first

Can't see how anyone would be more deserving than Bouds. He took a non-playoff team that was dead in the water to within a goal of being an Eastern Conference semifinalist in a little under five months.

Can anyone make a more convincing argument for either Carbonneau or Babcock?

Babcock? Carbonneau is a worthy choice but Babcock?! what a load of bull that wings team is loaded. Julienne should have been in there instead of him

Yeah BB!

Ovie, Backs and Gabby should have a fun time in TO regardless. Hard to think what BB was thinking about and doing this time last year.

It'll be fun to see Varlamov et Caps al at the Worlds.

http://www.cbc.ca/sports/hockey/story/2008/04/30/jack-adams-finalists.html

"Hard to think what BB was thinking about and doing this time last year."

This time last year BB was leading Greenie, Stecks, Flash, and the rest of the Bears on their second consecutive trip to the Calder Cup finals.

Tarik,

Any plans to find out Gabby's thoughts/reactions to being named a finalist for the Adams?

CONGRATULATIONS BRUCE!!! This is an honor well deserved!! All of us Capitals fans will be keeping our fingers crossed that the broadcasters around the NHL do the right thing and select you as the winner! I think I speak for all fans that Rock the Red when I say that we Love You and Thank You for bringing the Capitals back to life this season and making the fans in Washington believe again that we can be contenders for the Cup!

Good for Boudreau. He completely deserves the accolades (and the big contract). Well earned.

Why are the Flyers beating Montreal?! Come on Habs!

We are so ready for next year. BB has got our boys ready to roll.

Get this team ready for a Cup Run McPhee...we are feeling it.

Many BB will be the sentimental favorite among the broadcasters? Afterall, they want a good story to cover, eh?

Oh man! I'm behind; from the previous:

Leeguru:
The Kids Club has some pretty cool perks - can I join?!? ;-)

mauree:
BITE YOUR TONGUE (or fingers ... or something).

OK ... just got home - how has the Habs/Flyers game been? Why isn't Montreal winning? Did I hear right - Price is not the custodian?!? If so, has it been that way the whole game? Come on guys - fill me in! :-)

This story has a better photo to lead it off!

http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/

So glad Gabby got the nod! He deserves it more than anyone! How could they possibly deny him?!? So why do you suppose that Babcock got it over Stevens? They were both handed a ton a talent, but Stevens had more of a turn-around.

How Babcock was nominated over Ron Wilson I'll never understand. I figured Crazy Ron and Boudreau were shoo-ins for two of the three spots and I actually thought Wilson would get it. Crazy...

Ok, guys. Going to pick up my lady from work.

I WILL be back before 10:30, so don't start without me!

Sorry if this comment shows up twice:

Flyers up by 2 in the 3rd. Looks like we're in for a Pens vs. Philly showdown. Hard for me to say who I hate more. Think Philly will have to edge due to their talent of running goaltenders and screaming about the referees.

Boo, i don't think your under 12. But if you have a kid, you can get a free ticket to a game!

With those nominiees, BB should win. That would thankfully make the talking heads wrong

Haha whaaattt, Detroit's Mike Babcock?? Not Nashville's Barry Trotz, Boston's Claude Julien, Dallas' Dave Tippett, Colorado's Joel Quenneville, Tampa Bay's John Tortore... hm, never mind on that last one heh. But any of those first ones are way more deserving candidates, and I think some of them are more deserving than Carbonneau. They had ownership problems, major injuries, and/or not much talent in the first place, and they still all made the playoffs.

I mean, congrats to Babcock for winning the President's Trophy with an awesome roster and a weak division, great job dude!!

Boudreau should have this locked up for sure.

Leeguru:
I don't qualify either way. :-( Do you think they would notice if I put my dog in a Caps sweater? He's under 12 ... ;-)

I hope BB wins. He did make history, after all!

Montreal tied it up - woo hoo! Come on, boys!!!

Congrats BB! I fear that Carbs will steal the award, but everyone knows who's really the Coach of the Year...

THANK YOU! LET'S GO HABS!!!!!!

Tarik, do you vote? Or does "broadcaster" exclude print journos?

Why do I think that Huet is amused by this?!?

Darnit. Back to my original thought: Flyers vs. Pens.

What does a good self-respecting Caps fan do? I can't root for either of these teams!!

Can we fast forward to next season? Like NOW?

Final: 3-2 Flyers win. Lead series 3-1.

Excuse me. 4-2 Flyers. My bad.

If choosing between Flyers and Pens...I will root for neither, but prefer the Flyers win. Then we lost to the Eastern Conference champ, rather than "that bunch of cheapshot goalie interferers. Or something like that.

The Flyers have certainly benefited from the NHL's new rule letting them run over the goalie. I predict a Cup for them.

Flippin' Flyers

Washington could really clean up on the hardware in Toronto this year.

@Shmoo
I'm a Caps fan and I was very pissed at those charges at our goalie. But you know what? I think if it was our boys doing that instead, I might have been happy about it.

Based on tonight's game, I don't know if the Habs have it in them to come back. Flyers are playing really good hockey right now.

mauree:
Flyers and good should not be used in the same sentence.

I hate the Flyers. I love Coach B.
I'm ready for this draft to start. Although I should probably confess now, this is my first time in a fantasy "league"...

@Boo!
sorrie sorrie... someone's still bitter huh?

@ mauree

The reason the Caps weren't prepared to take cheap shots at the goaltender was b/c they built their team around the principle that the NHL supposedly championed at the beginning of the season: a sleeker, more skillful, more European quality of play. The Caps didn't get the memo in time and so they were caught off guard at the type of cheap shots that are now apparently endorsed by the NHL. While the Flyers were clearly punished for loading up on goons during the regular season (#1 in penalty minutes), their style of play has been greatly beneficial to them in this free-for all, "cheap shots are welcome now" playoffs.

Not that I'm bitter or anything :-)

mauree:
I'm with longtimecapsfan ... and am also not bitter. Flippin' Flyers. ;-)

Jordan here, reporting for draft.

hehe I share the bitterness but I don't agree 100%. Every team drives the net - we weren't enough prepared for it and we adjusted too late. Look at how they clear the crease. We just let them do anything they wanted to Huet and that's our fault only. Should have knocked the heck out of Briere when he took that shot at his head.
That was a huge overlook by the refs - and yes a very cheap shot. As for other episodes... are you telling me that if the Caps pushed a player into their goalie, we'd consider that "cheap shot" ? I don't think so.

mauree:
Have you been tailgating with Philly Jeff?

