Gold!

OV deserves it!

Ovie for MVP!!!

When will the winners of the awards be announced? Thanks Tarik.

In honor of his accomplishment, it looks like AO is getting called up to the NFL.

Courtesy of The Onion:
http://www.theonion.com/content/video/nhl_star_called_up_to_big_leagues?utm_source=slate_rss_1

A mere formality that they named two other candidates. Ovie is the one!

And yet somehow Crosby will be involved in the discussion. Not sure how that works, exactly...

Prediction:
Hart: Ov
Calder: Kane (I actually think Price got jobbed not being a finalist.)
Selke: Datsyuk

Jumping ahead to coach of the year. BB is it. But, I wonder if some voters will say that they can't vote for him because (1) it was his first year, (2) not a full year (3) needs to prove his isn't a fluke?

@Dinger: Great Clip! Thanks for posting the link.

For those who havent been reading the past thred... We are putting together a Fantasy Hockey World Championship Thing together...

So far we have 6 participants, we need 2 more...

Team JSchon
Team jmu_capsgirl
Team Honed
Team Jordan
Team oo7
Team Jeff (DC)

Alright... that makes 6 participants...

we need 2 more, and we are closed.

Simples Rules:
1. No touching of the hair or face (Anchorman reference)
2. 2G, 4D, 6F, 1 National Team
3. Its a cumulative score, from game 1 to the finale.
4. Serpentine draft. Draft order will be determined by the Accounting Firm of Funk & Wagnalls

Congrats Ovie! Can't wait to watch you claim your prize!

And congrats in advance to Gabby for his nomination for the Jack Adams!

All hardware to DC, please! We'll get the big one next year...

Ovechkin has it in the bag.

I think Backstrom COULD win the Calder, but I think there are enough voters out there who will just assume Backstrom was carried by Ovechkin. We all know that isn't true, but the fact that Kane beat Backstrom in the scoring race will likely make Kane the winner.

BB for coach of the year. Instant turnaround from the moment he took over. I don't see how anybody can argue that.

It will be great to see Ovie called up to the podium every other time. They may as well just seat him on-stage.

Posting the pics from Friday night...I hope it works!

http://s276.photobucket.com/albums/kk14/CapsSighting/

@ Capssighting -- where were those pics taken on friday?

a friend of mine saw Feds in Gtown Thursday night. Talked to him a bit.

When I was eating lunch at Bailey's in Ballston yesterday, Jeff Schultz walked by twice.

Did he avoid eye contact?

It was a party on Capitol Hill. I took other pics but they aren't for public consumption! LOL You have to like Ovie's fresh haircut and shave!

Feds in Georgetown on Thursday? Where? A bunch of the guys were at a downtown bar on Wednesday night including Greenie!

JSchon,

Count me in

What is that hideous thing Ovechkin is wearing? Somebody pass me the eye bleach!

This is completely OT

Im writing to you all from Boston. I tuned into the Flyers/Habs game last night on versus. I looked up who the play by play guy was and where he was from, and he is your play by play guy.

I have to ask you all this. How in the world do you suffer through 82 games of his game calls? Brutal, just absolutely brutal!

I kept a count. Then stopped because it was futile. Of the 1st 16 minutes of the game, less than 7 minutes were spent doing real play by play. I dont care about the AHL playoffs or what the Habs coach said to them before the game or what the players feel about the crowds. Just do the game.

That Joe guy seems to never be able to be kept on task and just do his job and shut up about the other stuff.

There was that Habs 5 on 3 PP in the middle of the 1st period and it took the 1 minute and 10 seconds to mention that the Habs were A. On the PP and B. What the penalty calls were.

Brutal.

Maybe your GM should be looking for trade the play by play guy.

Alright Steve R makes 7... uno mais...

About Joe B.

Joe B, IMO is great... He's been ours for so long, I have not a negative thing to say about him...

He is highly regarded among NHL people...

You might want to go somewhere else to get a true objective opinion on Joe B. I think most of us here are fans.

1 more player folks.

@Boston 8 - Well, Versus keeps hiring Joe Beninati year after year so they must think he's OK. He calls games for Versus throughout the NHL season in addition to the playoffs. He also announces for other sports.

He is not just the Caps' play-by-play guy.

I kinda like Joe B

If you like hearing play by play done in 1 second clips, he is perfect.

I agree that he does get distracted easily though.

BostonB, Sounds to me like you are an A-1 flamer. Joe B is one of the best in the business. That is all.

Keith Jones keeps getting hired by Versus, that doesnt mean he is good.

