Oilers at Capitals, G42/08-09
This is Scott Stevens. A lot of people forget he was drafted by Washington and played a regular shift (+14 for the season) at age 18. He played 22 seasons in the big leagues and was never a minus at the end of the season. He was EV one season and +53 in his finest season (in that regard) plus of course he hammered people with great joy.
He was a part of three Stanley teams in New Jersey and finally lost his career to injury after 1868 NHL games (regular and playoff).
The Capitals have had many outstanding players in their history, in fact a few elite level players.
I don’t think any of them will compare with the guy from Moscow.
–
The Oilers are on the road in a town that worships Oil. The town team often kicks the living daylights out of Edmonton when they drop by and if I recall correctly the Oilers usually play Washington on Sunday afternoons and April Fool’s so they usually have an air of farce to them.
This is an important two points, but I wonder if the Oilers as a team will play with the urgency required to win the thing. They certainly won’t put forth 60 full minutes, we know that to be true based on the previous 41 games (and that’s a lot of at-bats).
Last GDT I suggested that if the Oilers aren’t alone in 8th (or better) that we’ll change the feel of the blog through spring. Open up the windows, let some air in. Maybe paint. Spackle first! Man that’s a good word. Spackle!
Actually, that’s what the Oilers need in some key areas. Spackle! I wish they could find a Czech defenseman named Spackle (maybe that’s what Hejda means) and it would be grand if they had a veteran center so Shawn Horcoff could go back to being a hockey player again.
Anyway, we said 8th or else and here are the standings as of this morning:
- SJS 67PTS (41gp)
- DET 64PTS (42gp)
- CAL 54PTS (41gp)
- CHI 53PTS (40gp)
- VAN 49PTS (44gp)
- ANA 49PTS (44gp)
- PHX 47PTS (43gp)
- COL 45PTS (42gp)
- CBJ 44PTS (42gp)
- MIN 43PTS (41gp)
- EDM 43PTS (41gp)
- DAL 42PTS (41gp)
- NAS 41PTS (42gp)
- LAK 40PTS (41gp)
- STL 35PTS (41gp)
So they are tied for 10th with a very nice schedule leading into the All-Star break. If they had 2 more wins in the first half the Oilers would be tied for 7th with two games in hand, looking good moving forward. However, another way to look at this is the Edmonton Oilers are a losing streak away from being a player in the Tavares sweepstakes.
They could have done from the salary floor.
I am terrified, yet somehow excited about seeing Steady Steve skating backwards with Ovechkin bearing down on him
The town team often kicks the living daylights out of Edmonton when they drop by and if I recall correctly the Oilers usually play Washington on Sunday afternoons
I’ve attended a couple of these Sunday afternoon games in the last few years as a guest of a Caps fan friend.
My most vivid memory is telling him how awful Tom Poti was and then seeing Bondra pot two by twisting Poti into the concrete under the ice.
Effing Poti.
Well, if it helps, with Nilsson out we’re just a Souray shoulder injury away from essentially being a floor team.
Here’s hoping!
The Oilers are literally meeting their mirror image team tonight.
The Caps all play together, with enthusiasm. The Oilers are the opposite: shit team play and listless.
The Caps are playing outstanding hockey, and unless the Oilers can manage to drag them down to their level, ala California Seals v Canadiens, this is going to be a 10-1 game.
Spackle!
hunter with his usual positivity!
just stop watching it buddy, seriously
take up macrame or blackjack or something
I loved the old Caps uniforms.
Mike Marson.
I loved the old Caps uniforms.
As do I. The old Caps, the Indian head, the Nord, the blue Pens unis, and the KC Scouts make up my collection of favorite sweaters.
My most vivid memory is telling him how awful Tom Poti was and then seeing Bondra pot two by twisting Poti into the concrete under the ice.
that’s funny because tom poti has turned himself into a very fine hockey player for washington. hopefully he gets healthy soon.
This is going to be a tough game. Semin, OV, and Green.
Maybe our tough guy can beat up their tough guy.
Heck if the Oilers get on the D early and hard they should be able to put them off the Caps game.
They are all about the stretch pass.
“hunter with his usual positivity!”
I’m a dynasty fanboy, black dog. Seeing the Oilers dynasty 50x between the age of 7-14 makes a guy just a tad cynical, when faced with the current(1991-2009 and counting) gongshow.
Anyway, the caps are getting perilously close to being my bandwagon team. They play hockey the way it oughta be played
PS: Rod Langway was a GREAT defenceman, back in the day.
.
“A lot of guys were playing better, then we lost Hemmer and Nilsson, which really negatively affects our offence.” Craig MacTavish
From useless to essential in what, a week? Sounds like pre-loss excuses from the coach to me.
Time for your daily gambling advice:
Take Edmonton at +190 and parlay it with New Jersey at +120. It’s a sure thing.
Alternatively, you could take your life savings out from under the mattress, throw it in a big pile in the backyard and just light the whole damn thing on fire.
We should be hopping on Theodore already. He’s the only way we win this game.
Unfortunately I’ve got work and the early game tonight, so there’s no way I’m catching a minute of the action. When will Bettman learn to pander to his target audience?
Actually, that’s what the Oilers need in some key areas. Spackle! I wish they could find a Czech defenseman named Spackle
This guy sounds close. Swedish RW, mind you, but then we’re short RWs these days.
“A lot of guys were playing better, then we lost Hemmer and Nilsson, which really negatively affects our offence.” Craig MacTavish
From useless to essential in what, a week? Sounds like pre-loss excuses from the coach to me.
LT: I’m envisioning Josef Ŝpăckl. He’s #7 with a little line through it, and wears his lunch bucket on his head. And you’re right, he plays just like Dan Hejda, nothing spectacular, but just try to get past the fucker.
