Friday, October 4, 2013
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Thursday, April 16, 2009
We MOVED On Up
To a deluxe blog hosted by Bloguin.That's right. Capitals Kremlin is now a member of the Bloguin.
So what are you doing here anyway! Get over to the NEW Capitals Kremlin!
Just click on the jalopy to your left, or any of the links we scattered about.
- Reed "CK"
How Thin is the Ice For Theo?
Today's big topic of discussion? Varlamov (or if you're Lisa Hillary, Var-MA-lov) or Theodore in Game 2?
There's no beating around the bush here. Theodore was awful in his Capitals postseason debut. Just about as awful as he was in his Capitals regular season debut, but to his credit, the defense didn't exactly show up to play either -- on both occasions.
In the last two games, Florida and New York, Theodore has more than lived up to his nickname, "Three Or More," with a 5.00 GAA. The save percentage isn't much better, it's an embarrassing .838.
Looking at Theodore's recent postseason past, last night's game isn't exactly a far cry from what he's used to.
He opened last year's playoffs with a 3-2 win over the Wild, and then dropped two straight one goal games, 3-2. After that, he won three straight with 5-1, 3-2 and 2-1 margins of victory. He then dropped all four to the Red Wings, allowing more four or more goals in all of those games.
No word on how soft those goals were, but considering how many one goal games he had, and he was on a defensive minded team in Colorado, there's room for optimism.
Considering that in spite of a Theodorian effort in net, and a non-existent defense at times, the Capitals only lost by one goal. Theodore doesn't need to play like Vezina for the Capitals to win this series, he just needs to be decent. The Capitals offense is more than capable of carrying Theodore on their backs, but the jury is still out on if Theo can carry the Capitals.
So given last night's performance, and Theodore's past, is it really plausible that the Capitals should take the risk of running with Varlamov in the aftermath of a one goal game?
There's no beating around the bush here. Theodore was awful in his Capitals postseason debut. Just about as awful as he was in his Capitals regular season debut, but to his credit, the defense didn't exactly show up to play either -- on both occasions.
In the last two games, Florida and New York, Theodore has more than lived up to his nickname, "Three Or More," with a 5.00 GAA. The save percentage isn't much better, it's an embarrassing .838.
Looking at Theodore's recent postseason past, last night's game isn't exactly a far cry from what he's used to.
He opened last year's playoffs with a 3-2 win over the Wild, and then dropped two straight one goal games, 3-2. After that, he won three straight with 5-1, 3-2 and 2-1 margins of victory. He then dropped all four to the Red Wings, allowing more four or more goals in all of those games.
No word on how soft those goals were, but considering how many one goal games he had, and he was on a defensive minded team in Colorado, there's room for optimism.
Considering that in spite of a Theodorian effort in net, and a non-existent defense at times, the Capitals only lost by one goal. Theodore doesn't need to play like Vezina for the Capitals to win this series, he just needs to be decent. The Capitals offense is more than capable of carrying Theodore on their backs, but the jury is still out on if Theo can carry the Capitals.
So given last night's performance, and Theodore's past, is it really plausible that the Capitals should take the risk of running with Varlamov in the aftermath of a one goal game?
The Aftermath: Game One
Clunk...rump....clunk...squishHear that? That's the sound of Theodore being thrown under the bus. It's okay, he already threw himself under there, so go ahead and stare as the Caps Fan Express repeatedly rolls back and forth over him.
While many fans, bloggers and analysts will continue to bang on the "Theo sucks!" drum, allow me to deviate for a few moments before I grab my mallet and start hitting with you.
The Good
Caps outshot the Rangers 14-4 in the first period. Not scoring with that sort of offensive production is rare. If the Caps did that every game, good lord.
Alex Ovechkin showed up to play: He had two assists and 13 shots on goal. Henrik isn't going to stop 13 shots from Ovie every single night, and it's amazing he was able to stop many of them tonight.
Alex Ovechkin also led the team in hits given, 6. Yeah, he's in playoff form.
The next man behind him? John Erskine, with 5. Erskine needs to bring his physical game every night if the Caps want to win; this is a great start.
Viktor Kozlov got his first NHL playoff goal. Good on him. He also got the goal at a key time, when the Caps were down 3-1 going out in the second. His goal created an enormous amount of momentum, and the Caps need guys like Kozlov to contribute.
The Caps destroyed in the faceoff circle. Boyd Gordon was 80% on the night, and the Caps as a team won 70% of their faceoffs.
Speaking of faceoffs, the Capitals won 80% of their shorthanded faceoffs. Glad to have you back, Boyd. Seriously.
Caps power play went two for seven, which is good and bad. Good because the Rangers were called for lots of penalties, bad because, well, you can see below.
The Bad
Jose Theodore's first goal: Seriously?In his defense, the officiating was horrible on that first goal. The refs missed two calls, a trip and an interference (correct me if I'm wrong), which enabled Gomez to have that breakaway.