Flyers vs Pens.... Who to root for from the West..?

Steve:
I'll have to skip the Flyers/Pens series - I'll just wait for the Cup and root for the Wings.

Mauree,

With the hypothetical Caps pushing a player into their goalie, do we score a goal which changes the tempo of a game?

Steve:
Don't encourage him - he's becoming one of them.

@Boo!

come on now don't be mean :D I'm trying to be objective... *shows her his Caps heart*

@Steve

What I was trying to say is that if the situation was reversed, and we scored like that, I wouldn't have called it a cheap shot.

mauree:
LOL!! Awh ... I was just teasing. :-) It's all good. BTW, did you ever watch Animal House?

Not yet :D
It's high on my list I promise.

@ mauree

I agree with most of your sentiments, but am merely pointing out that the Caps weren't "designed" to excel in goonery (if that is a word). It no coincidence that the Canadians are also a team that loaded up on skill (vs. goons), did well in the regular season, and now have been caught with their pants down in the playoffs. It's hard to make adjustments like that in midstream. See Backstrom as an example... after he realized what was/was not permissible he became a tour de force. Flyers are doing well b/c they've been doing this sort of crap all season long and it's given them quite an advantage.

I honestly think we're agreeing more than we are disagreeing but it's fun to b%#&ch about the Flyers :-)

@longtimecapsfan

hehe yeah - but you got to give them credits for the way they're playing. And it's not that they're veteran, they're rather young too.

Here's the thing though: I would NEVER prefer that over the Caps game. Our young guns are the most fun to watch in the entire NHL. All these playoffs, no team is coming even close to the shows our boys can put on. All right maybe I'm biased, but you know what I'm talking about :D

I'll never give the Flyers credit for anything ;-)

Time for bed.

longtimecapsfan:
AMEN!! :-)

JSchon:
Where's the draft?

JSchon is having AIM issues. The rest of us are hanging out...

Congrats Bruce!

Trotz should have had a nom over Babcock, but I think Bruce should win this hands down. The turn around mid season was nothing short of incredible

Had the opportunity to meet Coach during the year. What a phenominal person he is! That alone does not make him Coach of the Year. What he was able to accomplish certaintly does.

Keep in mind, this was a long-time "minor league" coach that was thrown to the wolves. Think about the situation he was thrown into. He had to have some very fierce conversations with a lot of egos and build his credibility one moment at a time.

This man is the LEADER of the year! My favorite BB quote is when the Caps became a .500 club, "We have officially become mediocre".

This man can inspire and challenge and even throw a pink helmet on an NHL pro. HE GETS IT!

You have seen nothing yet. Give Coach the tools and we WILL win a Cup. I hope all of you were able to see the transformation I saw at Kettler during the season. Practices went from mundane to energized.

Don't know what the possibilities may be after Coach has the opportunity to build his team. Don't know what this means for Dean and Jay, but we'll find out. Have to believe that they bought into Coach's initiatives based on the results.

Bruce, here's wishing you all of the best. You deserve it! GREAT JOB!

@Boo!

JMU is attempting to select a winning team without picking a single current NHLer. Just giving you a little play by play.

Thanks, Sombrero! Is that her strategy or is that just how it has worked out?

@Boo!

I think its a strategy. She spent a lot of time doing research...she's going to blow my team out of the water

Sombrero:
LOL! But, like Bradley, you're a fan favorite!! ;-) So what's your strategy?

GMGM watch out - GMJMU is coming after your job!

Boo,

Interesting draft so far. I think everyones plans have been shot to he@@

Steve:
LOL!! The suspense is killing me! :-) What is (was?) your strategy? When do you think you guys will be done? Do I have to wait until tomorrow to hear the results?

Hey! Mine haven't. I've got all the Eastern Europeans no one has heard of that are going to kick butt!

Ah! Too funny! :-) Are you done? Any big monsters?

5th round now. I've got Ilya, Heatley, leclair and gerber

Steve:
Nice! How can you complain about that?

Who got Ovie and Semin?

jeff dc got ov
007 got semin

what picks were they?

wow - midnight already! i'm headin' to bed, but i can't wait to hear all the details!! GO ... ?!? :-)

OV went first overall to me...the rest of my picks are questionable.

haha, i think we're just over half done
we've been having technical issues

And its over!! My mostly-European, majority-Russian team is going to take over!!

However, if Russia tanks, there are no words to describe how awful it will be.

Tarik - is the WaPo not letting you write stories on Boudreau, Backstrom, and Ovechkin being nominated for awards? They each seem like great stories to cap the season and keep alive the positives for the offseason.

props to gabby. he deserves it. Ron Wilson should have been the other pick.

do you think the Habs wish they had Huet now??

Bruce should definitly win, with what he did for the team. But I've got to actually defend Babcock's nomination. The team plays like a well-oiled machine. They have a few big stars (Datsyuk, Zetterburg, Lidstrom) but Babcock gets the best out of all the Samuelssons and Filppulas. We have the same number of great players that they have, but he's got them leading the league in pretty much every team stat, which is a tribute to a coach. He's a very good coach.

Boo,
How about:
"It's good to see the Flyers lose"
"I hope the Habs give the Flyers a good beating"
"Those no good Flyers!"

All are examples of "good" and "Flyers" in the same sentence. :)

JSchon,
Is there to be an official post draft wrap up with full Fantasy rosters (+ logos??) being announced on here?

Alex: I wrote a story on Ovechkin being a finalist for the Hart, and a note on Boudreau. There will be much bigger stories if they win, because that's when it's worthy of a full story.

It really stinks that the Flyers are winning. However, from what I have seen I am not convinced that Montreal could beat the Pens. As much as I do not like the Flyers, I am already having gag reflexes thinking about all of the Pittsburgians in this area that will be sporting new Pens car stickers and flags to replace the old Steelers ones. So, I will watch a Flyers/Pens series the same way I watched the Pens/Rangers. Laugh at whichever team messes up. Also, if you think the Flyers are whinning now about the refs., just wait until they match up against the Pens.

I am thrilled that BB got the nod for the Jack Adams. I figured Babcock would be a finalist since all of the broadcasters had been talking about him since game 1. He is the Patrick Kane of the coaches. Just like I hope people reevaluated their decision on the Calder based on expectation vs. performance I hope they looked beyond records and considered what the coach did with the talent and situation they were faced with. If they did Nick and BB should win.

