Friday Caps Clips: Caps @ Cats Game Day
by EmilyB on Feb 17, 2012 7:00 AM EST
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Your savory breakfast links:
- Previews of tonight's showdown in Sunrise from Vogs, NHL.com, SB Nation DC, Peerless and RMNB, and be sure to check out our SB Nation partner Litter Box Cats for more coverage from the other side of tonight's match-up.
- Notes and assorted whatnot from yesterday out at Kettler:
- In general. [Caps365 video (Rinkside Report, McPhee, Hunter, Langway), WaPo, WashTimes, CRtC]
- Full Metal Hockey: The rock star and the All-Star made a show of it and then made dinner plans. Good job, buddy. [WaPo, Alex Ovetjkin, CSNW]
- "I'm George McPhee, and I approve this message." [WaPo]
- Oh, and there is "no interest" in trading Mike Knuble. [WaPo]
- Ovi laughed off the remarks made by Olie Kolzig, but probably in that "Late Night Filings" kind of way. [WashTimes, CSNW]
- In the best news of
the whole month of February2012, Mike Green practiced fully for the second straight game, will travel with the team, and may even get into a game. [WaPo, WashTimes]
- Brooks Laich on the pressures of an unexpected season and unmet expectations. [WaPo]
- And no, it wasn't meant to be like this. But here we are all the same. [106.7 The Fan]
- Trade deadline decisions hinge on Nick Backstrom's health. [CSNW]
- Speaking of hinges, this four-game roadie could be pivotal. [WashTimes]
- Troy Brouwer is finding his place with the Caps. [DSP]
- This ain't your grandfather's DeMatha hockey team. [gazette.net]
- Hey, the Caps have fans who have friends in high places. [New Brunswick Patch]
- #zaching like nobody's watching. Or maybe like everyone is. [@karlalzner, @johncarlson74, Glittarazzi]
- Ovi in bowling shoes? Ovi in bowling shoes... [@Piratical_Turk]
- ... while focused Brooks is focused. And squeezing that stick just a bit tight ... [@Piratical_Turk]
- ... and here's bunch more awesome pix from the Caps' STH bowling party. [Piratical Photography]
- GreenLife52 knows it's 9:30 somewhere. [930 Club]
- The Secretary of Defense has been appointed to an Ambassadorship. You may address him as "Your Excellency." [Dump 'n' Chase, Frankovic, CSNW (video)]
- Smells like STH spirit. [Caps Outsider, BrooksLaichYear]
- Attention, QMJHL (et LHJMQ) - Stanislav Galiev has returned. Stanislav Galiev a retourné. Consider yourselves warned. Considérez-vous avertis. [The Q Spot]
- Hmm. The Caps have done well with German goaltenders, yes? Oh hai there Philipp Grubauer. [KOL]
- Finally, happy 55th birthday to Archie Henderson.
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It’s taken me awhile to figure out my thoughts Hunter and Kolzig’s comments about Neuvy.
Play well and you keep playing is fine, but how many sophomore goalies with occasional goalie coaching can stand on their head every night in occasional starts? If Alzner, Carlson or Orlov make a mistake due to inexperience, what happens? Maybe the goalie bails them out. If Schultz is benched for a month, at least he gets some coaching from a defensive specialist… But the message for Neuvy is that if he makes a mistake — he’s supposed be standing on his head to get game time, and figuring things out in practice for himself. I had the impression that Irbe was readily available for our young goalies last season. That would lead me to guess the “figure it out for yourself” message is a significant change.
Sure, goalies are supposed to be mentally tough and overcome adversity, but between the lack of playing time and the public comments of the head coach (stand on your head every night) and the goalie consultant (figure things out for yourself) — at this point, I’m wondering how committed the Caps are to developing their young goalies for the future. And by future, I mean whether that’s next season is if Vokoun doesn’t re-up with the Caps next season, or anytime this season if anything (injury, fatigue, whatever) happens to Vokoun down the stretch.
I guess I’m confused - at various times we’ve wondered whether the team cares about what they’re doing, whether they’re settling into bad habits, whether they have a strong enough work ethic and whether certain individuals will take coaching. I dabble in figure skating at Kettler and I can say that I seek out coaching when I’m concerned about developing bad habits, and when I expect to be able to get to the rink to practice. (Among other things, I consider the Caps home game schedule when I’m making those plans, since I’m a STH.) Weren’t we pleased when Brooks Laich, Jeff Halpern and John Carlson looked for coaching to improve their skating? But when we have a goalie who says he wants more coaching, that’s a different story. If Neuvy needs to be more self sufficient, can we at least spread his willingness to listen to a coach to a few others on the team?
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
Did Neuvirth stand on his head in any of the games lately? Maybe he has more margin for error if he had.
Please, call me F&B.
I guess that depends on the definition of head-standing.
When Neuvy’s on his A-game, he’s kind of boring to watch. He’s not particularly aggressive, he’s not particularly athletic in goal. He hardly ever looks like he’s standing on his head.
Because he’s positionally sound and plays a rather conservative game.
He’s not flashy. Maybe Hunter wants to see some flash and bang in goal. Maybe Neuvy needs to break a few groins with Varly-style leaps or go with Vokoun’s Spongebob style (just drop to the deck and flop like a fish).
by creasemonkey on Feb 17, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
Over the past five games TV’s had a 1.8 GAA and a .943 SV% including two shutouts. Whatever works.
by Gin and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:12 AM EST up reply actions
If you want to go with small sample sizes, the same exact goalie you’re speaking of absolutely sucked during his first several performances with the same exact team.
That being said, TV has been given a considerably larger number of games to find his pace and (finally) get hot – this with the benefit of solid veteran years behind him.
Neuvy hasn’t had neither the luxury of large stretches of games (particularly, games in which the defense hasn’t sucked quite like they did earlier in the year). And as a sophomore doing a lot of bench time, he neither has coaching nor years of solid veteran experience to draw from.
Comparing TV’s situation to Neuvy’s is a bit of an apple/orange comparison. They’re equally fruity (aren’t all goalies?), but they’re not the same.
by creasemonkey on Feb 17, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
No, they’re not the same. One is a proven, elite talent that gives the Caps their best chance to win. The other is Michal Neuvirth.
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by J.P. on Feb 17, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Comparing TV’s situation to Neuvy’s is a bit of an apple/orange comparison, I agree. TV is a legit #1 goalie, with a track record of success. Neuvy is a young goalie, who’s potentially very good. The #1 will have a longer leash, especially when the Caps cannot afford to lose games in hopes that Neuvy finds a groove.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
A longer leash sounds fine, but allowing no leash and no coaching to a young singular backup is dangerous at least, foolish at best.
I fully agree that we can’t afford to lose these games. I think you may also agree that we couldn’t really afford to have lost that last one, either.
If Neuvy can’’t get play during games, can’t get coaching during practice, and is already in the shitcan in Hunter’s book, what the hell are they thinking will happen if Vokes is injured or ill again?
They are proactively screwing themselves by not investing a bit more time into their backup goalie whether that’s in coaching or in actual game play. Hotlby’s play hasn’t exactly been spectacular either this year – and that was with semi-regular game-play and semi-regular coaching. He’s not a reliable short-term #1 at this point any more than Neuvy is.
Plan A went south early in the season. Hunter/GMGM have has no Plan B anywhere. Not in offense. Not in defense. And damned sure not in goal.
by creasemonkey on Feb 17, 2012 11:55 AM EST up reply actions
Cheese and rice, haven’t we already had this discussion enough regarding Varly in Colorado?
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by J.P. on Feb 17, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Neuvirth has always been Plan B. He’s just sucked this year, so Plan A has to shoulder the load.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 17, 2012 1:48 PM EST up reply actions
Both goalies looked bad early in the season. Vokoun has had a chance to redeem himself and Neuvy didn’t really have that same opportunity. Neuvy let in a few stinkers though, that’s for sure. But he was hung out to dry on some of those games too.