I can’t tell you all how much I want to be apathetic about this team right now. I know in my head that they really have no hope this year. But I can’t help but be interested. Intreagued. There’s this little voice whispering in my mind that “you know they aren’t that bad” and “if so-and-so does such-and-such” and “there’s always hope – that’s why they play the game”.
Oh Gods how I wish that there was not so much F***ing drama with this God damned hockey team. Might as well be a soap. Hell, at least with those there’s a little skin now and then…
The third period against the Blues was somewhat encouraging. They really dominated that period and while the Blues are terrible and the Caps aren’t hopefully coming back from a goal down helps their confidence and overall fun level. I know it was fun to watch the Oilers dominate a whole period!
LT, if the Oil go 4-1 or better up to the All-Star break but still aren’t a clear 8th does the blog still go heresy in favour of Columbus? Do the BJ’s results matter at all? (because if they fall out of it, this could be a pretty depressing switch)
They could have done from the salary floor.
Tonight’s Oiler roster is worth $46.9 Million
And not a penny more
OK Kids
Gather 'round
It's time to play Armchair GM!
A Frolov is playing like shit in LA
He's earning $2.9 this year & next
then an UFA
R. Nilsson to LA for Mr Frolov?
Lord, if I could have Frolov for nothing but Nilsson I’d probably squee.
Frolov is not getting a lot of first unit PP time in LA and he is being used in a third line roll with J. Stoll. Tough to put up decent numbers in that situation.
That being said he has 17 goals. So I can’t see LA moving him for Nilsson.
Debakey: Don’t tease me with suggestions of Frolov. Guy has been on my wish list for years.
Impact winger who’s been buried in LA for whatever reason. He’d score 40 with Hemsky, easy, and would be a great fit on a power-vs-power unit with 10-83.
Send Penner back to SoCal, I bet LA listens to that offer.
Lowetide – I meant to ask. Why Columbus if the Oilers aren’t in 8th? I invested in the Centre Ice package, so I need to watch games to get my money’s worth … I was more thinking of Washington or Chicago when the Oilers fate was clear. They both are, as pointed out, young teams playing with passion and urgency, and they have some history to them. Seems like more fun than Columbus.
Oh, good lord, Penner for Frolov now? You guys can’t get me excited like this, it’s only midday.
Next you’re going to start suggesting they’d take Moreau and a fourth for Frolov.
Any talk about a chance of winning should be dismissed. The Caps are 18-2-1 at home this year and we’ve won there once in the last 10 visits.
Next you’re going to start suggesting they’d take Moreau and a fourth for Frolov.
How about Moreau and Staios for Frolov? They’re nowhere near the cap and could use some veterans for that lineup.
Sure, it could happen!
Any talk about a chance of winning should be dismissed. The Caps are 18-2-1 at home this year and we’ve won there once in the last 10 visits.
Come on. Didn’t this team just break the Predators streak a few weeks ago? Positive energy man!
We also pulled two points out of San Jose, at San Jose, a month or two ago. Now, I absolutely agree there’s no chance we’ll hang around against Washington, but at least we’ll lose to a real team rather than Ottawa. And it’s always fun to see Ovechkin.
This team is weird though, I could see it being one of those 17-48 shot differentials, Roloson having broken three sticks over the back of Washington players, the penalty kill surviving 16 minutes worth of penalties, and the team squeaking one out in the shootout.
I could also see us getting slaughtered 9-2, again.
HBomb, Good for you getting the bar up so quickly today!
quain: Where are you making your bets?
bet365 has Oilers +205
pinnaclesports has Oilers at +210
willhill has Oilers at +200
I might not seem like a big difference but it adds up if you bet if you bet as often as I do.
LT is sabotaging. This post isn’t nearly negative enough.
I know, it’s like he’s throwing in the towel.
Maybe he’s got money going the other way
Traktor: I do my betting at Bodog, but the lines I used were just randomly pulled from TSN’s lines page. They’ve sadly blocked gambling websites at work. Don’t they understand that I should be using this free time to augment my income?
days like this make one want to dream…. warm weather, picking up a 3rd line centre or even vermette (a shooting percentage of 4% can’t last forever and he can win draws), and a shut down defense.
if then we make a coaching change, the incoming coach may look like a genius just for tweaking a few things here or there.
more likely scenario, we coast through to the terade deadline then deal off some pieces (ie roloson, cole, staios, moreau for some picks) and spend the next few months talking about the infamous quantity for quality i’ve heard so much about.
by the way, anyone else hope that semin fights again tonight. i’d love to see him and grebs slap each other silly
Washington has been a wasteland for Oilers for years. I have bad memories from Dennis Maruk of all people somehow being left alone at the side of the net to score the 6-6 goal at 19:50 of the third period sometime around 1982, to last year’s marathon scoreless shootout where Oilers had the last shot and something like 9 chances to win and blew them all. And way too many Sunday afternoon games in between.
Last we saw, though, Bruce Boudreau was holding his head in his hands in an outward display of what all coaches surely feel at times but mostly just try to chew and swallow. The worst of all scenarios, an own-zone mishandle of the puck compounded by the utter lack of a decent save to blow a game in the last 30 seconds of regulation. Which is as bad as it gets in the regular season of the New NHL. (I love Bruce Boudreau.)
Prior to that, one of those two home losses was their last game, a shutout no less, so maybe they’re in a bit of a lull right now. Happens to the best of teams, although sometimes a game against the Oil is a cure for what ails them. (see: the Sharks for a recent example)
So after those recent failures the Caps either come out loaded for bear right from the get-go in which case we’re likely dead in the water, or maybe they’re just not feeling it this week and this is the perfect time to be taking them on.
^^^^
||||
This is why I’m not a betting man.
As do I. The old Caps, the Indian head, the Nord, the blue Pens unis, and the KC Scouts make up my collection of favorite sweaters.