Still, that wasn't the hardest shot in the world, and you need to save those in the playoffs.
Jeff Schultz's jock is still somewhere in the Verizon Center. If you find it, burn it, he doesn't deserve it after that play. He got schooled by Brandon Dubinsky with a through-the-legs pass, and then fell to the ice and watched.
But enough joking around on Schultz. To be honest, Sarge didn't have such a bad game until that moment, but sadly, you're remembered for what you didn't do when you lose. I expect Schultz to bounce back, but let's be honest, that was a nightmare of a play for Schultz.
Live, learn, move on.
What good is it to have Brooks Laich screening Lundqvist on the power play if you're not going to shoot at him. Memo to Green and Ovechkin, don't pass back-and-forth nonstop when you have a guy screening, unleash that dragon and let Laich collect the rebound/deflect it!
Okay that's not really bad, just an observation, Caps could stand to shoot more on the PP when Laich is up front.
Tonight's Avery Effect Scale: Category 2 Avery.
Avery went after Mike Green (called it) and was the perfect pest. His late game spat with Theo looks like trouble, and Ovechkin is actively trying to clock Avery with a big-rig check. Yup, we're playing into his hands, boys.
Also, the DC Sports Bog, almost on cue, has a story about Avery and his agitation. Category 2 Avery confirmed.
In conclusion
Tough loss in a game that started as pure domination, turned into dominated, and then went into a hair-raising third period.If the goaltending was just a little bit better, and the defense was a little bit sharper, this would have been a win -- an ugly win, but a win.
Theo needs to get focused, the defense needs to tighten up, and the Capitals need to keep pounding away at Lundqvist with shots.
Hey, at least we weren't as bad as Philly. ::shutter::
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Why We'll Lose -- Five Playoff Pitfalls
We're just about an hour away from the puck drop, and judging from some of the fans' attitudes toward the New York Rangers you'd think that rose-colored glasses were the fan giveaway.I'm a fan myself. I want to win as much as you do, but for a moment let's be realistic. Fans are at their best when they are being critical of their own team, and it's for that reason I've decided to list the five reasons the Capitals will exit the playoffs.
#5: Discipline
If you're like me, then you're getting sick of offensive zone stick penalties. The Capitals have earned the second highest amount of PIMs this year, and they're not doing it through fighting majors. Skill players can often get caught being desperate when they blow an assignment or get caught off-guard. Considering the Capitals' penalty kill is not in the top half of the league, if the Caps are on the penalty kill consistently, the Caps will lose consistently.
#4: Falling off the system
The Capitals don't necessarily lose to bad teams -- it's more or less that they beat themselves in those games. The Capitals' offensive system is a flashy, exciting brand of hockey, but when the Caps find the offensive wheels spinning in mud, they resort to selfish plays and high-risk passes. If the Capitals fall out of their system, their offense falls apart, and then it's up to Jose Theodore to save the day. Whoopie.
#3: Run Run Theo
The Philadelphia Flyers absolutely had their way with Cristobal Huet. They ran him left and right, they got in his face, they never gave him a chance to settle down and play. Did Erskine dish out any punishment? Did Brashear get in the Flyers' faces? No. When the Caps finally began to stick up for Huet, it was Game Seven. So does it surprise you that if Theodore gets the Huet treatment, they'll have one shaky goalie between their pipes who's not focused on stopping the puck?
#2: One Liners
Not only can the Capitals not fall into a one-track-mind offensive system, but they also need to rely on secondary scorers if they want to advance. Let's face it, when Mike Green, Alex Semin, Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom are on the same line, it's usually because a) it's a power play or b) we are desperately looking for a goal. If Eric Fehr, Brooks Laich, Sergei Fedorov and Tomas Fleischmann don't step up and put goals in the net, it's going to be tough to advance. It's possible, the Ottawa Senators advanced years ago with one line, but they didn't win a Cup. Just marinate on that.
#1: Don't put it all on Theo
Here's my favorite prognostication that EVERYONE is making. "Theodore has to be great if the Caps wan't to win." Um, no, how about the defense needs to give Theodore a chance? I'm not saying Theodore is the greatest goalie ever, and I'm not excusing soft goals and poor play, but I will say this: Theodore's play is almost always connected to the defense's play. If the defense is poor, how can you expect Theodore to be great? Great goaltenders usually have great defenses in front of them; do you think Marty Brodeur wins every game by himself? Theodore needs to be good, he could be average and the Caps could still win, but if the Caps defense doesn't give Theo the support he needs, we're not going anywhere this postseason.
If we can avoid those pitfalls, who knows what we can achieve? This team has the talent to do great things, that is, if they can focus and play smart hockey.
T-minus one hour til puck drop.
LET'S GO CAPS
Hard Rocking the Red
h/t to Eric McErlainIt seems that the rock band persona that the Capitals embody for their pre-game videos has inspired actual rock bands to don the team colors on stage.
Meet Misery Index, a group of scruffy hard-rockers who love the Caps as much as we do.