"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
Well that’s just not true. Vokoun was 6-1 with a 2.15 and .932 in October. That’s not looking bad. Vokoun’s bad stretch was in late November and December. Coincidentally, that was when Neuvirth picked up more starts, culminating in Neuvirth starting 5 straight games in mid-December. Neuvirth then had that crap performance against BUF giving up 3 goals on 6 shots, then Vokoun rattled off 4 straight wins with 5 GA total and it was all over from there. They both had their chances, but only one goalie hasn’t sucked for most of the season.
But even if it were true, Vokoun has earned more of a right to redeem himself being an established elite goalie rather than a young question mark.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 17, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
But even if it were true, Vokoun has earned more of a right to redeem himself being an established elite goalie rather than a young question mark.
I don’t think anyone’s questioning that. But it still seems… unwise, at best, to not give that young question mark help in the form of regular coaching. Otherwise, you’re just looking for deus ex maskina, as far as I can tell.
To put it another way, you’re putting your asset (Neuvy) in a position to fail, not trying to create a position in which for him to succeed.
And rubbing his nose in it is … unhelpful, to put it mildly.
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
I’m not really interested in getting into a debate about whether or not Neuvirth is getting adequate coaching, because frankly I have no idea what kind of coaching he is getting. I’m just responding to the claims that both goalies started poorly and only Vokoun got a chance to work out of it. That claim has no basis in reality.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 17, 2012 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
You mean his first 8 games where he went 6-2, with a 2.00 GAA and and .932 SV%? And not the same team – then Backstrom and Green were playing.
Solid veteran years? You make him sound like a journeyman goalie. There is a reason that TV is #6 all-time in SV%. He’s really good.
TV is a better goalie. Period. His career average SV% is better than MN’s best year.
by Gin and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Not questioning Vokoun’s abilities or his credentials, but the team’s treatment of their #2 goalie. If they’re only planning on playing Neuvy 1-2 times a month, maybe having practice time with a goalie coach would allow him to work on the nuances of his game and not develop bad habits. After seeing Mason crash-n-burn in Columbus his sophomore year (and still not recover), hate to see that happen to Neuvy.
"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 doubt that’s what Hunter expects. Neuvirth has been letting in leaky goals. Bottom line. (And I disagree that when he’s on his game he’s boring to watch.)
Please, call me F&B.
Right. What Hunter “wants to see” are a lot of fucking saves. That’s it.
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Neuvirth has only had a .900+ SV% in two of his last 6 starts. He’s got a .894 SV% in 21 appearances on the season. He’s had opportunities, but outside of a 3 game stretch in mid-December he hasn’t seized them.
Fact of the matter is he has just not been good enough to deserve a longer leash. Especially not with the Caps needing points the way they do.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 17, 2012 1:46 PM EST up reply actions
And especially when the alternative is fucking awesome.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
.900?
yikes
"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
In an interview with Vokes a few weeks ago, Prior said that because Vokoun is a long term vet, he doesn’t really need much help. But Neuvy isn’t – so why don’t they get him some help/coaching? They’ve got two full-time goalie coaches yet it seems they only come by once a month for a couple days.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
by bagace on Feb 17, 2012 3:06 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Formatting fail….the last paragraph is
I guess I’m confused. At various times we’ve wondered whether the team cares about what they’re doing, whether they’re settling into bad habits, whether they have a strong enough work ethic and whether certain individuals will take coaching. I dabble in figure skating, and I can say that I seek out coaching when I’m concerned about developing bad habits, and when I expect to be able to get to the rink to practice. (Among other things, I consider the Caps home game schedule when I’m making those plans, since I’m a STH.) Weren’t we pleased when Brooks Laich, Jeff Halpern and John Carlson looked for coaching to improve their skating? But when we have a goalie who says he wants more coaching, that’s a different story. If Neuvy needs to figure things out for himself, can we at least spread his willingness to listen to a coach to a few others on the team?
There's no bigger burden than a great potential - Linus Van Pelt
The Secretary of Defense has been appointed to an Ambassadorship. You may address him as “Your Excellency.”
So, it’s up to him to grant asylum…
…or be in charge of it?
If you've read this far...seek help.
I just thought he was brought in to explain the STH price hike.
"Haven’t we all been there, kidnapping someone in a rented ambulance, only to get out onto the interstate and then realize that your intended rape victim has escaped and cheated on her boyfriend with his best friend. Man, if I had a nickel…"
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by Bald Pollack on Feb 17, 2012 7:18 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I understand that hockey is, and should be, intense. Even in practice. But I don’t know how I feel about a captain who uses a two-handed slash on a teammate’s leg. A teammate who was in intensive care a year ago with a leg split open from compartment syndrome.
If they’re not worried about it, why should you be? Without seeing the slash, I think your portrayal of it may be a bit overly dramatic, no?
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Didn’t Mcphee say that Wides slashes Ovi’s bad wrist first? So I could say that irritating Ovechkin.
Also makes me wonder if that wrist isn’t going to get arthritic with all the slashes it gets over the course of a season.
Meh. His wrist takes no more punishment than the average blogger’s does.
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 8:28 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe less, if you consider he has a harem.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Feb 17, 2012 9:13 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I can only imagine with pity and condescension what life’s like for an average blogger…
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by J.P. on Feb 17, 2012 9:15 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It’ not Sunday School.
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 7:35 AM EST via mobile up reply actions 2 recs
It’s a two-handed slash for Jesus! There’s a joke here about Jesus not taking the body but I can’t bring it to the front of brain.
（╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)
by JediChewbacca on Feb 17, 2012 7:43 AM EST up reply actions
JERUSALEM (AP)- TODAY, Pontius Pilate was suspended for five games by the Roman National Hockey League for an illegal check to Jesus Christ (RW-Galilee). “The principal point of contact was to the head”, said league disciplinarian Brendus Shanahanicus in a prepared video statement. “Although Pilate did attempt to wash his hands of the matter, we felt there was still a clear violation of Rule XLVIII….”
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 8:46 AM EST up reply actions 15 recs
The power of Christ compels me…to rec you
（╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)
by JediChewbacca on Feb 17, 2012 8:48 AM EST up reply actions
000
Reaction around the league has been mixed. “He really nailed him”, wrote Gregorius Wyhshynsicus of the popular website “Puck Pater”….
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 8:52 AM EST up reply actions 6 recs
Local reporters, however, crucified him for the sin.
Self-Appointed "Bring the Winter Classic to Camden Yards" Delegate
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by Cap-O-Vens on Feb 17, 2012 8:55 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Christ’s enigmatic line-mate Judas was unavailable for comment
（╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)
by JediChewbacca on Feb 17, 2012 9:00 AM EST up reply actions
Wait, Judas was Russian?
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, and you... feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
It’s a nickname. His full name is Judamir Iscariotovsky.
by jopierce on Feb 17, 2012 9:09 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions 1 recs
Fortunately Galilee doesn’t play again for 3 days
（╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
┬─┬ノ( º _ ºノ)
by JediChewbacca on Feb 17, 2012 9:05 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Jesus Christ is listed as Day-To-Day.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
And was back on the ice by Sunday.
by bathwithtoaster on Feb 17, 2012 9:27 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
In a situation where you’re with the same people for 9 months out of the year every single day, day in and day out, there are going to be times where you aren’t going to get along. Stuff happens.
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 7:38 AM EST up reply actions
Plus wasn’t the hemotoma(spelling) on his right leg? Ovi is a right handed shot so he prob hit him the left leg
by Obi wan Knuble on Feb 17, 2012 7:48 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
It’s all that Hunter guy’s fault. I’ll be so happy whan they get rid of him and we can go back to cheering on those underachieving lovable moptops.