Two minute penalty for not mentioning the Whalers
Hey Bruce, I saw the same highlight (lowlight) of Boudreau holding his head in his hands after that game losing goal. I really felt for the guy… and then I remembered that he had Ovechkin, Backstrom etc.
I loved that old Rockies jersey.
Betting on hockey games? Wow.
Maybe a 7 game series, say, Capitals v Oilers(current lineups), wonder what the odds on that would be?
They’ve sadly blocked gambling websites at work. Don’t they understand that I should be using this free time to augment my income?
This is what I love about my job. I’m the computer technician, which means in charge of more-or-less everything with a power button, which means that ordinary human rules don’t apply to me because I enforce them.
Two minute penalty for not mentioning the Whalers
The Whalers might get honorable mention, but they aren’t nearly as good as the others.
One bright spot tonight – the Caps only have one dman capable of physically matching Cole and Penner.
Oilers are the team of my heart, but the current Caps are rapidly becoming my fave team to watch.
Mike Green is the guy i’m most worried about tonight – i mean, we EXPECT to get toasted by OV et al, but Green… he’s pretty sneaky for a big guy, i love how he just keeps going down the wall when 90% of dmen’s instincts would be saying “TURN BACK! TURN BACK!”
should be a fun one to watch, hopefully the OIl can keep it close.
Oilers are the team of my heart, but the current Caps are rapidly becoming my fave team to watch.
It’s because they’re most like the Oilers of old. Though Chicago is giving them a run for their money.
“Maybe a 7 game series, say, Capitals v Oilers(current lineups), wonder what the odds on that would be?”
Washington 1.25
Edmonton 4.10
I remember the last win because it happened on a Super Bowl Sunday. That same game you had Simon uttering racial epithets at Grier and it was known. Without looking it up I think Simon got four games for it.
Years later someone would happen to tell the truth about people’s dating habits and he got railroaded out of the league.
I am looking forward to the upcoming break just so I’ve got a week where I’m not thinking about it.
It’s the same old same old.
(Stevens)…finally lost his career to injury after 1868 NHL games.
Isn’t that like saying Grampa lost his life to ___________ at age 104?
/you see, he was old, and all…
Can a team with a Johnson/Theodore tandem succeed in the playoffs?
Washington is lacking in the goalie department which is why I almost wish we go in the tank so we move some players. Rollie to Washington for Steckal (been beating this drum for a bit. big, young centre who is top 10 in faceoffs and hits).
Also, Wayne at Oilers Nation has a good post on Mact and how his source feels he’s lost the young players with his hard line style. Credible or not I don’t know, but where there’s smoke there’s fire, and with “sources in the lockeroom” being quoted throughout the blog/print world about how the coach’s style has pissed off a lot of players it makes one think that Mact has to go.
My bets for tonight:
Pens to beat Flyers +160
Habs to beat Bruins +155
Rags/Islanders under 5.5
Jackets/Avs over 5.5
Jackets to beat Avs by 2 +210
Caps to beat Oil by 2 +130
Preds to beat Leafs +105
Tampa/Sharks over 5.5
Jersey/Nucks under 5.5
Canes/Sens over 5.5
10 bets all of them 5 dollar bets
Art Vandelay said…
Can a team with a Johnson/Theodore tandem succeed in the playoffs?
You know, if the Oilers do decide that they are done for the year, I really hope they trade Roli to Washington for their 1st. I mean, I know washington could really use the 1st to address some problems they have (no star forwards, stud d-man) but I can’t help thinking that Roli could take that team down the stretch. GOd knows the man deserves a shot at the cup. His last one seemed to have some kind of complication… but… can’t quite remember what though…
I know a hockey blog is the wrong place to post this, but why the hell didn’t we fight the Indians over some place where – I don’t know – Beach Volleyball would become the national pastime?
[goes outside to shovel]
Some interesting info about what’s going on in the dressing room over at ON.
Bruce,
I think I remember watching that Pee Wee Maruk goal and cringing to. The Caps just seem to have the Oilers number over the years, be it Gartner, Maruk, Bondra, Hunter, or even Langway.
I’ve got an appointment with legal issues in PR tonight followed by a rec game at 9. May not see any of the game at all.
Go Oilers Go!
Can a team with a Johnson/Theodore tandem succeed in the playoffs?
No, but I hope the address that. That place was an absolute madhouse last year for the Flyers series. I’d like to be able to go to a cup final there
Bruce, I’ve had just as much fun watching Alzner and Jurcina work together. That kid’s coolness has remade Jurcina’s game.
i love how he just keeps going down the wall when 90% of dmen’s instincts would be saying “TURN BACK! TURN BACK!”
Last year I got an eyeful of Green during Washington’s thrilling stretch drive, during their 7 game loss to Joffrey Zoolander and the Flyers (the most disappointing moment of a generally disappointing playoff season), and then again at the Worlds. His aggressively offensive instincts had me repeatedly invoking the name of Paul Coffey.
Now in his third full season, Green has seen his points-per-game soar from 0.17 to 0.68 to 0.93 through 30 games this year (10-18-28). His +/- has soared in tandem, from -10 to +6 to +15 before the All-Star break, so obviously it is working to the Caps’ advantage. Like Coffey, Green is covered by such high-tech weaponry as Ovechkin, Backstrom, and Semin that they are bound to finish a good percentage of Green’s risks. The second tier forward talent of Viktor Kozlov, Nylander, Flieshmann, and (ahem) Fedorov ain’t too shabby either.
This is a very, very fun team to watch. I’m a faithful Oilers fan since forever and will be until then, but of all the neighbours’ wives in the league this is the one I covet.
For the very reason that they play “Oilers Hockey” (Ver 1.0).
