Sunday Caps Clips: Tampa Troubles
by EmilyB on Feb 19, 2012 9:00 AM EST
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PrintYour savory Sunday brunch links:
- Recaps and other assorted musings on yesterday's loss from us, Caps365 video (Hunter, Caps players), Vogs, Capitals Voice (audio), NHL.com, WaPo (gamer, blog), WashTimes (gamer, blog, blog), CSNW (Beninati), Peerless, RMNB, DSP, SB Nation DC, Hockey Hourly, and Caps by Puck (pics).
- Wanted: secondary scoring. [KOL]
- KHL President Alexander Medvedev speaks; Evgeny Kuznetsov fans
despairfret. [Puck Daddy] - Trade season and the domino effect. [RTR]
- Speaking of trades, how 'bout Alex Semin? With Good Sasha and Bad Sasha, it's practically a two-fer! [Caps Examiner]
- Finally, eight years ago yesterday, Brooks Laich learned that he had been traded from the capital of Canada to the Capitals of America. Happy Capsiversary, Brooks! [Dump 'n' Chase, BrooksLaichYear]
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Tomas Vokoun’s last eight games…
win
OTL
win
loss
win
OTL
win
loss
…yeesh
If you've read this far...seek help.
Very much worth noting – he has a 1.85 GAA and 937 SV% in those eight games (and a 1.95/.920 mark over those last two losses).
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by J.P. on Feb 19, 2012 9:39 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
So, basically he traded himself from Florida to… Florida. Cool, I’m glad we’re rewarding his incredible skill.
I didn’t see any of the game, but in watching the highlights, I found it discouraging that not only was the first goal the result of sloppy play (in part) by one of his d-men; but the first two sticks to touch the puck after it squirted through were Tampa’s. I guess it can be argued that he shouldn’t have let it get through, but he didn’t get much help. On the Stamkos goal (courtesy of some more careless play), they would have been better off just tripping him and letting TV take his chances on the penalty shot.
Jaromir Jagr is now 40. That's 280 in Jagr years.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Feb 19, 2012 10:06 AM EST up reply actions
That goals was a disaster. Awful turnover… but they recovered alright from it and gave up a shot that he should’ve stopped and frozen… but it leaked through him and Orlov didn’t have Pyatt tied up, so it was an easy tap-in at that point.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Agreed overall a disaster, though Pyatt made a nice play to use Vokoun as a pick and get away from Orlov. But I guess in that case, Orlov should be looking to tie up Vinnie or at least be better prepared for a trickler.
by Dirk Dangler on Feb 19, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions
In a weird coincidence, on February 19, 2011, the Caps’ previous ten game record was 3-5-2. On February 19, 2012, the Caps’ previous ten game record stands at 3-5-2. Actually, the first two months of 2011 tracked fairly closely with 2012, as I’ve been looking through the Rink archives. The change last year came not from within, but at the trade deadline with Wideman and Arnott.
I’m not sure I can see the same difference-makers coming in at this deadline, although maybe that’s just a failure of my imagination.
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Pens re-sign James Neal:
Pierre LeBrun @Real_ESPNLeBrun
Neal’s $30-million, six-year extension with Penguins is straight $5 M per year in salary; no signing bonus, and it’s not front-loaded
Wow that seems high at first blush. I guess they’re convinced the 11/12 version is the real deal. And with the salary cap increasing by $4/5 mill next year (theoretically and pre CBA) it doesn’t look as bad.
by Dirk Dangler on Feb 19, 2012 10:59 AM EST up reply actions
Lets hope he comes crashing down to earth the next year. Gomez style.
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Considering how many shots Neal is taking, it’d have to be Ovechkin style instead. :(
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Feb 19, 2012 1:04 PM EST up reply actions
This team cannot get nor maintain any type of momentum. It’s very strange.
by RCheli on Feb 19, 2012 10:06 AM EST via Android app reply actions
While I missed the game last night (so I don’t know if this was the case), this team has shown a bad habit of coming out flat after goals scored by either team. If they score, they get hemmed in by the other team losing the chance to grab momentum. If they are scored against they come out flat giving the other team momentum. The best example was that awful Nashville game, where they gave Nashville the momentum immediately after they scored with a terrible goal.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions
Last night was a strange one. JP had it right in his recap in that they just looked disjointed all night, even when they were getting the better of the play. Dale seemed to be juggling the lines a little more which may have contributed. And the power play, absolutely putrid.
by Dirk Dangler on Feb 19, 2012 11:10 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe sitting Beagle was a message that hard work is nice, but scoring is needed. And maybe this is true,
Maybe the message received was: if you’re a member of the notably hardest working line, the line gets busted up and you get benched
I used to be a hockey player, but then I took an arrow in the knee
by Icebat on Feb 19, 2012 3:00 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Maybe the message was “You’re not an all-star Defenceman.” I love Beagle, but NHL wise he’s not terribly talented. Hard work is great, but only gets you so far.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
Yeah the Green Roster Factor certainly applied
I was watching the Bolts feed last night and they said Beag’s line had like 9 or 10 SOG in 10 minutes of playing time vs FLA, which is pretty great for a checking line. Need the scoring tho.
I used to be a hockey player, but then I took an arrow in the knee
It’s still shot not directed at your own goaltender. and opponents’ D running around in their own end.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Why was I not thinking of this? Kinda brain farty. It’s Sunday.
SOG’s are usually gravy for a checking line. Your points are more relevant/telling of their success and why you’d like to keep performances/performers like that together.