Jaromir Jagr is now 40. That's 280 in Jagr years.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Feb 17, 2012 7:39 AM EST up reply actions
They probably have the most awkward Thanksgiving dinners.
by jopierce on Feb 17, 2012 8:14 AM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
“Hey pass the Gravy?” ElbowtotheHead
（╯°□°）╯︵ ┻━┻
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by JediChewbacca on Feb 17, 2012 8:27 AM EST up reply actions
I did not see the slash, so I cannot comment on where it happened. But acute compartment syndrome, as Wideman had, never turns into a chronic issue (chronic compartment syndrome is very different than acute. Chronic can occasionally become acute, but not the other way around). If he was at such incredible risk of re-injury from something as minor as a slash, they’d certainly never would have allowed him to return to hockey.
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That was my take. I’ve never heard of anyone getting compartment syndrome from a slash. I’d think the stick would break before you hit someone hard enough to do that. (I also bet AO probably caught more shinguard than anything else.)
Please, call me F&B.
never mind the compartment syndrome is incredibly rare. if a slash was all it took to cause it, every hockey player from mites on up would be having major surgery to treat it.
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I know what you mean. It’s good to see them get chippy and aggressive, but couldn’t they consider saving it for…oh, I don’t know…members of an opposing team instead of anyone else on his own team that might end up taking Green’s spot on medically-induced nacho duty?
by creasemonkey on Feb 17, 2012 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
plus, you know, shin pads.
(> ^ .(> O .O)>
by Sentient Cheese on Feb 17, 2012 7:41 AM EST via mobile reply actions
Wanna get fired up/terrified/depressed for tonight’s game?
Winnipeg’s one point back of the Caps now.
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 7:45 AM EST reply actions
If the Caps lose, they will be six behind Florida with 25 games to play, and that is supposed to be the easier path to the playoffs. If that doesn’t sound like much, consider this. After 57 games in 2008 the standings looked like this:
8. Boston: 28-23-5 (61 pts)
9. Carolina*: 28-27-4 (60 pts)
10. Washington: 27-25-5 (59 pts)
…and it took the Caps until Game 82 to clinch a playoff spot. It’s true, Carolina did not do much losing of their own down the stretch that year (13-5-1 in their last 18 games), but then again, they had only a one-point lead on the Caps with 25 left. The Panthers with a six-point lead and 25 games left? Start checking tee times, kids.
If you've read this far...seek help.
I don’t know that it’s quite that dire (especially with the 7/8 seeds still far from locked up), but it certainly would behoove the Caps to start, y’know, winning again.
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Win the draw. Win the board battle. Win the footrace. One shift at a time.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
The inches we need are everywhere around us…
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by J.P. on Feb 17, 2012 8:18 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
You’re gonna have to learn your clichés. You’re gonna have to study them, you’re gonna have to know them. They’re your friends. Write this down: “We gotta play it one day at a time.”
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 8:20 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Gotta play… it’s pretty boring.
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I’m just happy to be up with the big club. Lord willing and if the crick don’t rise, I’ll make some plays and contribute to the team. I’m just one player out here trying to do his best and help out in any way I can. This game is all about puck on stick, all about skating hard and all about desire to win. We’ve got to have that desire. Sometimes the puck won’t bounce our way, but, when it does, my job is to be on that puck and do the right thing.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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This is a very simple game. You stickhandle the puck, you pass the puck, you shoot the puck. Sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, sometimes you win a point when you lose. Think about that for a while.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 8:59 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Get pucks to the net!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 9:02 AM EST up reply actions
SOMEBODY FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!
Patron saint of quality footwear.
by fat_daddyo on Feb 17, 2012 9:49 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
SHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!
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SKAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Dale: You guys. You lollygag the puck in your own end. You lollygag your way through the neutral zone. You lollygag in and out of the power play. You know what that makes you? Olie!
Olie: Lollygaggers!
Dale: Lollygaggers.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 9:06 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
00
Hunter: “What the hell’s going on out here?”
Knuble: “Well, Brooksie’s scared because his Corsi numbers are bad and his old man’s here. We need a live… is it a live Swedish model?”
[Ovi nods]
“We need a live Swedish model to take the curse off Ovi’s stick and nobody seems to know what to get Poti or Backie for their injuries.”
“We’re dealing with a lot of shit”
Hunter: “Call up Rechlicz and Aucoin. Knuble, you’re down”
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 9:14 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Haven’t won consecutive games in more than a month (ok, there was that all-star break, but still), and there is that whole not winning unless the goalies shut someone out thing that was pointed out yesterday. It looks a lot like the 2001-2002 team that couldn’t seem to ever get any traction and ended up in 9th, two points out of the playoffs (that would be Jagr’s first year).
If you've read this far...seek help.
An “even too ugly to take home after last call” ugly.
Thus spake the chauvinist.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
If the Caps lose tonight, I think I’m convinced it’s time to start selling.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, and you... feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
I have a hard time seeing this owner and GM selling this trade deadline even if some fans look at this situation and have a hard time seeing this team making the playoffs. I’m wondering whether or not they will buy.
I think the series of games, more than just tonight’s game will make things clearer since the Caps play 3 games in 4 nights against Divisional opponents.
The League trade engines revved up a bit yesterday with Grossman to the Flyers and Moore to SJS, plus TBL holding Kubina out.
While McPhee has made trades in-season (e.g., Fleischmann/Hannan; Clark/Jurcina/Chimera,) he tends to make his trade deadline deals close to the deadline and from what I recall mostly on deadline day (Feb 27th.)
With the unknowns surrounding Backstrom (do they use his LTIR space? does it make sense to use his LTIR space?) and Green’s return possibly as early as tonight, question is what happens in the next 10+ days.
I have to wonder if another thing in favor of being pseudo-buyers is the apparent prevalence of longer-term assets being made available this year. Even if they can’t justify being renters, they can buy now rather than during the summer and hope they get enough of a short-term bump to salvage the season if things go right.
Just means they have some cap gymnastics to do.
That’s great, but does the proximity to the trading deadline, and relative scarcity of players available drive up the price?
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Feb 17, 2012 9:57 AM EST up reply actions
This year, probably. I’m pretty sure when all is said and done buyers are going to outnumber sellers.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, and you... feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
Well… buyers always outnumber sellers… because more than half the league makes the playoffs, plus you always have a couple bubble teams that are going to be buyers to try and push themselves into the playoff picture.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Feb 17, 2012 10:04 AM EST up reply actions
You’re right of course. I mostly mean that there’s more teams on the bubble than there clear sellers. And two of the teams who standings-wise would be sellers (NYI, EDM) are in the parts of their rebuilds where they’re not dumping assets in the same way as a team like Cleveland.
All of this argues in favor of what most of us believe anyway: rental assets are more expensive at the deadline. The Caps shouldn’t be buying rentals with this team anyway, price inflation making it all the more so.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, and you... feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
Buying vs renting (Wideman vs Arnott) is definitely an issue. Along with the short-term cap gymnastics, the questions surrounding this summer and the Sept 15 CBA expiration loom.
Also back to the topic of selling, it’s worth noting that the Caps already have acquired extra picks for this summer’s draft.
Pretty tough to announce a stiff price hike and one day and then start dismantling the team the next.
McPhee appears to think he has the core of a winner.
Regarding Backstrom, if his “I hope to be back for the playoffs” comment is accurate, they can count on using his LTIR space for the final 20-some games.
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My opinion is if the right player/deal is there, they will use Backstrom’s cap space. The more days which go by where he isn’t skating, the more obvious that his return in the regular season is questionable, even if one wants to hold out hope.
