Monday Caps Clips: The Fork in the Road
by EmilyB on Jan 30, 2012 6:38 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- All-Star updates:
- Dennis Wideman had an assist for the victorious Team Chara as they celebrated a 12-9 win over Team Alfredsson to close out the 2012 Tim Horton's NHL All-Star Weekend. [WashTimes, RMNB, Dump 'n' Chase]
- "Hey mister, can I have your autograph?" [WashTimes]
- Chris Bourque had an impressive 4-targets-in-six-shots run in the AHL All-Star Classic Caesar's Accuracy Shooting event, but overall the West proved the stronger crew and won the skills competition 18-10 over the East. The puck drops tonight at 7pm for the All-Star Game. [SHoE, Caps Outsider]
- The All-Star break is over and hockey is back! The Caps should take the ice for practice at Kettler today at 2pm. [@SWhyno]
- With thirty-four games left in the regular season, the Caps find themselves at a fork in the road. [WaPo]
- The Week That Was, Volume 16 ... [Peerless]
- ... and The Week That Will Be, Volume 17. [DSP]
- The questions remain the same. [StC]
- Three things to like about the first half. [Brooks LaichYear]
- "In immediate danger of becoming the most harmless team in the NHL." Oh, and there's more. [RMNB]
- The Cousins of the Round Table ordered in pizza and worked 'til dawn. [Peerless (One, Two, Three, Four)]
- Looking ahead to the trade deadline ... [KOL (One, Two)]
- ... but not really looking forward to the CBA expiration. [WashTimes]
- If the 2006 Draft was re-picked today, would Claude Giroux be a Cap? And where would Nicklas Backstrom go? [ESPN ($)]
- In which Matt Hendricks photobombs Karl Alzner's Panini Pinnacle card. [Caps Outsider]
- Finally, wishing Chris Simon a very happy 40th birthday.
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Moving Right Along...
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 6:40 AM EST reply actions 7 recs
I always thought “A Fork in the Road Kill” would make an interesting name for a diner, but then again, it might be a descrption of the Caps’ playoff chances.
If you've read this far...seek help.
You’re buying what Neil’s selling on their playoff odds?
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 6:59 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Only on the possibility. I think Florida and Winnipeg have longer odds than the Caps, for different reasons. It might be somewhat cliche to say it, but these 14 games the Caps have running up to the trading deadline really are the make-or-break stretch. Seven games against divisional opponents, including three against Florida and one at home against Winnipeg. Three more against Montreal (twice) and Toronto, both of whom are below the Caps in the standings. And they get San Jose and Boston at home.
The potholes they face are right out of the box — Ovechkin out for two more games, one of which is against Florida, and Backstrom and Green still out. But there are 28 points available between now and the deadline. For me, the key number is 20. They need at least that many points in these 14 games (say, 9-3-2) to have a solid shot at the playoffs, because their schedule after the deadline gets uglier — Boston twice (both on the road), Philly twice (home and road), at Chicago, at Detroit, at the Rangers.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I’ll sell on 20, but the good news is I don’t think they really need quite that much to make the playoffs.
Please, call me F&B.
For reference, Neil tweeted:
Ran new #Caps season sim. I have them winning SE Div just 32.3% of the time, FLA 58.4%, WPG 9.3%. Looks like 95-96 points wins SE Div.
Using Mirtle’s 92 point threshold, they hit that mark 38% of the time. 95+ points 25.5% of the time.
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(And Neil readily notes that the sim doesn’t take into account trades that might impact the odds.)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Not knowing what goes into that simulation, I can’t really respond to it. But they can make the playoffs with 90 points or something south of that. All they have to do is outrun the Panther and be a little faster than a Jet. And that is probably the only way they get in. After 48 games I can’t see this team altering its behavior that much to magically become something other than the team that more or less sleepwalked its way through the first half. This really isn’t a very good team, so if folks think they will replay the Broad Street Miracle of getting into the playoffs on the last shot of the season and going to a Cup final…well, this isn’t that team.
If you've read this far...seek help.
There are two huge “ifs” out there, and we know who and what they are. No, this wasn’t a great (or even very good) team when 19 was healthy. But if he can clear the cobwebs and pick up the season he was having and if 52 can return to (and stay in) form, the outlook would be brighter. Obviously, I’m not holding my breath on either or both of those things happening, but I’m also not giving up hope quite yet.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
For what it’s worth, the Caps play almost a third of their remaining games (11 of 34) against teams that aren’t on a standings point per game rate at the moment (TB, CAR, BUF, MTL, NYI), so they’ve certainly got enough opportunity to get in front of the pack without getting gassed before the finish line.
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2012 8:27 AM EST up reply actions
Not knowing what goes into that simulation, I can’t really respond to it.
I use the Log5 approach but I also take into account home ice advantage and road/home splits.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Why is Neil’s scenario better than Sports Club Stats, which has the Capitals at 73.4% chance to make the playoffs, using their 50/50 scenario, rather than a weighted scenario?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Why is Neil’s scenario better than Sports Club Stats
It may not be.
I use the Log5 approach but I also take into account home ice advantage and road/home splits.
Here is the bottom line: This team is getting great goaltending and not outshooting or outchancing opponents (nor showing any signs of improvement in this regard). Plus they are getting some “puck luck” when it comes to scoring goals. AND, they have a brutal road schedule ahead.
Is it possible they make the playoffs without winning the SE Div? Sure, but how much has to go right for that to happen? How many teams need to collapse in front of them?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
The explanation of Sports Club Stats’ methodology is here.
I struggle with how your data and theirs can be so far off. You are playing out the entire season of all games for every team?
As far as getting in without winning the SE, I think that’s eminently possible. Florida, Winnipeg, NJ, Toronto, Ottawa and Pittsburgh seem to be battling with the Caps for third, and fifth through eight. I’m not sue why you are discounting the Caps ability to have more points than two of those teams.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I struggle with how your data and theirs can be so far off.
Their method:
Weighted
The weighted method takes the opponents record and home field advantage into account when randomly picking scores, so the better team is more likely to win.
50/50
I play each remaining game by flipping a coin.* The 50/50 version uses a true coin. Not very accurate.
I am not randomly generating scores, nor using a fair coin. I am weighting the coin based on the records at home/away. The Caps have a .370ish win% on the road, and play 16 games away from Verizon, incl @BOS (2x), @CHI, @PHI, @DET and @NYR, not to mention divisional opponents.
Based on that (and the getting outshot, outchanced, special teams play on road, injuries, etc.) just how successful do you think this team will be? Serious question.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
The Caps have a .370ish win% on the road, and play 16 games away from Verizon, incl @BOS (2x), @CHI, @PHI, @DET and @NYR, not to mention divisional opponents.
And back-to-backs, which is why, as we mentioned last week, they’d be happy as pigs in slop with a .500 road points percentage the rest of the way. But that’s not realistic.
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As far as getting in without winning the SE, I think that’s eminently possible. Florida, Winnipeg, NJ, Toronto, Ottawa and Pittsburgh seem to be battling with the Caps for third, and fifth through eight. I’m not sure why you are discounting the Caps ability to have more points than two of those teams.
Based on their play under Hunter, I am not sure why you think they will.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
I can’t tell you that they are going to get better, but I also can’t tell you that the Panthers or Jets or any other team won’t get worse. The Pens lost six in a row recently and then won seven in a row? That shows you how quickly things can turn.