@Boston B - sorry, Joe B rocks. One of the best in the business. Maybe when you're watching a game, you need the play-by-play guy to explain every detail of what you're seeing in rote fashion, but Caps fans kind of understand the game. Joe B keeps it interesting, and never misses the important parts.

@BostonB,

So, the other guy doing play by play didn't suck too, or just Joe B?

If you don't like Joe B, do what we do when watching the Caps on NBC: mute the TV and turn on the radio for their feed.

I was watching last night too and I have to agree that he wasnt on last night at all. I dont know if it was the schmuck he had with him last night but it seemed like all they wanted to do was talk about other things.

They all sucked last night

Bob Harwood added NOTHING to the broadcast. The color guy wouldnt shut his mouth. If you are doing color, keep your comments to 1 sentence and to the whistles.

The play by play guy kept asking him questions and allowing him to talk. Then they would discuss what they are talking about.

And no, I dont need someone to explain everything to me. I just dont want to hear useless banter.

@Boston,

You're not going to find a sympathetic group to your anti-Joe B rhetoric here. Got another topic, or just continue to beat on this one?

And here I always thought it was Locker who brought the "useless banter"...hmmm...

Steve,

Im only answering a question that I was asked. Read back, I was asked if it was just the play by play guy.

I will be the first one to admit, Boston's guys a terrible too. Everyone seems to like hearing themselves speak.

Honestly, when broadcasters get off topic and start bantering it takes some intensity out of the game.

If the NHL wants to draw new fans, they have to do this

1 - get rid of Versus broadcasts.
2 - get quality broadcasters who will inform people of exactly what penalty was just called, why and show a damn replay instead of coming back from a commercial
with men in the box and not mentioning it.
3 - Allow Pierre McGuire to stand in traffic on the freeway
4 - Stop interviewing players and coaches DURING play

Has anyone noticed how trolls from other teams come in and trash the Caps, but then end up trashing their own team too when we call them on it? Kinda stupid.

BostonB would just love JoeB and Laughlin. :) I think JoeB does a great job.

Plus I bought a suit from Bruno Cipriani and got a 5% discount because I name dropped... I'm not proud...

Rule for the Fantasy Hockey World Championship Thing...

Goalie Scoring
.20 points for every save
3 points for every shutout
5 points for every win
-1 points for goal against
3 point for an assist

Forwards
+/- equals +/- points
2 points for assist
3 points for every goal
1 point ppp
2 points shp

Defensemen
+/- equals +/- points
3 points for assist
5 points for goal
1 point ppp
2 points shp

Team Points
2 for WIN
1 for OT
0 for LOSS

@ Jordan

Who trashed the Caps? It just seemed that someone was giving an opinion that they are entitled to.

Myself, im pretty indifferent to Joe B and his broadcasts. He could be better but then again it could be worse too.

To me it seems like when people come around with an opinion that doesnt meet the status quo around here people jump on them for no reason.

BostonB

You raise some good points but as I watch many broadcasts from around the country, I think Joe B and Laughlin are a "good" pair. Joe B does not treat the Caps broadcasts the same way as he does the Versus or National b'casts. As for Bruins announcers, I think Edwards, who I used to actually like, showed some strong "homer-isms" this year AND he gets way too excited on a lot of plays...my opinion, take it or leave it.

At an earlier commenter - there are voters who will not give Boudreau the nod due to this being his first season (and not a full one at that). I've heard this comment made by voters on more than one occasion through the season.

It'd be cool for Boudreau to be nominated, but I don't expect him to win the award.

Versus should hire Vancouver's play by play guy to do all the big games in the playoffs.

I think its the guy that does the play by play in the video games.

I enjoy Joe B and Laughlin, but since I dont have center ice I don't have much to compare them to beyond the old school Gary Thorne Bill Clement tandem, or the occasional VS games I watched during the regular season.

It is possible that the developed bad habits of trying to keep the game fun by tossing in anecdotes as they Caps got their heads kicked in for a couple of years, but to me it never detracted from the broadcast.

I think that I can tell what is happening on the ice pretty well, so I never really notice the meandering much myself. The anecdotes seem to fill time between the whistles, or when nothing of particular note is happening on the ice. At least that's my two cents

Sombrero Guy...

We need 1 more for the 8 participants in the Fantasy Hockey World Championship Thing...

I know you want to be a part of it... the FHWCT

Jschon

I'm in. blwiseass at yahoo is the e-mail for details

OK... We are settled

Team JSchon
Team jmu_capsgirl
Team Honed
Team Jordan
Team oo7
Team Jeff (DC)
Team Steve R
Team Sombrero Guy

I need confirmations by all... pronto... and email addresses...