He’s been out so long already, if he was able to start skating tomorrow, how long would it theoretically take for him to be game ready? I imagine they’ll know soon.
"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 general terms, I agree, but it depends on how he’s doing at a level of detail that they know and we don’t (understandably).
Feb 27th to April 7th is not a short period of time on the calendar or in terms of the number of hockey games (20 post trade deadline for the Caps.)
Again, I’m assuming we won’t see him again during the regular season, but I hope he’s doing well and that this is actually a dilemma for the team.
Going from memory (and early morning radio), he’s got to go from the bike > skating without symptoms > practicing without symptoms. 1-2 week ballpark?
"Haven’t we all been there, kidnapping someone in a rented ambulance, only to get out onto the interstate and then realize that your intended rape victim has escaped and cheated on her boyfriend with his best friend. Man, if I had a nickel…"
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by Bald Pollack on Feb 17, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
A two week timeframe would indeed make it tough. If he’s skating by the deadline, then they’ll assume he’s back by mid-March, so you can’t LTIR him and use his space. Or wouldn’t. It’s if he’s not skating by then that someone has to make the wager.
"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."
Extending the rehab exercise (and perhaps the closest thing to a rule of thumb comparison), Beagle didn’t take part in a morning skate for about two months from the Asham fight, and even then didn’t play for another three and a half weeks.
"Haven’t we all been there, kidnapping someone in a rented ambulance, only to get out onto the interstate and then realize that your intended rape victim has escaped and cheated on her boyfriend with his best friend. Man, if I had a nickel…"
"My favorite fan base in D.C. is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
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 Feb 17, 2012 10:57 AM EST up reply actions
I agree with your hypothesis. McPhee plans on making the playoffs and may see the best way to do that is to LTIR Nicky, allowing him to get Vermette or someone else to help get them there. The “risk” of not having 19 available for the remainder of the regular season is decreasing with every day Nicky doesn’t skate.
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 10:34 AM EST up reply actions
If he trades Schultz he can get Carter and Vermette under the cap using Nick’s LTIR. Just saying.
by Gin and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions
If the Caps get Carter, can they leave his contract on Dry Island?
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 11:11 AM EST up reply actions
He won’t have a NTC or NMC, so they can do whatever they want. $5.3M is not a bad cap hit. They can move him later if they need to.
by Gin and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions
He does have a full NTC. The deal features a full no-trade clause from 2012–15, followed by a limited no-trade clause thereafter.
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The NTC got left in Philadelphia. Sk8 has a post somewhere explaining why, but basically, because he was traded before it kicked in, it’s voided.
by Murshawursha on Feb 17, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
Did CBus officially choose to void it? I guess there’s no reason they wouldn’t but it’s not supposed to be gone automatically, it’s the team’s choice.
Portzline and at least one other reporter confirmed that CBJ did not and that he does not have one. I will see if I can find the information.
It hadn’t kicked in, and even if it hadn’t waiving it doesn’t get rid of it, it just means accepting a specific deal.
In fact, I think if it had kicked in already and he had waived it (for some reason) it would in fact still be there 100%. It’s only when it hasn’t kicked in yet that it can be voided.
From Sk8 in the Jeff Carter fanpost
The way I understand the rules, if traded before the extension with the clause goes into effect, the new team has a choice. Recent reports about Carter and Columbus confirm this and note Columbus did not agree to the NTC. See Aportzllne’s twitter as one source.
Here’s a quick edit of something I wrote recently before the confirmation when I was discussing with someone; hope it’s not too confusing and repetitive:
See 11.8 (a) in the CBA.
Using 2 cases, Vokoun from Nashville to Florida and Carter from Philly to Columbus, these cases are not the same as when a clause is in effect and a player is traded.
When Vokoun was traded from Nashville to Florida it was after he had signed a contract extension, but before the extension went into effect since he was traded pre July 1; the contract extension included an NMC. Same thing happened with Jeff Carter when he was traded from Philadelphia to Columbus this past summer; the contract included an NTC (varied by time in the contract how extensive an NTC, IIRC).
In the case where a player waives an already in effect NMC or NTC in order for a trade to go through, the NMC or NTC carries with the player to the new team. Nothing changes. For example, Dan Boyle after his trade from TBL to SJS.
However, that is not what happens when a player is traded in a situation like Vokoun or Carter. In those cases, which is what we are discussing, the acquiring team has to make a decision about whether to honor the NTC or NMC and notify the league and other parties involved because the extension including the clause had not kicked in at the time of the trade.
Also, here’s one article citing Howson about Carter’s NTC around the time of the trade.
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/sports/2011/06/25/silent-carter-angry-at-flyers-agent-says.html
So there you go.
by Murshawursha on Feb 17, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
Further, reports that CBJ did not choose to honor it.
by Murshawursha on Feb 17, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
Which makes sense. What possible benefit do you get from honoring it (other than, y’know, good will)?
In one of those “life isn’t fair” things, you’d think that if the club doesn’t have to honor portions of a contract, the player should have options, too.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
Fair is a relative term. It’s within the rules of how they’re written (it’s basically a term of the contract), and I won’t feel sorry for a guy that’s guaranteed, what, 60+ mil over the course of the deal?
I was just putting out the obvious response to saying it isn’t fair. Now there’s a little item that someone on the players’ side of the table might want to write into the next CBA. If the rules say you can negotiate for the NTC, wouldn’t you want to make sure it couldn’t be voided on a technicality?
"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."
000
Playoffs!
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 8:06 AM EST up reply actions
Oh, and there is “no interest” in trading Mike Knuble.
This is what’s known as attempting to manipulate price by reducing supply.
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the GMGM kiss of death.
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“Manipulate” is such a negative term, which I’m sure the anti-trust lawyers on the board would validate.
I prefer to think of it as psychologically telling people that something they want is unavailable, and thus, they want it more.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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So it’s like dating, not economics?
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Feb 17, 2012 9:54 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
With the loss of step in Knuble’s game, you’re not making it to 3rd base.
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
Or a funky Fenway Park-like bounce in the outfield.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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I’ve heard a move called the Buckner always gets you between your partner’s legs. (/OT)
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 10:27 AM EST up reply actions
Great analogy. For some, attached, unavailable people are that much more attractive. Forbidden fruit, perhaps.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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So Mike Knuble becomes an aspirational brand? Or a status purchase?
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Feb 17, 2012 9:55 AM EST up reply actions
A distinction without a difference.
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The question is how stupid do we think other GMs are. Sure make the jokes about Waddell (no longer a GM) or the Flyers’ organization lack of understanding of the cap rules, but I find it hard to believe any GM in the League believes what McPhee says to the press in a situation like this. He might as well have said ‘no comment’, IMO, although it gives us more to chat about since he uttered these oh so believable words.
I don’t think it’s a question of intelligence of other GMs – nothing George could or did say would stop someone with interest from inquiring. But it’s a nice public vote of confidence (even if ultimately meaningless) for a guy who hasn’t felt a lot of love from the suits in the organization lately.
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Or a way of ‘blaming’ it on the player when they trade him? As in, he wanted out, not simply there wasn’t a fit any longer???
I suppose. Maybe it puts the genie back in the lamp and then they’re the good guys for doing right by the player and giving him a chance to compete for a(nother) Cup.
But for the most part, I think the PR ship has sailed (and sunk) on Knuble.
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Or in hockey terms, the old “O-Pee-Chee Gambit”
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 10:02 AM EST up reply actions
We’re getting confused here. When McPhee says there is no “interest” in trading Mike Knuble, folks fell right into the semantic trap of thinking that by “interest,” McPhee meant “a feeling that accompanies or causes special attention to an object or class of objects.”
Wrong.