Check out the article here.
"But the metal band doing the most day-to-day grunt work to support the Caps is the Baltimore-Silver Spring four-piece Misery Index. Guitarist Sparky Voyles can usually be found sporting one of his many Caps or Hershey Bears jerseys on stage — often tailoring what he wears to provoke the crowd if he's in a rival town, or to pay compliments to a current Caps player who made time in other cities (i.e., he dons Donald Brasher gear in Philly, Montreal and Vancouver).
Like Misery Index bassist-vocalist Jason Netherton, Voyle has been going to games since the early 1980s, living and dying with every Capitals playoff heartbreaker."
"Ovie and the Caps" might be able to get a party started, but these guys look like they'll kick your teeth in and then wail out a slick guitar solo if you so much as look cock-eyed at their Caps jerseys.
For some reason I keep getting the image of the Guitar Hero commercial where Coach K and their others slide out in the underwear, only to be told by Metallica that in order to rock out pants must be worn (The Red Hot Chili Peppers disagree).
I just imagine the Caps sliding out holding their little guitars and then Misery Index looking at them and face palming. Yeah the boys could use some serious help in the "rocking out" department.
Perhaps Misery Index could provide some tips.
Blogger Superstitions
Do you wear a specific jersey to a game? Do you have a special chair that only you may sit in? Have you ever thrown a hissy fit because something wasn't exactly as it was supposed to be before a game?Just like the NHL players we adore, fans adhere to their own strange and odd superstitions. Others take pleasure in seeing others torture themselves with stupid beliefs that are usually futile.
As someone who follows a few quirky pre-game rituals myself, I decided that I would go in search of other hockey bloggers who may be a little loony before the puck drops.
We asked some of the blogosphere's best to contribute, but just a few schmoes responded...
Greg Wyshynski - Editor of Puck Daddy
"I will reveal two superstitions from when I was a wee lad in Matawan, NJ that I'm not sure I ever revealed before on the Web.
I used to believe that the New Jersey Devils' play could be affected by my drinking pink lemonade from a specific plastic cup in the house, with ice cubes. If I failed to properly execute this voodoo ... well, how do you think Matteau scored in Game 7 of the Rangers series in 1994, huh?
It was my fault.
It was my fault.
DC Sports Chick - On Frozen Blog
My husband is significantly superstitious when it concerns the Capitals. He frequently only wears certain jerseys, T-shirts, or hats (or combination thereof) if it "works" when the Caps win. If they lose, I'll never see him wear that combination or even various articles of clothing again, even when the Caps aren't playing or if hockey is out of season. In fact, we just had a long conversation yesterday where he was debating the merits of wearing his red Clark jersey or his Ovechkin "Rock the Red" shirt to tomorrow night's game. Normally I just laugh at him when he has these discussions, but I know the playoffs are serious business.
Vance and Denson - BanginPanger.com
It's funny. There's two of us that write over at BanginPanger, and we couldn't be more polar opposites when it comes to superstitions. Myself? I don't buy into it, as a matter of fact, I will literally antagonize anyone into doing their little sideshow good luck dance a) because it's funny as hell and b) they actually believe knocking on wood will alter the course of the contest. The closest thing a superstition I've got? Well, I do go by hunches as to what jersey to wear, does that count? No? Oh well, still don't care.
So if you couldn't figure it out, Denson goes all out, constantly knocking on wood, wearing the same clothes - down to the socks (unwashed), sitting in the same seat for each game, drinking the same drinks, it goes on and on. One time, one of his buddies wasn't there, but I wasn't allowed to sit in his seat, I sat in it anyway. They still won. I must've upheld the spirit of the Pittsburgh fan, or something. Oh well, still don't care.
Kevin Schultz - Barry Melrose Rocks
Playoff superstitions? You kidding me? PLAYOFF superstitions? I just hope we can win another game!
It's kind of hard to have any playoff superstitions when you're an Islanders fan. I've been to exactly one Islander playoff game in my life. That was Game Three against Toronto back in 2003. That was a special season and it was the first playoff game at the Coliseum since 1994 when we got embarrassed by the Rangers. It was EPIC. It's the only game I've been to (the following postseasons blew and did not necessarily warrant shelling out money to see) but it was awesome. I've got no superstitions. One game in addition to a crappy team to root for, no traditions or superstitions can really get started.
But one game is enough to realize what makes the playoffs, and the Cup, so awesome. Any taste of the playoffs means your team has a chance. And any taste of the playoffs is probably going to have it's fair share of epic moments. Even if your team loses in the first round, it can make all the suffering, all the horrendous seasons, all the bad, worth it.
Notice how I said "it can." That doesn't necessarily mean that it does.
In fact, if your team has been good for almost as long as you can remember, screw you. Success probably doesn't taste that good to you. It's the norm. You haven't suffered. You haven't lived.
And I'm jealous as hell.
