getzlaf.
Failure is always an option.
With Anaheim specifically, their pipeline is so thin they’d ask for Kuznetsov or one of the firsts, and are justified in doing so in my opinion.
Really, I think the only way this team adds a big name without sacrificing Kuznetsov or either first is with Semin, to a team looking to dump commitment (D’ohboy likes Semin for Stastny) or for a longtime fan favorite who management feels deserves a chance for a Cup.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 3, 2012 11:52 AM EST via Android app up reply actions
But to me, And I understand that thought process. If we gain a 2nd line center by sending our top 2nd line winger, To me it defeats the purpose.
But to add to that. You would have Stastny here to play with Kuznetsov for at least 2 years. But I think Semin deserves a center first.
Semin deserves a center first.
Yeah. I mean, Backstrom, Fedorov, Nylander, Morrison, Johansson, Fleischmann… those guys are all fine and dandy, but the next one will be the one he clicks with, I can feel it!
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by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
You forgot Arnott.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 3, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
If there was a legit center he had that wasn’t old or a rookie or trying to play that position for the first time in a long time. May be a different story ;)
Or not.
Bottom line: if your $6.7 million winger needs a legit first-line center to be productive, he shouldn’t be a $6.7 million winger.
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by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
You bitches have 363 days to catch me! (Luckily for y’all, it’s a leap year.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Aside from Backstrom in spot duty, would you say any of those guys are considered strong 2C on any other team?
I would consider Nylander, at the time (coming off the seasons he was coming off in NYR). BMo for half a year. But no, not really.
The problem is, you can’t have your cake and eat it to – when you have a $6.7m second-line wing, part of the tacit assumption is that you’re expecting him to drive play and essentially building the second line around him; you’ve gone and spent your money on the wing rather than at center.
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by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 12:52 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
So Semin is out and “day-to-day” per Hunter. Yesterday Vogs was smacking down Katie’s report that he’s injured (with a cut), saying it was a maintenance day. Don’t see any tweets from him today about it.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:42 PM EST up reply actions
No, Vogs was refuting Katie’s specific report of what the injury was/is.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If anyone’s interested, I just posted cheap tixs to tonight’s game in the Rink Rat Exchange.
"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’d take you up on the offer if I lived in the area, but alas…..
by Rather Bengt on Jan 3, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Only because someone gave me their lowers for tonight. Cup holders in front instead of on the chair arms. Woo-hoo! : )
"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
From Wysh on upcoming Classics...
My pipe dream is a Winter Classic at “neutral site” Camden Yards, as the Capitals have made inroads into the Baltimore market.
Pretty sure everyone here knows how I feel about it…but no doubt its a pipe dream…
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It’s one thing for the Red Wings to host a game 45 miles down the road in Ann Arbor to play in a unique setting. And, Detroit is likely to be in this thing much more often than Washington. It’s another for the Caps to go 45 miles up the road to play in a stadium that on TV would be almost indistinguishable from Nats Park. The Caps are going to get one chance at this for the foreseeable future, and they’d have it in Baltimore?
If you've read this far...seek help.
___
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I am the Rinks Joker when it comes to hot topics round here….
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For this topic, my vote’s for Midnight Toker.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 11:39 AM EST up reply actions
Thank you Maurice, who speaks the pompetus of love.
/ot
by Rather Bengt on Jan 3, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
You’re the greatest stadium that I ever did see
I really love your warehouse
Want to host your WC
2 Great 8’s, 2 Great 8’s, 2 Great 8’s at one time
Ooh wee baby, The Yard will show Hockey Fans a good time
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by Cap-O-Vens on Jan 3, 2012 11:53 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I dont think it will happen but I do not agree with this statement:
in a stadium that on TV would be almost indistinguishable from Nats Park
also I have said it numerous times, The surrounding area to the Yard is much more conducive to the day before festivities.
/ducks RB’s incoming wrath
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by Cap-O-Vens on Jan 3, 2012 11:30 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Waltimore Capitals just doesn’t have the same ring.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Jan 3, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
on track to be open by Jan 1, 2013 in the ballpark neighborhood:
Outdoor skating rink
9 new restaurants (SW and SE)
Canal Park
Foundry Loft apartments
for 2014, throw in our nifty new Harris Teeter, a handful of additional restaurants, new apartments, possible additional new office space……
This year, we got the new bridge connecting the ballpark to Yards Park (doesn’t sound like much, but it’s hugely important), a new restaurant on the SW side, Yards Park was completed, and a new bakery/espresso bar.
The neighborhood isn’t the mess of vacant lots people think it is, and it’s going to look dramatically different in less than a year.
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by RedBirdie on Jan 3, 2012 1:16 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Don’t forget the velodrome. Can’t have urban renewal without a velodrome.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Jan 3, 2012 4:42 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
we welcome our new SW Velodrome overlords!
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If it is going to go to Baltimore, might as well be in the Ravens stadium.
If you want a football size crowd and site lines, I’d rather do that than FedEx.
As much as a Bmore homer as I am I do not agree with this. I think the Yard would be a beautiful setting and a great environment for an awesome weekend. That would be the only reason I would move it from DC…
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And speaking selfishly it needs to be in a football stadium. 70,000+ seats sold should drop the per ticket cost to a lot less than a 45K seat baseball stadium. Plus the sightlines are better in a football stadium. I don’t care if the game is at M&T or Fed Ex, or RFK truth be told.
"When the going gets weird, the weird turn pro"
It’s not going to affect the price. I never looked to see what they were charging this year, but last year the real cheapest tickets were $150 (there were supposedly $99 tickets, but I have no idea what they were).
"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."
Apparently the tickets this year were only about 35% more expensive than last year, and you can most likely attribute some of that to the fact that this year, they were bundled. If you wanted Winter Classic tickets, you also had to buy the alumni game tickets and the AHL game tickets – so it bumped up the cost of the event.
If you looked on stubhub
the prices last year and this year were very different. those are the prices that matter to most people. they reflect the real supply and demand.
last year the cheapest tickets were running in the $200-250 ranger around holiday time
this year they were $450+
reduced seating/supply had an affect. probably also the fact that philadelphia is closer to many more people than PIT
Sorry, I was referring to face value only. As a STH, that was my price. Wait, maybe it was $140. Oh, but add all the fees, and it was around $150 anyway.