FCM – That’s a pretty soft story. Leaving aside the fact that I know nothing about who Wanye Gretz is, other than the fact that he’s apparently cool writing at a site with a writer who spits a lot of anti-semitism. This isn’t exactly the most solid lead in the world:
The Oil played the Coyotes on Dec 22 going into the Christmas Break. Santa delivers and the Oil win 4-2 to send the team into the break on a relative high note given how things were unfolding during the first three months of the season. Now you know how it is around Christmas: you want to be home with your families if at all possible. The understanding seemed to be win on the 22nd and part for the holidays filled with Christmas cheer.
But not with ol’ Coach here in E-town.
In his infinite wisdom, MacT switched it up and made the team attend practice on the 23rd. As a direct result all players couldn’t get back east to their families for Christmas as many had planned.
I kind of wonder about it, just because I’m not sure who’d be flying back east to see their families. I assume that the guys with wives and kids in Edmonton don’t need the hassle of that flight in the middle of the year. The story reads like it’s the young guys anyway. So…Cogliano, JDD, Stortini (maybe, Elliot Lake is in the middle of fucking nowhere), Reddox, Gilbert, MAP and Gagner? An awful lot of those guys should be kissing the coach’s ring, even if he bans Christmas.
More to the point, there are supposedly a billion things to care about and this is the real outrage?
Keep the coach, get better players. Or at least ones who aren’t such giant fucking babies on and, apparently, off the ice.
Just to follow-up: I assume that the TO and area guys would have been ok, it’s the guys in Quebec and more obscure parts of ONT that would have run into problems.
Some interesting info about what’s going on in the dressing room over at ON.
I’ve never read that guy before.
Sure reads like fiction:
“Now class, this week’s creative writing assignment is about dissent. Do we all remember what that word means? 750 words by Monday.”
I’m not saying it is
Sure reads that way
Bruce, I’ve had just as much fun watching Alzner and Jurcina work together. That kid’s coolness has remade Jurcina’s game.
Coach: At least until the last 30 seconds in Montreal, where big Jurcina was the goat. But he’s appeared steady otherwise, at least to me in limited looks.
To address a point somebody made above (too lazy to check who) it seems to me that between Jurcina and Morrisonn the Caps got two big defenders to try and counter Cole and Penner.
Rollie to Washington for Steckal (been beating this drum for a bit. big, young centre who is top 10 in faceoffs and hits).
Steckel is an anglicized spelling of Ŝpăckl. Let’s do it.
MC: “Keep the coach, get better players.”
Not sure if that is a serious comment or not, but it seems to me that it is infinitely easier to replace a coach than to “get better players”. I’m not saying it’s more effective, but how exactly to you just get better players?
Smytty777: “Not sure if that is a serious comment or not, but it seems to me that it is infinitely easier to replace a coach than to “get better players”. I’m not saying it’s more effective, but how exactly to you just get better players?”
Isn’t that the real reason we have stem cell research here in Canada? Better hockey players?
I’m not saying it’s more effective, but how exactly to you just get better players?
Well, in my experience, you get a list of every hockey player in the NHL, sort the list by weight, largest to smallest, and then fire off an offer sheet for the guy at the top. I haven’t heard of another way beyond this.
For all of you wondering where Ralph Whathisname is doing now, go here. http://24ur.com/sport/hokej/v-zivo-tilia-olimpija-vsv-beljak-3.html
Maybe MacT made the guys practice on Dec 23rd, but that's hardly the reason for a dressing room mutiny. Maybe there is a divide among the players based on age. I clearly remember that Lee Foglin didn't like music in the dressing room while Gretz & Co. did.
Either way if the players are pissy about practicing on the 23rd, maybe it is time for MacT to be a hardass and hope it rubs off on some of those pussies.
Coach: At least until the last 30 seconds in Montreal, where big Jurcina was the goat. But he’s appeared steady otherwise, at least to me in limited looks.
Eh, he lost site and then he lost it in his skates. It happens. He’s a completely different player with Alzner out there.
They still have a ton kids to bring along. This Collins kid was a bit of a surprise. Schultz is back and Collins is down, which I don’t think is an improvement.
Horcoff questionable with a case of the flu. I’m questionable with a case of liquor.
Unleaded: “Isn’t that the real reason we have stem cell research here in Canada? Better hockey players?”
Imagine being able to clone up a bunch of OVs. I’d support that kind of research.
Quain: I believe the Oilers actually sort the list by percentage body fat, as their original offer was actually to Wellwood.
Smytty777 wins the coveted “69th Post” award
The proprietor will be contacting you shortly to ensure that you receive your prize in a timely manner.
Honestly, I’d rather have the 71st post prize – a free clone of Lubo to send over to ON and have him ride Wayne Gretz around to the liquor store.
“Keep the coach, get better players. Or at least ones who aren’t such giant fucking babies on and, apparently, off the ice.”
This argument is precisely why this might be my fave game of the season.
Caps are the mirror image of the MacT perpetual underachievers. Just like this argument is the mirror image of what an increasing majority of Oiler fans are thinking.
Just a quick question:
Is Schremp joining the team on this road trip?
I just couldn’t resist.
Caps are the mirror image of the MacT perpetual underachievers. Just like this argument is the mirror image of what an increasing majority of Oiler fans are thinking.
I’m ok with that. I’ve been on the other side of Oilers fandom many times before. For example, I was silly enough to think that the 2006 team could be something special if they grabbed a goalie while others were screaming that the team had quit and that MacT needed to be fired because he obviously couldn’t coach any team to any sort of success.
(Not to say that my reasoning was necessarily right, which is what really matters (although I think it was) but more that being offside with the majority of fans of a hockey team isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It doesn’t have a lot of probative value.)