It's going to be a CAPS sweep.

Hart - Ovie
Calder - Backstrom
Adams - Boudreau
Lady Byng - Donald Brashear

Caps Sighting - more info about Friday night, please! I'd love to know more about the event on the Hill (where I worked for 12 years). Why are they wearing medals and dressed like refs?
And Ovie deserves the Hart with his carrying the Caps on his back into the playoffs and with his record-breaking season. Hope he wins the Pearson, too!

JSchon:
Alas, I am too late ... see what I get for workin'?!? :-/ That'll learn me.

@Mungo

It was a sports theme party so that's why they were dressed like refs and Ovie was a basketball player...it was on the roof top at Charlie Palmer's...not quite the Hill like Union Pub (Red River Grill) but I figured that was the closest neighborhood! Huge party and a good time...they had a lot of fun too!

Boo!
You're first in line for a drop out. Thats the best I can do. 8^(

JSchon:
No worries - just looking forward to the outcomes here! It will be like the Caps all over again! YEAH!!! :-D But who should I cheer for?!? Hmmm ...

@Boo!

Cheer for me. Like Matt Bradley, I'm a fan favorite.

Hey JSchon, why dont you just post your email address and we'll all contact you. That way only one email goes up instead of 8. Make sense? I'm paranoid... Lots of people are out to get me. Its the chicks I'm worried about. I'm sure you've seen the movies.

Speaking of Gary Thorne, how/when did he get hired to do O's games?

@ CapsSighting:

Damn! I am jealous....I'd love to be able to party with the boys, especially when they are in my hood!

OV deserves the MVP without hesitation.
BB gets the nod for Coach of the year.
But the rookie trophy must go to Kane. Did you guys see him at all this year?
No disrespect to our Nicky, he had a great season and we expect many more to come.
But the Calder should go to Kane.

Since the Lester Pearson is voted by the players, to me that would be the more gratifying award.

Here's another name to keep in mind when you are picking your fantasy teams:

by The Patriot-News
Tuesday April 29, 2008, 11:32 AM
Hershey Bears defenseman Sami Lepisto has been added to Finland's roster for next month's World Hockey Championship.

Sombrero Guy -- do you also have a perpetual black eye like Bradley?

OK... send to corridormg @ gmail dot com

Team JSchon
Team jmu_capsgirl
Team Honed
Team Jordan
Team oo7
Team Jeff (DC)
Team Steve R
Team Sombrero Guy

I need your email addresses...

I think Ovie's numbers were inflated by playing on a line with Backstrom all year.

Sent my email address.

sent mine too...

Ok...

Team Sombrero Guy - in
Team Jordan - in
Team Jeff (DC) - in
Team oo7 - in
Team Honed - in
Team JSchon - in

waiting on
Steve R
jmu_capsgirl

@Caps Sighting
I'm so jealous - one of these days I'll get to meet Ovie just to thank him.
Thanks for replying.

Like how I am alwasy late to the party, but if someone from Boston is going to complain about Joe B all I got to say is at least we don't have to listen to Jack Edwards. Living down here in raleigh I alwasy hated when they used the NESN feed on Center Ice when the caps and bruins played

Sombrero:
You ARE a fan favorite ... and you are a personal favorite for hooking me up with the spreadsheet (thanks again!). But I can be bought!! ;-) Hmm ... who to cheer for?

Baildog:
HA! That's funny ... :-D

Steve:
What have you done with Leeguru? Is he locked in the DUNGEEN?!?

Joe B is one of the best there is. Just a few phrases I'd wish he'd vary:

"There's a hand-held look..."
"...calls his own number!"
"pass is too hot to handle..."
"Ovechkin scores!"

Ok, maybe not the last one.

Good luck in the FHWCT guys and gals! I can't wait to see what kind of teams you all put together...until then, i will wait to pick a favorite.

OK, Caps Sighting ... how does one end up at a party with the boys?!?

Are we going to draft by email? It's hard for me to be sitting here at the computer for extended amounts of time with my dumbass school schedule..

I'll make this easy for all you fans trying to figure out who to root for.

My first pick? Jirí Novotny

"huntsy passes it to coco, coco drops it back to bonzai, and bonzai puts the biscuit in the basket." -Laughlin

when do the finalists for the masterton trophy get announced?
thanks

Those pics from Friday night are SO going to come back and haunt them...