"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 have also been assured that because of the size of our fan base — and the beauty of our city — that a Winter Classic would come to Washington DC
I would actually prefer both venues in Baltimore to the DC options, but I think that quote from Ted is pretty telling that the game is going to be in DC, not Baltimore.
by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 3, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
I do not think that is what he means by that but just my interpretation…I just think he means to the Caps
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Definitely not. “The beauty of our city” definitely means he’s referring to DC.
Failure is always an option.
He doesnt know a year or a venue. I wouldnt rule out the Yard…but it is a long shot, like Skins win the SuperBowl next year long.
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I see that but there is obviously nothing set in stone, If the NHL tells Ted he can have it at the Yard, do you think he’ll say no?
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Yes. He’ll want it in DC. What jopierce said below is a much better explanation.
Failure is always an option.
If Bettman says Yard or bust Uncle Ted says ok…guaranteed
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Bettman would never do that. He’d only give the Yard as one option out of a few.
Failure is always an option.
Would Ted say no?
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It seems ridiculous to even contemplate, but I’d bet on the side that Ted would reject it – and raise a stink. But again, the whole notion is silly.
by MikeBrady on Jan 3, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I have learned in life that ruling anything as impossible is a silly notion, including a Caps WC in Bmore…so theres that.
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What I was referring to as silly was the notion that the NHL would tell the Caps that they have to hold the event in Baltimore.
Nothing Bettman or the NHL has done has ever surprised me…like I said I do not think it happens but there is a shot.
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I understand your interest in Camden yards, but as others have noted, it’s not realistic given the situation especially now that Nats Park exists. Also note the ownership connection with Lerner and the Caps/Nats.
If it’s at a baseball stadium, Nats Park has to be considered the likely location.
yea…my initial comment in the thread was “pipe dream” … I think it goes Nats Park over FedEx
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Look at how Ted has rebranded the Wizards and you can see how DC-centric he is when it comes to team identity. The Caps weagle has the U.S. Capitol building on it. The Wizards logo has the Washington Monument. The uniforms are red, white, and blue. When the Caps host the Winter Classic, they’ll be wearing the red throwbacks. Red, white, and blue (and inevitably, the use of a DC monument or memorial on the Winter Classic logo just as the Liberty Bell was used for this year’s logo) just doesn’t have as much resonance if the game isn’t actually in DC.
Also, with venues other than Nats Park, you are all but eliminating the ability for people to take public transportation. This is important from a logistics standpoint.
If people have more options when it comes to getting to the venue, there won’t be as many problems getting to the Winter Classic. I certainly don’t want to spend hours stuck in traffic, then pay a billion dollars for parking, then spend hours stuck waiting in the parking lot because nearly everyone had to drive.
by jopierce on Jan 3, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
The logo’s going to be the Capitol building, no question – rotunda makes it fit the circular nature of the basic WC logo.
There’s pretty much no better venue locally than Nats Park – it’s new, like you said it’s accessable. You want people staying in/near the city, spending precious tourist dollars.
"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 good?
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I dont think it is going to be in Baltimore but...
From a business standpoint for Ted, it could make some sense.
The game is going to be sold out no matter what. Caps fans won’t stop being Caps fans if it is in Baltimore. He could probably get a bunch of new long term Baltimore fans from it
Plus you get about 30,000 more seats and more money if you hold it in M&T Stadium.
I agree, Camden wouldnt offer many more advantages though
I disagree. Long term for Ted it makes sense to keep it, and the money, in DC. Guy has to maintain good relations with the DC Counsel/Mayor. Don’t know that they would take too kindly for him to encourage the game (and the $20-30M of revenue) to be up to Charm City.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions
2014 might be the best bet. How about a WC in 2014 vs. Toronto? It’d be the 200th anniversary of the invasion of Washington, DC by the Brits in the War of 1812, and the two cities that had the most damage in that war were DC and Toronto (then called York…)
But I suspect when the WC comes here, the opponent will be Pittsburgh, or perhaps LA or Anaheim….
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions
Doc Emrick just pitched a tent.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 3, 2012 12:03 PM EST up reply actions
Nats Park is also within spitting distance of the Navy Yard, Fort McNair (former home of the armory—the British blew them selves to pieces trying to blow it up), and the Capitol, all of which were torched during the invasion.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$908.82!
Don’t discount Nats Park just for what’s there now. Change is coming and could be in place in time for a 2014 WC.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
And anyone who was at last year’s WC knows that the area around Nats Park isn’t a whole hell of a lot different than the area surrounding PNC, and is likely to be even better by 2014.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed the area will be built up by 2014, but Pitts WC was played at Heinz and I thought the area was great for the large crowd..as much as I hate that city I enjoyed my 2 days there between the restaurants and museum, etc…
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My only gripe is that there were basically no taxis/mass transportation and we only found like one bar that was open.
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
D.C. has some restaurants and maybe a museum or two, from what I hear.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Like the Harbor or this Spot
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Does the Baltimore Board of Tourism sponsor your comments?
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by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 12:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
They may now!
Self-Appointed "Bring the Winter Classic to Camden Yards" Delegate
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Pickles is always such an overcrowded drunken white trash frat boy cluster. and I say that as someone who frequents The Bullpen/Das Bullpen
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I think that’s why we Caps fans are being so sensitive to the neighborhood issue… we had a good experience as visitors in Pittsburgh. Want to do the same, pay it forward type deal. Surely locals don’t care as much about the neighborhood, but you want to leave a good impression on the tourists.
building America's hockey capital
Only DC makes sense.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
There is no f’ing way that game is played outside the DC Beltway. No. F. Ing. Way. I’d go as far to say that there is <10% chance it’s played outside the DC city limits.
Although the NHL and NBC own that thing, I do think Ted would have a significant amount of influence on the site. He would not and should not allow it to be anywhere but DC.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
now that someone brought up RFK, I think that it would be a great location. It doesn’t have the awkwardness of a baseball park, it’s DC’s iconic stadium, and it’s pretty big, is it not?