Sitting here with the Caps in the mix for the playoffs (unlike the Canes, for example), I don’t think there’s only a 32% chance of them making the playoffs.
There are four teams with 55 points right now. Seems like it’s more than 33% likely that they’ll end up with more points than two of them.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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That shows you how quickly things can turn.
Great point. Caps goaltending is .936 and their Sh% is 10%+ at 5v5.
FLA sh% is about 5%.
Which of those will trend up. Which down?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
If you are going to base the entire season on regression to the mean, then I agree you’ll come up with your results.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Regression to a “league” mean or to “their” mean (expected value)? Some teams are just better than others.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I have no idea what their mean is? Is it this year’s? Last five years? I don’t know.
I respect Neil’s statistical prowess, but he’s banking on the save percentage getting worse, the shot % getting worse, and the # of shots not going up.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Well, the shooting and save percentages would seem a product of the PDO function (which Neil addresses in his WaPo piece) and that is a more transactional kind of measure (a goal is a save not recorded; a save is a goal not recorded).
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 10:00 AM EST up reply actions
I respect Neil’s statistical prowess, but he’s banking on the save percentage getting worse, the shot % getting worse, and the # of shots not going up.
The shot% is at 44% under Hunter, I am not sure it can get much worse at the NHL level.
And the Sv% doesn’t need to get worse, cause even if it experiences just a few stumbles, which is entirely possible, things get ugly quick.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
And the Sv% doesn’t need to get worse, cause even if it experiences just a few stumbles, which is entirely possible, things get ugly quick.
Over the last 19 games, they’ve allowed 42 goals on 570 shots against overall. That’s a SV% of .926.
If they’d only gotten .919, they’d have allowed 46 goals, or one more every ~5 games. If that save percentage drops to .908 (probably not likely, but not an eye-popping unrealistic number), that’s roughly half a goal per game more. And trying to play every game 2-1, that’s a bunch of points left on the table.
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From Brodeur is a Fraud:
We can calculate what I’ll call the “win threshold” for the goalies on each team by taking (shots against – goals for) / shots against. This gives us the save percentage that would result in the team ending up with an equal number of goals for and goals against over the course of the season.
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
he’s banking on the save percentage getting worse, the shot % getting worse, and the # of shots not going up.
We were talking about all of this a lot on Friday in the Clips comments.
The save percentage is going to get worse. (Oops – sorry for no “spoiler alert.”) I’m not as certain about the shooting percentage, and it is conceivable that shot totals increase, especially if 19 and 52 can return (though, as I noted on Friday, it’s not as if they were playing well in terms of possession and SOG when 19 went down).
To me, this team is in a lot of trouble if they can’t find a way to offset the near-certain regression in goaltending, and I think there are any of three ways that can happen:
1) Increased shot totals. I’m not holding my breath, though – in the last ten games they’ve averaged 21.6 shots per, down from 24.7 the previous ten and 28.7 in the previous six (the first six under Hunter). And even if they get a 3.3 shot/game bump, we’re talking ~1 goal every three games. Granted, the way this team plays, that may get them one additional point.
2) Better road PP. This can happen and can make a difference… but how much? They’re not drawing many PPs, so even if they can get the road PP% to 20% the rest of the way, you’re probably talking one goal every five or six games.
3) Better road PK. Similar to PP.
So lets say all that comes together. Increase shots by 3.33 per game and they shoot 10% (our one goal every three games) – that’s 11 more goals. Bump on the road PP and we’ll give ‘em another 5. Bump on the road PK and we’ll give ‘em another five saved. So that’s an increased goal differential of 21 over 34 games, which would be a lot, and only the SOGs/game are really driven by their awful possession numbers (though obviously special teams opps are somewhat related).
Point being, there are things that can happen that can overcome the almost-inevitable regression in goaltending… but if I had to bet on them happening or the goaltending regressing, I’m taking the latter.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
And the goal numbers seem to be based on an assumption that the shot increase and the power play goal increase are independent of one another. If the PP gets better because they get more shots that go in (e.g., 2 on six shots instead of none on three), then the bump in total production will not be as high.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions
Yeah, my thought exercise was totally independent, so there’d be some double-counting there. That said, the home and road PP is generating similar shot rates, so it might not be that significant – just need better luck on the road.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
My guess is that neither 52 or 19 return before the trade deadline. The problem I forsee is that the Caps are going to continue their up and down play until that point in time and GMGM is going to have to make a tough decision as to whether to buy or sell. If the Caps fall flat out of the gate here after the allstar break, I hope GMGM would be smart enough to sell now and get the best deal he can for his tradeable assets.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
I totally agree with that…I hope he already has a couple of players in mind that have to play well right out of the gate or else…there are a couple of those characters that to me, are on the fence.
by OvechkinGR8 on Jan 30, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Here is something that bothers me about Sports Club:
Is Sports Club Stats accurate?
Can you track your overall success rate year to year?
I have not done that, but I could with help from some statistician friends. I imagine it would be the same kind analysis that Bill James used to test his Pythagorean formula that underlies how I estimate a team’s true strength. The formula was fine tuned by David Smyth for baseball and Alan Ryder for hockey.
Tell me, how can someone create a site that claims to play out EVERY scenario but can’t track his own success?
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
Hey Neil (and anyone else who wants to weigh in) — what’s your best guess on whether Semin and Ward and Knuble return to previous levels of play, or at least improve on their poor play so far? Are there any other Caps players you think we might expect improvements from?
I’m having trouble thinking this one through. On the one hand, it seems in some ways like the entire team is underperforming their past talent levels. Is there a single something (like the new Hunter system) holding them back? Or is it some bad luck stacking in the first half, and maybe we can expect some upward returns toward the mean for some of those guys?
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Laich’s on-ice S% has been awful – I’d look for his numbers to bounce back (and MoJo’s to go the other way), for sure.
I don’t know that I’d expect huge rebounds from some of the other guys, including Ward – his on-ice S% has actually been decent. I think it’s almost all system-based – fewer chances, fewer goals. Not rocket science.
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Speaking of Laich, the only Caps with a worse 5v5 shooting% are Erskine and Schultz (both zeros). Bounce-back second half? I think so, yeah.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 30, 2012 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
“When you see the fork in the road, take it.” — Yogi Berra
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 9:16 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
In reading the ESPN article where they’d have the Caps drafting Giroux, a winger, ahead of Nicky B. Only problem with that scenario: at that particular time, the Caps were in more desperate need of a center than of wingers. Given the adage that you need to be strong down the middle and that teams should build from the center on out, Giroux would NOT have been the Caps best choice at the draft were Backstrom still available (which would have been the case in that scenario).
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
“Lucic is the scariest guy in the league. Nobody goes near that guy. He’s a co-MVP of that team. If you’re picking a forward, who would you rather have: Nicklas Backstrom or Milan Lucic? It’s hard to believe he went 50th.”
Was that a Columbus scout?
If you've read this far...seek help.
Ryan Miller.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 7:50 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Couldn’t be… that would imply that the BJ’s have scouts. The way they act, I think they get most of their information from HockeyBuzz. (e5)
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 9:23 AM EST up reply actions
Good cookies those… Have to make room in the freezer for some boxes of Thin Mints…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
The comment about Backstrom could apply to most players, which perhaps means it’s all they could come up with?