I used to be a hockey player, but then I took an arrow in the knee
Did anyone see MoJo’s penalty with 3+ min left. I saw him get crosschecked to the ice right before the call (which seemed to be excessive especially as we weren’t a man up), but didn’t see the retaliatory slash. We had some momentum there and that call killed us.
by ShootTheBullets on Feb 19, 2012 10:21 AM EST reply actions
It’s so frustrating to see a guy take a retaliatory swing at someone. You just know he’s going to be the only one called for a penalty when that happens. And you know that they know it too, but just can’t help themselves sometimes. Grrrr.
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
So Beagles sat to make room for Mike Green, I guess.
Was hoping for an encore performance of the “Smokin’ J’s” 4th line.
Some other tme.
Jaromir Jagr is now 40. That's 280 in Jagr years.
by Acer Jonesy's Laughker on Feb 19, 2012 10:37 AM EST reply actions
Updated look at playoff race, with the Caps in 9th as the day starts and 24 games left for our team:
Looking Down
One point ahead of Winnipeg (10th), with two games in hand
Five points ahead of TBL (11th), NYI (12th) and MON (13th) with same games as TBL/NYI and one game in hand to MON
Looking Up
One point behind Toronto (8th), with two games in hand
Five points behind Ottawa (7th), with two games in hand
Seven points behind NJD (6th), but NJD played one more game.
Eight points behind PIT (5th) and PHI (4th), with same games played.
Division
Two points behind Florida (1st SE, 3rd seed), with Caps having played one more game.
if the Cats win their game in hand tonight vs. Ducks, the Capitals will have to beat the Cats on April 5 and earn two more points than the Cats in the other 23 games, as the Caps look likely to hold on to the tie breaker.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Your Rooting Interests on Hockey Day in America
Games That Might Mean Something
Sabres over Penguins
Wild over Bruins
Canadiens over Devils
Ducks over Panthers
Blue Jackets over Rangers
Avalanche over Jets – playoffs before draft picks
Meh games – from a Caps’ perspective:
Sharks @ Red Wings
Blues @ Blackhawks
Preds @ Stars
Canucks @ Oilers
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Nice summary. I still can’t help myself from hoping the Jets put up a 10 spot on Varly/’lanche/Dater. My hatred for Dater runs deep.
by Dirk Dangler on Feb 19, 2012 11:05 AM EST up reply actions
Wouldn’t you want the Stars to win so they can pull some distance keep ahead of COL in the standings?
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 11:09 AM EST up reply actions
I was focused 100% on the Playoffs. If that’s the case, then of course.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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You’re just a contrarian SOB.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
Makes sense though, if we have to worry about who might catch us from behind…how would we ever catch those in front of us in the first place.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions
Time to be sellers unless they can get some longer term contracts that improve the team for Hunter hockey next year. This team is not worth improving for this year particularly if it the cost is prospects or picks. While playing better, playing even with Florida and Tampa is not playoff ready.
You are a point out of a playoff spot and two points out of the SE lead and you want to sell now? No thanks.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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What’s your opinion to those who say to trade the players that clearly aren’t in future plans, but not in the full on seller way?
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions
Who are those players? Semin, Wideman, Vokoun? Schultz, Erskine? Halpern?
I’m for anything that makes this team better short and long run, but I’m not ready to give up on this season, as it appears, for example, the Bolts have by virtue of their trades of Moore and Kubina for nothing that can help them now.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Exactly, the Caps lost to a team in selling mode. What is the point in selling to get into the playoffs when the team has little chance of winning the Cup. And I use the word little generously
There can be a middle road between outright selling and outright buying
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 12:00 PM EST up reply actions
True dat. I guess what I should be saying is we should be improving for next year and not this years playoffs. And that could include both buying and selling
But this isn’t NHL2012. The Caps have very little to offer that will bring anything back…unless it involves some of the younger players that should be in the team’s long term plans (Alzner, Carlson, etc).
so if the caps lose two of the next 3 do you shop him? or should the caps be trying to extend him?
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by cainoo7x on Feb 19, 2012 4:16 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Caps should already know what his asking price is, they should have been talking to his agent since last summer. If he’s in their plans, then you try to work something out (GMGM isn’t opposed to extending guys in-season, right?). If he’s not in your plans, you should already be figuring out what the market for him looks like.
Please, call me F&B.
right so if you are in gmgm’s shoes, are you shopping or extending him?
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Feb 19, 2012 4:20 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I’m waiting to see how Green does before making a decision, but listening just in case any offers come in that I can’t say no to.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:21 PM EST up reply actions
Unfortunately there isn’t a lot of time to evaluate Green before you need to make your move.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Feb 19, 2012 4:24 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Yeah, and because of that I’d probably end up holding on to him till the end of the year, unless Scott Howson calls me up and says “Hey, I’ll give you Jeff Carter for Wideman,” in which case I break an ankle sprinting to the fax machine.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:25 PM EST up reply actions
If I’m in GMGM’s shoes the question is not nearly so simple as “shop or extend?” There are so many variables that impact that decision, all variables that I don’t actually have the access to, that it’s impossible to say. Just one example, if D Wides is willing to extend for 2-3 years at $4 Mill or less, I sign that deal now. If he’s looking for $6+, I’m figuring out what I can get for him.
Then you have to determine how likely it is you think you make the playoffs and do damage if you keep him.
Weigh that against the potential returns.
Put it all together…
Please, call me F&B.
Neglected to note what his contract demands might be and how it is a factor in my response, good call
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
Multiple factors come into play answering that question though. Assuming Green can come back and not have the health issues he’s had recently, you’re already looking at 3 D men on the team that have the offensive upside skillset in Green/Carlson/Orlov. While you could easily make the argument only Green currently matches or exceeds Wideman’s skill set in that department, how many offensive D man do you need who can be a liability defensively like Wideman is.