Reed "CK" - Capitals Kremlin
Back during the Jagr days, my Dad and I would watch games together on two easy chairs in our basement. These chairs were a link to the Caps, and when the Capitals (i.e. Jagr) were playing particularly poor, we'd switch chairs in hopes that our good vibes would be broadcast to the team. When our switch-a-roo worked, we'd be filled with pride, as if we had assisted that game-tying-goal.
In fact, the scoresheet for many games in the early 2000's should read, (Bondra 12, Oates 9, Easy Chair 10, 18:36 Third Period).
These days I'm a bit nutty about which Capitals attire I don for a game. I have an Ovechkin and Laich t-shirt, and it's my personal belief that jerseys should only be worn when at a game. Only on special occasions may a jersey breach the living room.
So when it comes time to choosing a shirt to wear I weigh in various factors such as point streaks, recent playing trends, and if I think the player needs that extra "supernatural" boost from me. Most of the time I just go with the shirt that was involved in a recent win, although my Laich and Ovechkin are both tainted with losses.
This can't be good...
Got a superstition of your own? We'd love to hear it! Have at it in the comments!
Reed "CK" - Capitals Kremlin
Back during the Jagr days, my Dad and I would watch games together on two easy chairs in our basement. These chairs were a link to the Caps, and when the Capitals (i.e. Jagr) were playing particularly poor, we'd switch chairs in hopes that our good vibes would be broadcast to the team. When our switch-a-roo worked, we'd be filled with pride, as if we had assisted that game-tying-goal.
In fact, the scoresheet for many games in the early 2000's should read, (Bondra 12, Oates 9, Easy Chair 10, 18:36 Third Period).
These days I'm a bit nutty about which Capitals attire I don for a game. I have an Ovechkin and Laich t-shirt, and it's my personal belief that jerseys should only be worn when at a game. Only on special occasions may a jersey breach the living room.
So when it comes time to choosing a shirt to wear I weigh in various factors such as point streaks, recent playing trends, and if I think the player needs that extra "supernatural" boost from me. Most of the time I just go with the shirt that was involved in a recent win, although my Laich and Ovechkin are both tainted with losses.
This can't be good...
Got a superstition of your own? We'd love to hear it! Have at it in the comments!
(Thanks to our guest blogger panel, they're not really schmoes, except for that Caps Kremlin guy...be sure to check out their sites for daily content during the playoffs!)
Pre-Cap: Capitals vs. Rangers - Game One
And so it begins.Just about everything there is to be said about this matchup has been said over the past five days. The Caps need strong goaltending, the Rangers need to keep pace with the caps' offense, the Caps need to punish on the power play, the Rangers need to keep the puck out of the Caps' stars' hands.
The laundry list of "do's" and "don'ts" is pages long, but at the end of it all, the team that simply comes out the hardest will take home a Game One victory. Setting the tone of the game in each period is just as important as the goals that are scored in that period.
The team that sets the tone each period and forces the opposition to play their game is likely going to win this game and series.
The Capitals need to come out and make the Rangers play the Caps' game, a fast, skill-based offensive system that exposes defenders who can't cover the Caps' stars. The Rangers offense is balanced, but it's not nearly as explosive as the Capitals.
If the Capitals can make the Rangers spend most of the game playing from behind, then the Rangers will never have a chance to contain the Capitals stars because they'll be too busy trying to even up the score.
With regards to Jose Theodore, when the Capitals offense is clicking, Theodore is clicking. When the Capitals offense is stymied, then Theodore often falls victim to lazy defensive plays, leaving him wide open. The stronger the Caps play, the stronger Theodore plays.
Given the potency of the Capitals offense, the Rangers can't afford to get into a shootout with Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin. So they'll likely come out looking to frustrate the Capitals stars and throw them off of the Caps offensive system.
Think back to the Colorado Avalanche loss in February. The Avalanche stuffed the neutral zone with defenders, making it hard for the Caps to move in to the offensive zone. Eventually the Capitals got so frustrated they resorted to end-to-end passes that were often intercepted and turned into odd-man rushes.
If the Rangers can slow down the pace of play, then goalie Henrik Lundqvist is going to have a much easier time dealing with the Capitals offense as he'll likely see less quality shots on goal against him.
Of course another intangible factor is the stress level for each team. The Rangers come into this series having almost missed the playoffs. Analysts are already writing them off as first-round exits and I doubt Ranger fans will be crying many tears if that does happen.
But for the Capitals, they are opening the playoffs in front of a sellout crowd that won't settle for a first-round exit. They won't even settle for the fact that they have back-to-back division titles. This Caps team is expected to do great things, and analysts are calling for them to go as far as the Stanley Cup.
For the Caps, this opening night is a statement about whether or not the fans' and analysts' good faith is warranted. For the Rangers, hey, they're just happy to be here, and they'll happily send the Caps out if given the chance.
The playoffs are a marathon and a sprint all at the same time. And what's true in racing, is also true in hockey. How you start each race, is just as important as how you finish it.