Drafting Ideas... I was going to send an email once we have our 8 confirmed... rules and asking when a good draft time would be... We are drafting 13x8 = 104 players in all... it should take a couple of hours.

We could do email draft, or blog draft...

I thought it would be kinda cool, if we did a blog draft...

We could have BOO! fullright! and whoever else commentate.

Games start Friday night... So we need to end the draft by 7pm friday night

Yes, it is the Vancouver announcer that at least for a while did PBP for the NHL games by EA Sports. Jim Hughson is his name, I do believe.

The best hockey commentary combo I've ever heard is Emrick/Clement. Thorne was very good, save for his '94 gaffe in the Eastern Conference Finals.

This run by the Caps made me nostalgic for Ron Weber on radio, though, I'll tell you that.

"It's been a two-point night!"

Actually games start Friday @ 1pm... so before 1pm

@Mundo

They are a lot of fun to party with even when they've lost a game. Brash is one of the coolest guys to hang out with too!

@Boo!

We've been friends for a couple of years so we hang out a good amount. Love Nicky and Feds, they've been great guys to get to know! I posted the party tidbit because I thought people would think it was funny that they were dressed up like refs! Even if Ovie wore his Wizards jersey with his name on the back instead of being a ref.

Funny note, 2 guys were dressed as commentators and went around interviewing everyone. It was really hilarious!

In this years FHWCT draft, as far as goalies go, I really like the young Swiss right hander, Hiller (maybe because i'm a right handed Swiss tender myself). Thomas, the red blooded American, will play with pride and intensity. But, may struggle with the larger ice surface, i.e. different shooting angles, as will Ward. Backstrom is a legitimate pick as well. Back to you Boo!.

Steve R @ jmu_capsgirl

you have until 5pm to send your email confirming your entry into the Fantasy Hockey World Championship Thing or FHWCT...

If no reply by then Boo! is next in line... then fullright?

We are still open to subs.

btw, i realize almost every goalie in this tourney has international ice experience...just trying to be funny!

Anyone know where I can find complete team rosters for the Worlds? Gotta start preparing for the draft...heh.

http://www.iihf.com/channels/iihf-world-championship/rosters.html

JSchon/fullright:
LOL!! :-) Does that make me JoeBOO?!?

CapsSighting:
When are you taking your WaPo friends to a party?!? ;-)

@BostonB

No one from Boston has the right to diss on ANY broadcasters with the awful homer trash you get on NESN every game. My god they're the worst in the league.

@ Jschon

Too late to sign up?

if so go Jeff(DC) for the Novotny pick.

JoeBoo!-do you wanna be in the pressbox or rinkside?

I'll submit my name for subbing consideration, too, if you don't mind -- i made it too late to the boards this morning.

Does anyone know why Lehtonen isn't playing in the worlds?

@CapsCorndog

Its Tuesday, Im going to give jmu_capsgirl and Steve R until later tonight to commit...

I can't hold positions really... But check back tonight, around 8ish...

Boo!, fullright and you are 9, 10 and 11...

Thats all I can promise.

JSchon,
Sent the e-mail.

Boo,
Don't know where Lee has been hiding. Depression hasn't worn off, plus we have a buddy who is a Pens fan who keeps wanting to talk hockey, which just fuels the depression.

Steve R has confirmed...

That leaves one spot for jmu_capsgirl

Do we get to pick the team's name? If yes, I have dibs on:

S.N.A.F.U.

fullright:
rinkside, please - pressbox is too far away - i like to be close to the action!

steve:
what is this thing you call a pens fan? regardless, tell lee that we miss him! oh, and, S.N.A.F.U.? please explain ...

Situation Normal All F***** Up

I will officially retract my name from FHWCT sub spots. The time i'm able to spend on this blog is just so random, i don't think i could make a commitment of that magnitude! :)

We will miss you fullright... corndog 10

fullright:
Can you still fulfill your commentator duties? :-O

Steve:
Now there's a vote of confidence!! ;-)

Boo!
I think my contract requires me to do so.

JSchon

Put me down as #11 if you will, although I doubt I have a chance.

This just in... I think there is enough talent to bring it up to 10 participants.

Boo, you in?
CornDog?

CT Caps Fan...

you're in if jmu_capsgirl fails to commit.

Actually... We have to keep at 8. 8 is the magic number

The suspense is KILLING me!

If Steve R. has SNAFU, who has FUBAR?

Or SWAG?