“Backstrom is a good player, but he has won nothing, has led his teams to nothing. But neither has Kessel. We’ll see what [Backstrom] does in the playoff this year.”
It certainly applies to Giroux and Johnson, who are judged to be picked higher than him.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Staal is an injury prone ~50pts center and Lucic has had one good season so far. Bäckström has one 100pt season and has shown to be an elite playmaker. Toews and Bäckström clearly numbers 1 and 2 imo in that draft. Don’t have insider so can’t see other than the top3.
(posted this below yeah didn’t see this earlier)
https://twitter.com/Valtard
Toews
Stahl
Lucic
Giroux
Johnson
Backstrom
Kessel
Bernier
Marchand
C. Stewart
Varlamov
Little
Frolik
Foligno
Neuvirth
Kuleimin
Reimer
Berglund
Brassard
Okposo
Tlusty
Anisimov — Caps’ second pick
Sheppard
Clutterbuck
McGinn
Grabner
Matthias
Daugavins
Petry
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
There’s a lot of weird shit there, but how does someone justify Tlusty five spots ahead of Grabner? Grabner has more than half as many goals this season than Tlusty has in 200 career games (to say nothing of the 34 Grabner had last year).
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Blurb on Tlusty:
“If you knew you were going to get that player in the first round after the top five picks, you’d probably be pretty happy. Any first-rounder that pretty much plays from the start is a pretty good pick.”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Man, the FACEPALM/60 (words) is incredibly high there. Just awful.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 8:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
And looks like I missed one:
Okposo
Mueller
Tlusty
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Thanks. Wow, even Johnson ranked higher than Backstrom… Backstrom is the only guy in that draft class who has over a pt/game in his career.
https://twitter.com/Valtard
And the justification for that is simply that he hasn’t won anything or led the team to anything? It’s pretty shaky ground.
by jopierce on Jan 30, 2012 8:42 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
The note about Johnson is great:
It’s close, but I go with a tough D who can skate 28 minutes a night before I take Backstrom. Even though he isn’t scoring much this year, you’re still getting what you want out of him.
A “D who can skate 28 minutes a night…” Johnson is averaging 21:07 this season, and has never topped the 22:49 he averaged last year. He might someday be a 28-minute guy… but weird thing to say.
I mean, he didn’t even make the Top 25 Under 25 – how good can he be?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 8:42 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Implication of the is that you should trade a lower pick straight up for a higher pick, need notwithstanding.
I think I’d trade Nicky for Toews straight up. I would consider Giroux. Not Lucic, not Staal, not Johnson.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
I would especially not take Staal. How could he be “right up there with Toews” when he is admittedly “not quite as offensively gifted”?
by jopierce on Jan 30, 2012 8:51 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Staal has never had more than 49pts in a season, has missed 15 games so far this season and missed 40 games last season. No2 pick? Yeah.
https://twitter.com/Valtard
He’s a 40 point player or less when he’s not getting top PP line or top ES line minutes, too.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
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somewhat a function of being buried on Pittsburgh’s depth chart. There’s just not enough minutes to go around for all those centers (when all three are healthy, which is never)
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“But he has a Cup!”
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
But less points than Backstrom in almost twice as many playoff games. BACKSTROM SUCKS AT PLAYOFFS CHOKE
https://twitter.com/Valtard
Yeah that hat trick in Game 2 of the Montreal series sucked ass, eh? Pssht…
by OvechkinGR8 on Jan 30, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions
So just pick the guy that is going to have a Cup within 5 years. Why is that so hard?
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2012 9:38 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Don’t have ESPN Insider, so I can’t read the whole thing, but the author is eminently qualified to write on this topic:
Doug McIntyre is a staff writer with ESPN The Magazine. Though he mostly covers soccer his first love is the coolest game on Earth. Still a rink rat, Doug played college hockey, briefly, with Iona ’s now-defunct NCAA program. He lives in Montreal.
"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."
Montreal typical.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Jan 30, 2012 9:50 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I mean, he didn’t even make the Top 25 Under 25 – how good can he be?
EXACTLY
"Shots aren't the important thing. Scoring chances are way more important than shots." - Bruce Boudreau
See my work in the Washington Post and on ESPN Insider.
Follow me on Twitter @ngreenberg
He didn’t say he does skate 28 a night. He just says “he can.” And by that logic, why wouldn’t anyone in the league trade for TSlo, with that skating stride I’d bet everything I own that he could skate 28 minutes in a night.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2012 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
why wouldn’t anyone in the league trade for TSlo, with that skating stride I’d bet everything I own that he could skate 28 minutes in a night.
That is your most insightful point in a long, long time.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
He didn’t say he does skate 28 a night. He just says "he can."
Just like Fleischmann could be a 30 goal scorer.
"How can you trust a man who wears both a belt and suspenders? The man can't even trust his own pants."
by Laich It Or Lump It on Jan 30, 2012 10:43 AM EST up reply actions
http://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/draft/nhl2006e.html
So Viktor Stalberg, Jamie Mcbain and Andrew MacDonald didn’t make the list at all? haha.
https://twitter.com/Valtard
In which Matt Hendricks photobombs Karl Alzner’s Panini Pinnacle card.
I guess that’s why they have numbers on the helmets now.
"Money talks. I listen."
At least Hendricks’ stick doesn’t have “Fuck Face” written on it.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2012 7:52 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Bought that off Ebay for my dad for Father’s day last year. We each bought 2 boxes of packs of Fleer cards looking for that card back in the day. Now he finally owns it.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 30, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
Not the first time it’s happened to a Cap, either (scroll down, here).
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26… 27… at least they were close…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 9:22 AM EST up reply actions
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
that was my first thought when the fracture news broke. That twisting action is classic. He’s incredibly lucky if that is indeed the cause of the fractures. The Hedman his could have caused displacement and much much worse.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1210.35!
Years from now, Steckel will have concussed Crosby, broken his neck, caused him male pattern baldness, infected him with the Ebola virus, and rendered him impotent.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 10:02 AM EST up reply actions 15 recs
Don’t forget lowering his testosterone so that he’s not ready when the “moment is right”
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 30, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
You forgot swine flu… no that would have been Quintin Laing…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 11:40 AM EST up reply actions
Well, he was scoring at a break-neck pace before he went out last year, so…
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Jan 30, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions 24 recs
I would rec that twenty seven ninety times if I could
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 30, 2012 10:12 AM EST up reply actions
This isn’t the first time I have heard this. A few friends of min who live in Pittsburgh have said as much to me on multiple occasions. Its an interesting implication and would go pretty far in explaining just what in the hell is happening with that guy.
Does that mean Brian Pothier can sue Lucic?
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
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by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2012 11:37 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t Pothier’s lingering problems stem from non-concussion issues? Vision, if I recall correctly?
Anyway, if they’ve found the problem it’s a good thing for Sid and for hockey.
I hope we’re not looking at somehting similar for 19.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
BTW, WTF with Pens/Crosby/His Agent deciding to release the info smack dab in the middle of the ASG festivities? Think they could have waited so as not to take away from the Ovi bashing mid-winter “classic”. Glad Sid is getting treatment and healing, but did we need to know that info right then and there?
Can’t recall exactly but I think Sid/Pens have done something like this in the past. Issuing a press release during another NHL event.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 30, 2012 1:42 PM EST up reply actions
it is very “A-rod declines to exercise his contract option” smack in the middle of Game 4 of the world series, isn’t it?
