Capitals 18-19

[DC_1908]

When I say high end potential, I mean top 6.  The only player of the ones you named who could have that is Gersich, and I say that only because he is still pretty young and lightning could strike.  But really, all of these guys are bottom 6.


Burakovsky was never drafted to be a bottom 6 player.  He was drafted to try to hit a home run.  I wouldn't say his selection was a swing and a miss, but it really hasn't been more than a loud foul thus far.

Oh yeah, the Caps brand “Top 6” or “Bottom 6”with a hot iron on their forehead the day they show up don’t they?

And what makes a Top 6? Popularity? Salary? a few points? situations? minutes? using a toe pick? jersey sales? 12 year old fans,  or just “indentifying” or being identified as a “Topv6” player?   Because there a lot of “Bottom 6” players that are superior athletes with higher IQs than lazy one way players that are “indentied” as “Top 6”

Funny cause the best game of the year by a “second line left wing”, was by what you would refer to as a trash bottom 6 player Chandler Stevenson.

You can dress 18 players, 12 forwards. . . clinging to the mentality of first best group of three scorers to forth best group of three scorers in their “identified” postitions is just simplistic, and short sighted

[Maacoshark]

Oh yeah, the Caps brand “Top 6” or “Bottom 6”with a hot iron on their forehead the day they show up don’t they?

And what makes a Top 6? Popularity? Salary? a few points? situations? minutes? using a toe pick? jersey sales? 12 year old fans,  or just “indentifying” or being identified as a “Topv6” player?   Because there a lot of “Bottom 6” players that are superior athletes with higher IQs than lazy one way players that are “indentied” as “Top 6”

Funny cause the best game of the year by a “second line left wing”, was by what you would refer to as a trash bottom 6 player Chandler Stevenson.

You can dress 18 players, 12 forwards. . . clinging to the mentality of first best group of three scorers to forth best group of three scorers in their “identified” postitions is just simplistic, and short sighted

    I agree with your assessment. For some reason people think top 6 players need to be flashy skilled players. I also agree that Stephenson was very good on that 2nd line. It was very noticeable in the first round of the playoffs when Stephenson was moved to that line in the 3rd game and they were matched up against the Panarin line which dominated in the first 2 games. That strategy worked and Stephenson did not hurt the team offensively. Infact I feel he was a lot better in a top 6 role than Burakovsky ever was. Most of Burakovskys success was on individual plays. He needs to utilize his teammates better and he needs to learn to play a 200 foot game.

[PUCKNRUSH]

I like how Varana is molding into a great player, Caps should lock him. Bura probably will become a bargaining chip. I don't see an easy way for him, but he can become a great player somewhere else. Well, he still has a chance with Caps, but time is running out.

Hey Raven. Good point throwing Vrana into the discussion ring with Bura.
Although it’s still too early to be definitive, (Vrana’s relatively smaller sample size), but by contrast to Bura’s, Vrana has already begun to  show a more conspicuous positive response, after receiving his dose of “humble pie” disciplinary actions, last season! He had a Trotz reset, or two, a few scratches, and a good ol’ scoring slump, to boot!!
I recall reading somewhere, early on, last season, that he, like Bura, may have suffered from thinking a bit too highly of himself and his abilities, as well!
Vrana, then, IMO, is the far easier choice between the two, to be viewed with more optimism! And rightly so!
Ice makes a good case too, that Vrana’s play has put distance between him and Bura, and that it really IS Vrana’s job to lose! Conversely, Bura would have to really light it up, CONSISTENTLY, in order to level that field, again, IMHO.
I, for one, will be VERY curious as to how our new head coach will handle Bura! One thing I think, that can surely be said, is that Bura, practically MUST, step it up a notch, both early on, and in an obvious manner, as the very pressure that seems to get to him, will be heavier than ever!


Rush

[Maacoshark]

Hey Raven. Good point throwing Vrana into the discussion ring with Bura.
Although it’s still too early to be definitive, (Vrana’s relatively smaller sample size), but by contrast to Bura’s, Vrana has already begun to  show a more conspicuous positive response, after receiving his dose of “humble pie” disciplinary actions, last season! He had a Trotz reset, or two, a few scratches, and a good ol’ scoring slump, to boot!!
I recall reading somewhere, early on, last season, that he, like Bura, may have suffered from thinking a bit too highly of himself and his abilities, as well!
Vrana, then, IMO, is the far easier choice between the two, to be viewed with more optimism! And rightly so!
Ice makes a good case too, that Vrana’s play has put distance between him and Bura, and that it really IS Vrana’s job to lose! Conversely, Bura would have to really light it up, CONSISTENTLY, in order to level that field, again, IMHO.
I, for one, will be VERY curious as to how our new head coach will handle Bura! One thing I think, that can surely be said, is that Bura, practically MUST, step it up a notch, both early on, and in an obvious manner, as the very pressure that seems to get to him, will be heavier than ever!