It's imperative that the Caps hit their stride early and not stumble off the blocks.
LET'S GO CAPS
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Dog vs. ESPN Analysts -- The Picks Are In!
Is this the year that a dog outsmarts the ESPN analysts?Alright, you've seen the dog video; now see the analysts' picks!
Here's an easy-to-read chart to help you keep track of Rodney's progress against the analysts.
Rodney is going against the grain, choosing the Blues when everyone chose the Canucks. Blues fans should be so honored. Barry Melrose and Rodney could be big winners if the Ducks pull through with a first-round upset, and Buccigross and Rodney are both feeling kinda Devil-ish.Rodney took the company line with the Capitals, Bruins, Red Wings and Blackhawks, but if you want to win these bracket things, you've gotta choose the upsets.
Pretty strong bracket for a dog, if I may say so myself.
Here's the video for those who are just joining us for this feature.
It's the Freakin' Playoffs...Update the Logo!
Barry Melrose and E.J. Hradek break down the Caps and Rangers series, but it's hard to take them seriously when they still think our team wears black and gold.
Gee, I think I remember seeing this somewhere...
Don't let the still image behind the play button fool you either.
Big posts for tomorrow, make sure to check out CapsFans and, for the record, 24 hours until the drop of the puck!
LET'S GO CAPS!
Gee, I think I remember seeing this somewhere...
Don't let the still image behind the play button fool you either.
Big posts for tomorrow, make sure to check out CapsFans and, for the record, 24 hours until the drop of the puck!
LET'S GO CAPS!
Introducing @CapsFans -- A Caps Twitter Community
If you haven't heard, Twitter is kinda a big deal, like Ron Burgundy big deal. So if you're one of those people who love their Twitter accounts and love the social community that Twitter provides, then you'll love this new feature we've cooked up.
Introducing CapsFans. CapsFans is a Twitter bot that re-tweets messages sent to it and broadcasts them to every follower of CapsFans. CapsFans makes it possible to connect to other fans, without having to find and follow them through your own Twitter account.
Here's how it works.
Instead of scouring the Twitter "phonebook" to find red-rockers, simply send Capsfans a message and the bot will broadcast it for you to followers of the bot. No need to go looking for other fans when Capsfans can find them for you!
Use it to talk about the game. Post a news or blog item that you enjoyed for everyone to see. Coordinate a fan movement or lead a cheer, and have fun enjoying your favorite team in 140 characters or less.
Here's our tutorial:
Step One: Join Twitter and create an account.
Step Two: Follow CapsFans.
Step Three: Tweet CapsFans by typing @CapsFans in the message field.
Step Four: Watch as your message is broadcast and see people respond!
CapsFans can be tweeted from any device you want. Use it on your laptop or desktop. Are you at the game and want everyone to watch you dance? Post a photo from your computer, or the view from your sweet seats from your camera phone on CapsFans for all to see! Tweet CapsFans from your Blackberry or mobile phone!
We'll stop acting like Billy Mays, but the point is, CapsFans is a great way to use Twitter to chat about your favorite team on the Internet's latest darling.
Introducing CapsFans. CapsFans is a Twitter bot that re-tweets messages sent to it and broadcasts them to every follower of CapsFans. CapsFans makes it possible to connect to other fans, without having to find and follow them through your own Twitter account.
Here's how it works.
Instead of scouring the Twitter "phonebook" to find red-rockers, simply send Capsfans a message and the bot will broadcast it for you to followers of the bot. No need to go looking for other fans when Capsfans can find them for you!
Use it to talk about the game. Post a news or blog item that you enjoyed for everyone to see. Coordinate a fan movement or lead a cheer, and have fun enjoying your favorite team in 140 characters or less.
Here's our tutorial:
Step One: Join Twitter and create an account.
Step Two: Follow CapsFans.
Step Three: Tweet CapsFans by typing @CapsFans in the message field.
Step Four: Watch as your message is broadcast and see people respond!
CapsFans can be tweeted from any device you want. Use it on your laptop or desktop. Are you at the game and want everyone to watch you dance? Post a photo from your computer, or the view from your sweet seats from your camera phone on CapsFans for all to see! Tweet CapsFans from your Blackberry or mobile phone!
We'll stop acting like Billy Mays, but the point is, CapsFans is a great way to use Twitter to chat about your favorite team on the Internet's latest darling.
Hart Watch: Campbellnomics
Evgeni Malkin may have won the Art Ross Trophy, but the Hart Trophy is still up for grabs and, depending on which stats are most important to voters, Alex Ovechkin might be the front-runner for the league's MVP honor.
So if we were to use Campbellnomics, a stat system that judges players based on the importance of goals and points scored, who would be the front-runner?
Well two Russians lead the NHL in key goals scored. Their names? Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin.
Here's what the leaderboard looks like at the conclusion of the NHL season.
So the question is: Is quality of points more important than quantity? I think yes.