Washington is insane in the circle even without Federov. Backstrom is the only center that can’t win draws. Steckel 56%, Gordon 57%, Laich 53%, Nylander 48% and Backstrom 46%, but Federov has been out for awhile and he’s at 55%.
That’s just wrong. If Horcoff is out, Brodizak will have to take 35 draws.
Christ, no Horcoff, Hemsky OR Pisani?
So we’re going to go into Ovechkinland and face the Caps without our three best two-way forwards and without a center over the age of 24?
I think the words “beer me” will be sounded many a time tonight. There is currently a flat of Corona in the fridge. Someone set the over/under on how many are left when I pass out tonight.
Alternatively, start a pool to guess at what time the last drop is consumed.
Hbomb – pour an ounce of Bacardi Limon in the neck of each Corona. Easier than keeping fresh lime on hands, and you’ll put yourself into a coma.
HBomb,
I would say 2-1 there are 10 left and 40-1 there are less than five left by games end.
Schitzo: now I have to buy a bottle of Bacardi Limon. That’s one of the most f’n brilliant things I have ever heard.
Schitzo: now I have to buy a bottle of Bacardi Limon. That’s one of the most f’n brilliant things I have ever heard.
Considering the source, I’ll take that as high praise.
Oh, but definitely tip it upside down before drinking or your first swig is pure rum.
“Keep the coach, get better players.”
How does someone who’s never had success get the benefit of the doubt?
For all we know MacTavish is part of the problem.
It’s not like it’s a life changing decision. People act like firing the coach is the equivalency of getting married or divorced. It’s more like trading in that old chevy with 400k that still runs for a new Tacoma. Or maybe you go with Ford. Or Dodge. Who cares.
Instead of getting pissed off that you can’t find parts for the old pickup just get a new ride already. You don’t even have to take it to the bone yard, you can just let it collect dust in the garage with the KLowerider.
Considering the source, I’ll take that as high praise.
It’s resourceful. I usually keep a couple limes around, but that’s as good a plan B as I’ve heard.
Now I’m wondering if Absolut Citron vodka would have the same effect….
You can look at the roster that MacTavish always has to work with and you can certainly argue that expecting division and conference titles is wishful thinking at best. I agree with that. But by the same token there’s zero evidence that supports MacTavish is anything more than an average coach.
Black Dog said…
hunter with his usual positivity!
just stop watching it buddy, seriously
take up macrame or blackjack or something
Hunter,
You don’t listen to that vicious Black Dog, soldier. Carry one as you were.
Every morning that effer stares at me with the eyes of one who hates for just being born (I work at the Shoppers Drug Mart in Hogtown, just across the street from where he catches the subway every morning). But I don’t let it get me down, and neither should you.
I mean look at the positives; we’re both going to be on easy street if Traktor/OilManFan starts putting out odds.
It would be funny if it weren’t so damn sad.
And how the hell did you end up with dude from ‘Sweet’ in your avatar? That’s funny stuff.
The really weird thing is that I have some idea where BD lives and, if he took the subway to work, there’s a Shoppers a few blocks east. Plus I was thinking about OilManFan from OilFans with all this gambling talk. Does Springsteen have a penetrating line about coincidences?
Lowetide: Really looking forward to those prospect reports by the way.
Zach Kassian would look great in blue and copper.
Vic: As a matter of fact I used to live in London and a couple of times saw this dude stepping out of a Rolls Royce with a couple of minders, who looked about 130 years old, with thin white hair cut like a rock star.
Seriously, this guy looked was so wasted looking, he looked like he was made out of glass. Like he was Dracula being taken out into the light just before he disintegrates.
It was Brian Connelly.
What part of London, Hunter?
MC sed:
Does Springsteen have a penetrating line about coincidences?
And the cops finally busted Madam Marie. For telling fortunes better than they could be.
“Well, in my experience, you get a list of every hockey player in the NHL, sort the list by weight, largest to smallest, and then fire off an offer sheet for the guy at the top.”
The List:
1. Dustin Penner
2. Vyacheslov Fatisov (Krutov’s nephew?)
3. Fat guy from Nintendo “Ice Hockey”
Vic: I don’t know who OilManFan is so I’m not sure if that’s an insult or not. But if you’re insulting me then let me know and I’ll respond accordingly.
Vic: I don’t know who OilManFan is so I’m not sure if that’s an insult or not.
Neither do I, personally. Someone from Black Dog’s gun club I think.
In any case, you and I are good. And I’ve got your back with this Black Dog lunatic. Just keep looking forward, brother.
Go Caps!
I’m tired of all the BS Oiler posts around here anyways
I’d also suggest a name change to “Gillestide”
The fat guy in Nintendo Ice hockey was “teh shiznit”, imo.
Bruce, I’ve had just as much fun watching Alzner and Jurcina work together. That kid’s coolness has remade Jurcina’s game.
I shouldn’t be surprised, because I watched him as a junior night-in and night-out for two years, but I am impressed by how well Alzner’s adapted to the NHL after, what, 20-25 AHL games?
Vic: AFC country, LOL
Hunter:
what?
north London
What neughtbourhood? What was your local?
btw:
“neughtbourhood” is how they’re spelling ‘neighbourhood’ in north London now. You see it in all the graffiti. I’m sure Hunter will confirm this.
Belsize Park.
So many…The White Horse, The Magdala, The Flask, The King of Bohemia, the Hollybush, The Haverstock Arms, off the top of my head.
Does anyone know another feed other then ATDHE?
Turning the game on, I’m reminded of the short circuit between my head(wants MacT fired and 10-1 caps), and my heart that wants Oilers to play good.
Fuck.
BCB: sometimes someone at justin.tv will stream it. Not always the best quality, tho.
Not that you couldn’t have googled up an answer, but four minutes is fairly decent considering you would have had to choose a neughtbourhood and learn what “your local” meant. Then find the pubs. So I’ll gve you the benefit of the doubt.