You guys are crazy ... I dig it! :-)

The Washington Capitals are participating in Hockey Fights Cancer Maryland's Skatefest '08, taking place at Ice World in Abingdon, Md., on Sunday, May 4th, from noon-5 p.m. The event will feature a skate-a-thon, skills competition, broom ball, rides, carnival games, vendors, food, music and much more.

Capitals alumni Yvon Labre, Alan Hangsleben, Craig Laughlin, Gary Rissling, Bryan Watson, Gordon Lane, Paul Mulvey, Errol Rausse, Blair Stewart and Granny Grant are scheduled to sign autographs throughout the course of the day. Capitals mascot Slapshot will also make an appearance. Other guests scheduled to attend the event are The Hanson Brothers, Kimmie Meissner and Duff "Ace of Cakes" Goldman while The Zambonis and Katelyn Tarver are scheduled to perform.

The event will be capped off by an alumni game between the Capitals and the Flyers at 5:30 p.m. Tickets to the alumni game are $25 each.

For more information on Skatefest '08 and to join the fight against cancer, please visit http://www.hockeyfightscancermaryland.com

The tension is high at this years FHWCT. Who will draft the championship team? Who will best display their hockey knowledge, or lack there of? Who is the best judge of talent? And, ultimately, who will earn the utmost respect from their fellow bloggers? Only time will tell. I just hope all teams come in focused, willing to sacrifice the body, heart, and soul. Tourneys are grueling folks, be prepared for a no holds barred fight to the finish. Now, Let's get ready to rumble! (whenever you guys are ready, of course)

...or who will just get lucky? :)

Back to the broadcaster thing if anyone's interested: I like Joe B, but sometimes he and Craig do get a bit wacky on the Caps telecasts. Someone above mentioned Mike Emrick--I used to like him, but he's turned into an almost un-listenable shrill screamer. The guy I really like to hear is John Kelly, who does the Blues broadcasts and some other games. He's the son of the legendary Dan Kelly, who did the Blues and many other memorable games in the 60's-80's, including Bobby Orr's memorable cup winner. John's voice/inflection is not identical to, but similar enough to to Dan's to take me back.

@Jeff DC

I have perpetual battle scars like Bradley no doubt. Most recently from a nasty run in with a sidewalk on my way home from karaoke. Thankfully the elbow took the brunt of that one.

That's right, fullright - the FHWCT promises to be quite exciting this year! Let's take a look at GMs:

JSchon - Often spotted sporting Bruno Cipriani suits and accused of being more about style than substance, can he assemble a team that can put the cat in the hat?

Sombrero Guy - Like Matt Bradley, always a fan favorite, but can he pull together a team that can make it to the big (hat) dance?

Jeff (DC) - Rumor has it he's going after Novotny, but will he get to him fast enough?

Steve R - Known for dwelling in the dungeen with the SNAFUs, always a menacing force - will he recreate the Broad Street Bullies?

Jordan - A big fan of Green - is he partial to young Canadian players?

oo7 - Bordering on paranoid, will he second guess himself into a basement club?

Honed - Known for being sharp, can he cut through the stats to put the blades on the ice, the stick on the puck and the glove in the air?

jmu_capsgirl - Representing the female contingent, can she prove that women know just as much (if not more) about hockey then their male counterparts?

Yes, this one's gonna be a doozy - who's got the goods to come out on top? Only time will tell, but the WaPos will be waiting! Back to you, fullright!

Oops! I THENed when I should have THANed! :-)

There isn't a single player from Denmark in the NHL. What's going on in Denmark? Whats it like for the players to look forward to losing every single year? The Italians can't be looking forward to playing in this tournament. I mean, other than going to Quebec City and freezing their @sses off, eating well, and being rejected by Quebecois ladies in high demand, whats the advantage? Just a quick thought. gotta run..

Excellent analysis JoeBoo! One thing's for sure, the GM's in this years tourney are going to have to assemble teams who are sound defensively, able to keep the puck in the opposition's zone, put the biscuit in the basket, stay out of the box, and provide stellar goaltendeing. I'm sure they're all up to the task. BTW, how does the ice look down there?

(alright, i'm done for now. It's my bday and all i can think about is getting hammered after work!)

Even if BB doesn't get coach of the year he's the coach of the year in our eyes. It's amazing what this man did this year. He literally got a bunch of young guys to believe in something, themselves. We all benefited from that and for that very reason I salute BB. He is far and above the coach of the year regardless of what some Canadian press geek thinks. BB is the man as far as I'm concerend. I can't wait for next year, win loose or draw because BB knows how to coach.