Oh and before you ask, Mike Green is the Campbellnomics leader for defenders.
So if we were to use Campbellnomics, a stat system that judges players based on the importance of goals and points scored, who would be the front-runner?
Well two Russians lead the NHL in key goals scored. Their names? Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin.
Here's what the leaderboard looks like at the conclusion of the NHL season.
So the question is: Is quality of points more important than quantity? I think yes.Oh and before you ask, Mike Green is the Campbellnomics leader for defenders.
Welcome to the Jungle
Most analysts' prognostications are out today and, for the most part, it's nothing we haven't heard before. But The Hockey News caught my attention with one particular item about the Caps.They call it the x-factor.
"Washington has the league's third-best home record, while the Rangers stumbled on the road, posting a 4-12-3 mark in their final 19 contests away from Madison Square Garden. Winning even one game in the jungle that promises to be Verizon Center will be a tall order for New York."
Welcome to the red jungle.
Possible Ice Sheet Disaster of Mystics Proportions?
We all know how great the Verizon Center ice is, right? You know, the ice that Chris Clark dubbed the worst he'd ever played on, the ice that may or may not have contributed to at least one Olie Kolzig injury, and the ice that sparked an opposing player to ask, "How do you play on this?"Well, the slop and slush that the Capitals have played on for far too long is about to get some time to sit dormant, chill and set.
Monday night, the Washington Wizards concluded their abysmal season with their final home game against the Toronto Raptors. With no postseason for the Wizards this year, the Capitals will have exclusive use of Verizon Center through April.
That means no changing a b-ball court to an ice rink in one day. If anything, the Verizon Center should be at peak ice conditions by next week for a possible game five, seven, and future playoff bouts if the Caps can stay alive.
Imagine that, an entire month devoted just to hockey and to cultivating a perfect pond for Ovechkin to blaze across. The only hiccup in this dream is when "The Boss" comes to D.C. in May.
On May 18, Bruce Springsteen comes to town. After the 18th, if anyone is going to blame anyone for the ice quality, it's only fitting that someone from New Jersey, a possible late playoff opponent, could be the culprit.
After the Springsteen show, there's a short layoff in Verizon Center usage, and if the Capitals are playing hockey in late May, they may grow accustomed to the better-than-usual ice -- that is until the Washington Mystics start the WNBA season.
The Mystics are scheduled for a preseason game May 28, and a regular season game June 7. Both dates could fall during the Eastern Conference Finals and Stanley Cup Finals and at critical times in those series.Great, the Mystics, the team that embarrasses our fair city with "Attendance Championship" banners that were earned by giving out free tickets, could indirectly cause the puck to bounce and bobble in Game Seven and prevent a worthy banner from hanging from the rafters.
We all know how great the Verizon Center's ice is when the Capitals are sharing with Georgetown and the Wizards. Granted it's not basketball's complete fault, but given the fact that the Verizon Center ice still has not improved despite frequent outcries from fans and players, I'm not optimistic.
To be fair, this could all be sour grapes grown from numerous stories of bad ice. In the end, the Mystics may not influence anything at all. But to go from having the Verizon Center exclusively to sharing it with a WNBA team during the most important time of the NHL playoffs is hard to swallow.
We're not trying to start a controversy. We're just stating the obvious. Basketball + Verizon Center + ice hockey = crappy ice.
So does it worry you that if the Capitals were to go deep in the playoffs, ice issues could arise at a critical time in the playoffs because of the Mystics?
Monday, April 13, 2009
Cold Pizza: Onus, ABCs and Snuggies
I don't know what's worse: the Nationals' 100-loss season or Nationals "snuggies." Life foul. [DC Sports Bog]Coach Boudreau has opened the floor for the Sean Avery debate. We here at the Capitals Kremlin Avery Awareness Center (CKAAC) are calling for a category two Avery appearance on Wednesday. Please take proper precautions. [Capitals Insider]
Jimmy Jazz has a rundown on some of the best Capitals goals of 2008-2009. [Tic Tac Toe Hockey]
Fanhouse has simulated an entire season of NHL 09 to see who will win the Stanley Cup! The Eastern Conference Finals was a Boston vs. Washington series that went to seven games and saw the Caps falter in the seventh. [NHL Fanhouse]
BMR and Greg Wyshynski have a preview of the upcoming
Learn your ABCs Captals style. [The Hockey Writers]
Check out who's the "Onus" at Bangin Panger! (And yes, we almost typed anus) We guest blogged our choice and join other greats like Cycle Like the Sedin's there. [Bangin' Panger]
Hey, how'd that awesome video that is single-handedly taking down Maggie the Monkey and the TSN analysts get there?
Dog vs. Analysts: Rodney Picks First Round of NHL Playoffs
We've all said it or heard it:
"A dog is smarter than that guy! His picks are stupid!"
With the Stanley Cup playoffs come analysts whose picks don't always go over well with the fans. Be it Mike Milbury, Scott Burnside, Pierre LeBrun or homer newspaper sports columnists, analysts make picks that sometimes make us scratch our heads and let out a collective "Huh?"