What McPhee meant was the economic definition: “the profit in goods or money that is made on invested capital.” There is no “interest” (i.e., long term capital — or “Capital,” if you will — gain) in trading Mike Knuble.
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 11:24 AM EST up reply actions
This. If a stupid-good deal dropped into his lap, we’d be Knubless in a heartbeat.
by creasemonkey on Feb 17, 2012 11:33 AM EST up reply actions
If anystupid-gooddeal dropped into his lap, we’d be Knubless in a heartbeat.
Fixed it for you.
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hehe – the Vokoun deal came to mind when I saw this, but your response makes more sense.
by creasemonkey on Feb 17, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions
Hershey season ticket holder since 1948.
That’s the season after they won their first championship. He’s gotten to watch them hang all eleven banners.
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eleven? surely they’ve led the ahl in attendance a time or two.
by Ginga on Feb 17, 2012 10:11 AM EST up reply actions 7 recs
Was the Dominic Moore trade discussed at all? A late 2nd for him (and a 7th) seems a bit steep, but San Jose doesn’t need as much as other teams.
I think it was discussed in the sense that he’s now been traded for second round picks three different times by three different clubs in three consecutive years.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 10:18 AM EST up reply actions
On Moore – ninth team since the lockout. That’s amazing (I didn’t even remember him being a Penguin or Wild).
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He always seemed like an amazing asshole, but he’s good at what he does — a 3C who can play on the PK and has some offensive abilities.
It also gives them yet another center which they hardly need since 4 of their top 6 forwards are centers. I wish GMGM would have bagged one of those four last year. Oh, well.
by Wilderthing on Feb 17, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Guy’s the Arthur Rhodes of the NHL.
"Haven’t we all been there, kidnapping someone in a rented ambulance, only to get out onto the interstate and then realize that your intended rape victim has escaped and cheated on her boyfriend with his best friend. Man, if I had a nickel…"
"My favorite fan base in D.C. is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
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by Bald Pollack on Feb 17, 2012 10:21 AM EST up reply actions
Or the Mike Sillinger of MLB!
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Nothing makes Arthur Rhodes seem older to me than remembering that he pitched for the Birds when they were a good baseball team.
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions
as a starter!
To alcohol, the cause of--and solution to--all of life's problems.
by Alz in the family on Feb 17, 2012 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Better than Dusty Rhodes.
"Haven’t we all been there, kidnapping someone in a rented ambulance, only to get out onto the interstate and then realize that your intended rape victim has escaped and cheated on her boyfriend with his best friend. Man, if I had a nickel…"
"My favorite fan base in D.C. is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
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 Feb 17, 2012 10:42 AM EST up reply actions
Eh, more on me than it is you my friend.
"Haven’t we all been there, kidnapping someone in a rented ambulance, only to get out onto the interstate and then realize that your intended rape victim has escaped and cheated on her boyfriend with his best friend. Man, if I had a nickel…"
"My favorite fan base in D.C. is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
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 Feb 17, 2012 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
As a pitcher, yeah, I think I’d give Rhodes the edge.
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 10:53 AM EST up reply actions
He has his own appication at Travelocity… “Dominicosity”
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions
2000-Jun-24 Draft pick rights traded from Detroit Red Wings with round 2 pick in the 2000 draft (Filip Novak) to New York Rangers for round 2 pick in the 2000 draft (Tomas Kopecky)
2006-Jul-19 Traded from New York Rangers to Nashville Predators for Adam Hall
2006-Jul-19 Traded from Nashville Predators with Libor Pivko to Pittsburgh Penguins for round 3 pick in the 2007 draft
2007-Feb-27 Traded from Pittsburgh Penguins to Minnesota Wild for round 3 pick in the 2007 draft (Casey Pierro-Zabotel)
2009-Mar-04 Traded from Toronto Maple Leafs to Buffalo Sabres for round 2 pick in the 2009 draft (Jesse Blacker)
2010-Feb-11 Traded from Florida Panthers to Montreal Canadiens for round 2 pick in the 2011 draft
The 2011 2d ended up in San Jose when Florida dealt it there on Draft Day. They took Matthew Nieto from BU.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 10:23 AM EST up reply actions
Nieto looks to be a good one. They’ve got him ranked 4th among SJS prospects at HF, right behind Tommy Wingels.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 10:25 AM EST up reply actions
Some notes on the Moore move:
1/ It really sets the Sharks nice up the middle with Jumbo Joe, Couture, and Handzus already there, I think Tommy Wingels (the name makes me laugh) is a center also.
2/ Good to see him going to the West as he was on the last two teams to eliminate the Caps from the playoffs. I still remember the Game 7 backbreaker goal he scored for the Habs.
3/ Toronto fans loved Moore when he was there and were upset when he left.
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 10:35 AM EST up reply actions
There were back-to-back picks in the third round of the 2007 draft that were acquired from Dominic Moore trades. The aforementioned Casey Pierro-Zabotel was drafted by Pittsburgh at 80, and Nashville took Ryan Thang at 81.
Three picks later, the Caps took Phil DeSimone.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions
The Caps declined to sign Phil DeSimone and he signed this summer with the Hamilton Bulldogs in the Habs’ organization.
His stats this year: In 49 gamesplayed, 8-14-22, minus-19 and 28 PIM.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
What bad luck.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Feb 17, 2012 10:51 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
I was looking at the 2005 Entry Draft the other night during the Bruins-Habs game when Pouliot scored on Price (the 4th overall pick scoring on the 5th overall pick from that year) and god, was it a deep draft (case in point – the last overall pick in the entire draft was Patric Hornqvist). And boy, did the Caps picks from that year depress me (Pokuluk and Finley were the two first rounders that year).
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 10:46 AM EST up reply actions
Hmm, deep isn’t the word I would think would come to mind for that draft. I mean that first round pretty much sucked.
Go beyond the first round. I would still say it was deep.
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
I’m not sure it was deep in comparison to some other drafts around it, but I say that not looking at the details right now. I think the fact that the NHL was coming out of the lockout, playing under a cap structure, etc., led to teams playing younger players and some teams rebuilding and giving younger players more games played in the NHL than they may otherwise have ever seen.
As to Hornqvist, I enjoy the last round draft success stories and he is one, whether it’s now that there are only 7 rounds or when the draft had more rounds, but it seems like there are one or two most years.
Pens had a hell of an 05 Draft
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Centers still available for the picking from #17 on : Hanzal (#17), Oshie (#24) , Stastny (#44)
D-men still available from the picking from #17 on: Niskanen (#28), Letang (#62), Yandle (#105)
Goalies still available from #17 on: (Rask #21), Quick (#72)
By the way sk8, what ever happened to Andrew Thomas?
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 11:07 AM EST up reply actions
May have a Cup in DC if we could redo that draft knowing what we know now…KL, PS and TJO jump out at me.
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You amuse me that you think you have to point out the names of the Caps 2005 first round draft picks to Caps fans.
Noted. I won’t make the mistake again.
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 10:55 AM EST up reply actions
To be fair to RB, it was only the first Caps draft after all
You’re the boss, applesauce.
by SethB on Feb 17, 2012 11:02 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
no 04 was…
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Yeah, like each of us doesn’t have a closet in our house/apartment that’s wallpapered with every news clipping about the two with devil horns drawn in on every picture and letters highlighted in each article to spell out “WTF?”
I mean, uh, yeah, I’ve heard of them…
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“13 feet of suck”
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by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
I hate the 05 Draft in hindsight, but I hate the 03 Draft in hindsight more.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 11:30 AM EST up reply actions
I hate the ’05 draft more b/c of the bullshit way order was selected.
by Dirk Dangler on Feb 17, 2012 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
Is there anything more predictible than the collective surprise (that really shouldn’t be surprise) at what it costs to acquire talent this time of year?