If Green is back healthy, we’re looking at 8 D men with Green/Alzner/Carlson/Wideman/Hamrlik/Orlov/Schultz/Erskine. Erskine isn’t a top 6 D man ideally, but you’d have to think if we can get a good return for Wideman, we think about it.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:26 PM EST up reply actions
To lay it out, I’m a believer that the Caps don’t have a realistic shot of winning anything even if they sneak into the playoffs. That being said, I think they should be aggressively shopping Vokoun, Wideman and any other players that aren’t building blocks going forward even if it kills any chance of making the playoffs this year.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Feb 19, 2012 4:29 PM EST via Android app up reply actions 1 recs
And yes, I would include all of those players except Ereskine and add Knuble. In truth, we have very few players that excel at what I see as Hunter hockey. I’d put Laich, Backstrom, Ovechkin (when he wants), Brouwer, Erskine, Orlov and alzner. That’s about it.
What exactly is "hunter hockey"....
besides mediocre hockey? The term makes it sound like we hired him
away from the red wings or somesuch. He’s done nothing to spark the team. Granted, the backstrom and green injuries have hurt, but have to say I’ve not been impressed with hunter.
by slipperyice on Feb 19, 2012 11:20 PM EST up reply actions
The top two that come to mind are Knuble and Semin. I don’t think trading either one is giving up on the season. If they were in a situation where they were farther out of the playoffs, I’d say Vokoun, as he definitely has the most value. Trading a guy like Erskine or Halpern isn’t evidence of giving up on the season (even if Halpern is the Caps’ best faceoff man). Schultz should be in their future plans, but with how he’s played, I’m not so sure; however, since he isn’t going to be an UFA, they can wait to see if they want to trade him or not.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
And what do those two bring back? Very little IMO…package the two together and maybe a second and a prospect (or another W or 5/6/7 D) come back.
The deadline is not a buyer’s market. If Moore brings back a second, you don’t think Semin brings in at least a first? Prices and values get heavily inflated during the deadline. Hell, Brendan Witt brought back a first a few years ago (and Kris Beech).
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Not a chance. How many contenders need a Semin? How many of those have the cap space? How many of those 1-3 teams will trade a draft pick for someone who MIGHT bring you a PPG in the Playoffs?
By a quick search of CapGeek the only contenders that can’t afford $6.7MM at the deadline are the Kings, Nucks, and Flyers. And that assumes that no salary moves back the Caps’ way. The Kings can use all the scoring they can find, and I’m sure any team would have a certain level of interest in adding Semin’s talent to their roster for depth for their cup run.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 12:38 PM EST up reply actions
He’s been exceptionally sturdy this year, actually. Only two days out of the lineup that I can recall.
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Penner brought back a 1st, a 3rd, and a good prospect. Kaberle brought back a 1st, a 2nd, and a good prospect. Kris Versteeg brought back a 1st and a 3rd. Mike Fisher brought back a 1st and a conditional.
Prices are highly inflated around this time. Would you trade Semin straight up for those players?
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 12:44 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
How much do you deflate the cost due to the expiring contract?
But, to answer your question, there’s not a clear “yes” among the list.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Kaberle was on an expiring K if I’m not mistaken (checks CapGeek). Penner and Versteeg had 1 full year remaining. And Fisher had 2 years remaining.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 12:49 PM EST up reply actions
Hmm. Primary difference with Kaberle is that he was traded early in the year. Price goes down as games of influence goes down.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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He was traded the 18th. Versteeg and Fisher were traded before him.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 12:53 PM EST up reply actions
I’m trying to decide whether I’d trade Semin right now for a 1st rounder. Not sure.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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The first is the starting point for me. Teams trading for Semin are likely going to lave late round picks. If, say, Columbus wanted to trade their first for Semin straight up, I’d listen. But that ain’t happening.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 12:57 PM EST up reply actions
I’d want more than a 1st unless it was an early pick but teams who would have an early pick most likely wouldn’t trade for an expiring contract.
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Feb 19, 2012 12:58 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
I’d do it in a heartbeat. But then again I don’t think the Caps will go far in the playoffs even if they make it, and I want them to cut ties with Semin in the offseason anyway, so it’s an easy decision.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 19, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
This team can't score now...
Imagine how we’d be without Semin? Granted, he’s had a weak year, but he’s been coming ‘round a bit and fact is we need every goal we can get. I’d trade him now for a player I thought could help us—Roy?—but not single pick.
by slipperyice on Feb 19, 2012 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
The idea is to use his $6.7 million to give raises to some RFAs and then spend some of the rest on FAs (saving some for the 2013 deadline)
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by red army line on Feb 20, 2012 1:00 AM EST up reply actions
look what kubina fetched from the flyers. it seems like they are trying to go all in on this season. wonder what they would trade for vokoun?
I don't want to work, I want to hang on the blog all day.
by cainoo7x on Feb 19, 2012 12:53 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
Except for Vokoun, I’m not sure if getting rid of anyone will have much of an impact on the wins and losses for the year. Halpern would certainly hurt on face offs but that’s a luxury that I think a team headed for the Cup would over value as compared to a 9th seed. I’m realistic that we really don’t have much in the way of value to trade outside of Vokoun but don’t see a reason to keep players around who clearly don’t fit.
I’m for anything that makes this team better short and long run,
In that case, Wideman? He probably could fetch a really nice return. I don’t think Carlson/Orlov manning Wideman’s spot on the PP is too much of a drop-off, and if Green can stay healthy this time, I think 6—>52 makes the PP better. Wideman’s scoring chance percentage, per Neil, is still 48%. The team also has a better plus-minus with 6 off the ice than on-ice at 5v5. I’m not sure how different that is considering only Hunter’s games played, but there are plenty of teams looking for defensive help, and I’m sure there are plenty of undervalued D who will be a lot cheaper (or better) to keep around.
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by red army line on Feb 19, 2012 1:14 PM EST up reply actions
I could get behind that. He would seem to have more value than Semin, at least to me.