Let's face it, being a hockey commentator is like being a weatherman, but with even less accountability. No offense, but it's time to put the age-old phrase to the test.
That's where my dog comes in. Rodney is a 2-year-old, 20-pound Pomeranian. He's a great dog (he watches televised games with me), so when it came time to make first-round picks for the NHL playoffs I could think of no better candidate to put the "pros" in their place.
Here's how it worked: I took a Milkbone, split it in half and placed the halves on pieces of paper labeled with the teams in question. Rodney was removed from the room while I set up the matchup. When all was ready, he was brought in. The first treat he put in his mouth is "the winner."
Without further delay, Rodney the Pomeranian vs. the Hockey Analysts. (Run time 2:14)
We'll be keeping track of how Rodney does in the first round, and when the second round is set we'll have his picks up as well.
Want to challenge Rodney?
Check out our friends at The Pensblog! They've set up an incredible "Rinkotology" application to benefit the Mario Lemieux Foundation. It's free to play, and they're raised over $7,000 for cancer research.
Also, you can play round-by-round at NHL.com.
Got an animal that you think can best Rodney? Send us the video/photos and we'll post it up here on CK. Email us at capitalskremlin@gmail.com
Here's one challenger, Daisy the Pug.
"A dog is smarter than that guy! His picks are stupid!"
With the Stanley Cup playoffs come analysts whose picks don't always go over well with the fans. Be it Mike Milbury, Scott Burnside, Pierre LeBrun or homer newspaper sports columnists, analysts make picks that sometimes make us scratch our heads and let out a collective "Huh?"
Let's face it, being a hockey commentator is like being a weatherman, but with even less accountability. No offense, but it's time to put the age-old phrase to the test.
That's where my dog comes in. Rodney is a 2-year-old, 20-pound Pomeranian. He's a great dog (he watches televised games with me), so when it came time to make first-round picks for the NHL playoffs I could think of no better candidate to put the "pros" in their place.
Here's how it worked: I took a Milkbone, split it in half and placed the halves on pieces of paper labeled with the teams in question. Rodney was removed from the room while I set up the matchup. When all was ready, he was brought in. The first treat he put in his mouth is "the winner."
Without further delay, Rodney the Pomeranian vs. the Hockey Analysts. (Run time 2:14)
We'll be keeping track of how Rodney does in the first round, and when the second round is set we'll have his picks up as well.
Want to challenge Rodney?
Check out our friends at The Pensblog! They've set up an incredible "Rinkotology" application to benefit the Mario Lemieux Foundation. It's free to play, and they're raised over $7,000 for cancer research.
Also, you can play round-by-round at NHL.com.
Got an animal that you think can best Rodney? Send us the video/photos and we'll post it up here on CK. Email us at capitalskremlin@gmail.com
Here's one challenger, Daisy the Pug.
Eric Fehr: Grimace of a Champion
("...of a Champion" is a feature focusing on Capitals who are key cogs to a playoff run, but not point leaders)
He may not be the Caps' most prolific scorer, he may not have the playmaking abilities of those above him on the depth chart, but Eric Fehr is the type of player who can decide a series on one hard-hustling shift.
When the Caps win, Fehr is usually in a victory photo, grimacing. It's just photographic evidence of how hard he battles. Consider this: The Caps are 39-16-6 when Eric Fehr is in the lineup, the Caps are 11-8-2 when Fehr is absent from the lineup.
Here's another photo of Eric Fehr grimacing.
This time, he's grimacing as he drives the net. Most photos of Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin driving the net feature them with their tongues out, eyes wide open and a dead-eyed stare at the corner they're about to pick. Eric Fehr's grimace is that of someone who literally has to work to get a goal, and when Fehr scores the Caps win. The Caps are 10-1-1 this season when Eric Fehr scores, and 16-3-1 when he records a point.
Here's a rare picture of Jeff Schultz clearing someone while Eric Fehr grimaces and chases the puck. Fehr is tied with Alex Ovechkin at plus 8 on the season, although he only averages 11 minutes of ice team a game. But keep this in mind: His season-high ice time (15:51) was recorded in the Dec. 23 comeback victory over the Rangers, a game that Fehr scored a goal in.
Here's to you, Eric Fehr; may your grimace lead us to victory in the first round and beyond.
He may not be the Caps' most prolific scorer, he may not have the playmaking abilities of those above him on the depth chart, but Eric Fehr is the type of player who can decide a series on one hard-hustling shift.
When the Caps win, Fehr is usually in a victory photo, grimacing. It's just photographic evidence of how hard he battles. Consider this: The Caps are 39-16-6 when Eric Fehr is in the lineup, the Caps are 11-8-2 when Fehr is absent from the lineup.