Rush

     I wouldnt say Vrana is turning into a great player yet. He is showing signs of being a good player much like Burakovsky has. Just because a player is flashy and makes the IDD highlight reel play doesnt make them a good player. Vrana wasnt even the best rookiue forward the Caps had last season. Stephenson is head and shoulders above Vrana right now.

[PUCKNRUSH]

     I wouldnt say Vrana is turning into a great player yet. He is showing signs of being a good player much like Burakovsky has. Just because a player is flashy and makes the IDD highlight reel play doesnt make them a good player. Vrana wasnt even the best rookiue forward the Caps had last season. Stephenson is head and shoulders above Vrana right now.

I think I mostly agree with you, Maaco??? (as far as Vrana not being a great player, yet)!
But since you chose to quote my post for your response, I’m trying to figure what your point is, to me??
No where in my post do I claim Vrana to be a “great player”. Nor did I comment on him being “flashy” or making the “IDD highlight reel”! I also wouldn’t form opinions using such superficial evidence, either!
What my post WAS, was my opinion, using a singular, comparison/contrast, between Vrana and Bura, as to how they have responded AFTER being disciplined!...That’s it!...Stephenson was also never mentioned!
Funny thing is, FWIW, I hold a very high opinion on Stephenson, myself, JUST LIKE YOU!👍👍
Just wasn’t part of my post, you quoted!
Feel free to add a little clarity, if I’ve misunderstood your response.
Thanks


Rush

[Maacoshark]

I think I mostly agree with you, Maaco??? (as far as Vrana not being a great player, yet)!
But since you chose to quote my post for your response, I’m trying to figure what your point is, to me??
No where in my post do I claim Vrana to be a “great player”. Nor did I comment on him being “flashy” or making the “IDD highlight reel”! I also wouldn’t form opinions using such superficial evidence, either!
What my post WAS, was my opinion, using a singular, comparison/contrast, between Vrana and Bura, as to how they have responded AFTER being disciplined!...That’s it!...Stephenson was also never mentioned!
Funny thing is, FWIW, I hold a very high opinion on Stephenson, myself, JUST LIKE YOU!👍👍
Just wasn’t part of my post, you quoted!
Feel free to add a little clarity, if I’ve misunderstood your response.
Thanks


Rush

   Relax Rush. I quoted the wrong post. I meant to quote the post that you quoted. I think it was a post by Raven

[PUCKNRUSH]

   Relax Rush. I quoted the wrong post. I meant to quote the post that you quoted. I think it was a post by Raven

That’s cool, Maaco.👍 All good.
Admittedly, I was scratching my head when I read your post. I actually went back through my post, to try to help me understand yours a little better, and something didn’t quite square.
Certainly not unreasonable, in this case, for me to ask you for some clarity. You provided it, and I thank you, sir! The older I get, the more I like when things make sense!LOL


BTW. On a different note, I’ve been meaning to ask you, if you given any more serious thought to flying out here for a caps game?  I know you’ve touched on it a little bit with DC.


Ru

[justwincaps]

Chippiness already - the Board is in mid-season form and we haven't played our first scrum yet!!

Share everyone's hesitation about Bura's development.  As someone posted rightly, his "great" plays have been more individual than team driven.

Optimistic about the development of both Stephenson and Vrana and think either, or even both, can be solid 2nd/3rd players who contribute offensively but also play responsible defense.

Can not wait for the season defending the Cup to begin.

[PUCKNRUSH]

Chippiness already - the Board is in mid-season form and we haven't played our first scrum yet!!

Share everyone's hesitation about Bura's development.  As someone posted rightly, his "great" plays have been more individual than team driven.

Optimistic about the development of both Stephenson and Vrana and think either, or even both, can be solid 2nd/3rd players who contribute offensively but also play responsible defense.

Can not wait for the season defending the Cup to begin.