If by iconic you mean decrepid and outdated, sure.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
They call it “Historic RFK Stadium” in some radio spot… I about choked on my gum when I heard that.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 3, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
“histo-wreck”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 3, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
It’s perfect except for being a dump. It’s a mixed use stadium, so it’s got football sightlines and it’s got a larger capacity. It’s located near Metro. I just don’t see anyone putting enough money into it to make it an acceptable venue. It doesn’t have the history to justify it.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
The surrounding area is an absolute shithole, no good hotels, restaurants, or bars…if Camden Yards and the surrounding 3sqmi is located inside DC city limits there isnt even a discussion as to where a Caps WC is held.
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And that’s the point we’ve been trying to make. It’s not in DC city limits, or even near them, so it shouldn’t even be in the discussion. When there’s a WC hosted in DC, it will be in DC.
Failure is always an option.
So then you agree that Camden Yards and the surrounding area is the best atmosphere/stadium to host a WC within the Caps Fanbase radius (excluding not being in DC)
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I agree wholeheartedly. Stadium has history and, for fans, would offer a better vantage point being a small football stadium.
Yes, it’s a dump. Nothing that can’t be fixed in time for a game two-three years from now. And as far as NBC/NHL is concerned, it just needs to look good on TV, and the shots from the roof looking down at the Capital is the money shot. As for the area around it, Citizen’s Bank Park ain’t exaclty in a great area either.
So, Washington v Dallas one more time in RFK???
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Capitol…
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Nothing that can’t be fixed in time for a game two-three years from now.
Unless the League and/or the City feel like eating the costs for it (to say nothing of a lack of modern amenities), don’t hold your breath.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 12:22 PM EST up reply actions
No need for modern amenities. Just fix the busted seats and make sure it’s not hazardous to anyone’s health. It needs to look good on TV and have some story to tell, unless the matchup tells the story. Outside Pittsburgh, Philly and maybe the Rags (nether of which will be part of it), the Caps are a little short on such matchups.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions
OK, fine:
Unless the League and/or the City feel like eating the costs for it, don’t hold your breath.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
Of course, someone needs to pay for it. I’m guessing if the League/NBC wanted it there so much, they would kick in a bit.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:33 PM EST up reply actions
They wouldn’t need to if Nats Park is still working.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
The cost to fix it up would be into the millions or dollars. Other than the Winter Classic, what is the benefit there?
They were saying that the WC in Philly brought $20-30M in revenue to the city. I’m not sure how accurate that is. But if true, worth spending a few $M if that’s the cost. Then again, they could do it at Nats Park with no rehab costs. So if it came down to RFK or FedEx Field, I’m guessing the City might pony up the dough.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
A few mil wouldnt make a dent in improving RFK
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Gray’s voiced opposition to public funds (or even tax incentives that could be reimbursed later) for sports facilities right now, so good luck on that.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
Moreover, why are you going to put money towards improving a venue with no tenants, when you’ve got a publicly-funded stadium sitting dormant at that time of year?
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
Doesnt DCU still play there
Self-Appointed "Bring the Winter Classic to Camden Yards" Delegate
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Awkward…
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
It’s actually not that big at all. Capacity is really only about 45,000. It’s a few thousand more than Nats Park, sure, but it’s not near the capacity of the modern football stadium.
Did they add seats to the Phillies stadium?
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I don’t think so.
I didn’t find anything specific to Citizens Bank Park, but this is pretty interesting and may be the case for why attendance at the WC this year was several thousand over the listed capacity. http://www.lsureveille.com/sports/football-attendance-numbers-exceed-capacity-in-tiger-stadium-1.2243849
Basically, if they counted stadium workers, media, and team/league staff.
I seem to recall it being around 54,000, but I may be thinking back when the Redskins still played there. Which means you could put the seats back if they’ve been pulled out.
"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 know Wikipedia is not the best source, but:
When these sections were in place, RFK seated approximately 56,000 fans. Following the Washington Nationals’ move to RFK in 2005, this particular segment of the stands was permanently removed to facilitate the switch between the baseball and soccer configurations. These seats were not restored following the Nationals’ move to Nationals Park, leaving the stadium’s seating capacity at approximately 46,000. D.C. United do not normally make the tickets for the majority of the upper-level seating available for purchase, and the stadium’s reduced capacity thus is not normally problematic for the club.
Maybe they could put them back in, but it depends on whether the seats still exist somewhere. That’s a lot of seats to have in storage.
Those seats are ones that used to be on the field for football games. I don’t think they can put all of them back if there was a hockey rink. Particularly if they would want to have room for the auxiliary rink and such that they seem to have at the WC.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks for the clarification. From the write up, it seemed to me (I’ve never been in RFK) that the removed seats were part of the upper bowl, and because DC United didn’t need the upper bowl, didn’t need to put back the seats.
I’ve never been in RFK
Whenever the mood suits you, a ticket to a DCU game is on me.
/Smells like a group discount
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Never been but I’ve wanted to go. Definitely need a regular to go with!
Look at me, Dustin! I'm a F%^king Icon!
Taking it over to OT…
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Back in the day I used to sit in the upper bowl at RFK for DC games, as they’d give those seats out to the kids soccer clubs that ran the promos and gate give-a-ways. Easily the best seats in the house, could see everything, particularly from the TV camera angle.
It is for that same reason (and cost) that I try to sit in the upper deck at Verizon Center. I’ve never sat in the lower bowl there, though. For those of you with 100 level seats, what are the lower bowl sightlines like? How much more difficult is following the play?
↑ ↑ ↓ ↓ ← → ← → b a (select) start
Provided a) DCU is still there and b) VW renews as a sponsor, that could be problematic for ’14.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 12:47 PM EST up reply actions
A guy can dream...
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by Cap-O-Vens on Jan 3, 2012 1:32 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Did you even do the Jumbo Tron out there as well? lol only a Skull.
Look at me, Dustin! I'm a F%^king Icon!
haha…surprised not a comment on the RR’s….yet…2 images to spin clips out of control in one pic
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I’d be ok with the Wings playing the Blackhawks at Camden Yards too.