This is a little off topic, but I have a question regarding refs. We have debated a lot about how inconsistent and inept the officials have been all year in the NHL. Why is it that a particular Officiating Crew is not assigned to a playoff series for the duration of that series? At least in the second round where you would only need 4 crews. (but as big as the NHL is I do not see why 8 crews is that out of reach). Then the teams could adjust to the officiating just like they adjust to playing each other over the course of the series. In addition, if the refs know that they will be with coaches and players as well as fan bases for potentially seven games vs. one here one there maybe there will also be more accountability.

Right now there is a lot of anectdotal information regarding certain refs, inconsistency, etc. because they move all around and do not stay with one NHL team for any length of time. This approach may also bring these inconsistencies among officials to light. Then either the NHL, or more likely the owners, coaches and players, could adjust or address accordingly.

Just a thought.

Dave:
"Good" point - I like all of those! :-) I'd say those are a most appropriate use of good and Flyers in the same sentence! ;-)

mauree:
Start hanging out with UK Dave instead of Philly Jeff! ;-)

Kim:
The problem with dedicated refs is that, if there is a perception that certain refs favor certain teams, then an entire series could be accused of being lopsided.

Have not been on here much since the end of the season, but check out what our other young guy has done: Alzner

http://www.nhl.com/nhl/app?articleid=362128&page=NewsPage&service=page

"I've been very fortunate to have perfect timing for a lot of things and this is another one because they're taking in young guys and getting better and better and are people's second-favourite team next to their home team," Alzner said.

Thanks, 828. I hear so much about Alzner - when do we get to see him in a red sweater?

Kim,
I like that idea but Boo does make a good point.

It is great that there is consideration given to BB as Coach of the Year. Over here the Manager of the Year award always goes to whoever wins the Championship. It's nice to see that leadership, motivation skills and passion are considered along side winning percentage.

Wait, why do I post anything on here... Tarik had it on his last blog... Can't beat Tarik - no chance!!!

I'm wondering if jmu know something the rest of us gm's don't. Her team ended up heavy on Russian's that have names sounding like sneezes.

Steve:
HA! That's funny! :-D Any names that I would know? And are you happy with your team? Are you giving GMGM a run for his money?

828:
Ah, don't be silly - we're glad to have you back! Don't be a stranger this summer ... and don't wear face paint to the grocery store in anticipation of pre-season! ;-)

You all had a draft without me... That's it - I can't take it anymore. I'm going to the Flyers blogs...

Detroit Press:
The award, voted by members of the NHL Broadcasters' Association at the end of the regular season, most likely will go to fellow finalist Bruce Boudreau of Washington, who turned the Capitals from also-rans into playoff contenders.

King Huet:
Wow - DETROIT said that? With Babcock nominated? Interesting ... hopefully that bodes well for BB!

828:
See what happens when you abandon us?!? That'll learn ya!! ;-)

I did not abandon - I was getting back into work... had I kept up on the pace that I was on, I would have gotten fired. Plus, I was sad that I lost my dog.

Awh ... stop with the dog reference - it's killin' me! Speaking of work, I better get back to it, but I'll be back for the draft results. Ya'all have a peachy day!

LET'S GO FANTASY TEAMS WITH NAMES AND LOGOS TBA!!

@ Boo!

From last thread: How do I live with a Rangers fan?

Fortunately, I have turned her into a Caps fan for most games. She only secondarily cheers for the Rangers and never when they play the Caps.

I will say though, as most out of town fans can attest to, it can get brutal working in an environment where everyone else roots for a different team. Especially here in NY where most people root for the Rangers.

But as much as they try to change me, it will NEVER happen.

Good luck Fantasy Players!

Tarik,

What will the Post have you covering now that the Caps season is over? Hopefully we have some fun off season news to talk about too.

And welcome to the 1st Annual Fantasy Hockey World Championship Thing Draft.

8 unqualified owners drafted 14 players last night from 10:45 to 1:20am this morning, and 1 thing is for sure, there is something seriously wrong with each and every one with them.

Technical difficulties was the topic of discussion early as JSchon couldnt figure out how to use AIM, what a buffoon.

Lets go over the draft rules before we begin. Each owner will draft a total of 2 goalies, 4 defensemen, 6 forwards and National Teams for a total of 14 players. The draft order is as follows.

1.Jeff (DC)
2.JSchon
3.Jordan
4.Sombrero Guy
5.Honed
6.oo7
7.jmu_capsgirl
8.Steve R

With that said, let start the draft.

Hey Tarik - How about a story on Alzner? Love to hear a little more about him and how soon we might be seeing him. Since he's not even in the AHL, I'm not holding my breath, but I'd like more info than my own guesses (which are usually really good except when they are wrong).

With the 1st pick in the 2008 FHWCT Draft, Jeff (DC) selects...

Alexander Ovechkin, F, Mother Russia

YAY FOR TEAM JEFF(DC)!

Only a fool wouldnt pick him here. Anybody can draft the first guy.

Wait - sign me up!!!

And with the #2 pick, team JSchon selects...

Cam Ward, G, CAN

Interesting pick, if he plays and Canada advances, Ward will pan out very nicely... Maybe Ward can show JSchon how to operate AIM.

haha, you all crack me up... you know that is JSchon doing the "Random Commentator" and "mock fans"

actually, I was "mock fans"...I couldn't resist. :-)

That's a guy who will come out every game and play like a brick wall for your team. He can stand on his head when he is skating.

With the 3rd overall pick, Jordan selects...

Team Russia, Team, Russia

I knew it had to be one of you all... good stuff. I vote you take off the (DC) let Philly boy do the extra typing by putting (Philly)

A bit of a reach here, Russia is very nice this time of year but not this time of draft.

828 -- works for me...I was bummed when Jeff (Philly) showed up and started ruining my all-to-common posting name.

828:
All the picks were done last night - this is just the formal "dramatazied" presentation of the picks! :-) (So, yes, JSchon is revealing his multiple personalities.)

The #4 picks belongs to Sombrero Guy... and with that pick he takes...

Jason Spezza, F, Canada

F Canada - that's not very nice...

Very solid pick here, should pay dividends early and often.

Honed is next, one of our 2 female owners, not that it matters at all, I mean women and men are both very capable of drafting fantasy teams, I was just noting she was a she for the audience, by no mean was I trying to be piggish... She picks...

Nickalas Backstrom, G, FIN

Finland??? Yikes - someone is a Capital fan.