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Do vampires use steroids?
"I wear tinted visor not to trick other players, but so hot girls in stands don't see me looking at them" - Alex Ovechkin
by sami426 on Jan 30, 2012 1:53 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Blood doping.
You’re the boss, applesauce.
by SethB on Jan 30, 2012 2:48 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
the question has to be asked, yes? the guy starts scoring goals at a pace unheard off since Ovie allegedly got off ’roids, and his body starts crumbling?
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by RedBirdie on Jan 30, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Well, in fairness, what better time to draw attention to the issue? I seem to remember a big NFL concussion-related release coming during SB week a few years back. It’s common practice, and why not, if subverting to the League isn’t your primary goal?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Well, if they want to draw attention to something, why do it when the league and media is otherwise occupied (in this case, slurping up to the guys in Ottawa and criticizing the guys in Nottawa)? I would agree if he had something earth shattering or controversial to reveal. This was neither.
Reads to me like Sid/His Agent wanted to inject him into something he wasn’t otherwise involved in. A little bit of a reminder about who was missing.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 30, 2012 2:52 PM EST up reply actions
Perhaps. But when you’ve got the media gaggle gathered, throwing something at ’em turns into more of a feeding frenzy (“friendzy”) than it might otherwise sometimes, and doing it at a time when all eyes are on the League means more eyes on your issue.
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It’s hard to tell if Florida’s as for-real as it led us to believe a month or so ago, or will ultimately yield to the hard-charging Washington Capitals because its goaltending will start looking like a Jose Theodore/Scott Clemmensen platoon.
So sayeth Ryan Lambert over at PD. “Hard charging” Washington Capitals? If by “charging” you mean skating backward to defend on all the scoring chances and shot attempts opponents are getting, not to mention the sparkly goaltending (that seems to be starting to even out).
If you've read this far...seek help.
I can think of one hard-charging Washington Capital…
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I can think of one hard-charging Washington Capital…
Don’t tell Shanny…
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 10:30 AM EST up reply actions
This guy?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 11:43 AM EST up reply actions
Here’s a naive question for all of the stats guys:
How do you take “will to win” into account? Consider the Boston game. No one predicted, at least according to recorded stats, that the Caps would be able to win. But with Ovi out, they had something to prove and they rose to the occasion. If they begin to harness the intangibles, such as will and mental toughness, can’t they overcome their statistical deficiencies? Not to say they will, but they could. How are these intangibles even taken into account? As the season gets down to the wire, won’t these intangibles be even more important?
“Well, that’s why you play the games.” The Holy Grail of stats of course, is a mathematical Alexander Semin Factor model. :)
"Money talks. I listen."
by apk3000 on Jan 30, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The other side of that is, look at the goals Mathieu Perreault and Cody Eakin scored against Boston. Two of Perreault’s and Eakin’s seemed to be less products of will than bad coverages and poor decisions by Boston defensemen.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions
And if you play aggressively, you can trigger bad coverages and poor decisions by the other team. The more events you create, the more opportunities the other team has to screw up. This is something I hate about Hunter’s passive system.
It’s something I constantly harp on with the young lawyers I’m trying to mentor. When we propose an argument, they come up with the counterargument, and the counter to the counter, and the third degree counter. And then they decide we’re going to lose, so they drop it. I keep telling them — make the argument if its a good one. Let the other side work. Give them the opportunity to fail to counter effectively. Because you lose 100% of the arguments you don’t make.
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2012 10:40 AM EST up reply actions
Yep – it’s an indirect cost associated with this system (another coming in today’s Nooner!).
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The Law Firm of Gould & Gretzky?
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 30, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Someone should post that GIF of Bob Gould serving papers to Mario Lemieux. Except it’s still kinda sad to see Gaetan Duchense in the GIF…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 11:45 AM EST up reply actions
Didn’t get a chance to comment after that game, but I was kind of surprised to see Perrault spending as much time in that “high traffic area” as he was against Boston
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 30, 2012 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
That’s how he’s been successful though, right? Think of the OTT game and some of his other good games, he finds space around the net and picks up loose pucks.
Please, call me F&B.
It’s my impression of how he’s successful, which is why it’s baffling to see hime revert to a perimeter game
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 30, 2012 12:04 PM EST up reply actions
Perrault goes there often. He doesn’t have the strength to really stay there, though.
"Money talks. I listen."
He doesn’t have the strength to really stay there, though.
Sure he does. Staying there isn’t about being strong any more – if he gets pushed around without the puck there, he draws a penalty.
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Actually, what I think makes Perrault good is that he isn’t stationary. Rather, he finds soft spots in the coverage and goes there.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
Well, unless you’re in a set PP, no one should be stationary all that often. But I do agree with you.
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I guess what I’m trying to say is that unlike Brouwer who will fight for position in front, Perrault positions himself in undefended areas, the “holes in the zone” if you will.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
I hear you, but I think that most of what you’d consider Brouwer fighting for position is PP-related, no?
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And where Brouwer’s battling takes them off a 5-on-3 because Paul Martin is a mediocre actor.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Yes, you are right about that. But I still think the ability applies at even strength, I’m just having trouble characterizing it. Guys like Brouwer, Laich and Knuble will crash the net, but it seems like Perrault has a better ability to do it by finding the empty spaces. I think the Briere comparrison below is spot on.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
Always shifty, like a waterbug.
"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
If they begin to harness the intangibles, such as will and mental toughness, can’t they overcome their statistical deficiencies?
Nope. If they begin to harness the intangibles, such as will and mental toughness, then their stats will improve to reflect their better play.
Stats ain’t a prophesy. They’re a description of the past. Change the team, and the stats suddenly don’t describe that team anymore. They describe the team it was, not the team it is. And a change in mindset is a change in the team.
So sure, the Caps could start performing better. But that won’t be “ovecoming” their stats. It’ll be them actually changing their play.
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2012 10:37 AM EST up reply actions 14 recs
Well put. Usually when they win a game in which they’re badly outchanced and outshot, it’s not that “they wanted it more” it’s that “they were luckier.” Obviously there are case-by-case specifics that might change things (perhaps the Caps had far higher quality chances, etc.), but that general narrative stuff is just that.
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Yes! I guess I reserve hope that they will actually change their play.
Reading all the stats, which reflect their play thus far, is just so depressing.
Naive or not, I would rather believe that they can and will improve.
Absent a force acting on the team to result in its ability to “change their play” (e.g., a trade) where is that force coming from to act on the team and ovecome its inertia over 48 games?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
Where did change come from 14 months ago to sink them into the Slide?
Where did change come from last spring when they had a fantastic run that took them to the top of the conference? (Remember that? They won the eastern conference last year. These guys did that)
If you can identify it, bottle it, and sell it, you’ll be sitting pretty — that’s for sure. Where does a wholesale change in play come from? Nobody knows. But it happens. (And I could see it happening in either direction for this team right now)
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2012 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
The will to win directly affects statistical deficiencies by increasing the chances they create, by winning the puck battles, making efficent line changes, communicating well with each other on ice, and doing the little things well as a unit. The question is, does WAS have the personnel to effect these changes? Sure, they can execute Dale’s system, but not superbly at present, because they lack 2 skaters who are among the league best at advancing the puck out of their own zone and initiating the attack to the opposing goal.