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by Whiter Mage on Jan 3, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Cap-o-Vens, you kinda cherry-picked there. Wysh might hope for B’more, but Ted states very directly that one of the driving factors is:
I have also been assured that because of the size of our fan base — and the beauty of our city — that a Winter Classic would come to Washington DC; at some point in the future.
Not the beauty of Baltimore. beauty of Washington. emphasis mine, of course.
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Of course I cherry picked…how else could I have started this great discussion today
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Have to like this....
TheGoalieGuild The Goalie Guild
#Caps Tomas Vokoun lifetime vs. #Flames: 13-4-4 with a 1.88 GAA and .935 SV% and 2 SO
Failure is always an option.
The latest on Eric Fehr:
and from the Winnipeg Free Press link
Discuss a bit in OT last night, but for those who haven’t seen today’s articles on Fehr in the Winnipeg papers, thought I’d post here.
I had the same reaction… except exactly opposite. What a fucking scumbag that guy is.
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“The Canadian way of playing hockey was better than the Russian way.”
Sure is, Bobby, when the refs won’t enforce the rules. Injuring the opponent’s best player is a damn good way to win a game when you can get away with it.
Puke worthy interview.
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by fat_daddyo on Jan 3, 2012 11:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Clarke was a gutless player when he was playing. Sure the guy had great skills, was a top-notch playmaker with an elusive wrist shot that moved. He benefited from having two terrific linemates most of his career in Reggie Leach and Bill Barber. He was also very good on the dot as a center…
What Clarke would do is go out, skate the first 30-40 seconds of his shift, maybe make a play or two, but then he do something to irritate or annoy the opponent, up to the point of being dirty…and then go off on a change. After which the Flyers would send out their goon squad (Schultz, Saleski, Dupont, Kelly, Van Impe, the Watson Brothers…). And lord help you if you tried to get vengeance on Clarke, because Shero would occasionally replace Leach with Schultz if that happened. Unlike most enforcers in this age, Schultz actually was a decent player… he was a pretty good checking wing, and once hit for 20 goals. He had talent, so it wasn’t all that far fetched that Schultz didn’t fit in with Clarke and Barber.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 11:57 AM EST up reply actions
I would never call Clarke a gutless player. Yes, he made gutless plays (Exhibit A in the series with the Soviets), but overall he was a tough and skilled player. Sure he had his bodyguards, that was the game back then (taken to a new level by the Flyers). He wasn’t the only star to have protection.
That said, his interview was douchbaggery at it’s finest. Surprised NBC had the guts to show that particular play while talking with him.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 3, 2012 12:12 PM EST up reply actions
This morning, they were playing a Summit Series documentary on Versus (or whatever it’s called now). I was only able to watch the first 10 minutes, but it seemed interesting enough.
Has anyone seen the whole thing?
I did. It leaned a little bit on the Roy MacSkimming book and Greenburg seemed to follow his same general storytelling, but it’s decent.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 3, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
The wonders of Google:
Cold War on Ice is produced by the former head of HBO sports. From what I saw, it looks good. I’ll go home and try and record it.
as i noted below, it’s basically like Don Cherry’s porn.
It services the Canadian ego in ways which are illegal in some countries
Having watchers the Bullies play dozens of times, I understand your point. But, I think MikeL-Pivonka is basically correct. Clarke was, indeed, talented and was a very good player. However, he (and most important, the team) did have a ‘gutless’ way of playing. It also needs to be remembered that they had guys other than Schultz who would beat the snot out of you too if the game got too fast or lop-sided (a certain GM not to be mentioned). They started the entire Canadian vs. Euro trash talking which I believe unfortunately still influences today’s hockey (why can’t Cherry just go away?). That, in my opinion, is why Clarke deserves a lot of criticism. Instead of impugning skill players, they should have accepted that style.
Schultz wasn’t gutless, he fought his own battles and was very much in your face about what he did. He didn’t hide behind anyone. Ditto for most of the players I named: Kelly, Saleski, Dupont, the Watsons. Van Impe was a dirty little [Avery].
Clarke knew he could get away with stuff because if anyone retaliated, his bigger, badder buddies would mess them up. He was a turd, and while he had terrific skills he was also dirty.
The Flyers weren’t gutless as a team, but they were led by a gutless player. Yes they used their size and strength to intimidate opponents and that’s legit. If it works, fine. If you use your teammates size and strength to hide dirty tricks… well, that’s gutless.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 3, 2012 1:55 PM EST up reply actions
my understanding is that the Canadians were utterly unprepared for the Russian style of hockey. The Canadians barely conditioned in the offseason, but the Russians were training hard for 11 out of 12 months of the year. I def. did not like the Clarke interview. He was practically boasting about his unmistakably dirty play.
and the doc on the series looked like Don Cherry’s porn
“Without puck possession, success in the NHL will be fleeting at best.” No discussion on Greenberg’s Fenwick analysis in today’s WaPo? I am surprised. As he posted, even with 8-19-28’s increased production, we need more shootin’. And since it appears our remaining 3 lines aren’t getting it done, should GMGM go to work?
Don’t believe it was linked in the Clips today, fwiw. Probably will be tomorrow, I’d guess?
Anyway, there’s zero doubt the Caps have gotten lucky to win the last three.
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I wouldn’t say “lucky.” Their best players were their best players, but that can’t be the sum and substance of their game. They are going to have to get nights where the third line contributes (no goals in four games last week) and even occasionally from the fourth line and defense.
If you've read this far...seek help.
They got outshot and outchanced in the BUF and NYR games. The chances in the CBU game were even.
Winning those games feels a lot like luck to me.
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I don’t buy the luck thing unless a goal is scored like ovie’s did of the D man’s stick. The team pays star players to be star players and execute.
If the third period is starting and the caps are getting outshot 26 to 20 and Ovie scores two back-to-back to take the lead, sorry pal, that aint always luck. Fenwick is a great stat, but it also doesn’t conclusively sell me on this “luck” concept.
Two different lines of reasoning I suppose. Neil is very black and white with his numbers, whereas I feel there are other elements than numbers. Both are valuable at times though, I think.
by aaw6848 on Jan 3, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The rope-a-dope strategy – allowing the other team extended zone pressure and shots, then scoring on the counterattack – only works when you get a great save pct. When you get that level of goaltending, it’s a great strategy. When you don’t, you get creamed.