Oops - my foot is in my mouth...

Goalies are a premium in this format, selecting a good goalie from a good team is a smart way to go.

CT:
Glad to hear you have converted her! So does that mean that she does not think you were nuts for becoming a STH for a team that is, what, 5+ hours away? ;-) I don't envy your work situation. Although, being a hockey fan is a challenge in general, especially around here - most people don't give a hoot. Hence the reason we flock here ...

Capitalist:
" ... but I'd like more info than my own guesses (which are usually really good except when they are wrong)." HA! :-D I agree - I would love to know more about Alzner and how soon we might see him.

oo7 is next, and with his pick the 6th overall...

Tim Thomas, G, USA

My 3rd pick is so embarassing I really hope JSchon forgets to list it.

Tim Thomas has a chance of playing the majority of the games for Team USA. Good Pick.

jmu_capsgirl is next, and with her pick the 7th overall, she selects...

Alexei Morozov, F, RUS

Jeff - you didn't pick Kolzig, did you?

No...it's just essentially a wasted pick...even the best case scenario doesn't justify it as a 3rd round selection.

Intriguing pick here, he was a very good NHL'er before going to the Russian Premier League. Hit or miss pick here, so many Canadian forwards on the board.

I was a bit confused with the Morozov pick...as you look at the Russian roster, he can't be a top 6 forward, no?

As this is a serpentine draft, Steve R, the last drafter, has back to back picks, #8 and #9... and he takes?

Ilya Kovalchuk, F, RUS
Dany Heatley, F, CAN

Well, for having the last pick, Steve R did very well for himself, picking up two stud forwards who should be playing late into the tournament... great VALUE.

Coming back to jmu_capsgirl with her 2nd round pick, #10...

Danill Markov, D, RUS

The first defensemen coming off of the boards... Is he the best option out there? I dont know.

the 11th pick belongs to oo7, his pick is...

Alexander Semin, F, RUS

A run on Russians? If toedragging was a scoring category, Semin would go 1st, however, all kidding aside, if he is teamed up with Ovechkin it could be a great pick.

Honed, who took a G first is next, she takes with her #12 pick...

Team Canada, Team, Canada

The two top teams are off the boards, Canada has to be the favored team being the host the country.

Please feel free to add your own commentary... I'm no expert...

Sombrero is next, with his 13th pick, he takes...

Eric Staal, F, CAN

Our first Staal off of the board, I would imagine by the end of the draft, all 32 Staals will be taken...

Pick #14 belongs to Jordan, and he will take...

Mike Green, D, CAN

I just saw JSchon cry and run to his mommy after he heard this pick announced... Green should be a force in this tournament with the bigger ice...

@ Boo!

She thinks has me as being nuts for many reasons. This is just another in a long list.

:)

A sobbing JSchon is next, he should select a box of tissues.... with the 15th pick, he takes...

Tomas Kaberle, D, CZE

Wow, probably a reach since he really wanted Green, maybe that jerk Jordan shouldve taken someone else... poopy Jordan... dumb stupid Jordan...

I have my reasons... Hopefully, they're not completely cracked.

Jeff (DC) is next... and he has 2 due to the format...

Jay Bouwmeester, D, CAN &
Finland, Team, Finland

@ jmu,

Please do tell

A lackluster 2 here... Not bad just not great picks...

I completely agree.

JSchon is still weeping like a little 3rd grade boy who just his ice cream smacked off of the cone, selects with his 18th pick...

Czech Republic, Team, Czech

Is JSchon a standup comedian? Funny comments and it would explain why he has so much time on his hands during the day time!

Here's the deal, Markov and Morozov were the top D-man and top forward in the tournament last year. I'm hoping they keep it up. Morozov was also the 2nd leading scorer, the top scorer isn't playing. Smart, no? I figured Russia would do well, so without revealing too much, I've got another three Russians on my team. I went after guys that had proven goal-scoring ability in the IIHF format--exhibition games, past tournaments, etc.

With Russian, Finland and Canada off of the boards... Czech Republic looks like the best left... maybe...

Bruce is the man-but I think Carbonneau will get it. Being of the coach of teh Montreal Canadiens in Canada is like being the manager of the Yankees. He did a great job and their team is excellent (not including the plyoffs this year) 80% of their roster is home grown and they will only get better.

@ jmu,

I like your thought process. Honestly, as a frequency Fantasy League participant, your thinking is just as good as everybody else's at the beginning. The key I have found in Fantasy sports usually resides in how you make adjustments (adds or trades) once the season starts. I won my Hockey Fantasy league through a couple of early season trades (including trading for OV before he really got hot) and obtaining free agents.

Good luck!

Dumb Jordan is next, and will probably tear what is left of JSchon's heart right out of his chest with his next pick... he takes

Rick Nash, F, CAN

JSchon seems to be ok with that pick by Jordan and has put away his chainsaw... Rick Nash decent pick here...

CT, Thanks, the problem is, we can't trade (that I know of). We get to add two players after the first round.

Sombrero is next with the 20th pick...

Ryan Getzlaf, F, CAN

I like this pick, Getzlaf gets it done...

Honed owns the 21st pick overall, lets see who she takes...

Ed Jovanovski, D, CAN

Sorry, I've come in late. Are you guys replaying last night draft?

JSchon, just a suggestion, and I realize it takes away some of the suspense, but what about a single post with a round on it? That way there aren't 800 posts on here. Sorry, I'm being a little OCD.

Lee - yes!

JSchon just let out a massive groan as if he was Cape Water Buffalo giving birth to a Buick, maybe he is just regreting taking Kaberle with Jovo still on the board... Ed was great pick here...

Awwww, no leave it as it is JSchon. The suspense is everything.

alright, sorry...

oo7 owns this pick, the 22nd and he takes...

Team USA, Team, USA

is it worse that you guys actually stayed up until 1am to hold a fantasy draft for the world championships or is it worse that I am actually curious who went in what rounds and why?

Is any of the tourney going to be televised?

Dave, I'm trying to hide my WTF picks in a pack of less-questionable ones by everyone else.

Was there beer and drugs in the late night war rooms?

worse that you're interested... :D, and no, no outlet in the US bought TV rights. You can drive to Canada for CBC and Rogers, maybe Mexico, they'd have it on before the US would.

Leeguru -- there seemed to be a lot of whining about how late it was...and a good deal of that was coming from me.