He less, um, enigmatic.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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Wideman is far more consistent and durable than Green. Of all the non-LTIR Caps defensemen he plays the hardest the most nights.
Trade Green, use cap space to re-sign Wideman I say.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 2:00 PM EST up reply actions
I’ve been a supporter of this theory for a while, especially if he gets hurt again. But be prepared to be reamed for it, it’s not too popular around here.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 2:02 PM EST up reply actions
Yea I know most Caps fans I seen commenting seem to not actually see how good Wideman has been. They dream of Green and miss what’s right in front of them.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 2:03 PM EST up reply actions
Well, to be fair I think Green is the better D in a vacuum… It’s just I’d rather have a not-as-good version for 75 games than the real thing for 30.
If he comes back from this surgery fully-healed without any complications, I may change my tune.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 2:05 PM EST up reply actions
Wideman is indeed more durable than Green, is probably as good offensively, but is lacking in defensive ability. Green is the better player of the two, when he’s healthy – and that’s the issue.
Failure is always an option.
I’m not saying Green is bad, he is awesome, but Wideman’s hustle and durability trump Green in my book, hands down.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
Durability (ignoring last year) sure. But Wideman’s hustle? Is Green not one of the best skaters around? He seems to have no problem getting to pucks in a hurry.
I would rather trade Wideman than Green, because Wideman is a good offensive defenceman, but Green is the best. And I suspect we would get a lot more in trade for Wideman than for Green, due to health concerns. Why trade a better player for less? Sell high, buy low. Selling Green to make space for Wideman would be the exact opposite of that.
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by Bman21212 on Feb 19, 2012 2:46 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Wideman produces. Green has been a drag on the system.
I don’t think you can say Green has been good at anything for a couple of years, based on stats in actual NHL games played. Wideman, you can.
However my guess is GMGM keeps Green and lets Wideman go, most unfortunately.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 3:26 PM EST up reply actions
Do you not understand how the play runs through Green? Do you not see the absolute difference in the flow of a game when he’s QBing? We’ve had a full season of Dennis Wideman, and while he is good at scoring and defending, he is not a playmaker playrunner like Mike.
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by EmilyB on Feb 19, 2012 3:41 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
Yea Green’s pretty great sometimes. But do you understand injuries?
It’s harder to “understand” Green’s magical playrunning when he barely plays.
And how’s his QBing in the post-season?
Not saying I’d support trading Green over Wideman, but I don’t think it’s as clear cut as you seem to imply.
His most recent injuries (concussion and leg then groin injuries) were sort of freak injuries and he most likely could have come back sooner if he had agreed to the surgery.
He’s now had a full year free of wear and tear on his chassis and as long as the surgical repair has been given enough tome to heal, I think he’s going to be absolutely fine.
I’m looking forward to the next few games.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
but Wideman’s hustle and durability trump Green in my book
The intrawebs have officially gone mad.
by Yoshietree on Feb 19, 2012 3:21 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Mark my words, so many of you worship Green but don’t even see what Wideman really does in-game.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Green’s already shown he can be better than Wideman despite what a lot of us like in Wideman and the thoughts of him being underrated. The best argument for comparative value is durability.
My issue with Green has been his lateral mobility on the PP, and the surgery thing may have helped this. Which would be great for everyone.
I’m kinda glad we have both of em.
I used to be a hockey player, but then I took an arrow in the knee
We’ve seen Wideman Adventures all year. We can have all of that offense from Green…or barring that guys like Carlson and Orlov can pick up those minutes. Defensively Wideman can be a real liability.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:06 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t “worship” Green. Wideman on his best day is Green-lite. This team is damn near infinetly better with Green in the line-up. What you have in Wideman is a career year…historically he’s high-risk, high-reward. Put in simple terms…he’s average (at best) in the defensive zone…and above average in the offensive. Green is better than Wideman in all facets of the game on all areas of the ice.
Wideman (prior to this year) has been most succesful with a strong defensive partner and is currently having the perfect storm of seasons…and smack in the middle of the perfect storm pales in comparison to Green.
I’m delighted by Wideman. I think he has a fantastic on-ice attitude that the entire team should emulate. And he too is an All-Star. But Mike Green is a better hockey player than Dennis Wideman.
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by CapitalCentre on Feb 19, 2012 9:57 PM EST up reply actions
I do like Wideman’s personality a whole hell of a lot more than I like Green’s, for whatever that’s worth.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 10:02 PM EST up reply actions
There is reason behind that though…depending on how rest of the season plays out and Green’s health goes, you could argue that Wideman could have higher contract demands than Green might after this year, or at least equal money. His “all star” offensive numbers are going to drive his price up…while at the same time he’s arguably been a greater liability defensively than Green was during his big offensive years. The only real mark in Wideman’s favor is health concerns, and how the rest of the year goes might determine how much value that should have.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 2:06 PM EST up reply actions
I agree – Wideman can definitely land more than $4M if you ask me. That’s why I think careful thought is needed. It is indeed probably one or the other.
Yes, Green might become durable but let’s be clear Wideman definitely is durable.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 2:09 PM EST up reply actions
Me too. 5+ for sure. I would say that based on his play it’s money well spent.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 3:30 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t know about reamed, but there is a lot of love for 52 here.
I think the challenge with trading Green is that he’ll bring less value than he should because of the injuries.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
There is a lot of love for 52 and deservedly so. Just saying to not see what Wideman brings is to be blinded by love.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
Everyone here sees what Wideman brings, but also what he doesn’t bring. He isn’t nearly as good of a puckmover, he isn’t as good on defense, and he isn’t as physical as Green. And as talented as he is offensively, his numbers can’t compare with Green’s. Green has broken 50 points 3 times, and 70 twice. Wideman has gotten to 50 once. I would love to keep them both, but that is probably impossible. Given the choice, I’m taking the better player – Green.