I don’t think it’s realistic to expect a .945+ save pct to continue.
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you’re right. And also, on top of goalie consistency, it’s not hard to think that the star players won’t always be up to the task of putting the team on their back. (see: the entire past year) But even so, star players being star players ISN’T, necessarily, luck as Neil’s piece seems to say.
star players being star players ISN’T, necessarily, luck as Neil’s piece seems to say.
Of course it is, it is just good luck. :-)
Look, the bottom line is there is more of a chance element in goal scoring than there is in shot generation. That’s a fact. So if this team wants to reverse their playoff fortunes (assuming they make the playoffs, which is still not a lock) they are going to have to tilt the ice in their favor consistently.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
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Is the absence of bad luck good luck? Obviously some lucky plays in there, but some of this is um.. progression to the mean (is that a thing?).
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
but some of this is um.. progression to the mean (is that a thing?).
Absolutely, esp Ovechkin’s home shooting percentage and some of Vokoun’s poor play.
"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.
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Look, the bottom line is there is more of a chance element in goal scoring than there is in shot generation. That’s a fact.
Well, of course it is. Shot generation is based, in part at least, on a conscious decision to take a shot. If Alex Ovechkin wanted to take 8 shots a night, I could pump ‘em in from a stride outside the blueline to fill that quota. But, in general, players are going to do what they think increases their likelihood of scoring, be it carrying the puck, passing it or shooting. I’m not even sure where luck would really come into play in shot generation, other than with regards to blocks and misses (or Brouwers shanks or whatever).
Once the shot’s on the way, though, there’s obviously luck at play with regards to whether or not it beats the goalie.
All of which (I think) goes to your point that teams can control shot generation and thus it’s likely a better proxy for team strength than actual shooting or save percentage. And scoring chances are better still, as they’re more or less a subset of shot generation that discards the Eric Fehr 50-foot floating wristers.
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by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 3:00 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Whether it is ‘luck or not’, the issue of puck possession and supplementary scoring remains. I have to believe, though, that the defense will provide their share (especially if 52 returns – and stays). If that is true, it leaves lines 2-4 as culpable. I think MarJo is a ‘possession’ kind of guy, as is Halpy, and for debate’s sake, let’s add Brooks and Knuble. Where else do we have possession or offensive potential?
I have to believe, though, that the defense will provide their share (especially if 52 returns – and stays).
How much?
I think MarJo is a ‘possession’ kind of guy
Based on what?
Rel Corsi:
2010-11 minus-10.8
2011-12 minus-6.8
5v5 Scoring chance differential
2010-11 plus-1
2011-12 minus-4
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
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Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
So even though his point totals are up over last season (based, in some part, to a pretty high shooting percentage), his overall play really isn’t?
I think his play overall is “up” since this time last year, but I also don’t think that’s saying much.
I’m a huge Chimera fan but, much as I was adamant that his awful possession numbers last year were due in part to playing with MarJo, I think part of his possession bump this year is due to no longer playing with MarJo.
The oddity about MarJo is that he at least looks somewhat better this year. He looked lost for long stretches early last year. Admittedly, I haven’t really taken a hard look at what might explain his poor rankings.
Unleash the Apathy.
Ever since the hot start when he was scoring from zero angle, it’s been a pretty disappoinging season for MarJo. He just doesn’t seem to generate any extended possession or a lot of chances when he’s on the ice.
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It’s unfortunate that the Caps have exactly one pair that can move the puck out of the defensive zone quickly. Thankfully, as of tonight add another.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 3, 2012 6:40 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
It’ll be in tomorrow’s Clips (dropped late AM), but feel free to discuss it here.
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Friedman’s 30 thoughts – more on future Winter Classics with mention of Caps in #29
and #4 sort-of relates to the #55 discussion above…
I’m going with what I tweeted…WC at DET next year at The Big House (we’re guessing vs BOS), then DC in 2014 (vs CHI)
If you've read this far...seek help.
I think it’s hosted by Detroit next year, as well. Toronto or Boston the opponent depending on the ‘Canadian team’ issue with NBC.
And agree Caps host in 2014. Wouldn’t have guessed Chicago, interesting.
All of the games so far have been intraconference matchups, which I suppose is intended (even if just a little) to lend some standings relevance to the contest. I would think the league would break that mold soon, but that’s just speculation on my part. I would think this would be the next threshold before bringing Canadian teams into the mix.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I really think the smartest thing would be for there to be a second Toronto team. Next would be Kansas City. Then Quebec City. Then Las Vegas.
I would figure trying to keep more teams out west would be somewhat of a goal the NHL wants, but the realignment might make that moot.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
The problem is, as much as we want teams to move out west (and to offset the East Coast bias everyone always complains about), the population of this country and Canada is squarely in the Eastern and Central time zones.
EST and CST has around 250 million. MST has about 18 million (18!) and PST has 48 million, with about 35 of that being in California. In Canada, around 60% of its population is in the East.
I would love a team in Seattle. It could even develop into a rivalry with Vancouver. The cities are so close the players could just hop over the border in a bus.
Seattle’s a strange sports city. They have completely embraced their MSL team, so maybe an NHL team would succeed there. The problem is that they’re years away from having an arena ready to play a game in.
I saw a Sounders game a few months ago. People in Seattle are nuts for that team. I bought a Sounders shirt and when I wore it the next day, at least three people asked me about the game. It’s one of the reasons I think hockey could work. They seem to love chanting and beer, and are already used to standing and sitting in the cold.
God knows I hate the Sounders fans, but at least their play (er, chant) list is decent.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Nah, still doesn’t.
Much as I’d love for some variety to be included in hockey chants (still pride myself on the Dan Ellis adaptation I did last year), both the cost investment and the family friendly environment make it a non-starter.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
You guys love trade talk, so here’s some: If you’ve got defencemen to trade, you are in position A. NHL general managers may sell their children for blue-line depth.