BB makes a good claim, but I see this one going to Guy. Babcock was fine, but let's be fair, he's coaching the RED WINGS. I could coach the Red Wings to a 5 seed via the Internet or maybe even a fax machine.

The Canadaiens are much improved in the spotlight that is Montreal. He handled a young goalie, a good colleciton of talent that was a bit inexperienced. And, he won the East (although, did Pitt tank that last game....?)

We all know BB's exploits. Yes, he turned a POS team into a division champ. Bully. Personally, I think the run at the end they did is what should give him the best shot. I'm not sure what magic he told the guys in the room, but it worked. Of course, some will note that having the best player on the planet makes life easier...

USA off of the boards. Is Tkachuk playing? No. The hotel bill should be fine.

lol no need to be sorry JMU. Just fun watching this play out.

jmu_capsgirl is selecting now, she takes...

Team Sweden, Team, Sweden

Well, Sweden was the best of the rest, I think its a severe drop off after Sweden.

Can't wait to see who took Man U!

Oh, darn, wrong tourney!

oh it was fun. Not half as mush trash talk as i expected, well, except at me.

The Swedes are a good pick - surprised they went after the US and Finland (even though I always supported Finland as a kid)

Steve R has 2 now, #24 and #25...

Pascal LeClaire, G, CAN
and
Cristobal Huet, G, FRA

Shrewd drafting here... LeClaire is next in line if Ward falters and Huet should start every game for the French Foreign Legion.

Two goalies in one go. Huet will be a good pick as he will face a lot of pucks and will make a lot of saves at .25 points a time.

Can't see him shutting anyone out though with the French defensive in front of him.

Um...JSchon...I think Huet is wrong...

Back to jmu_capsgirl, her draft strategy is sound but will it translate into points? Her 26th pick goes to...

Mikhail Biryukov, G, RUS

False alarm to all you French goalie fanatics.

Typo, though-o...

Not Huet... Martin Gerber, G, SUI

Boy...I wonder why I was so quick to question that pick....? :-)

Seriously, we need to see about removing this JSchon dude, its obvious he doesnt know what he is talking about. To the pick of Biryukov... He should start and if he wins and plays well, could be the steal of the draft thus far.

With #27, oo7 selects...

Patrick Kane, F, USA

The favorite to win the Calder by some people (dumb people), should factor in a good amount of team USA's scoring.

Honed with her #28th pick goes with...

Martin St.Louis, F, CAN

I actually can't believe he fell so far down in the draft. Great value pick here.

by the way, after JSchon finishes doing his thing, I can email the chat transcript or googledoc it if anyone is interested...

@ #29 we have Sombrero Guy, his selection is...

Sermen Varlamov, G, RUS

A wildcard pick here, might be too early to reach unless you are goalieless at this point which he is. Varlamov could surprise.

Sombrero Guy is waiting at the podium with a jersey for five minutes when Jschon announces that Varmalov is not present at the draft.

With 4 out of the last 6 picks go the way of the custodian, what will Jordan do with his pick at #30...

Karri Ramo, G, FIN

Well, there has been a significant run on "Porters", "Custodians", Karri Ramo might find it hard to supplant Backstrom, but he is a solid #2.

JSchon has the #31st pick, personally anyone who types in the 3rd person should not be allowed to reproduce...

Kenny Jonsson, D, SWE

A solid pick here, Jonsson will log a ton of minutes.

Jeff has the last pick in the 4th round, and he takes...

Peter Hirsch, G, DEN

Another Porter, cheers...

we are so sad. Updating a fantasy draft for the world championships during the stanley cup playoffs on the capitals insider blog. And some of us who are not involved in the draft are folling it....

*following

Question: Not having seen it, am I going to waste the next two hours of my life if I watch Youngblood, or will it enhance my hockey love?

Leeguru and others:
I am getting zero work done right now as I cruise through the draft entries and laugh at the commentary. Hey, what else do I have to do on a Thurs morning? Just don't tell my boss I said that.

It was great in the 80's, and Rob Lowe Is SOOOO cute, but I watched it recently and gotta admit, it's a pretty bad movie. Oh, and it has the soon to be late Patrick Swayze in it. Your in college though, so i can't see how watching anything on TV is considered a waste of time

Lets recap the draft after 4 rounds...

Jeff (DC)
F Alex Ovechkin RUS
D Jay Bouwmeester CAN
T Finland
G Peter Hirsch DEN

JSchon
G Cam Ward CAN
D Tomas Kaberle CZE
T Czech Republic
D Kenny Jonsson SWE

Jordan
T Russia
D Eric Green
F Rick Nash
G Karri Ramo

Sombrero Guy
F Jason Spezza CAN
F Eric Staal CAN
F Ryan Getzlaf CAN
G Sermen Varlamov RUS

Honed
G Nickalas Backstrom FIN
T Canada
D Ed Jovanovski CAN
F Martin St Louis

oo7
G Tim Thomas USA
F Alex Semin RUS
T United States
F Patrick Kane USA

jmu_capsgirl
F Alexei Morozov RUS
D Danil Markov RUS
T Sweden
G Mikhail Biryukov RUS

Steve R
F Ilya Kovalchuk RUS
F Dany Heatley CAN
G Pascal LeClaire CAN
G Martin Gerber SUI

jmu_capsgirl

Definitely worth watching. Not the greatest movie but very enjoyable.

haha, thanks lee
man that's a lot of russians... :D

@jmucapsgirl --- Its worth watching at least once. Its a hockey movie

It looks like Steve is trying to lose!

I said it last night, and I'll say it again...Steve has a good looking team after 4 picks.

Looking at the draft to date, I really like what Honed has done with her picks, and Steve R has done well for himself while drafting last. JSchon needs his wobbie.

Back to the draft, Jeff (DC) owns the next pick...

Cristobal Huet, G, FRA

well, i'm going to watch it on my laptop so i can stay up-to-date on the commentary. I've seen this firsthand and i'm still excited...

Here is Huet... JSchon could screw up a slip n slide party at Hugh's house.

With the 34th pick overall... JSchon selects?

Jonathan Toews, F, CAN

Hip hip...relegation round!

Would've been rookie of the year had he not been injured... But that doesnt translate into success here necessarily.

Jordan with the 35th pick take...

Slovakia, Team, Slovakia

I couldnt point out Slovakia if I was standing on it.

Sombrero Guy takes with his 36th pick...

Brent Burns, D, CAN

I think Sombrero Guy, actually drafted Brett Burns, who is George Burn's half brother twice removed, luckily is isnt on a roster and quite possibly is dead. So we gave him Brent instead.