Statistically, the Caps should get into the playoffs, if they continue to amass points at their present rate. I think TOR, OTT, and FLA are prime candidates to falter, and I believe at least 2 0f 3 of these teams have already begun their declines. But none of us wants just making the playoffs to be enough.
Tthey have enough good elements/skills to win games: goaltending, home special teams, faceoff %, and overall goals per game, although that has been precipitously declining as JP points out.
But it won’t be enough until WAS can more consistently push teams back into their zone, particularly 5 vs 5, and stop being so badly outchanced.
by S h a g g y on Jan 30, 2012 10:47 AM EST up reply actions
___
Further to my own point on SOGs…
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On the plus side (but not really), without a 44-shot outlier in the early going, it’s a flatter line.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
fatter, but slower.
Oh, not a post about Ovechkin
Signed,
Canadian Media
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If they begin to harness the intangibles, such as will and mental toughness, can’t they overcome their statistical deficiencies?
I think if they really want to win, they’ll play better against superior opponents, and it’ll show in something like shots, penalties drawn, scoring chances, etc. I think we saw some of that against Boston, but Boston wasn’t playing well at all to begin with.
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 30, 2012 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
Also from Lambert:
Hey this assessment of the Avs’ season so far seems a little off. Under “Negatives,” there’s not a thing about “Young goaltender the team traded a first- and second-round pick for has been complete garbage.” An odd omission.
I’m pretty sure Dater wouldn’t admit this was a bad trade even if Varly somehow bolted for the KHL midseason.
Goalies Jean-Sebastien Giguere and Semyon Varlamov have provided Colorado with mostly solid netminding, though Varlamov has had a few rough outings that have tarnished his saves percentage (.899) and goals-against (3.00).
“A few rough outings?” Varlamov has had 10 instances in 30 appearances in which he has allowed four or more goals, 13 times his save percentage was below .900. In this world, the Titanic had a few dings and dents from some stray ice.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
…and JFK’s last day at work was a challenging one.
This is a fun game.
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Jan 30, 2012 11:28 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
The Capitals have signed forward Joel Rechlicz to an entry-level contract and recalled him and forward Cody Eakin from Hershey of the AHL.
Per B(rian?) Guerrero, one of the team’s PR guys.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
Also, WTF.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
by Wheeler on Jan 30, 2012 10:59 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Joel Rechlicz… 23 NHL games, 95 PIMs. I don’t think he’s up here for replacing the goal scoring the Caps aren’t getting from Joel Ward.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
And he’s averaging a healthy 6.8 PIM per game this year (184 PIM in 27 GP)
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Jan 30, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
Which, I should add, leads the league hands down.
by Twenty Seven Ninety on Jan 30, 2012 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
His fights are epic. As in LOOONNNGGG.
I’m thinking Hendricks ear/head injuries of late are worse than the team’s let on.
"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
his bout in early 2011 was named fight of the year at Puck Daddy.
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One game last season (think it was end the December) he had a hat trick of fights – and won all three.
"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 think it was against Binghamton- when they wore the 75th AHL anniversary jerseys.
"Just the fact that I knew something was bad, I knew it was probably broken, I knew I'd have to miss some time--that makes me upset more than anything."
by QuintinLainged on Jan 30, 2012 11:18 AM EST up reply actions
Thinking back on the last week, i don’t expect to see Hendy suited up for pracky today. Getting an AO bebound to the ear, then rocked by Michalek, then another puck to the head could add up to Joel-Rechlicz-callup-like symptoms.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Speculative, but possible. And if so… the team put him out there for that BOS game…
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Well he got the puck to the ear again in that BOS game, went down the tunnel and right back out on the bench. They said later the impact popped some of the stitches. He seemed none too pleased in his post game interview.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
If ever there was a player on the Caps that would lie about concussion symptoms just to stay in the game, it would be Hendy.
"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
Katie Carrera @kcarrera
Wideman the only healthy player not on the ice for practice. He got the day off after the All Star wkend, according to #Caps spokesman.
Katie Carrera @kcarrera
#Caps lines today: 90/8-85-28; 26-21-20; 25-15-22; 83-50-42/54
1) Hendricks on the second line?
2) Is Ward actually competing with Rechlicz for a spot on the 4th line?
Good times.
Battle of the Joels – SoulJoel vs. HoleJoel.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You have to pay the Joel toll to get into this roster’s hole.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
by sydtron on Jan 30, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Droll Joel
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 30, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Hendy was in practice, 2nd line, nothing covering his ears, which looked fine.
by Aliceanna on Jan 30, 2012 3:04 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Ben.
And they must’ve really feared someone claiming King to waste a contract on this guy? No clue.
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Very baffling. Joel Rechlicz is even more of a one trick pony.
Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.
by Sombrero Guy on Jan 30, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions
I guess King is hurt (I’d seen him back playing, figured he was good to go… but was wrong). I just don’t know why they think they need this element, though, as I’ve said before, if you’re not going to use the fourth line, having a goon there isn’t the worst idea.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
He’s been listed as a healthy scratch lately for the Bears (at least on twitter) but maybe that’s just in the technical sense. But they usually make a note of which guys are healthy, which are injured, which are vet scratches etc.
If folks want to see vet scratches, they can take one of my cats to the vet…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
I guess so. I sort of feel like I have no sense of why decisions about certain players are being made anymore. Kundratek? Never playing Schultz? Now this? Not to get all nostalgic for BB (I’m definitely not) but I feel like I had a better sense of what the Caps and the front office were trying to do when he was there. Now they’re just keeping me guessing all the time, and that’s a little frustrating. But maybe that’s all just part of the transition.
The thing I don’t understand (in addition to Sarge’s dispatch to nowhere) is if all statistics point to lack of puck possession, need for more shots, etc., why – oh why – aren’t we talking about trying to supplement our top 6 (or top 9) with a puck control/scorer in a trade? Tinkering with Kundratek, Rechlicz, Ward, Beagle, etc. are all relatively meaningless in terms of the big picture.
most GMs aren’t willing to trade a top-6 guy until right before the deadline.
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The fact that one trade happened doesn’t disprove RB’s statement that most GMs are averse to trading top-6 guys prior to the deadline.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 30, 2012 4:29 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Sure, but it’s not uncommon. Fleischmann was traded early last year (another off the top of my head trade).
What do you consider the deadline, too? 2 weeks prior? 1 week?
I think that Mike FIsher was traded in early February, and Lupol, too.
Burke has tended to prefer to work early. Fisher was a unique case since his wife made that trade more than anyone, honestly. It’s still rather rare because of the amount of parity in the league.
Sure, but it can be done, and in this situation, with this team struggling to stay above water, now is the best time to get something done.
GMGM likes to work early, too – Chimera and Hannan being two great examples of that.
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Well we can talk about what we want, but it has no bearing on what GMGM is doing. I suspect he’s got his ears open for a top 6 player (just like the rest of the league). Those just aren’t easy guys to find.
We don’t know how the FO is looking at it. Do they still think this is the “adjustment period” and that better execution of the system would increase shots for?
Please, call me F&B.
You and RedBirdie have good points. I understand that everyone wants a top 6 player and I know that what I am suggesting is obviously popular type of player, but is it clear to everyone that GMGM even wants a scorer/passer/possessor? Remember last year everyone talked about ‘grit’ in the top 6/9 and look what that for us.
It’s not as if recalling a player or two means the team isn’t looking to do other things.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
why – oh why – aren’t we talking about trying to supplement our top 6 (or top 9) with a puck control/scorer in a trade?