Do you feel blessed, Hunter?
I suspect that you do.
Now, back to serious business. What to do about this Black Dog problem? We’ll come up with something. You, me and Traktor just need to put our heads together.
Hunter: that’s my old neighbourhood. I am now cross-eyed with jealousy. Good to know the Holly Bush is still thriving; those meat pies made with stout are worth the risk of mad cow disease. Take good care of NW3 for the rest of us.
I too have seen the Oilers in DC over the years, and every time I get to walk through the concourse, post-game, listening to Caps fans jeer me and my sorry excuse for a road team.
Temujin: Thanks . . .
The worst part about living in London: is the Knights tickets are so hard to find since the new #1 draft got sent here.
Vic: Ok name any one of them LOL and I’ll describe the decor.
Now that I’m thinking, my fave pub is the Toucan Bar in Soho. You can order anything you like, so long as it’s Guinness.
Yeah. I don’t even know anymore.
I didn’t realize our enforcers would give the Caps their SMac-down in the absence of Hemsky.
Hey guys, decent game happening here…
2-0 holy shit
That Gagner dangle looked Hemsky-esque.
Vic: I was raised north of Edmonton, actually.
This has got Roli-steal written all over it
Oilers make me want to hang myself.
LOL if MacT attacking Schremp provides the spark the teams’s waiting for.
Great rope a dope so far from the Oilers, haha.
Roli is like that nerdy looking girl that you knew always loved you but you always ditched her for better looking ladies. You could bang her best friend and she would still be there for you. Gotta love those Roli types.
So, I decide that I’ll check on the score to see how badly my team is losing, before eating supper and going out for the night.
I see the Score.
…
Who the Eff is teaching out fourth liners how to do this? It’s rediculous.
Also, I stand by my earier statement about Roli – if we trade him, I hope it’s to these guys. I think he’d get bored in Detroit, and he deserves to have a good time.
Speaking of nerdy looking ladies, I’ll never feel the same way again about Tina Fey after reading she forbade her husband from going to strip clubs.
Chances: 13-7 Wsh; 12-5 EV and Oilers 2-1 ST.
Anecdotal: 77 with probably the worst period of his career and subsequently the 44-77 period were 1/6 and 1/7 respectively.
Good things happen when the Oilers screen a goal.
Two games in a row with non-aggressive penalties from 67 that take place behind the opp’s goal.
You have to feel great for 33.
How come a “lovetap’ to the side of the helmet is a penalty but a shoulder to the head with subsequent concussion is not???
ARRRRGGGGGHHHHH!!!!
Ethan Moreau can eat a column-shaped piece of the common anatomy.
Also: the Oilers should do OK when they decide to rent Rolie and 26; unless Kevin Sinden-Lowe once again goes spur of the moment and takes token packages.
Is O’Marra’s brother in junior, yet??
That is all;)
The colour guy for the Caps broadcast is a bit off, but I’ve always loved him and he reinforced it today. After the play-by-play guy brought up the Oilers maybe missing their great ice, he responded by talking about how the ice in Rexall is getting crappy.
It’s always fun to not see that go unquestioned.
I don’t know who all is watching the Washington feed, but I’ve never had concussion treatment explained to me by a man who can’t pronounce “symptom”.
So far so good
Wow!
Heads up play by Brodziak – nice to see.
Also, Steckal obviously isn’t Spackle
Brule has more goals in seven games this year than he did in 61 games last year.
That goal was orgasmic. Cream Brule, if you will.
Nice play by Brodziak
Nice play, too, by the french kid
Looks like this is the part of the season where Theodore tries to singlehandidly give away two points to the opposing team.
Moreau would have had a clear breakaway there if he didn’t want to see Marc Pouliot burning in the depths of hell.
So the Capitals play-by-play crew track zone time.
Watching all of these American sportscasts, I wonder about Americans who are passionate about hockey.
I bet there are some damn smart folks south of the border, and a lot of them have better play-by-play crews than those fellows on HNIC.
the Washington announcers are always entertaining, but Craig Laughlin can get a bit spastic at times. he has the voice of a small, round, angry old man.
Brule’s goal was SICK.
The blond chick on the ATB financial commercial must be the girlfriend of the director or something.
It always blows my hair back that most American broadcasts keep track of scoring chances, and update them every period, but you barely hear a whisper about them on Canadian produced ventures.
Honestly, these guys seem pretty good, as have the crews in most of the other American cities I’ve heard.
Honestly, every time I listen to HNIC now, I get upset. Mark Lee and Marc Crawford is seriously the best the flagship hockey program in Canada can do? P.J. Stock?
I know a fellow, good little (and I mean little) defenseman who played some junior hockey and was a behind-the-scenes guy on HNIC; he said that about ten years ago Sportsnet and TSN lured away the best folks, leaving CBC with whatever was left over. I suppose it isn’t surprising that the play-by-play crews have deteriorated too.
And honestly, I need to stop saying honestly
Nice little move by Brule there, running over the Capital’s player on his way into the zone.
It’s probably too soon to say the light is on, but it would be nice.
For me, play-by-play is all about making the game sound exciting. I don’t pay a whole lot of attention to what the announcers actually say. It all in how they deliver it.
I paid for the CI one season and I found that a bunch of the American telecasts had all the urgency of a Wednesady afternoon baseball game.
CBC’s failing is that they like to give guys chances. That explains P.J Stock.
I don’t blame CBC for having a poor “B” crew (Lee, Crawford) as they don’t have the money to corner the market on quality broadcasters.
I think Hughson, Simpson, Hrudey, Maclean, and the adventurous Scott Oake are top notch though.
What in the name of 7-pound-8-ounce baby Jesus was MacT doing giving Moreau time on the powerplay?
Talk about a waste.