Failure is always an option.
See, I’ll take Mike Green light at 75 games over Mike Green at 30 any day of the week.
To me, it all depends on how the rest of this season plays out. If Green plays the rest of the reg and the playoffs at full strength, keep him and let Wideman walk. If he goes down with another injury, re-sign D-Wides and look to trade Green’s rights. Doesn’t matter if he’s better if he can’t take a hit without going on IR.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 3:45 PM EST up reply actions
I’d agree with this if Wideman was Mike Green light. He’s not though – he’s far below Green in overall play. Green is a true 1D, capable of playing to an elite level in most situations. Wideman has not been and will not be capable of that.
Failure is always an option.
He’s still no use if he’s spending the majority of the time injured. DiPietro is an elite goalie when healthy, but would you trade Neuvirth for him?
Granted, Green is nowhere near DiPietro levels of injured yet, but I think if he gets hurt again before the season ends I think we have to start seriously considering the possibility that he is in fact made of glass.
Also conceded that Green is significantly more flexible than Wideman. But I think their offensive and PPQB skills are comparable, and we have enough depth that other guys (Alzner, hopefully RAHJC, and maybe Orlov a couple seasons down the road) can pick up the slack in other areas.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:05 PM EST up reply actions
DiPietro is an elite goalie when healthy,
Tangential, but no, he’s not, though he probably was years ago.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Feb 19, 2012 4:13 PM EST up reply actions
had he ever actually established himself as an elite goalie in the NHL? or was it purely expectation based on perceived upside/talent?
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by cainoo7x on Feb 19, 2012 4:15 PM EST via Android app up reply actions
He was for a season or two. Made an all-star game one year even.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
And said “fuck” on national TV when he hurt himself making a save in the skills competition. And said the best way to win the breakaway contest was to set yourself on fire and shoot it top-shelf. It was an all-around hilarious appearance.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:32 PM EST up reply actions
But do you see the point I’m trying to make? It’s irrelevant how good or talented a given player is if they’re never healthy enough to be on the ice to showcase said talent.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:15 PM EST up reply actions
Yes, I do, but I think you’re overstating Green’s injuries and overestimating what Wideman brings.
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 Feb 19, 2012 4:18 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Overstating Green’s injuries, possibly. We’ll have a better idea by the end of the season.
However, I think it’s totally fair to say Wideman is an offensive threat and one of the better PPQBs in the league, with the downside that he’s a liability in his own end.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:20 PM EST up reply actions
I wouldn’t say that Wideman is one of the better PPQBs in the league. Being a scoring threat on the PP and being a PPQB are different things.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 19, 2012 4:27 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
That’s fair. Regardless though, he has the 4th most PPP among defensemen in the league playing on what is widely considered to be an inept powerplay. I think a pretty solid endorsement of his offensive prowess.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:31 PM EST up reply actions
13th in the league isn’t exactly what I would describe as inept. It’s just streaky as hell, and has performed vastly different at home versus on the road.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
I didn’t realize we were actually middle of the pack, I was just judging based on the amount of PP-related complaining I see here on a close-to-daily basis :P
On the flip side, though, do you think we’re 13th without Wideman?
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Probably not, but that brings up the question where do you think we are if Green is in his spot? Even moderately healthy Mike Green.
For context, we’re tied with Detroit % wise for PP success…although that may not take into account their 0 for today.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Curious though we seem to be bouncing between 2 ideas…the PP being terrible and giving Wideman credit for still piling up the PP points he has…or Wideman being the sole reason it’s respectable.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
Either way, it reflects positively on Wideman, no?
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:43 PM EST up reply actions
Only if you think he is THE reason for it. I don’t think he’s played superior to what we’ve seen out of Green in the past. Ovechkin is actually scoring some PP goals this year. I don’t think you can give Wideman all the credit.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
I’m trying to find some kind of way to find a list of the Caps’ powerplay goals by who scored and assisted on them. All I could find was that Ovie leads the team with 19 PPP, while Wides and Nicky are T2 with 18.
In general, I think it’s probably synergistic. Wides probably has so many points because Ovie’s scoring, but I’d bet Ovie’s resurgence is benefiting from having Wideman on the point, at least a little bit.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
I kinda like Jacob over Edward.
Vampires are supposed to be evil and not wear khaki pants and be all kissy-kissy.
Sure Jacob can have a temper sometimes, but he’s a stand up guy and you don’t have to worry about becoming undead just to have a meaningful relationship.
But underneath it all we know Edward is the Chosen One no matter which one you like
I used to be a hockey player, but then I took an arrow in the knee
Oh, no question I think we’re as good or better if Green is in the lineup full-time, but then, you’ll never ever hear me argue that Wideman is a better D than Green. My only issue is that Wideman is more durable, and would be a better option if Green is going to spend huge chunks of time out with injuries every season.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
See, I’ll take Mike Green light at 75 games over Mike Green at 30 any day of the week.
We make this joke a lot, that Mike Green can’t play more than 30 games, but I imagine if he can’t reliably hit thirty he’ll retire. Before 08-09 he hadn’t had injury problems since his first year of juniors.
Also, I think Green is a significantly superior puck carrier. I don’t think Wideman is quite as proficient in that element of his game. There’s also that whole being able to break out of your own zone for at least 25/60 mins that Green helps with.