You mean, like a 2C?
There simply aren’t that many quality forwards available, and of the ones that are, you probably want to cross off the injury-prone ones.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Jan 30, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions
Sure. Why not? You will probably have a heart attack but I think someone like a Jeff Carter – injury history and cap manipulations aside – would be just the ticket, particularly if Nicky is out for a while. There were some excellent blogs on this today. Roy, too, perhaps. If we can ditch Semin, some of our so-called superfluous ‘grit,’ perhaps a 2nd rounder, a ‘moderate’ prospect (not named Johansson), I say do it. I don’t, however, want to give up either of first rounders….at least not yet.
Point is, I think there’s been plenty of talk around here about getting a 2C.
The knock on Carter is injuries, and combined with the term and dollars, he could push out one of Carlson/Green/Alzner. I love Carter, but I want someone who can be somewhat healthy.
Most other 2Cs that might be on the market have knocks, too—injuries, not being on the market in the first place, huge contract, etc.
If you wait a couple of years, Kuznetsov-Johansson-Eakin should be a decent enough 2nd line, or at the very least one that can score.
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 30, 2012 3:59 PM EST up reply actions
I totally agree; I want to wait to see if our young guys develop. I really like them and their potential. I was only discussing this under the scenario that Nicky might be out for a while and, according to Peerless, JP, Greenberg, Fenwick, etc. our ‘offensive’ zone activities is pathetic and, if it worsens, could be season ending (i.e. no playoffs).
They’re going to package him with Schultz to get Rick Nash.
Signed,
Message Board Maven
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions
Wow, I gotta make that an e5
Signed,
Eklund
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 2:40 PM EST up reply actions
Hey, welcome Recker. How great (for him) that he gets a callup. Too bad it’s not for a home game.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
He could very well be here come Sunday vs. the B’s.
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just popped up on teh twitterz
NEWS: #Caps Sign and Recall Joel Rechlicz and Recall Cody Eakin from Hershey
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Let me reiterate my “WTF” comment about Rechlicz from above.
Reporter: "What’s your Mom’s birthday?"
Tortorella: "I have no idea."
I bet he’s willing to sit around getting league minimum and play every 20 games unlike DJ King, and he will serve a similar role.
I'm on the twitters! Currently Watching: Catching up on Walking Dead
Jeff Schultz is my spirit animal!
So when is his first game in an NHL jersey? We have any brawlers or pests coming up?
Please, call me F&B.
He’s actually played for the Islanders before. I know that barely counts as an NHL team, but still!
I'm on the twitters! Currently Watching: Catching up on Walking Dead
Jeff Schultz is my spirit animal!
And then the thugiest team that ever did thug is back on Sunday.
not that I’m advocating Recker thug it up with those punks.
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Keep in mind too that our current top scorer is all of 5’8, 165lbs wet. Hunter & Co. might think he needs some protecting.
"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
Yep. I’m seeing Recker as riding shotgun for Matty P.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Is there anyone we don’t like on the Montreal Canadiens?
"Just the fact that I knew something was bad, I knew it was probably broken, I knew I'd have to miss some time--that makes me upset more than anything."
by QuintinLainged on Jan 30, 2012 11:25 AM EST up reply actions
Bourque, Bourque, Bourque.
That'll make your weagle wink!
"You're the boss, apple sauce" - @GreenLife52
by boutros23 on Jan 30, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I have a feeling like Wrecker would do a better job at beating Rene’s face in than Hendy.
"Just the fact that I knew something was bad, I knew it was probably broken, I knew I'd have to miss some time--that makes me upset more than anything."
by QuintinLainged on Jan 30, 2012 11:28 AM EST up reply actions
I had to...
…because the Muppets are awesome:
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
2 muppet references in one day? it’s a good day.
Pledge Drive 2011-2012: CARSON KOLZIG FOUNDATION! Season Pledge total--$1210.35!
not quite January 20th 1992 but good none the less
Self-Appointed "Bring the Winter Classic to Camden Yards" Delegate
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It ssays here that Rene Bourque still has a balance outstanding…
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Jan 30, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions
Pretty sad if this team has to import someone with no personal attachment whatsoever to the event to take care of business.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
by bagace on Jan 30, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
quite possibly the lamest eff’ing fight in history.
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’Twas pathetic then, ’twill be pathetic now. (But good call.)
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Moreover it’s been addressed.
Talk about babytown frolics.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2012 1:34 PM EST up reply actions
Let ‘em explain it – I can’t imagine this was a move made solely for Rene Bourque (though I’ll be perfectly honest – if that fight happens, I won’t be upset).
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Based on nothing at all, put me down for “an asset or two out the door + 26 not feeling right.” They’re tighter than a bull’s arse in fly season when it comes to the cap.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2012 1:51 PM EST up reply actions
Not with 52 on LTIR (or am I wrong?).
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If they LTIR Green (and/or Baxter) they should have enough room to make day-to-day moves but it still is going to prevent taking on much salary if they expect those guys to be healthy before the end of the year.
Please, call me F&B.
Fo’ shizz. And so they’re stuck in the spot they were a few years back with Pothier and Clark on LTIR – can’t make moves because you don’t know if/when those guys will return and eff over your cap. Sweet.
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Maybe they’ll explain it this afternoon.
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(Though it doesn’t matter in the short-term, given they’re not banking any cap space.)
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And unlike those years the guys encumbering the LTIR these days are not guys you’d want to just throw into a trade package to clear the books.
Please, call me F&B.
Right, or guys to whom you’d say, “Yeah, you might be feeling better, but our books say you need another week or two” (though it’s likely that’s exactly what they said to Green at the end of last season).
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Right. I do think that with Green they only did that because it was so late in the season. If he had been cleared a month earlier maybe they find a way to get him on the ice.
Please, call me F&B.
Tough to find definitively other than Whyno’s article (hell, Pronger isn’t listed as being officially put on LTIR as far as a somewhat lazy Google search), I’d presume so.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2012 2:23 PM EST up reply actions
Would Bourque even drop the gloves against him?
"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 already answered for it, no reason to answer again.
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
Theoretically. But A) the code is pretty meaningless. B) My blood lust isn’t satisfied. C) Mike Richards fought at least twice, I think three times, against the Panthers in response to his hit on Booth, so there is precedent there.
Please, call me F&B.
Eff the Code and precedent – Nicky’s still hurt, so Bourque should still hurt.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 3:14 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
Since it looks like Nicky will still be out when we play the Habs the next time, I say we Rechlicz Bourque’s ass all over the Molson Center. In pieces.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Jan 30, 2012 3:20 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rech’d ’im? Damn-near killed him…
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Yeah, Hendy didn’t really do much. If Rechlicz comes up short and is caught being reckless, I would just keep throwing people at that fucker until he’s down and out.
"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
For a weekend, maybe. Let’s be real, the “league” has a pretty short memory and there are plenty of more worthy laughing stocks.
When the Caps reach the goonery or FO or On-Ice incompetence of the Isles then maybe we can talk about laughing stocks.
Please, call me F&B.
I guess, but the Caps are (or at least should) be a good team. And that sort of crap doesn’t really scream STANLEY CUP CONTENDER.
I think Hendricks challenged Bourque; he accepted; Bourque had the decision in the match; and it should end.