Could that bode well for the Capitals, at some point?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Well, Darryl Sutter did trade his son and he got a dman in return, but he had to trade a dman, too.
by sk84fun_dc on Jan 3, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah but that never happens plus Mike Green is back and should be in there for a while.
by Kolzilla on Jan 3, 2012 2:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Re: Schultz, I see Whyno and Neil on Twitter implying that he’s now trade bait, which may or may not be the case, of course. But it makes more sense to me to hang on to eight D for now, since no one knows how long this run of health might last.
Now, the problem that exists (besides getting guys playing time) is that with just 13 forwards, two short-term/non-IR injuries would require a move of some sort. No matter what they think of Schultz, trying to sneak him (or Erskine) down to Hershey through waivers makes no sense. And making a quick trade because you need to is a terrible position from which to be dealing.
So, assuming they need a short-term recall of a forward (Eakin or whomever), my bet is they send Orlov down for that duration. Not because he’s earned it, of course (he hasn’t), but because they can. Makes the most sense from an asset management perspective to me.
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If they trade a defenseman, who become #8? Collins? McNeil?
They certainly have to wait for Green to play a bunch of games before even considering it.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Yeah, probably Collins, McNeill in that order.
And obviously we’re seeing tonight what the short-short-term solution might be: 11F/7D.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agree, Orlov send down for any length of time is the easy move if there’s a short-term roster need at forward and the team is carrying 8D. Of course, if someone is hurt enough for 7 day IR to free up a roster spot, there’s enough cap space for one low cap hit forward with the current roster situation. Nothing has changed in terms of the cap with Green’s return so Eakin or someone else fit using Poti LTIR space with the current roster configuration as long as 1 of the 23 active roster spots is available.
my bet is they send Orlov down for that duration. Not because he’s earned it, of course (he hasn’t), but because they can.
Pittsburgh did that with a particular goalie in their system, and it seemed to work out fine for them.
If you've read this far...seek help.
That was a Saturday game the spring of my freshman year of college at Pitt. My best friend and I had ingested something… interesting… that afternoon, wandered around Oakland, and came back in time to watch the game.
I watched that whole game in slow motion, and the save didn’t seem all that terrific at the time.
/OT
Ourand
TBA on the number, emphasis mine:
SBD: New Year’s Ratings: Rose Bowl on ESPN is down; Fiesta Bowl on ESPN is up; Winter Classic on NBC is down.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Bet that time change didn’t help any. Bowl games starting at 1 pm mean people not switching channels (casual viewers).
"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."
Wouldn’t that have been the case if the Winter Classic had started at 1 pm, like originally planned?
I’m curious to see how it compared with other year’s WC games, not just last year’s. The fact that last year’s game featured Crosby and Ovechkin is something that definitely should be factored in when comparing the ratings.
by JimCareyFanClub on Jan 3, 2012 1:22 PM EST up reply actions
SBD: NBC’s Winter Classic overnight is a 2.4, down from last year’s 2.8 (in primetime on New Year’s Day) and ’10’s 2.6 on New Year’s Day.
Not like NY and Philly aren’t major markets. Moral – don’t go with 3:00 next time a delay is necessary.
"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."
don’t go with Philly. I believe that 2.6 they pulled in 2010 was less than the Detroit-Chicago match-up in 2009.
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And some more
NBC’s Winter Classic overnight is a 2.4, down from last year’s 2.8 (in primetime on New Year’s Day) and ’10’s 2.6 on New Year’s Day.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Didn’t help that it was on a Monday, and that it was boring as hell for quite some time.
That'll make your weagle wink!
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Yeah, why did they play it on the second and not the first of the month, anyway?
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Absolutely. Same reason all the bowl games were yesterday instead of New Year’s Day.
"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 concerning Philly in particular, the Eagles were at home on Sunday. Very difficult, if not impossible, to put the WC up against the last Eagles game of the season, particularly considering the two venues share parking lots.
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Would’ve pulled a higher rating if Bettman had only made the Flyers play the game at Camden Yards.
by MikeBrady on Jan 3, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Nicely done sir, that’s waiting on a pitch.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Thats worth .5 for sure…shoulda played it in the Meadowlands
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And a little more
One more Winter Classic ratings tidbit: the game pulled an 11.9 overnight in Philly; and a 4.3 overnight in New York.
For comparison to last year, Pittsburgh did a 32 and DC did 7.6 (Baltimore did 6.6).
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Is that number based on population?
Self-Appointed "Bring the Winter Classic to Camden Yards" Delegate
Check out a new social network, Hockey Connect, a place for coaches, players, family and fans to share strategies and experiences.
No idea.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Likely based on televisions on for the event, past that, dunno.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Did you know DC United pays almost double the amount of rent at RFK than the MLS average? Help Keep United in DC to receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
Per wiki
Share is the percentage of television sets in use tuned to the program. For example, Nielsen may report a show as receiving a 9.2/15 during its broadcast, meaning that on average 9.2 percent of all television-equipped households were tuned in to that program at any given moment, while 15 percent of households watching TV were tuned into that program during this time slot. The difference between rating and share is that a rating reflects the percentage of the total population of televisions tuned to a particular program while share reflects the percentage of televisions actually in use.3
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 3, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Given Pittsburgh’s track record (There was “Go Pens” stuff all over the school I visited during the playoffs in ‘07 or ’08, can’t remember), I’m pretty sure their local government blacked out everything BUT the Winter Classic.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
…and, they flash “go Steelers” on all their highway signs on the PA turnpike outside of Pittsburgh during football playoffs.
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Jan 3, 2012 2:16 PM EST up reply actions
Jan 2nd, 3pm, not original start time, regional match-up, 5th year in a row, etc. Looks to me like the number, while lower, isn’t that far off from 2008 and 2010.
stevelepore Steve Lepore
The 2012 Winter Classic is the lowest-rated of the first 5 years of the event. 2008 – 2.6, 2009 – 2.9, 2010 – 2.6, 2011 – 2.8, 2012 – 2.4.
2010, also the Flyers. Blame the Flyers!
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Flames line info: line juggling per reports:
“Flames have new lines with Comeau at centre with Bourque, Stempniak. Morrison winger with Horak, Kostopoulos. Backlund with Jackman &Byron”
source: SUNRandySportak twitter
and as shown by the Flames in pictures:
That has got to be one of the worst bottom-nines in the League, if not all of North American hockey.