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Looks like Theo tonight for the Kitties.
Dear lord… please…
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I love how the first game the Caps plays at Florida this year prompted the panthers to put a huge splash screen on their site about THE RETURN OF VOKOUN.. VS THEODORE.
And it ended up being Clemmenson vs Neuvy
I sure hope that’s the match-up.
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Watch the Caps make a backup look like a Vezina winner, or watch the Caps make a starter look like his old Hart trophy form… which is more excruciating?
How about if Dale sticks Halper and Neuvy in the press box and laces up Olie and Himself?
Gotta show these kids how it’s done
Salary cap!
"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."
Nah. It’ll be Recker in goal and Hattrick on D. Slapshot’s numbers sucked at that last mascot game.
by creasemonkey on Feb 17, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
That being said, a goalie on goalie fight with Recker in full pads might be entertaining.
by creasemonkey on Feb 17, 2012 12:09 PM EST up reply actions
If by “entertaining,” you mean “short.”
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by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
Are Recker fights ever short?
Geeks of All Nations, Compile!
by AMusingFool on Feb 17, 2012 12:55 PM EST up reply actions
Ovi has a pre-rockstar form? I think you mean “Ovi performing up to his rockstar persona.”
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Heh. I’d take “Kid A” or “Hail to the Thief” Ovi at this point. Or “In Rainbows” or “Amnesiac.”
Damn, Radiohead is great.
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In Rainbows would be apt:
Definitive lyric from that album: “You used to be alright. What happened?”
I have that on a tshirt. Maybe I’ll wear it to the next game I attend.
The Caps’ early season success sure does seem to have been a House of Cards…
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by J.P. on Feb 17, 2012 11:27 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Can’t really blame fans for having their Knives Out.
by Kolzilla on Feb 17, 2012 12:00 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
Now we are entering the gloaming of the season.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 17, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
You can be a rockstar and perform 10 sold out shows at Madison Square Garden…or you can be a rock star and perform at the Iowa State Fair
I'll never put on a life jacket again
We played state fairs...
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by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
If the Caps can keep trending up with the SOGs, I like their chances.
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 11:26 AM EST up reply actions
This is a “playoff-like” game, which means…
Theodore will allow three goals on the first five shots he sees.
Florida will have traded for Semyon Varlamov
Varlamov will come in and shut the Caps out the rest of the way.
Right?
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions
It’s fun to have a playoff game to look forward to tonight.
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 11:27 AM EST reply actions
It’s fun to have another playoff game to look forward to tonight.
"Haven’t we all been there, kidnapping someone in a rented ambulance, only to get out onto the interstate and then realize that your intended rape victim has escaped and cheated on her boyfriend with his best friend. Man, if I had a nickel…"
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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 Feb 17, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
Right…Game 2 of the FLA series, sort of…
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions
The other night when FLA was playing OTTOWA, who was everyone cheering for?
I thought about it for a bit, but had to hope for an Ottowa win
Ottawa. It’s more beneficial to catch Florida.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions
Right…always root for the 2-pt game. And I’m with you (for now, anyway…) on the 8 seed being the better bet. Catching TOR is probably the easier path. And I may be delusional, but the Rags don’t terrify me.
by mechanicsville on Feb 17, 2012 11:38 AM EST up reply actions
“2011-12 Playoff Qualifier”
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Feb 17, 2012 11:41 AM EST up reply actions
Damn you, Dennis Wideman!
Stephen Whyno:
Alex Ovechkin does not appear to be on the ice for #Caps morning skate. Waiting for word.
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
He’s been traded for Rick Nash.
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 11:34 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Word is it’s an “optional skate” on ye olde twitter.
Somewhere Tracee Hamilton just got tingly
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 11:42 AM EST up reply actions
I had the same thought.
Then I vomited and the visual.
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If they lose tonight, it will be the easiest column she’ll write all year.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 11:48 AM EST up reply actions
Ha – I just tweeted similarly.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
If she can somehow find a way to rip Randy Edsall at the same time, she’ll have hit the zeitgeist harder than a pimply kid hitting that bell thing with the giant hammer at the county fair.
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 11:54 AM EST up reply actions
Let’s not jump to conclusions about why 8 and 15 aren’t skating this morning. Could be anything from feeling ill, to a family issue, to just some soreness, to video sessions, etc.
This doesn’t necessarily mean Ovi is not motivated or trying hard.
And – if it’s an optional skate, then that’s what it means. Ovi may not need the skate, in his opinion, to get ready for tonight. If the coaches wanted him out there, the skate would have been mandatory.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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We can’t rule out that AO woke up too fat to get out his front door.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Feb 17, 2012 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Nor can we rule out that he spent the morning handing out food at a homeless shelter.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
He’s got the missing tooth. I can’t wait for the face tat.
Please, call me F&B.
by Rob Parker on Feb 17, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Sorry. I’m reacting to some tweets I’m seeing more than this board.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
He also may have had to make a steroids run while he’s down in FLA, where the supplier is/was, since that chriopractor got pinched.
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So there is a collective ‘meh’ feeling from the Rink about his Ovi’s absence from the morning skate?
Karl Alzner + John Carlson = Carl Carlson!
I have a very “meh” feeling about it, given his history.
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I’m fairly sure that Marty Brodeur hasn’t taken a morning skate in 15 years.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 11:58 AM EST up reply actions
Snark aside, I do think that, after hearing some criticism from inside his own organization, it would’ve been a smart thing for him to show up at the morning skate.
I remember last year when people were just starting to criticize his laid-back role as captain, they were told to back off because Ovi’s spectacular performance on the ice is what provides the inspiration and leadership for his teammates. Now that his on-ice performance is pedestrian and hardly inspirational, perhaps he should do some of the rah-rah stuff.
by Wilderthing on Feb 17, 2012 12:14 PM EST up reply actions
Headed to meeting of Overachievers Anonymous with my BFF
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Thankfully you remembered the subject line.
"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."
It’s the little things…
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by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Biggest game of the year and he’s not at morning skate. Pretty disappointing unless he has a good excuse.
I just realized, how dare we not give this latest chapter of drama its own name
Kolziggate?
Rockstargate?
Ugh, Problem+Gate is what passes for wit these days. So witty, so unique, and not overdone at all!
Also, shouldn’t optional practices be just that? If everyone was supposed to be there, it’d be mandatory. Maybe rest and/or studying is more useful to some.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
No doubt. I’m not going to get up anyone’s butt for not “setting an example”. People can bash him all he wants for not doing what the public thinks he needs to do in response, but if he’s doing what he thinks he needs to do (like watching tapes or something) then screw what everyone thinks.
Ugh, Problem+Gate is what passes for wit these days
At this point, adding problem+gate isn’t just for wit, it’s just for making fun of the media for putting problem+gate together :)
I know you weren’t being serious, just the media ALWAYS doing that for trite inane problems is really annoying.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Skipping the skate is prob a good idea if Hunter is planning to play him 26+ min again.
by kingbonehead on Feb 17, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions
Lets make sure to over think his performance tonight all night too. If he scores 2, he was a genius for knowing what he needed to be ready. If he goes pointless, his work ethic is horrible.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 17, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Well that’s the way it is with Ovechkin nowadays. Show up for the skate whether it’s mandatory or not. Unless he was sick, or nursing an injury, or his fish died, he’s gotta be out there showing he gives a damn.
After all the crap he gets you’d think he’d want to show that he’s engaged out there and is trying to do whatever he can.
Not for nothing, but just because he is not on the ice, doesn’t mean that he wasn’t involved with the team this morning. He could have been doing a number of things – seeing the trainer, reviewing tape, checking his equipment, etc.