And it probably will. But if Bourque and his teammates have a little bit extra to think about on Saturday night, so be it.
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I don’t see how any of that has anything to do with STANLEY CUP CONTENDER. The Ducks? The Bruins? There’s no one way to win a Cup.
You know what doesn’t scream STANLEY CUP CONTENDER? 14% Corsi.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2012 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Please. They’d be fine. “Some thug took out the trash while his teammate has skated five minutes in the last three weeks.” I don’t think it would be a lengthy condemnation.
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I don’t see it. It would be one thing if Hendricks or Erskine or even a recalled King would do it. But not this clown.
There’s negligible difference between King and “this clown.”
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
McNally says in his post
He is likely here just the two games. The Caps will need that roster spot when Alex Ovechkin returns from suspension on Saturday against Montreal
I haven’t double checked his math, but if he’s right, this whole line of discussion is moot, and needs to go back to talking about Tampa.
Unless it’s Eakin who doesn’t make the trip to Montreal.
"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."
“We wanted to throw Rechlicz out there but it was late in the third and we were protecting a 4-0 lead. Didn’t want to go short-handed.”
Can’t decide which is funnier – the line, or the thought of the Caps holding a 4-0 lead.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
The only real difference is that Wallace wasn’t a fighter. He’s an AHL-quality forward who probably was trying to show his new teammates that he’s a decent guy. I don’t think he was called up just to fight. It was a dumb move on his part (and even dumber if it was Bylsma who told him to do it), but Rechlicz is there just to beat up on people.
we posted at the same time :)
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does the recall mean the Rechlicz character is with the big boys as well?
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 30, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions
From Lambert’s “What We Learned” column:
Washington Capitals: I totally forgot Dennis Wideman was named to the All-Star Game.
Yeah, I think the league did, too. I don’t know if I heard his name mentioned all weekend, outside of a few times during 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."
Go do your Rink duty and read Ups and Downs and comment on ’em.
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Price was hilarious. That came out of left field for me, but he clearly seemed to enjoy it and played it up for the broadcast guys. In the future, mic’d up players for the all star game should be shown his 2nd period. Now THAT would make for an amazing all star game.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
One guy I’d like to have mic’ed up is M-A Fleury for the breakaway competition. I seem to remember he’s quite a smack talker, at least with his teammates
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 11:52 AM EST up reply actions
MAF is also the goalie who originated “try and distract the shooter during the breakaway challenge by doing silly stuff”
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But could he compete with this guy? (“nice try, Nogolov”)
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
by bagace on Jan 30, 2012 12:25 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Depressing Nooner du jour, now posted at a blog near you.
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Quick Question for ya'll
What is/are the current goal song(s) we use?
(> ^ .(> O .O)>
by Sentient Cheese on Jan 30, 2012 1:29 PM EST via mobile reply actions
It’s not “Feels Like the First Time”, that’s for sure.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2012 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Which begs the next suggestion – “Cold as Ice.”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Jan 30, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 30, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
We’re citing Aristotle now? That just increased the level of discourse considerably.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Some have #fancystats, some have oral v. verbal, and me? All I’ve got is wikipedia, a love of semantics, and too much time on my hands.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 30, 2012 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
___
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 3:43 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
You just made your own day.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If I wait for others to, my days will remain forever unmade.
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There’s got to be a phrase for that which includes the word “masturbation.”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
xkcd should be used more often to end arguments.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 30, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
At our house, xkcd cartoons are on the bathroom door as required reading material…
by DerwoodCapsMom on Jan 30, 2012 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
No it does not, it merely raises the question.
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
I’m pretty sure now it’s “Who Cares?!” by “It’s all your fault.”
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
One is the loneliest number?
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 30, 2012 1:44 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Shine on You Crazy Diamond by Pink Floyd
by Kolzilla on Jan 30, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Rec’d because that’s one of my all time favorite songs…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
25 to 6 or 4 because it relates to the current SOG between the visting team and the Capitals, respectively.
Yeah I know that isn’t the title, but, it’s tough when you can’t work blue.
Comrades, leave me here a little, while as yet 't is early morn:
Leave me here, and when you want me, sound upon the bugle-horn
by sydtron on Jan 30, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
46 and 2 by Tool
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.
Chimera from Wideman and Erskine?
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 30, 2012 2:42 PM EST up reply actions
heh, all fine and dandy suggestions…
but seriously I know they play one, i hear it under the sound of 18,000 people collectively losing their minds. I am on a mission. (cue blues brothers(
(> ^ .(> O .O)>
by Sentient Cheese on Jan 30, 2012 2:16 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Iron Maiden – The Wicker Man is one of the goal songs.
He's a better skater than Nick, but he's big in the back[side]...BB
by Backeez Got Back on Jan 30, 2012 2:19 PM EST up reply actions
Making your point by changing definitions.
I don’t disagree with the conclusions, really, but attempting to equate the two definitions of “protection” is disingenuous at best. Would Crosby or Backstrom or Toews be in the lineup if their coaches would just give them more D zone starts? (That’s not to imply they’d be in the lineup if they had a goon, just pointing out that “protection” in the sense of zone starts is not physical protection. You’d need another step in the logical chain to make that connection. I’d start with “teams can’t afford to play their goons in the D zone and/or risk taking a PIM against top lines in the D zone.” To which I’d rebut “some dirty scumbags are known for solid defensive play and the ‘good penalties,’ insofar as they exist, are likely to come in the defensive zone against the top opponents.”)
Please, call me F&B.
It’s a stretch, that’s for sure. And, frankly, another example of the importance of zone starts being overstated, IMO.
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Yeah, I think there’s a lot more correlation than causation going on with the zone starts. Good players get high zone starts, get good Corsi. Would their Corsi really be much lower if you just took away one or two OZ starts per game? Doubtful. It’s not the dream that makes you weak. It’s not the night that makes you sleep.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Jan 30, 2012 2:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Re: protection – I’d love to see the injuries from bad hits broken down by zone. Gut tells me more happen at neutral than in the O-zone, but that might not be right.
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And even that might be too simple, right? Sid was knocked out in the OZ, but play was going the opposite direction and the puck may not have even been in the same zone anymore.
Please, call me F&B.
Absolutely. Nick was at neutral. Etc.
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Perron was in neutral. Toews v1.0 was in neutral (haven’t seen v2.0 but I think it’s odd that it isn’t getting nearly as much attention as Crosby v2.0).
Please, call me F&B.
toews is out currently with what is almost 100% a hand or wrist injury. gnarly slash during the florida game, he held his arm/hand visibly, sat out a shift, then stopped taking face-offs for a few draws. he came back the next game, went 1-6 on face offs, then left.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 30, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks, figured you’d know. I see “upper body injury” with no other description and I assume concussion.
Please, call me F&B.
what i can’t figure is how you miss only a week with what is presumably a fracture. he’s supposed to suit up for tomorrow’s game. sharp has missed upwards of 1 month with a wrist fracture.
by Natty Bumppo on Jan 30, 2012 4:09 PM EST up reply actions
Crosby 2.0 (or is it 3.0?) was at neutral.
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So, when all is said and done, the Caps are…
…wait for it…
“forked?”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Jan 30, 2012 3:11 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
This is not particularly encouraging news:
bmcnally14Brian McNally
#Caps coach Dale Hunter says Nicklas Backstrom didn’t skate at all over the NHL All-Star break.