Honed now takes with her #37 pick...

Paul Martin, D, USA

I had coffee with Paul last week, he really needed a shower.

oo7 with the #38 pick takes...

Olie Jokinen, F, FIN

Depending on which Jokinen you get it could be a steal or just an average pick.

Anyone know when the caps end of the season sale is for the equipment?

Ugly Jokinen finally comes off the board. I bet there's a smile on his infantile face.

jmu_capsgirl #39 pick goes to...

Shane Doan, F, CAN

Random comment on the fantasy teams:

I like Honed and 007 so far. Sombrero might be ok, but his lack of a team pick may be problematic. People selecting goalies of the lesser teams might see their guys lit up like a Cristobal tree. That goes double for Gerber who has a two-fer of playing for a marginal country and actually sucking on his own.

Old Time Hockey,

I think Jordan has the strongest team so far. By far.

old time hockey -- the drafting of goalies from lesser teams is an intentional risk. There's no negative for losing or getting completely lit up...only positives for saves, wins, SO's. So, while you won't get many points for a goalie on a terrible team, he could see 50 shots a game and more than make up for the fact he gave up 5 or 6 goals.

Doan is the 1st non-vodka drinking player jmu has taken, why? jmu said, "I needed some brown liquor in the lockerroom, Canadien Club baby".

I'm liking Jordan's team so far.

I may tail off for lunch, but I expect a FULL roster update by the mid afternoon.

Hoping to see final comments from Tarik once the draft is completed, because you know he's following this even though he is refraining from comment at this time.

Tarik is too busy laughing his ass off at all of us, probably.

Steve R has back to backs once again... #40 and #41...

Tom Gilbert, D, USA &
Duncan Keith, D, CAN

Two blueliners. Since scoring is weighted for blueliners, you can't go wrong with two decent ones.

I don't have a problem with vodka, it happens to be my favorite variety of hard stuff, but I only drink Canadian beer and I like Captain Canada. Besides, I've got all of team Sweden, I just loan my guys out to the other GMs. They don't drink vodka in Sweden, do they?

The movie is awful so far...in that 80s movie funny kind of way.

jmu_capsgirl is back at #42...

Juris Stals, F, LAT

jmu, look at it as a right of passage. All us old timers had to do it, and now you do. Of course, mauree still needs to see animal house, but that's a whole 'nother story....

Um, he's not on my list... Wait maybe Juris Stals is Latvian for Jerad Staal?

I'm not sure if drinking helped or hurt my draft picking...

Pick 43 is owned by oo7...

Sergei Fedorov, F, RUS

A hometown favorite and if the rumors are true about him centering Ovechkin in the vastness of international ice, could be a steal...

Honed is up... She selects...

Derek Roy, F, CAN

lee, its that bad funny-awful, right up there with slapshot, although not as funny right now.
And yes, Juris is Latvian for "better than my Thunder Bay relatives"

Roy had a great year... Derek not Patrick...

I'm really surprised that our Backstrom hasn't gone, yet.

Really surprised.

#45 goes to Sombrero Guy...

Lubomir Visnovsky, D, SVK

A very good pick here, will anchor the Slovaks power play.

Jordan is up at #46...

Nicklas Backstrom, F, SWE

You're good Drinking Partner. Very timely observation

JSchon has brought out the chainsaw again and is frantically running around chasing Jordan. Really good pick here.

A hysterical JSchon picks with his 47th pick...

Anze Kopitar, F, SLO

The first Slovenian taken, should score a few goals in relegation.

Now this is a guy whose name I can't pronounce. He scores points by getting the ball into the endzone, and does it well. Pat, I can see this pick doing JSchon some good, except that Slovenistan has no chance in going anywhere against the mighty Miami Dolphins

Back to back Jeff (DC) takes with #48 and #49...

Alexander Edler, D, SWE
Alexnader Radulov, F, RUS

Hey! No interviews with the draftees? what kind of second rate draft is this?

Dumb Q: but is Alzner playing in this tourney?

They are the best Alexanders left on the board... named Edler and Radulov...

I have a request. And I realize it might be a fruitless one but I'm gonna give it a shot before abandoning the blog altogether.

I fully respect everyone's right to post comments of their choosing here on the blog. However, will you guys please consider exchanging contact info and having your personal exchanges someplace other than the blog, so the rest of us are able to find the actual topical comments (and by "topical," I mean pertaining to the topic of Tarik's blog post)? Generally that is the purpose of a blog, as opposed to a message board or public discussion forum, where you can create your own threads for such a purpose.

Some of us really are here just to read Tarik's posts and relevant comments made by readers.

If you are unwilling to do this, could you carry on your conversations in one of his older blog postings instead of the most recent ones?

Thanks in advance for considering the rest of us readers. :)

Lee,

I don't think anyone on jmu's team speaks English

Radukonv? Sounds russian? Didn't we beat them in the cold war already? This is a guy who plays in... a city somewhere east of my Oakland Raiders....

He can score. Alexander Edy's ice cream I don't think can get enough sacks to stay relevant.

Seeing as I was nearly a part of this, some how it holds a special place in my heart to follow. Plus the commentary is funny, and it's fun to watch some of the worse picks be made.

Q: So, how long have you been a Swedish defensemen?

Edler: "Sedan dess Jag var lite gräshoppa"

JSchon has lopped off an toe because of the chainsaw but has recovered nicely and has taken with his #50th pick...

Jason Pominville, F, USA

Apparently, there is heckler in the background, she seems to yelling "This is a hockey blog, talk hockey". I thought we were? Pominville, great pick here.

We've got Jonathon Toews here... Jonathon how does Canada respond to not having a guy like Sidney Crosby on the team

Toews: well uhhh you know we still have a great team, and uhh we just wanna go out and win

Mcguire: But Crosby... won't you miss him, don't you need the penalties he can draw?

Toews: It'd certainly help to get that diving on the team, but uhh unfortunately the Penguins tanked to play Ottawa.

Jill,

If the Caps were still playing, and if Tarik was posting on a more regualr basis, I would agree. But since our boys are out (and many are playing in these world championships) it is actually a fun, although sad, diversion.

How about this: when Tarik posts someting new, you draft people just keep updating here. Unless Tarik posts his analysis of the draft.

That idiot Jordan is up with #51...

Martin Strbak, D, SVK

Way to go, Pierre! laughing my butt off at work.