@Boo
At least you didn't TOed when you should have TOOed.That would be REAL bad.

markfromparkville:
Shudder at the thought ... ;-)

Alright, fellas and ladies.. when's the draft?

I am with @Boo that @Capsighting needs to take us WaPO folks to a party. I am so jealous. What I would not do to have just 10 - 15 minutes to talk with Semin. He would not even have to be in a cute referee costume. There is just something about that guy. I just know he is cool (Oh, please do not burst my bubble if he is not).

I would love to party with Green, Laich, Clark, Bradley, Johnson, Ovie and Semin.

I wish the Caps would organize a welcome back picnic/tailgate at RFK parking lot in September for the Caps and season ticket holders. We would just need to pick a date that DC United was not playing. Although the Barra Brava and Screaming Eagles do know how to party.

There will be no thuggery from team SNAFU. Although there might be some face washes.

Sorry!!! I just got back from work. Some of us don't have dependable 9-5s yet... If I'm out, that's cool. Otherwise, let me know. JSchon, I did send you an email.

Is it bad that when I first saw that picture of Ovie, my only thought was, "Why did he cut his hair?!?"

Pens/Rangers just starting - is anyone else as disgusted as I am that the Pens haven't lost a playoff game yet? Makes me want to root (ugh) for the Rags...just to win at least one. Of course that's as long as Jagr doesn't score or assist!

Awwwww

Am I too late for the Fantasy Hockey?? Damm! Too busy celebrating United in the EUROPEAN CUP FINAL!!! Whhoooo!!

Thanks for thinking of me originally JSchon. If anyone drops out before the draft let me know.

Any room of substitution of players as the World's get to the later stages?

Czeching out the rosters for the IIHL?

Flash Fleishmann and Jakub Klepis made it. I see Hanlon as assistant coach for Belarus. Should be fun in Quebec city for the next three weeks.

We are set... Im sending out an email in about 30 minutes

SO glad the Rangers finally scored!! I must say, I have always liked the way their fans cheer after a goal - it's very European soccer. How do we get that one started here?

Steve:
Thuggery - bad
Face washes - good

DevilsCapsGal:
Yes, we are all disgusted with the Pens ... period! :-) BTW, what exactly is a DevilsCapsGal?

fullright:
Uh, more important than the ice conditions, why am I rinkside if the draft isn't even over yet?!?

@Boo

A DevilsCapsGal is one who has been a Caps fan for many, many years/decades...and by reason of family connections has also over the past few years become a Devils fan (I had to find at least one team that would win on a regular basis). Until this year, it hasn't caused me too much conflict as it seemed that the two teams weren't in the same league.

This year, and as the Caps improve, I will continue in my fervor for the DC boys in red, while remaining a fan of the men in red who play at the Rock. And will hope they do not face each other in the playoffs or I'll seriously need a shrink!

Watching the first period of the Rangers/Penguins game and the intensity with which Jagr is playing made me think this fearful thought....is he playing so hard to try to win the Conn-Smythe award which I understand would kick in another year of payments by the Caps????

If so - Let's Go Pens!

Boo!

excellent question, i have no idea...i'm stoopid.

Dev,
It's kind of a darned if you do, darned if you don't situation. Pens win (yuck) and Jagr is off Ted's wallet(yay); Pens lose(yay) and then he has a chance of being there one more year (yuck).

Boo!, Thanks for putting loads of pressure on me. I feel like the guy in the penalty shot that can win the game if he scores.

no way! Go rangers!

The Russians go to the Russia House. Don't even try to talk to Semin. He is as friendly as a chalkboard.

I'd love to know where Greenie and Brooks hang out, though!

Those who are on the waiting list for the FHWCT... please continue to wait patiently...

I miss Caps goal celebrations. The Pens look like they just won a brand new hand-operated can opener or something equally exciting...

Steve R
Sombrero Guy
Honed
Jeff (DC)

Please read your email and get back to me asap!!!!!

Steve R
Sombrero Guy
Honed

Get back to a brother.

DevilsCapsGal:
Hmm ... I think there may have been a backhanded compliment in there for the Caps, but I'm not sure ... Besides, you should be loyal to your team ALWAYS. What do you do when they play each other? Can you at least change the order of your screen name?!? ;-)

fullright:
You're not stoopid - you're the birthday boy! :-) (BTW, I may be die-hard, but not so much so that I arrive at the arena days before the game! ;-))

JMU:
Come on, now - you can do it! Aim five hole! ;-)

Whskey Tango Foxtrot, what does it take to beat the Pens????? I don't want Jagr scoring anymore goals, but can't someone just do it once????