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I believe in next year.
by red army line on Feb 19, 2012 4:12 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah, and I think the comeback from this surgery is going to be very telling with regard to his susceptibility to injuries. Like Em said above, this was supposed to be the fix for all the wear and tear, and if it really was and he comes back fully healed and plays the rest of the season in perfect health, we’re in good shape and we keep Green. But if he comes back from this surgery that was supposed to fix all his problems and gets hurt AGAIN, then we have a real problem on our hands. And if it gets to the point where he does have to retire, or he just can’t play, I’d love to be able to have Wideman step in to pick up the offensive slack, because even if he isn’t as good as Green, he’s still better offensively and on the PP than any of our other defensemen at the moment.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:19 PM EST up reply actions
That’s a difficult question. A lot depends on his salary demands. I’d probably be willing to do 5ish years @ $4 million a pop, but if he’s looking for $5mil plus, I’d probably offer two or three years. Maybe more if something happens to Green before the end of the year that makes it abundantly clear he’s an injury risk for the rest of his career.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:36 PM EST up reply actions
So if/when Orlov and Carlson are better options both offensively and defensively, what does that leave you? (And that ignores the possibility of acquiring another offensive D via draft or trade.)
Please, call me F&B.
At that point I look at shopping Wideman or Orlov/Carlson.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think I would do more than 3 years at all really. Unless you have plans to move one or more of Green/Carlson/Orlov
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
I’m only looking at the extension in the first place if I’m reasonably certain Green’s going to be an injury risk for the rest of his career, in which case I’d probably try to move his rights ASAP. As far as RAHJC or Orlov go, I’d be willing to move one (but not both) of them in a deal for a legit 2C if it came along.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:42 PM EST up reply actions
I just think it’s way too soon to think Green is only going to be a 30 games a year player. Because if GMGM thinks this, no way we aren’t moving him or letting him go.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:45 PM EST up reply actions
I think another injury post-surgery would be a pretty good indication. I also think if Green finishes the year in peak shape with no issues, we let Wideman walk and take our chances.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:46 PM EST up reply actions
The only thing that worries me about Green over someone like Semin is the possible recurring nature of an injury. Semin has been noted as not being “the most durable” over the years, with his average over the last 5 years at 68 GP (on pace for 76 this year). With Semin it’s always seemed to be one moderate injury that would keep him out of the lineup for a period of games, maybe missing another couple of games with some nagging stuff over the course of the year.
I’m hoping the surgery fixed Greenie’s problem, but only time will tell.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:50 PM EST up reply actions
Green is talented but overrated--especially because...
he’s ALWAYS banged up or hurt. It would have been smart to trade him earlier; his value is probably still fairly high but has been dropping—like semin.
by slipperyice on Feb 19, 2012 11:32 PM EST up reply actions
Point being…players get hurt in hockey. Malkin missed 55 out of 162 games over the last couple of years. You wouldn’t want him on your team?
Didn’t Malkin miss the majority of his time with a single injury though (ACL or MCL if I recall)? Part of the reason I worry so much about Green is that he’s managed to hurt nearly every part of his body over the past 12 months.
by Murshawursha on Feb 20, 2012 12:18 AM EST up reply actions
Personally I hope they’re not too focused on getting players for “Hunter hockey” next year. Probably unfair to Dale to draw conclusions based on half a season but am at the point I’ll be disappointed if Dale is behind the bench next season (and I reserve the right to change my mind if the miraculous happens).
by Dirk Dangler on Feb 19, 2012 11:14 AM EST up reply actions 3 recs
Prepare to be disappointed. Unless Dale quits, I believe he is here next season.
Per your point, it is unfair to draw conclusions of a coach that comes on mid-season, except in the most dire of circumstances. You need to give the guy a summer to prep for next year. I also don’t see the Caps’ embarrassing one of their franchise hero’s.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
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by STLSpidey on Feb 19, 2012 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 2 recs
If it is GMGM’s plan to have Hunter here next year, which seems likely, then start building a team that he seems to need/want. If you believe that means defenseman who can play shut down man defense and wingers willing to work the corners, then start getting them now. If you can’t don’t get rid of assets that can be used next year to do this. And we will need to look outside our organization because the minors don’t have these players either.
Why pay a premium to do it in March when your choices will be more available in July?
"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 19, 2012 12:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
In my opinion, last year’s major contracts – Laich, Ward, Hamr, Chimmer (to a lesser extent) – were for ‘Hunter hockey’ players, which is certainly one of the reason why we have inadequate secondary scoring this year.
by Wilderthing on Feb 19, 2012 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
I’d agree with that for the most part. I’m hopeful a training camp will help reaclimate these guys. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not necessarily a fan of Hunter hockey or convinced he has the ability to win as a coach in the NHL. It just seems clear that is where we are headed.
Well, between age and regression to the mean, reaclimation is not going to happen. The irony of all this is that GMGM’s contracts last year were for ‘Hunter’ players, as opposed to the ‘soft’ run & gunners of the Boudreau era. So, now that we have Hunter and Hunter guys on the ice, we still can’t win. Something is askew here.
by Wilderthing on Feb 19, 2012 12:21 PM EST up reply actions
Dale Hunter is the future. Look at how Boston, Rangers, Blues play.
This is what Dale Hunter can deliver. If GM does not get him players that will play his system, then the Caps will not win in playoffs. Current staff is not rugged enough yet, as a group.
You can doubt Hunter all you want but trust me he is trying to build a Cup winning system and team. Run & gun will not win in playoffs. BB has not been doing run & gun with Ducks.
Dream of the past if you must but I for one want the Caps to win a Cup – not just to be the regular season, high-scoring ticket machine, playoffs flop of the recent past.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions
His hiring means Dale Hunter style hockey is what gmgm wants. I would hope prospects for Dale’s future remain undetermined behind the curtain. Aside from the experience thing, I’ve heard more than one analyst say his specific implementation is old and outdated.
But he could be a genius if old is the new new.
Of course I could look like a genius if the Caps players were scoring like they’re supposed to.
I used to be a hockey player, but then I took an arrow in the knee
by Icebat on Feb 19, 2012 3:14 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Bruins, Rangers, Blues. Three examples of grit, energy and focus. Hustle, defense, hitting.