Tell me he was at Hooters or something instead and then there’s an issue.
by Gin and Tonic on Feb 17, 2012 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
Why? So he can get good press? Big fucking deal.
"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
You don’t think it sends a message if the leader of the team is out there busting his ass for every skate, optional or no?
by Murshawursha on Feb 17, 2012 5:29 PM EST up reply actions
@hfialkov
Panthers taking tarps off for big game #flapanthers
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
#hockeybeach?
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by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Fairly interesting (to me) Nooner is up. Wonder what y’all’s take on it is.
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And per Whyno, Knuble’s back in the lineup. Aucoin gets nacho duty.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 12:12 PM EST reply actions
Anyone know where I can get a historical list of who has played on what line this year?
I’ve been so busy I haven’t watched many games lately, but hearing about how Knuble hasn’t produced much makes me wonder if it’s just a byproduct of him not being up there on the top line or two. If we’re talking about Ovi going back to “his old form”, then hell… put Knuble back on the top line with MarJo in the center and let’s see what can happen.
They have a tool like that on Dobber Hockey, but I believe it’s now behind a paywall. You can get data for the last few games though.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 12:18 PM EST up reply actions
I would love nothing more than to see Knuble get 2 dirty goals tonight
by Beakers Lab on Feb 17, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
If he does, doesn’t that mean that Hunter’s motivational strategy worked and he’s a brilliant coach?
by Murshawursha on Feb 17, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions
Why, yes, because as we all know, Dale’s philosophy is sinking in, and soon it will become second nature for our players.
#yummykoolaid
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by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 12:20 PM EST up reply actions
The Knubletrick, 3 goals from a combined distance of 3 feet.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
I prefer to think of the Knubletrick as
1 goal, then get shuffled mid-game to three different lines, the break a small body part (nose, finger, etc)
Better than a Greentrick, a goal, 3 shifts, an injury putting him back to “Day-To-Day”.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Or a semin-trick: Three penalties in the offensive zone in the last 10 minutes of the game while your team is down by 1
If you've read this far...seek help.
by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 12:41 PM EST up reply actions
(Any Caps Goalie)Trick: let in 3 goals from the red line.
"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’m fairly sure at this point that Rick Nash is headed to LA, since I keep hearing twitter noise about how Jack Johnson is now “in play”.
But man that’s an awful lot of long term deals LA would be saddling themselves with. Nash is in the first year of an 8, Richards is in the 4th year of a 12, Kopitar’s in the 3rd of a 7, Doughty’s in the first year of an 8.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 12:33 PM EST reply actions
That’s two stud centers, a stud wing, and a stud D. If you gotta tie yourself to 4 guys for the foreseeable future, I’d be hard pressed to come up with a better group to do it with.
by Murshawursha on Feb 17, 2012 12:35 PM EST up reply actions
How about a foursome that combined for 143 goals and was a combined plus-73 in 2008-2009?
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by ThePeerless on Feb 17, 2012 12:40 PM EST up reply actions
If only there was a chance at seeing Nash in a Caps jersey
Maybe we should have held on to Varly for trade bait for this year :)
I have a huge fan crush on Nash, but I think center is the bigger need right now.
by Murshawursha on Feb 17, 2012 12:48 PM EST up reply actions
Used to like him on the Isles, but geez he’s struggled with injuries and just isn’t the same player anymore. Wonder if it’s about freeing up an active roster slot, as well as a little bit of cap room.
Thirded. $600,000 worth of Cap space. So yes very little.
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
It’s all happening.
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 12:43 PM EST up reply actions
Assuming our hopes that Semin becomes an elite winger again and would sign cheap next year do not come true (?!?!), what possible reason is there not to trade him in the next couple of weeks – regardless of whether we become ‘sellers’ or ‘buyers?’ Yes, his current numbers are among the highest on team, but in an absolute sense they aren’t all that great and, besides, in theory we could get some of that offense back in the trade. By so doing, we would at least get some value for him as opposed to none. We have other more serious factors that will determine whether we make the playoffs than him getting – and staying – hot.
Because they won’t get anything near fair value back so they may as well hope he gets hot and helps them get in the playoffs.
Please, call me F&B.
Pretty much what I was going to reply.
What value do people think Semin brings back in return at this time? What return is required to make trading him more beneficial than keeping him?
What value do people think Semin brings back in return at this time?
So hard to say.
What return is required to make trading him more beneficial than keeping him?This one’s might become a lot easier after this road trip – obviously if things have gone completely sideways, it wouldn’t take a ton to make trading him more beneficial than keeping him.
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As to the first, as has been discussed before and above, 6.7M cap hit, UFA this summer, at least some question as to what his interest level is in playing in the NHL for a team other than the Caps, etc. Agree, hard to say.
As to the second, does a roster player come back in a trade? If no, does it make sense for picks/prospects? For picks? Is trading him for a non-roster player more beneficial than keeping him?
Or is it a trade to free up cap space even if the roster player/cap hit doesn’t come back directly in return, but the freed up space enables the team to make other trades with cap hits coming back?
Obviously UFA and flight risk matter, but I’d assume there’d still be a market for him as a pure rental.
On your second part, just about any and all of those things would be preferable to missing the playoffs and then letting him walk for nothing this summer, no?
I don’t see them moving him as part of a “sell here, buy there” deadline strategy – they’d have to be pure sellers at that point (unless, of course, someone blew their doors off).
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I think so, too, but I do wonder what his reputation is around the League as far as fitting in on a team as a rental and value. Agree many rentals are truly that but some rentals are rent-to-own scenarios, which can change the value and I don’t see that here.
Anything in return is better than nothing, I agree, if they are truly on the outside looking in on 2/27.
Not to mention that interest in a struggling KHL flight-risk is probably near zero.
by Murshawursha on Feb 17, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Flight risk? The Flyers blew $2 million on a guy coming back from the KHL and was a flight risk when signed to that one-year deal (he went back to Russia).
For a rental, I’m not thinking “flight risk” is going to figure much into the calculus, at least for one team. Now, can they get him to play in their team’s concept? That’s going to be the turnoff. Semin plays a lot of the time marching to the beat of a drummer only he hears.
If you've read this far...seek help.
Pelley comparing Boudreau taking over Ducks to Lemaire taking over Devils last season; um, wow, yeah that’s something I didn’t expect to hear/read.
I’d heard similar comments the other night on NHL Home Ice. It really is pretty similar. Neither guy took over a bad team, they took over woefully underachieving teams and got them to overachieve.
I am a hockey fan first, and a Caps fan second.
by iwearstripes on Feb 17, 2012 1:43 PM EST up reply actions
I understand the discussion from a team performance and record since the coaching change perspective, doesn’t mean it’s not surprising to hear a player compare Boudreau and Lemaire.
link to one blog entry on the topic with comments from Pelley about the coaches, etc.
New Lunchbox with special guest Wysh is now showing on the front page. Check ’er out.
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Buccigross:
Salary is certainly an issue but fit and talent is now. 80 percent chance Brandon Dubinsky is traded by deadline.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 1:02 PM EST reply actions
This year? As in, before February 27th?
And if that’s part of a Rick Nash deal, I think the Rangers sacrifice chemistry for talent. Not that Nash is necessarily a bad egg, but the Rangers have a group that works right now. They don’t have enough talent spread through their roster to sacrifice chemistry. More than any other team in the league, they are more than the sum of their parts.
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Then from our perspective, you’d consider that a good deal, 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."
Only if the Caps make the playoffs and meet the Rangers in the first round (really, who else…it’s in the league by-laws). Otherwise, I don’t much care. It’s not as if the Caps can catch the Rangers standings-wise.
If you've read this far...seek help.
True. But my snark meant that if you thought any particular trade/signing would be a stupid thing for the Rangers to do, as a fan of an opposing team, you’d want them to do 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."