"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."
and my deep deep hatred for Rene Bourque goes up another notch.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Jan 30, 2012 3:17 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No, that’s the opposite of encouraging, in fact. I believe “discouraging” is the word I’m looking for.
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If folks haven’t already, I think we have to face it that he’s going to be out a very long time. It’s disappointing.
More than save percentage, SOG and shot percentage, his loss will impact our ability to get to the playoffs.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
B-b-b-b-b-but that guy who re-drafted the 2006 draft said we would get to see Backstrom’s work in the playoffs this year!
Please, call me F&B.
Not Feeling It
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Boy, you try to soften the blow and everyone loses their cookies….
Seriously, though, unless he was specifically told to stay home and rest, not good at all. I was actually surprised that Green went on vacation, given his post-surgical status.
"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."
Green looked fine leaving Kettler this afternoon. He was channeling his inner puck bunny by wearing tan Ugg boots.
(Yes, I know about the avatar hounding - just pretend mine is invisible.)
@kcarrera Backstrom’s only been ice for 5 minutes in the past 24 days. Not good at all.
I’m too depressed to even make the obvious Jeff Schultz joke…
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Yep. He’s still day to day.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
just to remind everyone: 5 games. Rene Bourque got 5 games for a deliberate (don’t know what the fuck Shanahan was smoking when he watched the video) elbow to the head of Nicklas Backstrom, something done with the intent to cause considerable injury.
A certain someone got 3 games for, yes, leaving his feet, for a hit that resulted in absolutely zero injury. Since the NHL has repeatedly demonstrated that it is the outcome, not the intent, that matters, I’m pretty eff’ing peeved.
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done with the intent to cause considerable injury.
I think that’s a bit much. I’d go as far as “with recklessness that could cause considerable injury.”
And this is pretty much why I hate disciplining to the injury – how do you really know, in the timeframe given, how bad an injury might be?
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ok, recklessness. (that’s the lawyer in you, isn’t it?)
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Well, I just don’t think it was Bourque’s intent to injure Backstrom. It was his intent (I believe) to hit him with his elbow in the head, and he had a reckless disregard for the injury that might cause, but I can’t imagine he was actually trying to injure Nick. If I’m wrong, he’s probably the single-most evil player in the League.
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Wait, his intent was to hit him in the head with his elbow, but that’s not intent to injure? Um, yeah it was my intent to nudge this pedestrian with my car, not to hurt him. Hasn’t every player seen enough guys get hit in the melon to understand that intented to hit someone in the head is the same as intending to injure?
I don’t think Rene Bourque wants to see Nick Backstrom go through what he’s going through, but I also don’t buy that he didn’t intend to cause NB some bodily harm in the worst possible way.
Just trying to capture the spirit of the thing...
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 30, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
There’s a difference, I think, between “hurting” someone and “injuring” them. I think Bourque wanted to hurt Backstrom and did it recklessly. I don’t think he wanted to injure him.
Wait, his intent was to hit him in the head with his elbow, but that’s not intent to injure?
Yes, precisely.
What does Bourque gain from injuring Backstrom? It was a non-Conference opponent, a game that was decided, a factor that would increase disciplinary action taken against the offender (read: $)… what was to be gained from an injury occurring on the play.
But the intent to hit him – to vent frustration, to establish himself as a guy who people need to be aware of, whatever – was clearly there.
I really don’t think he meant to injure him, but his actions were grossly negligent or extremely reckless or whatever similar label you want to place on them.
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I have read and re-read this point to let it sink in, and still don’t see any significant difference between ‘intent to injure’ and ‘intent to hurt.’ To me, the operative and important word is neither ‘injury’ nor ‘hurt’, but ‘intent.’ If there was any attempt to ‘injure’ or ‘hurt’ then theoretically, he should serve the same amount of time as his victim is serving. If, however, he was just attempting to ‘hit’ him and accidentally clipped his head, then I suppose some relative leniency (per Shanahan’s ruling) might be in order. We all want ‘hits’ in the game, per Brouwer, Phaneuf, etc., but (I hope) those are not attempted to ‘injure’ or ‘hurt.’ Raising an elbow to (intentionally) hit, hurt, or injure another player is clearly a major, major infraction.
by Wilderthing on Jan 30, 2012 5:36 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I’m not differentiating between “intent to injure” and “intent to hurt,” I’m differentiating between “intent to hit” and “intent to injure/hurt.”
Think of it as similar to the distinction between manslaughter and murder. Manslaughter requires intent to kill (malice aforethought) whereas manslaughter requires a lack of that intention (generally – but we needn’t go there), even though the physical act might result in a death.
Example A: Guy thinks, “Man, I’m gonna kill my wife” for three weeks, shoots his wife. Murder.
Example B: Guy’s chilling on his couch, gets barged in on by a clearly unarmed would-be burglar, shoots the burglar in the leg with the intention of merely incapacitating him, dude bleeds out and dies on his floor. Manslaughter.
In both cases, Guy Fieri intended to shoot his victim, but in only Ex. A did he mean to kill the victim.
So what I’m saying is that Bourque meant to hit Backstrom. But I don’t think he had the mens rea to injure him – that just happened to happen.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 8:31 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Actually, this might make it more clear:
Example A: Guy has sex with wife in an attempt to conceive a child.
Example B: Guy has sex with wife with no intention whatsoever of conceiving a child.
In both cases, dude intended to have sex, but in only Ex. A did he mean to conceive a child.
Point being, there’s a difference between intent to do an act and intent to bring about something that might result from that act.
[Drops mic, leaves stage]
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 9:07 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
I want his knees burts into pieces. Oh, and then punch him in the face.
"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
Frankly, some of this is the fault of the Caps. It was unbelievably stupid for him to go with them to California.
What’s the risk?
By most accounts that I’ve heard, flying with a concussion can worsen symptoms in the very short-term, but has no lasting effects. Am I wrong about that?
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In something like a concussion doesn’t the “short-term” turn into the long-term pretty quickly?
Please, call me F&B.
My understanding is that a flight can exacerbate symptoms for a day or two, but doesn’t have an impact beyond that.
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Yeah, I just don’t understand how they can say that with such confidence. For one, it’s an injury that everyone readily admits they don’t know much about. Second, how many times have “short-term” symptoms just not gone away? Sid was out for “precautionary” reasons because of “short-term” symptoms (maybe twice). Nick had “short-term” symptoms. What if the short-term symptoms just don’t alleviate?
Please, call me F&B.
Btw, little known fact – Joel Rechlicz is the patron saint of the SB Nation “rec” button.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 3:52 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Saint Joel - not making this up.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
That’s actually how the blog used to be published, back when I started it. A pain in the ass, it was.
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At least he’s rocking the red.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Jan 30, 2012 4:14 PM EST up reply actions
Considering the wooden stick, if someone’s not ‘shopping his face over Tim McCracken’s, they can expect a dozen internets from me in return.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 30, 2012 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
This just in: Crosby skated.
What do I need to do to not have this non-news as news?
"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
“Stop posting it on websites” would be a start.
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by J.P. on Jan 30, 2012 4:47 PM EST up reply actions 9 recs
If only I controled the NHL website.
"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
I’d like, Backstrom’s ready to play. Otherwise, it’s not much of a story.
"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
AHL All-Star open thread
http://www.japersrink.com/2012/1/30/2759455/ahl-all-star-game-open-thread#comments
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
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