Pominville.. this is a guy who can create chances by running the ball through the middle. As long as he avoids the defense's tackles, he should have success in this tournament

Jill,

Lighten up...This is a one time deal , its fun to read along and what else is going on that tarik would be commenting on today?

This guy only has one vowel is his last name, he has to be tough...

@ Jill

I'm confused. What about what they're doing is irrelevant? Tarik, whether he's busy or tired or what, isn't entertaining us with news and info the way he was, so everyone else has taken it upon themselves to keep up the hockey talk with a fantasy, though topically relevant, World's Tournament draft. I admit I'm a tad bitter at not getting to be an owner in the draft, but this is better reading than sitting and speculating about whether or not BB is going to get the Adams trophy, which I sincerely hope, but doubt, will happen.

This is a fresh way to use the board, and it allows everyone to comment and share in the excitement of the World's that few, if any, of us would have experienced otherwise.

I'm confused as to why this fun little thing would actually drive you away from the boards. If anything, I would have expected the stupid little flame war between THE MAN and the rest of us would have done that much more potently than this little exchange.

Why does this bother you?

Lee - how come you didn't get in the draft?

Sombrero Guy is up, he is apparently on his 8th Michelob Ultra... #52 goes to...

Zach Parise, F, USA

At this stage in the draft I'm surprised no one has taken my old boy Steve Young, he could throw past the defense any day. This game is won by getting the puck in the net, but you need a great quarterback like Young to uh... back to you Pat

828, i found about it late, and steve invited me. End of the month is busy at a car dealership, and i couldn't put the research in to it that I would want. Thought it would be better if i lived vicariously through him. then i saw his team...

Mr. Madden, you forgot about your boy Favre

We have Zach here right now with us...

RC: Zach, how do you feel about getting drafted by Somrero Guy?

ZP: The guy is a alcy, besides there are 20 guys ahead of me that stink, Roy before me? Are you kidding?

RC: Zach you dont seem to be happy

ZP: Is that a chainsaw?

That was cold Lee. I blame the beer.

With the 53rd pick, Honed selects?

Alexander Yeremenko, G, RUS

Another Russian goalie, thats 3 drafted... who get the winning lottery ticket?

@ 54 we have oo7, he takes...

Phil Kessel, F, USA

This guy has a sever acne problem... but boy can he play some hockey... good pick

I guess I should clarify - some of us come here to read what Tarik posts and comment on it. For example, the topic of this post that you are all replying to is Bruce Boudreau's nomination for the Jack Adams. However, as usual (and no, this is not a one-time thing) the majority of the comments are about anything but this topic!

I'm not here to police the blog. It's Tarik's blog and if he is OK with it -- and the fact that it will probably chase away a portion of the readership -- then that's up to him. I'm just saying that some of us want to read and talk about the topic...not everyone's personal chit-chat -- regardless of whether it's some fantasy hockey draft or something else. I'm simply requesting that those folks take the chatter somewhere else, like a message board for example (there is one on the Caps' website) where they can contain their discussion in their own thread, rather than mingle it in here, where those of us who don't care must wade through it in order to get to any commentary on the topic of the post. Most of the time I don't bother because I don't want to go through 200-400 comments when maybe 10% are actually relevant to the post or to the Caps.

As I said before, it's likely a fruitless request. Just thought I'd give it a shot.

With the 55th pick overall in the FHWCT draft, jmu takes...

Andrej Sekera, D CZE

I'm here with Eddie O the hockey guru here for VS...

Pierre: Eddie, how come no one has taken Sidney Crosby yet?

Eddie O: Well Pierre I'd have to say that's because the Penguins are still in the playoffs.

Pierre: But don't you think he could do both since he's so... dreamy?

The big O: Well Pierre in the NHL players adhere to something called a "Contract" and Sid's probably stops him from playing in both the World Championships and the NHL Playoffs.

Pierre: *weeps*

Eddie O: We've got John Madden draftside with Alex Ovechkin... John?

Madden: Thanks Pat, now this is a guy who can lead his time to the motherland by rushing through hits and getting to the endzone... Brett how do you plan on doing this?

Ovechkin: Uhh I hope see puck and shoot, score goals.

Madden: This is football right?

Ovechkin: I just want to play hockey and hope my team win

Madden: *head explodes:

Ovechkin: Oh my god puck! Must shoot!

Actually Jill, often the topics are discussed on the blog, if you look at the first 60 or so posts they are about the BB getting nominated. Then usually the topic breaks apart and other items are discussed, some relevant to the topic some not. Thats how it is. The Caps arent playing, a few of our boys are playing in Canada so this is how we keep this blog fresh and fun. You're being the blog and fun police... I suggest you stop, you are obviously in the major minority.

Back to the pick of Sekera, who?

go easy on Jill, she has a valid point. I was going to type the same thing myself and then actually started reading all the draft posts and found myself laughing and getting in to them, too. I agree with Leeguru's suggestion that you just keep posting the rest of the Fantasy stuff on this post from now on. Sounds fair to me.

Didnt Sekera sing with Chicago?

He also had a wonderful solo career... "I am a man who will fight for your honor, I'll be that hero you've been dreaming of..."

Back to back picks for Steve R... #56 and #57...

Back to back picks for Steve R... #56 and #57...

Patrick Sharp, F, CAN
Dustin Brown, F, USA

007's pick of Unoball has me in his corner. That's a very sound team he has built so far.

I like these picks, especially Dustin Brown...

I think JMU is trying to beat other teams by having them laugh at her players' names for so long they can't defend the net. Just saying.

Even though I am dead friggin tired after getting up at 6 am today, last night was a blast. This is even more fun. Carry on...Carry on...

jmu is up, and you've guessed correctly...

Alexei Tereschenko, F, RUS

I wish I could blame mich ultra...or tequila...for me picking Parise over Brown

Figured 33 goals scored while playing for a bad team was too good to pass up on Brown

Is jmu_capsgirl secretly involved with the KGB? I wonder if she is a Sambo champion?

Tereschenko is a guy that not many of heard of, including me and my hair. Look for him to do nothing in this tournament, except cry as the ruthless Americans tease him for his name.

The early favorite, oo7 is up with the 59th pick...

Dan Hamhuis, D, CAN

Another part of my two cents...

On Bouds, he deserves the Adams. His record with the Caps was nothing short of outstanding, Babcock is a consistent winner with a consistently old but great team. Guy should be a close second.