If I coached WSH I’d rather have had Ovechkin out against Brodziak and Reddox after the penalty than have hime killing that minor.
CBC should just employ an on-ice microphone and lose the Lee/Crawford crew altogether. i don’t know what those guys get paid, but you’d like to expect more from than the obligatory hair jokes and regurgitated ‘analysis’ from last June’s Hockey News.
Ray Ferraro, Louie Debrusk, etc. = chef’s table
Mark Lee/Crawford = Royal Fork Buffet (on Fish Night)
Hmm, Brashear hasn’t been on the ice against MacIntyre yet tonight.
He’d probably dodge him anyway, big pussy he is.
I don’t blame CBC for having a poor “B” crew (Lee, Crawford) as they don’t have the money to corner the market on quality broadcasters.
Given that CBC poached Milbury from TSN, and given that Crawford’s worked as an analyst for TSN before, I don’t know that they can cry poor.
They let Cuthbert go during the lockout, yet they forked over more money (750K?) for Cherry and (the admittedly excellent) MacLean.
There’s enough floaters on their broadcast that they ought to be able to axe some idiots and hire a smaller number of higher quality personnel.
i wonder what the regional guys get paid – the SN guys like Quinn and Loubardias – wouldn’t those guys jump at a chance at a prime CBC gig? both would be a huge step up from ML/MC.
That Caps goal was a beauty. Reminded me of Paul Henderson’s in Game 6 ??
Help me out LT/Bruce…
The thing is
They don't have to steal Cuthbert back from TSN
They could go out & find some guy doing Junior in Halifax or Moose Jaw or somewhere
Lee is hopeless
I like Hrudey too for the most part, but he was arguing with Milbury the other night about Avery, and Milbury was bang on.
Hrudey was going on about how much better the Stars were playing without Avery. Milbury asked him if one man could be that distracting. Hrudey said yes. Milbury asked if the change spoke to the character (lack thereof implied) of the other guys in the room, then. Hrudey said no.
Loubardias’ has a small, irritating voice. I loathed listening to him call the Oil. Like a Screeching Weasel. Good band, bad commentator.
That MAB always could shoot the puck. Wow, what a blast.
Help me out LT/Bruce…
DocWeb: Some similarities with Henderson’s winner in Game 7 in Moscow, which I assume is the one you’re referring to. Henderson was, however, a RH shot who as I recall beat the right D wide to the outside, then while being taken down fired a (similar) perfect shot in the top corner. Whereas Fleishmann went to the inside, took advantage of a bad step by Lubo it looked like. Henderson’s was the more spectacular goal, not to mention the more important. I always wished that had been the one to win the series, rather than the garbage rebound goal that has been replayed about 186,437 times over the years.
“skeeeeyooooooores”
I like Quinn and its a damn shame they couldn’t hang onto Ferraro, he may suffer from a bit of the stutters but he usually has something intelligent to say. That and the way he ripped Stefan a new one like he slept with his wife or something was quite humorous.
Gilbert Brule now with 3 pts in 2 games, and only (2?) games left on the ticket, quite an interesting little development. It would be disheartening to send him back to the Falcons but where is he going to play with the return of Hemsky, Pisani and Nilsson?
In time people will come around to a different opinion of what happened to Avery and when and why it happened. Already some of the Stars players are saying their play had little to do with him and now all it will take is for a columnist to admit he jumped the gun.
In the meantime;), I had the 2nd period chances at 7-4 Edm; 4-4 at EV and 3-1 on ST.
Other things:
Great burst of speed and hands by 67 on that goal. Not sure why Boudreau was still giving his 4th line time unless he’s just so confident they can come back that he’ll still run a full bench. In any case, thank you Mr. Boudreau!
I’ve mentioned this for awhile now and while I don’t know what 26′s hard PK numbers are, the guy creates the most PK chances out of anyone on the club; it’s uncanny.
Way too much stick-checking on Flechisman’s goal; 13 looked similarly defensively lax on a goal in LA earlier this year.
A couple of really timely and well placed shot-blocks by 24.
There’s enough floaters on their broadcast that they ought to be able to axe some idiots and hire a smaller number of higher quality personnel.
You need alot of guys for HNIC. Some nights they cover 3-4 games. Quality temps are likely few and far between.
I mean if you look at some of the dreck that Sportsnet puts on the airwaves (Brophy, Principe even if he is a good guy, Loubardis, Roger Millions) its hard to argue that the CBC “B” crew isn’t on par or better then the other network’s supporting cast.
During that road swing through ALberta the Stars were just adjusting to having 7 or 8 regulars out of the line-up. Compounded with how poorly Turco was playing- the Stars had nowhere to go but up.
Now everyone is like “Sean Avery was a cancer, blah, blah, blah…”
I argued this over the holidays with my older brother who’s hockey opinion I used to covet. He actually asked me, rhetorically, if it wasn’t obvious that Avery’s antic were affecting Brodeur’s play.
Like some guy taking phone calls from his agent in the locker room is going to drive the goalie’s save percentage up or down 6 fucking points.
On where 67 fits in: it’s not the way I’d run things but here’s my guess what happens when if and when all of 12-34-83 returns and if we don’t make a deal in the interm:
27-10-83 : PVP
12-89-26: The Mr. Butterworths
18-13-34: secondary tough min
78-51-67: 4th line with 46 in the wings.
Not sure if the Oil would keep him up to play on the 4th but maybe he could fill the old energetic Glencross role./
Sheldon Souray with 3 shots, Jose Theodore with 3 huge rebounds. 1 found net, the other 2 could have. It really is a weapon.
Thanks Bruce…I’ll have to review that again but I trust your elephant like memory (and that’s a compliment of course).
What I loved about this goal was the little flip of the puck then the charge through the two Dmen.