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John Erskine’s a wingah?
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Gentle reminder – Caps lost the Amerks not too long ago.
"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."
that is, lost TO the Amerks.
"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."
Oh, I’m certainly not taking anything for granted, just pointing it out.
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The Caps are so screwed.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
by Becca H on Jan 3, 2012 1:57 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yep…and last time we said that about an opponent’s starting lineup we got pasted by the Jets in Winnipeg.
Nah. Last time we said that, we pasted the Jets at home (or beat ’em one-zippy on the road).
Like I said, I take nothing for granted. Simply pointing out that that’s a terrible bottom nine. If the Caps lose to them, it’s not because that bottom nine is suddenly good – it will still be terrible.
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Caps are pretty good at home; CAL is terrible on the road.
This one should be a slam dunk.
We’ll see how it pans out, though.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Bourque – Comeau – Stempniak is fine. The rest? Eh.
I’ve said before and will say again, if there was a spot on the team (And I don’t think there is) I’d love to have Bourque.
Also, is Glencross out, or is he playing first line minutes?
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Bourque – Comeau – Stempniak is fine.
Yeah, not the world’s worst third/fourth line.
Wait, it’s their second?
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Definitely true. Only Bourque of those three is second line quality, and if I’m a Flames fan I really slot him in more as a 3rd line guy. And people laughed when I said the Flames were really the worst team I could see in hockey right now.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Stempniak’s put up some stretches where he looks like a second-line forward. But not since the end of the 09-10 season.
Oh, and is Matt Stajan injured? What happened to that guy?
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
He is just playing like Matt Stajan when healthy—which is a 3rd line center at best. Darryl Sutter just gave him one of the most idiotic contracts in the NHL when he was Flames’ GM.
By the way I saw the VAN-LAK game on Saturday night, and Darry Sutter has the Kings playing with a really nasty edge since he became coach. Fair warning to the Caps next Monday.
Poor, poor Flames. Glencross is not a first liner. And that might be the slowest first line in hockey.
"Don't mind WM...he's an all-around jerk."
Although he does have 50+ pts every year since 2002 – 2003. This year he’s on pace for 60+.
J.P.: You might be the king of all geeks here…
by Alz Well That Ends Well on Jan 3, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, 50+ for a center sounds more like a solid second-liner to me. I assume he gets pretty plum PP assignments here, I note in passing.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Sixty points is a borderline top line center, roughly.
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 3, 2012 6:45 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
___
Almost forgot that tonight will feature Jokiturtle vs. Oviturtle:
vs. 
Two turtles enter…
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by J.P. on Jan 3, 2012 2:24 PM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Yes.
From yahoo:
Calgary Flames
Alex Tanguay LW Dec 22, 2011 Injured Reserve Upper-body Injury
Brett Carson D Dec 21, 2011 Injured Reserve Upper-body Injury
Matt Stajan C Dec 19, 2011 Injured Reserve Ankle
Henrik Karlsson G Dec 5, 2011 Injured Reserve Sprained Right MCL
Mark Giordano D Nov 30, 2011 Injured Reserve Partially Torn Leg Tendon
David Moss RW Nov 13, 2011 Injured Reserve Lower-body Injury
Also, from TSN, Dman Derek Smith is out with an injury.
Roster scratches for Sunday’s game were Smith, Nemisz and Wilson.
He could probably punch his ticket out of town any time he likes, if you belive the talking heads.
"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."
He’s got one more year on his deal at $7.0M (cap hit) after this season. A big number to swallow.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Hypothetical question. A floor team thinks of trading for him. Can they get him and money, so that Calgary still pays a big chunk of his salary, but gets out from his cap hit. Does the CBA forbid that sort of transaction?
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
No they can’t, yes it’s verboten (in the current CBA, that is).
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And actually, the way to sorta do that is for the floor team to acquire a player who’s in the out-years of a contract that’s front-loaded so that the average annual value of the contract (i.e. the cap hit) exceeds the actual salary the player’s due.
For example, Iginla’s deal is $7m per year, so his cap hit is $7m per year. But take a look at Christian Ehrhoff’s deal. He’s got a $4m cap hit over the duration of the contract, but it’s structured in a way that he’ll be paid $10m this year, and $1m per over the last three. Assuming no changes to the CBA (for the sake of this example), a floor team could acquire him for those last three years and pay just $1m per in salary, while taking a $4m per cap hit. And there are plenty of similar deals around currently.
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I suppose you could also trade to Calgary some unwanted injured players or unwanted guys buried in the minors and see if Bettman challenges the trade as cap circumvention.
You tried your best and failed miserably. The lesson is "Never Try."
Yep. Send ’em Poti. See how that flies.
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I’ve been expecting these kinds of deals to happen for the past couple of years now, but I can’t think of any that have panned out.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Seems to me most of these contracts are too new with the low dollar years still in the future to see much of this taking place yet.
A bit different, but Dallas picked up a contract from Minnesota this season, Nystrom’s, to help meet the floor. Couldn’t claim him on re-entry because they needed the entire cap hit thanks for NYR demoting Avery. Of course, Nystrom has worked out for Dallas better than expected.
I totally thought that’s what FLA should’ve done this past summer instead of doing what they did. Alas.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
From Katie:
While Green returns, Washington will be without another one of its top players. Alexander Semin will miss the game with an NHL source described as neck pain.
Neck pain? Whiplash? What might that be from?
"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."
So different source or different tune? Weird.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Cut arm for Semin = neck pain much like ankle injury = concussion for Green?
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
all I know is that on Sat. night something happened between the blue line the faceoff dot in the Caps d zone on the side the penalty boxes were on and Semin came out of it in very obvious pain. He had a look of agony on his face the rest of that shift and he was shaking his right hand, sort of flexing it. he played the puck in that possession and was clearly in discomfort. I don’t know if that was caught on TV or not.
I understand that Semin will be out, but Katie says Washington will be “without another one of its top players.” So who else is out?…
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 2:58 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
The “another” just refers to Green – one top player is in, “another” is out.