Lots of words that don’t describe the Caps 60 min per game, game after game. Same words you hear Hunter asking for.
Introduce chaos to other teams plans with hitting, clearing crease like you mean it and in-your-face play. Strike when you wear other team down.
Call it old fashioned, listen to analysts, believe whatever you want.
But I am a fan of Dale Hunter.
Fan of: Dale Fuckin' Hunter
by sickleandhammer on Feb 19, 2012 3:46 PM EST up reply actions
I can’t help but notice the irony of this particular position being advanced by someone with the name “sickleandhammer.”
Please, call me F&B.
The rangers and blues have experienced NHL, cup-winning...
coaches. Hunter is completely inexperienced as an nhl coach—and I don’t think the team has responded to him; the overall play since he took over has been meh. Don’t think he was a good hire. Every coach is /trying/ to implement a “cup-winning” system—that doesn’t mean they can do it.
by slipperyice on Feb 19, 2012 11:39 PM EST up reply actions
Brian Sutherby’s take (posted at oilersnation) on being traded and the deadline link
I put up the OT Hockey thread a little early:
http://www.japersrink.com/2012/2/19/2809902/ot-hockey-2-19-hockey-day-in-the-usa
Go Ducks.
Go (gulp) ’Lanche.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I will not click. My guesses:
1. Needs to carry the team/put the team on his back/set an example
2. Has to stop floating in the defensive zone
3. Must score, but he can’t do it all
4. Still hasn’t shown he can win.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
It’s from Feb 16 so – Rock Star!
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I’ll amend my previous post:
1. Can you believe Kolzig called him out? Yes.
2. Will it work? Remains to be seen.
3. Needs to carry the team/put the team on his back/set an example
4. Has to stop floating in the defensive zone
5. Must score, but he can’t do it all
6. Still hasn’t shown he can win.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
4a. Crosby has a cup.
"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
4b. And he has a gold. Why couldn’t Ovi carry his team in the Olympics like Crosby did. Team Russia and Team Canada were equally deep. Actually, Team Canada was the underdog. Yet they managed to win, all due to Crosby.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
4c Sid was the sole reason his team won the Cup, and the sole reason his team got through the knockout stages in the Olympics.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 2:08 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder if Sidney Crosby has Zack Parise on his Christmas card list. ;) If Parise doesn’t score that goal …
Should extend the list to Fleury/Malkin/Talbot for helping bring home the Cup for him too then. He didn’t exactly light it up in the series they won against Detroit.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:08 PM EST up reply actions
Max is prolly off his xmas card list now.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Good point
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
16-11-27, +4 for Max this season. I haven’t even thought of him in months.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
I was thinking of him mainly in the Detroit series…while Sid was 1/2/3 over 7 games and a -3 (something like that) and sitting on the bench for almost all of the final 2 periods of Game 7, Max was providing all the offense needed to win the Cup in that last game.
Everything ends badly...otherwise it wouldn't end.
by Davethecapsfan on Feb 19, 2012 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
Sadly, I can’t say I disagree with any of those 4 points…
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
Further Playoff Obsession
I’ve taken a look at the remaining schedules of the Caps, Panthers, Jets, Leafs and Senators. Here are a few fun facts:
- Every team has more home games than road games left, except the Capitals, who have an even split.
- The Jets have 13 games and home and 9 on the road — the biggest differential.
- Longest home stands — 7G (Jets), 5G (Caps), 4G (Panthers and Leafs (twice)), 3G (Sens (twice))
- Longest road trips — 5G (Caps and Leafs), 4G (Panthers and Jets), 3G (Sens)
- Back-to-Backs — 5 times (Panthers and Leafs), 4 times (Caps and Sens), 3 times (Jets)
- Games out of home time zone — 8G (Jets), 2G (Caps, Panthers), 1G (Leafs, Sens)
- Games against teams with fewer points as of today: 17G (Panthers), 12G (Caps), 11G (Sens), 8G (Jets), 6G (Leafs)
Key Matchups/Three-Point Potential
- Caps play Florida and Ottawa once, Jets and Leafs twice — 6 key games (3H, 3A).
- Florida plays Caps and Ottawa once, Jets and Leafs twice — 6 key games (3H, 3A)
- Senators play Caps, Florida, Jets, and Leafs once — 4 key games (2H, 2A)
- Leafs play Capitals and Panthers twice, Ottawa once, and do not play the Jets in remaining games – 5 key games (3H, 2A)
- Jets play Capitals and Panthers twice, Senators once, and do not play the Leafs in remaining games – 5 key games (2H, 3A)
There is no single night when there is more than one “key matchup” on the schedule. The latest “key matchup” is game 81 between the Caps and Panthers at Verizon.
Important common opponents – Boston (8G), Buffalo (6G), Carolina (10G, including 2H/2A vs. Panthers), Islanders (8G, including 1H/2A vs. Senators), Philadelphia (8G)
Ottawa continues to have played more games than all other teams until March 23, when the Sens, Caps, Panthers, and Leafs all play game 75. The Jets play game 74 that night.
The teams even out in games played for the first time on March 30, with 78 games. They all play games 81 and 82 on the same days.
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Feb 19, 2012 12:23 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Sky Kerstein @SkyKerstein
#Caps announce they’ve assigned Keith Aucoin to Hershey #HBH
Opens up a roster spot and a small amount of cap space.
Do you have a chip in your head that beeps every time the Caps or one of their farm clubs makes a move?
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Feb 19, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
She has something like the Bat Signal rigged up for all Caps roster moves.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Feb 19, 2012 12:34 PM EST up reply actions
Somebody (maybe Whyno?) was saying that caps have about $1 million in cap space without Aucoin on roster…since no extra forward around they just go with 7 D if a forward gets hurt I suppose.