Sweet. But wrong team
I still think what Avery said was stupid and Dennis is wrong.
Bank Shot: Sportsnet’s a bit of a joke, IMO.
TSN is far and away the best of the Canadian broadcasters for quality game crews. I’m not big on McGuire, but both Cuthbert and Gord Miller are quality, McKenzie’s the most connected insider in Canada, and plus i’m a big James Duthie fan.
On Avery, obviously he’s a jackass and not a guy I’d ever want to see on my team.
And just as obviously, he was more a convenient scapegoat than the all-encompassing reason for the Dallas Stars’ poor play.
and the above should of read: “if it wasn’t obvious that Avery’s antic were affecting Turco’s play”
now that’s how you start a period.
@Jonathon:: That about sums up my feelings, aswell.
These callups, 4th line types, and Erik Cole look pretty good.
Plus, of course, Dwayne Roloson.
Thank goodness they didn’t callup Potulny earlier.
Great shift leading up tp the 4-1 goal. Oilers won a lot of battles in the Caps’ zone, which is the best place to protect a lead that I can think of.
This is some heavy AHL call-up production. I’m used to writing these types of guys off by their third NHL shift.
Is it just me or does Steady Steve feed Ladi a steady stream of pucks in the skates, behind,etc??
You cannot stop Steve Macintyre, you can only hope to contain him.
What I meant to say is: Who the hell needs Stortini anyways?
And I imagine someone down in Springfield will confiscate Schremp’s shoelaces in a timely matter. The boy probably shouldn’t be left unattended for the immediate future.
All part of the learning process for Ladi, docweb.
Staios making him work for it.
Yowza!
And Ty you were right on the Shoppers, just down the road.’
Of course I lived here for four years before I noticed it
imagine someone down in Springfield will confiscate Schremp’s shoelaces in a timely matter. The boy probably shouldn’t be left unattended for the immediate future.
Thanks for that
I just got in and found out that Mac got a GOAL. That’s awesome. I dont know if the guy will play more than 20 games in the league, but I am happy that he got the chance to score a goal!
Be careful guys. This is the part they suck you back in… shortly hereafter they will lose listless affairs against teams they desperately need to beat.
Rinse. Wash. Repeat.
After I posted that Pat, I realized that there’s one next to the subway station by my place too.
Vic could very well be watching us all.
It’s much more fun to watch these guys when they’re winning.
I’ll save realism for later.
When Potulny gets sent out, will they recall Schremp?
That’s who’s been sitting in that sedan outside my house.
!
Horcoff is such a pussy – only 18 minutes of icetime so far and he has the flu?
Joni would have played the whole 60!
Erik Cole is impressing the shit out of me. Again.
Is it just me or does Steady Steve feed Ladi a steady stream of pucks in the skates, behind,etc??
You try to overcome the limitations the good Orr gave you. Steve’s limitation is that the puck looks like a bouncing betty on his stick.
The puck looks like a talking gargoyle to Grebs all of the time, but there are other reasons for that.
When Potulny gets sent out, will they recall Schremp?
God, I hope so
They need him
The way Potulney is playing
Nilsson gotta be wondering
Horcoff is such a pussy – only 18 minutes of icetime so far and he has the flu?
Looks better then back spasm Horcoff thats for sure.
Jonathon: Yeah, TSN has a good, probably best broadcast team. Do they even have a “B” crew? It doesn’t seem like they do double headers often.
” The puck looks like a talking gargoyle to Grebs all of the time, but there are other reasons for that. “
lol, there have been a few strange flashbacks for old Grebeshkov tonight.
Brule gets the gate on a retaliation hit to Laich in the final 5 minutes of the game, while in the offensive zone with the top line no less. Coach will not like that.
Jurcina, Morrisonn, Erskine and Schultz — the Caps have four huge defencemen. None of them seem to be able to handle Cole, though.
Bank Shot: Yeah, they do dbl-headers quite a bit; I just don’t usually watch the EC game.
Potulny is pretty good and I’d like to see him stay up, when we’re healthy, to play on the fourth line. A lot of jump and not an awful player.
This is great! LT’s going to get sucked back in yet. Brule has been one exciting guy tonight. Being physical is big for him in order to keep his spot long term. Also, if the Oilers can manage to get through this game without allowing a PP goal will it be the first time they’ve made it two straight games this year?
Save
Our
Schremp
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Way to jinx it Scott.
So yeah. Nevermind about that.
Great play by Grebs but Cogliano didn’t make it over to the boards to finish the job.
Quinn, with a classic line that you hear about 25 times a season when the trailing team scores to make it 4-2: “The Caps cut the lead in half” … uhh, they cut a 3-goal lead to a 2-goal lead. Nice math.
I kinda want to see every bubble prospect in the system called up ahead of Schremp now.
By the end of the year I want to see a second line composed of McDonald, Sesito and Trukhno… fuck that, I want three “scoring lines” with the third made up of Corzanni, Rohlfs and Paukovich; all of them will be scoring at a PPG clip and before each puck drop SaM Gagner will come out in an elf costume and announce into the PA: Merry Fucking Christmas Sugar Tits, hey Rob, go getch yor fucking shine box!!!
What in the hell was Souray thinking there? Pointless icing.
I can’t believe MacIntyre scored.
He’s just like Rudy!
Rudy! Rudy! Rudy!
‘I’ve been waiting for this moment all of my life’
You can tell when Roli’s feeling cocky when he wants to score the goal.
SKOL!
that’s some classic shit slipper
If Schremp was playing Oilers would have won 10-1.
slipper: Classic. Absolutely piss my pants funny. Jesus.
Lord. Horcoff with 22:45 of ice time, our next highest forward was Cole at 18:25.
We need a veteran center before MacTavish kills him.
Oilers should just become a permanent Eastern Conference road team.