I am sorry, I do not buy the Semin is not friendly thing. (Remember, I did say don't burst my bubble). But I will admit that I think Green, Laich, Bradley and Johnson would be far better company and would probably be able to hold their own in the beer drinking department.

Boo!

sorry, from up here in the pressbox, it looked like you down there at ice level.

Excellent preview Boo . . . but I'm a girl too! jmu_capsgirl, maybe that'll take some pressure off :)

The Draft for the FHWCT will take place here, or whatever thread is most current, tomorrow night at 10:30pm.

Team Frisky Dingo

I can't believe that Pitt is about to sweep. What is up with that?!? Hopefully the Habs will turn their series around so that we will actually have an eastern team to cheer for next round. Unbelievable.

honed:
Oops - sorry about that! (Geez ... we're takin' over the joint! ;-))

fullright:
Must have been Angelina Jolie (arh*arh!).

@mauree can you post a link for the FHWCT draft? I have to work 8^{

honed,
whew! Thanks! I feel much better now. :P
Let's go!!

Did anyone watch Dingers post? It's really funny!

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/nhl_star_called_up_to_big_leagues?utm_source=slate_rss_1

What's roster in French?

This is the draft order for... draft?

1.1----Team Jeff (DC)
1.2----Team JSchon
1.3----Team Jordan
1.4----Team Sombrero Guy
1.5----Team Honed
1.6----Team oo7
1.7----Team jmu_capsgirl
1.8----Team Steve R

JSchon-is it too late to add another category? How bout PIMs? Every GM picks someone (one player) whom they may think will rack up a bunch of PIMs. One point for every PIM. I realize it's international play, and most likey won't be a bunch of major penalties, but...just a drunken suggestion.

PIM's is a category...

++ Scoring system.

Forwards
3 Points = Goal (even strength)
2 Points = Assist (even strength)
+/- = +/- ( -1 = -1)
2 Points = PPG
1 Point = PPA
3 Point = SHG
2 Point = SHA
.25 Points = per penalty minute

Defensemen
5 Points = Goal (even strength)
3 Points = Assist (even strength)
+/- = +/- (+2 = +2)
3 Points = PPG
2 Points = PPA
5 Points = SHG
3 Points = SHA
.25 = per penalty minute

Goalies
.25 Points = Every Save
3 Points = Shutout
5 Points = Win
.25 Points = per penalty minutes

National Team
2 Points = Win (Throughout the Tournament)
1 Point = OT Loss (Throughout the Tournament)
4 Points = 4th Place
6 Points = 3rd Place
8 Points = 2nd Place
10 Points = Winner

nice job! thanks for the update/clarification. (I'm totally obsessed with this thing already...if you can't tell)

Has everyone picked a team name yet? I'm still weeding down my list.

Hey JSchon,
What happens if we pick a guy and he gets cut? If I'm not mistaken, the rosters aren't finalized until May 1.

what's "National Team"? does every GM pick one national team who they think will win it all?

yep!

so many questions...sorry. Is "National Team" a sub draft, or could (hypothetically) Team Jeff(DC) take Russia as the number one pick?

My Russian is improving with every player I research...

How does a goalie rack up 37 PIMs in 50 games?? That's a typo, right?

jmu_capsgirl,

Clarkie showed us this season that it's easy to get like 20 PIMs minutes in a single play.. Maybe the goalie had a similar situation.

Three times.

I guess, but 37?? Well, maybe. DiPietro had 18 in 63 games. And the goalie did play for the Flyers back in the day...

As far as my name, I was trying to be clever and not demonstrate which team I liked better - D(evils)C(aps) = DC!!!

I've been a STH of the Caps for almost 20 years and they are my first love. But over the past 5-6 years, I needed a team that won more consistently to keep me from slipping into a deep depression....A family member lives in NJ and knows some of the Devils...hence my 2nd favorite team was created!

DevilsCapsGal,

Understandable.

My secondary teams were never winners, however. I've always liked the Caps first, then LA. Phoenix and Chicago were also favorites when each team had JR.

My brain is starting to hurt...

I've come up with my team name. I'll reveal it at draft time!

geez, I'm apparently going about this all wrong. I've only just made it through goalies, and Jordan has his team named...

haha.. I'm working on the logo now, actually!

I did all my scouting as soon as the idea of a fantasy hockey league was mentioned, and I can't sleep, so I'm being creative for a while!

You've got a logo?!? Over-achiever...