Beagle was a healthy scratch last night, wasn’t he?
I posted this in the fanpost about the trade deadline, but I’ll put the info. here, too. With Green off of LTIR and Aucoin sent back to Hershey.
- By my math, using my numbers and checking against CapGeek, approximately $840,000 in cap space available; however, assuming CapGeek’s information is accurate that a portion of Orlov’s performance bonus is no longer attainable that figure increases to approximately $950,000 available.
Pretty close to CapGeek’s numbers in a tweet from last night: "Updated deadline numbers for #NHL #Capitals with Green back. ~$480k with Aucoin up, ~$1m with Aucoin down, $7.2m-$7.7m if Backstrom to LTI."
Can he make it to Bridgeport by 2:30?
Paper transaction?
"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."
Based on Stuccio’s tweet, doesn’t sound like they are expecting him.
Scott Stuccio @ScottStuccio
Keith Aucoin assigned to @TheHersheyBears from #Caps. He is not available here in Bridgeport. #hbh
Aucoin’s assignment frees up a roster spot, frees up some cap space and stops the waiver clock (days on NHL roster) from counting for Aucoin.
Right now, what we need is less muscle and more talent.
Semin is playing far better than Ovechkin. He’s winning battles and creating opportunities for his linemates. All I see is Ovechkin trying to do everything by himself and losing possession of the puck on the opposing blue line. You trade Semin for picks now and our offense will suffer a very big hit.
I understand McPhee trying to make us a tougher team, but he’s sacrificing speed and skill in the process.
by brazilianbeast on Feb 19, 2012 12:33 PM EST reply actions
Semin one a lot of puck battles along the boards last night.
Sweet pass from Ovechkin to Mojo all alone in front of the goal last night…
and the 4 complete fans by Ovi and the 1,346,287,899 passes by all of the Capitals to A) A Tampa Bay player B) An empty patch of ice with no Capital in sight.
They played like Sh*t
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Feb 19, 2012 1:30 PM EST up reply actions
Semin is playing far better than Ovechkin.
For the last two weeks. The next two weeks Semin is just as likely to be one of the worst forwards on the team.
I didn’t think Ovie was terrible last night. Almost scored a goal, should’ve set one up if MarJo wasn’t terrible right now.
"By far the worst performers on the (R*dskins) are in the front office." – Sally Jenkins
he was one of the worst, in my opinion. MoJo and Hendricks had a terrible game too.
by brazilianbeast on Feb 19, 2012 9:09 PM EST up reply actions
Since it is a bit depressing these days conjecturing about the state of our beloved Caps, I thought I would introduce another topic of potential importance to the hockey world. Namely, the role – both commercial and actual consumption of – ‘lite’ (they can’t even spell it correctly because it is so offensive) beer. Even our captain Ovi has been associated with Bud (ugh) lite. (Perhaps, by the way, this is contributing to his drop off in production.) I recommend that the NHL immediately issue a cease and desist order for all hockey players to stop drinking and endorsing ‘lite’ beer. Why in the name of Ogie Oglethorpe are hockey players even associating with this watery swill? Doesn’t anyone remember the good ol’ days of Johnny Pie Mckensie or Bobby Hull taking out their teeth and drinking real beer! Now we’re talking real hockey….and beer, a true, beautiful natural combination if there were ever one.
Avatars are nice.
Random note, but could you get an avatar Wilderthing? Your lack of one A, makes it slightly harder to see who wrote what, and B, mess up the formatting. The text wraps around avatars, but if you don’t have one you get cut off, making me either scroll or skip the comment.
Proud member of the Popsicle Division of the Cupcake Conference.
by Bman21212 on Feb 19, 2012 3:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
. . . .
Great point. Consider the avatar police activated.
Could start with this from the movie Wild Things:
Nice guys finish first, but sometimes the season is awfully long.
Follow me on Twitter.
by STLSpidey on Feb 19, 2012 3:07 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
or this ....
I know not as appealing 
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Feb 19, 2012 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
Crosby not mentioned or mentioned … he wasn’t mentioned at all. Mr Datsyuk on the other hand ….. BEAST
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Feb 19, 2012 2:53 PM EST up reply actions
Did you look at the runner-up lists at all? First runner-up for Best Skater, first runner-up for Smartest Player, second runner-up for Most Difficult to Play Against, second runner-up for Most difficult to Take the Puck From, Second runner-up for Most Difficult to Stop (voted by goalies), first runner-up for Best Role Model, third runner-up for Most Difficult Forward to Play Against.
That’s 7 mentions out of like 11 categories he was eligible for. I dunno about anyone else, but a guy who can’t skate without getting dizzy doesn’t strike me as difficult to play against or take the puck from.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 3:29 PM EST up reply actions
Because players assume his career isn’t over and they are smart enough to remember his body of work prior to the last year. Just because he’s injured it doesn’t mean he is no longer one of the best (if not the best) players in the world. I don’t see the problem, seeing as how he deserves a mention for most of those categories.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 19, 2012 4:24 PM EST up reply actions
I dunno. I don’t think it’s fair to vote him near the top of those categories for 2011-2012 since he’s played <10 games in 2011-2012, regardless of how good he’s been in other seasons. Somebody who’s done all that stuff THIS SEASON deserves it more IMO.
I’m okay with him still being voted role model and stuff, because that’s still something he’s done this year. But the on-ice stuff? Not so much.
by Murshawursha on Feb 19, 2012 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
Well the poll doesn’t specify the year, it just asks best skater, hardest to defend, etc. And the fact that Datsyuk was well ahead of Crosby in all the voting shows that the players did place more emphasis on this year. But they didn’t, nor should they have, ignore Crosby just because he has barely played this season.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Feb 19, 2012 6:13 PM EST up reply actions
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