Good ol Danny Hamhuis, I mean what a great flute player.

@ 60 we have Honed... she takes...

Maxim Afinogenov, F, RUS

jmu looks extremely pissed at that selection. She needs to solace that there is always Yakov Smirnoff available.

I'm here with Cristobal Huet's wife...
Madam, how does it feel to be a part of the same tournament Sidney Crosby is involved in.

Zee Crosby is ne pas playing en this tournament

I don't know what you're talking about... Is it true you told your husband you want to move back to a city that is more Crosby in design and feel?

I told eem that I want eem to play en a more uropean style city. But Washington DC is a great city aussi.

DC Crosby plays there twice a year is that why you want to stay?

Non.

That last pick was gold, Jerry! Gold!

Sombrero Guy is up and he takes @61...

Filip Kuba, D, CZE

my team logo

http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i174/blwiseass/hobbes-sombrero.jpg

The Cezechs bring a mighty game to the table and with that mighty game you need players named Filip. Good pick.

Some of your comments are funnier than XM comedy (which I have been listening to since the Caps are done). Keep it up. Todays blog is a classic!

@ Jill

Part of me agrees with you and part of me doesn't. If this blog started hitting topics outside of hockey, i would completely empathize and start boycotting the blog, too. But considering that this blog is still hockey-relevant, and even mostly Caps relevant, I have to disagree.

But why not join us in the fun of rooting for Ovechkin, Green, Backstrom, Fedorov, Semin, Varlamov, Lepisto, Fleischman, and Huet in the tournament? It's gonna be fun!

Did I forget anyone in the tournament?

Jordan is on the clock...

Craig Anderson, G, USA

We have with us, Craig Anderson...

RC: Well, Craig, tough season in Florida.
CA: Yeah, it was, too many injuries to overcome.
RC: Well you did great in your chances, how is it now in FLA now that you're gained some notoriety?
CA: I have no idea what you're talking about?
RC: I mean you have like 3 consecutive shutouts, how did the fans react?
CA: What fans?

JSchon is on life support, but has made his selection with the #63rd pick...

Marco Sturm, F, GER

We've just received word from the Canadian scorekeepers that Sidney Crosby has been awarded secondary assists on all goals that the Canadians score. This is in honor of his riveting performance at the 9th annual Canadian Ice Diving Championships which has motivated this team so much.

Here's hoping TimTom tanks and CA gets to play.

Obviously, under pressure from his German relatives, Sturm had to be the pick for the motherland.

Jeff (DC) is now walking his selection up to the podium... #64 goes to...

Peter Mueller, F, USA

Great value here, Mueller is a very good young player... plus I hear he can juggle...

Jeff (DC) with his second pick of a back to back selects... #65

Patrick Elias, F, CZE

You hear that sound? Thats the sound of 7 other owners sh!tting the bed by not picking Elias sooner.

At #66, JSchon selects...

Milan Hnilicka, G, CZE

This JSchon guy really gets frazzled when someone really good gets picked in front of him. Its either sobbing, wielding a chainsaw or just making dumb picks...

Now at 67, Jordan takes...

Patrick O'Sullivan, F, USA

Nice pick here... Nothing flashy, just solid.

All I know is that JSchon's employer sure is getting their money's worth today.

Sorry I haven't posted here in awhile, I've been a little busy watching playoff hockey.

Sombrero Guy is up with the #68th pick...

Radim Vrbata, F, CZE

If you think the CZE Rep can win it, Vrbata will definitely be a part of it.

I think Alzner will be one of top 4 d-men by the end of the year!

8 people decide to have a hockey pool.
Gee sounds like a novel idea.
But wait.... they decide to do a play by play of their entire draft on this blog.
OMG what an absolute waste of internet space. Why not start your own playoff blog so the rest of us can be spared your inane banter?
I want to to about the Caps and hockey not listen to you buffoons.

I was wondering how this thread got to 300 posts overnight. This is very entertaining. But I will be billing you all for my time wasted reading it.

Man I'm tired... someone please come up with some comedy/satire commentary...

We need to send it to Pierre for an update

And with the 1st pick in his own personal draft, wendel selects...

Quinten Laing, F, WAS

Wendel, are you bitter that you weren't invited to join in the draft?

And now at #69... Honed gets...

Teamu Selanne, F, FIN

Pierre McGuire: "Is it just me, or does the "post a comment" and the ".com" in the washingtonpost.com logo look orange..."

Wow, a late addition to the FIN's squad has an alert owner happy has hell... Teamu Selanne @69? What a steal.

So this is what fans of teams that drop out in the first round do with their time. The blog was a whole lot more interesting at the beginning with the bitterness of defeat still fresh in the air.

Hey, you guys didn't have to go through it once you figured out it was a fake draft.

@70, oo7 selects?

Sami Lepisto, D, FIN

whoa, Honed comes in strong yet again. May have to switch to her camp...

A Hershey Bear product, open ice should do wonders for the kid. Many are anxious to see how he does, including wendel.

The ultimate failure of the Flyers will be all the more fun to watch the deeper they go

its jmu turn, and what does that mean? A foreign player... @ 71

Edgars Masalskis, G, LAT

The Latvian goalie?
Thats like getting the French tough guy... or the hot Samoan girl or the friendly waitress at the Vienna Inn.

Win or lose, it will still great to be watching the Flyers playing real hockey in May while the Caps fans are playing fantasy hockey.
Thats great though that BB may get a reward for leading his team to the playoffs, only to get bumped out in the first round by a team that you guys said was inferior.

you guys laugh now. just wait

Steve R with his back to back picks at #72 and #73, goes with...

James Wisniewski, D, USA
Keith Ballard, D, USA

Apparently Steve R is taking the opposite approach of drafting from jmu... Every player so far NHL'ers who speak the queens English.

@74 jmu takes?

Anton Stralman, D, SWE

Actually, he is a good value here, should factor in the scoring from the blueline rich Swedes.

Take a look at all of the ufa's and rfa's that your guys are stuck with over the next two years. Enjoy this season.

http://www.nhlscap.com/salarynumbers/philadelphia.htm

JMU picks a goalie from Latvia it's gonna be slaughter BABY!!! This guy can't make a bucket to save his life! UNBELIEVABLE BABY!!!!

oo7 is up... pick #75 goes to...

Steve Staios, D, CAN

I did? huh. Didn't see that one coming. I had Makritsky written down. Oh well, he was on my list.

Steve R goes with the Pollack - c