Here's another photo of Eric Fehr grimacing.This time, he's grimacing as he drives the net. Most photos of Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin driving the net feature them with their tongues out, eyes wide open and a dead-eyed stare at the corner they're about to pick. Eric Fehr's grimace is that of someone who literally has to work to get a goal, and when Fehr scores the Caps win. The Caps are 10-1-1 this season when Eric Fehr scores, and 16-3-1 when he records a point.
Here's a rare picture of Jeff Schultz clearing someone while Eric Fehr grimaces and chases the puck. Fehr is tied with Alex Ovechkin at plus 8 on the season, although he only averages 11 minutes of ice team a game. But keep this in mind: His season-high ice time (15:51) was recorded in the Dec. 23 comeback victory over the Rangers, a game that Fehr scored a goal in.
Here's to you, Eric Fehr; may your grimace lead us to victory in the first round and beyond.NHL Playoff Commercials: Bruins
When the playoffs approach, each NHL team must prepare commercials and marketing plans for their playoff runs.
Some teams, such as the Panthers, will never have those ads see the light of day. But for teams like the Bruins and Capitals, it's time to enjoy the hard work that was put into these ads months ago.
As they come out, we'll post them here for your enjoyment. Our first entry into the playoff commercial world:
The Boston Bruins
Hilarious.
Some teams, such as the Panthers, will never have those ads see the light of day. But for teams like the Bruins and Capitals, it's time to enjoy the hard work that was put into these ads months ago.
As they come out, we'll post them here for your enjoyment. Our first entry into the playoff commercial world:
The Boston Bruins
Hilarious.
"Scientifically" Measuring the Avery Effect
Sean Avery. The very mention of his name makes Marty Brodeur annoyed, Dion Phanuef jealous and every Dallas Stars fan convulse in fits of rage until a nurse can properly administer a dose of morphine.The chance for Sean Avery to do something outrageous this postseason is high, but just how much damage will Avery cause to any one team?
To better help fans gauge and understand Sean Avery's antics, we developed a damage measurement system that clearly outlines when a player or team has been “Avery’d.”
Never before has Sean Avery been put under a microscope for the benefit of sports science, but thanks to the
The Avery Effect Scale (AES) will accurately gauge the damage caused by an Avery attack in your city on a scale of one to five. The AES number is compiled by determining the severity of numerous events that occur before, during and after a game.
There are many factors that we could list, but instead, we have this handy outline of what each Avery category usually consists of.
Category One Avery: Team is unfettered by Avery’s antics. Avery is ineffective on the scoresheet and in the minds of opposing players. Fans are mocking his lame attempts to goad players into fights and minors, and his own teammates are embarrassed to be near him. Avery is not talking trash.
Category Two Avery: Minor role players are targeted and annoyed. Avery is backing down from confrontations with bigger players. Analysts are commenting on Avery’s amount of “energy,” and Avery is on the scoresheet. Fans are annoyed, but they are far from ready to cry foul. Avery is making snide remarks that are dismissed as “nothing.” Fans are doubting that Avery is going to be a factor in the series.
Category Three Avery: Star players are somewhat annoyed. Role players are frequently goaded into bad penalties. Avery has scored a key goal. Avery is hanging around the crease far too often. Avery is barking at your players from the bench and his post game comments boarder on “jerk” to “douche bag.” Analysts won’t shut up about how great a pest he is. Fans are complaining but believe their enforcers will "handle the situation."
Category Four Avery: Star players are visibly annoyed with Avery. Avery is on the scoresheet more than once and may or may not have been the key player in the game. Enforcer players are useless as Avery is turtling and finding ways out of physical altercations. The goalie is now annoyed, and Avery is in his crease 24/7. Before the game, Avery has made a cryptic attack at a player on your team. Don Cherry has mentioned he is “unhappy” with Avery. After the game, Avery is swarmed by media and in the lead of any game story. Gary Bettman is worried. There is a possible new rule in the making. Fans are on message boards and blogs crying foul and booing Avery every time he touches the puck.
Category Five Avery: Hell on ice. Avery is the game's first star. Star players are useless as Avery’s douche-baggery has stunted their production completely. Goalie is being screened, hit, and constantly throwing fits to referees. Analysts are disgusted over Avery. Avery is the lead story on "Hockey Night in Canada,” and Don Cherry’s suit reflects the seriousness of the rant. Gary Bettman is scrambling to create a new rule. Fans are slitting wrists in stands while bringing signs depicting Avery as Meryl Streep from "The Devil Wears Prada." Women’s rights groups are picketing Rangers games. Sean Avery's name is one step closer to being on the Stanley Cup.
As you can see, the Avery effect is no laughing matter. Just ask the denizens of Dallas, whose team was left in a smoking, smoldering heap of failure and disappointment.
We’ll keep you updated here at CK after each game to determine the severity of each Avery attack. Remember to board up your windows, lock up your daughters and if your pet senses danger, believe it. Pets have a natural ability to detect Avery attacks long before the local douche bag weather machine detects them.
Goodnight and good luck.
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