Gimme gimme gimme.
Unleash the Apathy.
by D'ohboy on Feb 17, 2012 1:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Dubinsky for Semin! You know you want to Sather.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Semin and Torts. Torts and Semin.
Yeah, no.
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Come on, you know it’d be great! Maybe HBO could make the Sasha & Torts show. Presented by Avery.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
On Hartford Local Access?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Lord knows you can float your way through it if you happen to be more talented than the hacks around you.
Please, call me F&B.
Based on personal experience?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
If Torts already wants to murder Anisimov a half-dozen times a game, I can’t imagine what he’d want to do with Semin when he took his first offensive zone hooking penalty.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 1:50 PM EST up reply actions
Mathieu Garon will start for #TBLightning vs. #Caps tomorrow, Tampa Bay announces
per Whyno.
I’m thinking, “Darn. Where Dwayne when you need him?”
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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He has his hands full
with He-Man right now
by Brainumbc on Feb 17, 2012 1:40 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Ha. Via CSN: “Largest margin in Southeast Division was 2009-10 when Washington beat Atlanta by 38 points”
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On this date in 2010 the Caps were 41-13-8 and had a 27-pt lead over TB in the SE and a 13-pt lead over NJ in the East.
Then again, Ovi was in Vancouver for the Olympics.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…
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Vancouver….there’s something I bet everyone associated with the Caps wishes had never happened.
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Vancouver seems to have been a watershed of sorts for Ovi, doesn’t it?
by kingbonehead on Feb 17, 2012 2:21 PM EST up reply actions
Vancouver, then then the suspension shortly thereafter.
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when Ovi was in Egypt land, let my stubble grow…
by kingbonehead on Feb 17, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
wow, Nashville traded the hometown kid; which also means a Geoffrion in Montreal, wow!
Montréal Canadiens @CanadiensMTL
Canadiens acquire B. Geoffrion, R. Slaney, and 2nd round draft pick in 2012 from NSH for H. Gill and a conditional 5th round pick in 2013
Holy shitballs. Hal fucking Gill just brought back a decent prospect and a 2nd???
Unleash the Apathy.
Right? Sell-ers mar-ket clap clap clapclapclap.
Wideman would bring back such a huge return…
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I’m hearing Wideman would bring back a lot.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:25 PM EST up reply actions
Robert Slaney AND John Slaney, I bet.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Canadiens acquire B. Geoffrion, R. Slaney, and 2nd round draft pick in 2012 from NSH for H. Gill and a conditional 5th round pick in 2013
What would the Caps equivalent be in that trade?
Eakin, Flemming (or maybe Stevenson), and the 2nd we got for Varly?
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Maybe something like an Eakin and a Maxime Lacroix?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:57 PM EST up reply actions
Hadn’t thought about it this way, but to a certain extent, yes. Obviously, Eakin’s younger in age and hockey experience than Geoffrion. Slaney’s a forward, but I’d say more Stevenson than Flemming. I’d expect Nashville’s second is going to be a low 2nd round pick based on current standings and the fact the team is loading up for a run.
Also, I read the 5th rounder going to other way is contingent upon Geoffrion playing a certain number of NHL games during a certain time period.
I disagree on part – Eakin’s much better than Geoffrion.
This trade was Gill for a second. Not much more to it, IMO.
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I think Eakin has more value than Geoffrion right now, I hope his actual play proves this statement, too.
Good – better out West than any of the rumored Eastern teams.
Also, Geoffrion in MTL… no pressure, kid.
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Yup, reason I had 2 wows in my post. Nashville trades the hometown kid and trades him to Montreal.
He’s been in the AHL for a good bit this season; curious if he heads to Montreal or Hamilton to start.
Since he turned pro Geoffrion really only plays in cities with a connection – Milwaukee (he went to Wisconsin), Nashville (home) and now Montreal (family legacy).
Keep that positive attitude, you are going to need it
Blake Geoffrion @BlakeGeoffrion
Wow..what a day…its bitter sweet, going to miss my hometown of nashville, but going to where it all started with my family…MONTREAL!!!
I feel so, so terrible for him, because I don’t see that ending well at all.
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:31 PM EST up reply actions
Ha, I’d guess no, but it’s possible.
I recall one of Boom Boom’s son spoke in French and one in English at the very memorable jersey retirement in Montreal the day he died.
Too bad they aren’t trading a Canadian for an American as that would be more amusing, but Gill is American, too.
does it ever end well in Montreal? Does it ever end well in Montreal for those who have a personal connection to the city?
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Probably not. I think if I were an NHL player, it would be on a short list of places I’d least like to play.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:33 PM EST up reply actions
ehhhhh I dunno really
(is this the first ever locker room, during the press scrum card issued?)
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 2:35 PM EST up reply actions
I had that card!
And wasn’t Savard injured during the ’93 run? I seem to remember him being in a suit when they won the Cup.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:37 PM EST up reply actions
/slow whistle
Classic Poile. Are the Preds trying to become the first team to win the Cup by winning every game 1-0?
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Also, if that’s John Slaney’s kid, I will be checking into the nearest Assisted Living Facility within a matter of hours.
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:20 PM EST up reply actions
Slaney was part of the infamous Brett Lebda Trade the Preds made over the summer.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Saw that. If you’re 23 and haven’t progressed beyond the ECHL, that’s not a good thing.
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:30 PM EST up reply actions
Is it not, crisis averted.
"Haven’t we all been there, kidnapping someone in a rented ambulance, only to get out onto the interstate and then realize that your intended rape victim has escaped and cheated on her boyfriend with his best friend. Man, if I had a nickel…"
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by Bald Pollack on Feb 17, 2012 2:28 PM EST up reply actions
Forgot your question mark ;)
"Now fair's fair Henry. If I nail Hotlips and punch Hawkeye, can I go home too?
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by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:29 PM EST up reply actions
only way to slow down Det is by playing the rarely seen 2-3 setup of 2 wingers 3 def on ice at a time.
Didn't Ron Wilson try that here?
It's not that I hate people, I just seem to feel better when they're not around - Hank Chinaski
z
DGB:
We’re still 10 days away from the deadline, so this marks the first time in history that Hal Gill moved more quickly than other players.
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Ron and Fez 11 to 3
by YvonLabresMoustache on Feb 17, 2012 2:32 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
Ah, the immortal wit of DGB. These are the halcyon days. =)
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Very, very funny. You know, this trade is OK for the Caps. Clearly, Geoffrion won’t hurt us. Most important, however, it means that GMGM won’t get Gill. Whew. I was afraid he would try to get him. Can you imagine him and Harmr together?
That means GMGM will go all in for the other Habs D castoff being mentioned in rumours this trade deadline: Spacek. (snarking…kinda)
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
Matt Moulson has scored more regular season goals over the past two calendar years than Alex Ovechkin.
As you were.
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Ovechkin for Kopitar!
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ha
(assume you know the reason I made the comment is that Moulson used to play for the Kings organization; teammates in the minors in Manchester where one introduced the other to his now wife, etc.); and for OT, there’s a George McPhee connection (not family) to the family, too, based on an article I read, and I assume one reason why their bro-in-law Sean Backman attended Caps development cap a few years ago.
______
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by winterion on Feb 17, 2012 3:11 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
I love guys who are resilient, like Moulson. Drafted by the Penguins. Not signed. Signed by the Kings, but played only 29 NHL games over 3 seasons, and then signs with the Islanders.
I know a lot of his numbers are because of Tavares, but I’m still impressed.
Parenteau is pretty resilient himself for a guy who has spent most of his creer in the AHL.
by Rather Bengt on Feb 17, 2012 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
But if we started playing like it was two years ago AO would get a gajillion goals a night!
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by Bald Pollack on Feb 17, 2012 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
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