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whoosh
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
I suppose I could have phrased it better.
“Katie says Semin will be out, but she also says one of the Caps’ top players will be out. I wonder who among the Caps’ top players will be out.”
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Ah. Gotcha. Jokes are always best when I need them explained to me…
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Bjugstad’s having a heck of a game today. 3G2A at the second intermission. USA over LAT 11-1. Not to be outdone, Austin Watson stands at 3G4A.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
Team USA ain’t taking no shit from the also-rans! Dominate that loser’s bracket, boys.
Please, call me F&B.
technically, yes. Realistically? Not at all. only one team is getting relegated this year. And it’s not going to be the US.
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Maybe Watson promised each brother and sister he’d get a point for them; if so, he’s not there yet, lol.
Team USA is jerks. I’d say they can go choke. But they already did.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 3, 2012 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, another Murray Burke trade
prospect/AHL variey:
to Toronto forward Nicolas Deschamps
to Anaheim forward Luca Caputi
It means Luca Caputi sleeps with the Ducks tonight...
"Fais gros comme moi!" - Alex Ovechkin
by Gould Old Days on Jan 3, 2012 5:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Per RDS’ Renaud Lavoie, Theo’s out for at least two weeks w/ a knee injury – could be longer, too.
Really, really sad for Theo. Happy for the Caps, though, because it means the Panthers are going with Clemmensen as their starting goaltender for the foreseeable future. The window’s open, boys, your move…
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
You don’t think the Cats ride Markstrom in net?
Clemmensen’s numbers are pretty ugly. If they do go with him as the regular starter, it doesn’t look good for them.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
Didn’t they recall the guy behind Markstrom? Is Markstrom hurt or do they just want him playing more in SA? Haven’t followed it closely.
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Did they? I assumed they would call up Markstrom and haven’t thought of it since.
I’ll see if I can find something out.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
You’re correct.
1/2 Brian Foster G Called up from minors, from Cincinnati-ECHL
Bizarre.
The only thing I can infer is that Tallon has figured out that this season so far has been a mirage and he’s not going to throw a kid like Markstrom to the wolves and risk spoiling him.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
They did. Haven’t really been following the situation either, but there’s some interesting stuff from Tallon here (obviously referring to him being the third goalie back when Clemmensen returned from injury, so the situation is different now):
For Tallon, not even Markstrom’s stellar play in reserve of veteran Jose Theodore was enough to alter the team’s long-term vision of Markstrom as a franchise face of the future.
“It’s based on long term, it’s based on where we’re headed and based on numbers,” the Panthers’ general manager said, before the team departed for a two-game trip that opens Tuesday night against the Toronto Maple Leafs. “It’s a good thing for his development. And we can’t have him sitting around playing once every two weeks. He’s only started (four) games out of the 13. We want him playing 10 of 13. We want him playing a lot. We know he can play. And we know where we’re headed with him.”
Asked if Markstrom could make it back to the Panthers this season, Tallon said, “It depends on injury, obviously, and or a trade. Whatever happens, happens. But he’s going to go down there with the mission of getting better, and improving and getting lots of games and gaining experience so he can be the guy for us for the future.”
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
SA plays back to back games in Charlotte tonight and tomorrow. Florida plays Thursday at NYR, Friday at NJD. Last I read Markstrom was expected to meet the Panthers in NY after the AHL games in Charlotte. I assumed he will start tonight for SA, not sure what the plan is for tomorrow night.
Yup. Markstrom’s coming up, but it sounds like he’ll be the backup and they’re going with Clemmensen (for now, at least).
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Just reading that exact entry, good timing. However, I don’t see anything that indicates Dineen has named a started. FWIW, I expect Clemmensen will start against the NYR. It will be interesting to see if Markstrom plays both games against Charlotte; my guess is he only plays tonight.
Well, it’s the goalie so…my guess is they go with Clemmensen until they don’t, you know? I doubt Dineen’s going to come out and say one or the other is the official #1 guy, but at the same time Clemmensen’s the NHL backup and Markstrom isn’t. The way Richards’ post was written it certainly sounds like that would be the plan, at least for now – start with Clemmensen, rotate Markstrom in as needed, and if Markstrom outperforms Clemmensen he’ll take over and get more starts.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Interesting. As sk8 notes, the question of who starts is up in the air.
Also of interest in that story:
Clemmensen stopped 17 of 18 shots to help the Panthers beat visiting Montreal 3-2.
I assume that should read 17 of 19, as I don’t recall MON scoring into an empty net. 19 shots…holy smokes, that’s bad.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
I belive it was an empty net. FLA scored afterwards to make it 3-2.
"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."
that woudl help them spend to the cap floor!
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Probably already covered in this thread, but Foster was recalled to provide a practice goalie for the team until Markie arrives.
Litter Box Cats - Your tarp-free Florida Panthers Colossus
by Donny Rivette on Jan 3, 2012 5:05 PM EST up reply actions
The Panthers are ripe for a fall, they already have a -4 goal differential and that’s with everything breaking right for their top line. I’m pretty convinced the Caps are in good shape to make the playoffs.
The three teams above them in the standings all have played more games and all have worse goal differentials than Washington (Ottawa is 6th place with 47 GP and a -12 differential, Caps are 37 GP and +2). That’s not even counting Florida.
and the Panthers aren’t really far ahead of the Caps. it looks like they are, until you see that the Caps have 47 points in 39 games, while the Caps have 42 in 37.
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…I assume that was supposed to read that the Panthers have 47 points in 39 games? Which means if the Caps get 3 points in the 2 games they have in hand…. they’d only be 1 win behind.
Failure is always an option.
yes, Panthers :) good catch.
Also, an OT loss tonight will put the Caps in 8th. they own the tiebreaker vs. Winnipeg. A win will push them to 7th, as they own the tie-breaker vs. NJD.
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ha ha ha ha ha. 7-10 for a groin. HA!
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$908.82!
by RedBirdie on Jan 3, 2012 5:13 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Very true, his head and groin are practically next door neighbors with his head being firmly planted in his ass and all.
by HockeyGoalie29 on Jan 3, 2012 7:29 PM EST up reply actions
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