Anyone see the end of that Detroit-Colorado game? Detroit looks scary good sitting on a lead in a critical game. The announcer said their forecheck is like an effective running game in football: takes time off the clock and wears down the opponent and I couldn't agree more. That Johan Franzen is one scary good player right now.

Dinger, I didn't catch it, but I did watch most of the game Franzen got his hat trick in. I hadn't even heard about him until the playoffs, when he's really turned it up.

Holy crap, guys. Wait til you see my logo tomorrow night. It's aweeeesome.

I'm going to take Tylenol PM now so I can function at work tomorrow. Happy scouting!

Jordan, you're ridiculous.

Good thing I don't have to be at work til 4 tomorrow...

JSchon,

Obviously this may be the bitter rantings of an outsider looking in to the Fantasy Hockey, but surely a SHG should be worth more than a even strength goal?

To answer a few of the questions.

No, you will not be able to receive another player if your player is replaced of removed from the National Team's roster (anyone worth having, more than likely, will not be cut). However, we will have a supplemental draft, of 1 player, after round robin play. Draft order will be determined by fewest points to most points.

National Team selections are treated as players, drafted at any point in the draft. You must have 2 teams selected by the end of the draft. The object of selecting National Teams is to select the winner, or teams that should advance further into the competition. Obviously, you must weigh the importance of drafting a National Team over a player. Good luck.

JSchon:
This is interesting ... I can't wait to see what happens! :-) What are you going to do to keep our minds occupied this summer?!?

DevilsCapsGal:
If you've been a STH this whole time, we'll let it slide ... otherwise you could be accused of being a fair weather fan!! ;-)

Boo,

How is your man this morning? I bet he was happy last night eh?

(I'm talking about football before you you with gutter minds chip in with rude comments!)

JSchon,

You answered a few questions but not mine from 5:57am. I demand a response!! :)

I changed the SH points only for the forwards, 4 for a goal, 3 for an assist. I left the values the same for defensemen.

Dave:
So I take it that the Red Devils FINALLY won?!? (What was up with that little slide, anyway?) I thought that they might be choking and was bracing for an upset. Anyway, believe it or not, he has not mentioned it! But he had to work really late last night - by the time he finished dinner, I was going to bed. (Not surprisingly, he is still asleep now.) So I am sure that once we have a few minutes to have an actual conversation, he will fill me in! :-) Regardless, congratulations!!

Was I sleeping last year? Did I win the cup to pick last this year, or did team SNAFU get hosed?

Well, after "earning" the first overall pick...I must say the choice between Ovechkin and Novotny could be very difficult...I guess I'll spend the day weighing the positives and negatives for each.

I expect Novotny to have a very long list of negatives, however. First on the list will likely read: "is terrible at hockey"

Steve R...

Man, real sorry about the 8th spot, but its too bad... you also have the 9th, while Jeff (DC) may get OV, he might also end up with Novotny.

@JSchon
I wish I could join you guys but I'm working 12 hours days to get ready for a big review we have next week. That's also the reason I can't even read/post here.

So, let's say you've just beat the Herhsey Bears in the playoffs and you want to blow off some steam. How about you drink heavily, strip off your clothes and go out for a jaunt...

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24374493/

Best. sports meets police story. Ever.

It'll be interesting with all of my picks being back to back, wait 14 picks then get 2 more back to back. Who'll be avail with the 8th and 9th picks? I'm thinking OV isn't falling to me.

It's going to be hard to put together a team befitting of my excellent logo.

Boo,
Yes the Reds won and today we find out who we face in the Final. It will either be Chelsea or Liverpool. Please don't let it be Liverpool.

Shame you and I couldn't make up the numbers to 10 on the Fantasy Hockey.

What, Jschon? No team 828, or, shudder, team Whiter Mage? :3

Like I have the time.
Hey, if Datsyuk wins the Selke and the Lady Byng, is that not kind of impressive? (I'm still writing in Laing for one of those).

"Best. sports meets police story. Ever."
i concur

"So, let's say you've just beat the Herhsey Bears in the playoffs and you want to blow off some steam. How about you drink heavily, strip off your clothes and go out for a jaunt...

http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/24374493/

Best. sports meets police story. Ever."

Somehow, it doesn't surprise me. But someone should remind the baby flighless wonders that perhaps that isn't the best way to earn a call up to play with the big boys.....

I like it here...

Ovechkin, the swan, doesn't deserve the Hart because he doesn't have any HEART. He doesn't play defense, he take dives, and the Capitals play in the Pee Wee Division. The Capitals and Ovechkin are right where they belong - watching the Stanley from the sidelines.