Hey Justwin. Been awhile. Good to see ya!
LMAO on the chippy stuff!
Yeah, I figured all the sports have their pre season warmup games, so a little fun practice with “chippy warmup” would help.! LOL
Anywho, I’m still on my Stanley high this summer! It’s a permanent thing for me. Like a long novel that you’ve read. Nothing can undo having already read it. This book is now closed and done!! 🎉🎊🎉
We’re in the last week of waiting, thank God, for Sept 16th, and a new season!! A new chapter for the Caps. I’m not afraid to be damn optimistic this year, either! Just gotta watch the expectations a little bit....On second thought, screw that about expectations!! WE WON THE CUP!!! GO CAPS!
TTYL
Rush

[alta]

Bura has had far too much time to "mature" as a player. If he doesn't show improvement where needed, in his consistency, without regressing the rest of his game it's time to trade his ass. I'd give him to thanksgiving to show said improvement else I'd trade his ass for a hotel room.

[DC_1908]

Bura has had far too much time to "mature" as a player. If he doesn't show improvement where needed, in his consistency, without regressing the rest of his game it's time to trade his ass. I'd give him to thanksgiving to show said improvement else I'd trade his ass for a hotel room.

Trade early instead of late. . .


Despite his playoff performance, it’d be hard to believe Buras trade/market value is not still declining, and quickly.

[Maacoshark]

Trade early instead of late. . .


Despite his playoff performance, it’d be hard to believe Buras trade/market value is not still declining, and quickly.

   I agree about trading Burakovsky. Trade him asap. If Shumakov pans out that could happen. I'd like us to trade him before the season starts so we can free up some capspace. I'd like to see us sign a veteran goaltender to back up Holtby. I'm hoping we sign Lehtonen.

[Beaglefan2]

I'm a keeper on Bura.  Just don't think we would get enough for him and could regret it.  But I understand the other views.


I no absolutely nothing about Shumakov, but the fact they signed him to a one year deal at low dollars tells me he will be fighting for a bottom six roster spot - not a top six.


Finally, the thing I really like about Vrana is the desire he shows when he gets the angle and drives to the net.  He doesn't hold back and just goes for it at a high and dangerous speed.  We just don't see enough of that in hockey anymore.  Love it!

[DC_1908]

I'm a keeper on Bura.  Just don't think we would get enough for him and could regret it.  But I understand the other views.


I no absolutely nothing about Shumakov, but the fact they signed him to a one year deal at low dollars tells me he will be fighting for a bottom six roster spot - not a top six.


Finally, the thing I really like about Vrana is the desire he shows when he gets the angle and drives to the net.  He doesn't hold back and just goes for it at a high and dangerous speed.  We just don't see enough of that in hockey anymore.  Love it!

There’s not much we could regret.  Even if he went on to put up FFF numbers, he won’t do that here.  Not only does he have “count down to 700” to complete with, there’s still other players of his type within the system to compete with for him to get enough chances to get those numbers.


With the development and emergence of Stephenson, Boyd, Griesh, Varna and even Walker, the loss of Beagle, and the still depleted DCorps, minor leagues, and cap space . . . Bura is now an expendable asset that can be used to address these issues, regardles of what he maybe/someday will become

[Maacoshark]

I'm a keeper on Bura.  Just don't think we would get enough for him and could regret it.  But I understand the other views.


I no absolutely nothing about Shumakov, but the fact they signed him to a one year deal at low dollars tells me he will be fighting for a bottom six roster spot - not a top six.


Finally, the thing I really like about Vrana is the desire he shows when he gets the angle and drives to the net.  He doesn't hold back and just goes for it at a high and dangerous speed.  We just don't see enough of that in hockey anymore.  Love it!

     I dont think Shumakov is suited to play on the 4th line. If he makes the team I would guess 2nd or 3rd line left winger. That could bump Vrana or Burakovsky. Not sure he will make the team but if he does I'd guess he would be on the 3rd line. He might not be ready for the NHL.

[RavenCp]

That’s cool, Maaco.👍 All good.

Sorry guys!:) You are the best!


Vlad

[DC_1908]

     I dont think Shumakov is suited to play on the 4th line. If he makes the team I would guess 2nd or 3rd line left winger. That could bump Vrana or Burakovsky. Not sure he will make the team but if he does I'd guess he would be on the 3rd line. He might not be ready for the NHL.

Given the Caps history, he’ll be a regular by December if not earlier regardless if he’s ready or how much he screws up.  A couple points will be all they need to market their “KHL Find”.


I don’t much about the kid, other than  several teams passed on him

[PUCKNRUSH]

Sorry guys!:) You are the best!


Vlad

Hey Raven.
Thanks, and no worries, my good man!
I’m sure Maaco would say the same!
Even going back to the old board, Maaco and I have forged a pretty straightforward posting style with each other. We have actually spoken personally, quite a few times as well, though have never met.
At our individual hockey cores, we are quite similar, I believe, placing high value on a lot of the old school characteristics of physicality, grittiness, hustle, respect for 200 foot players, etc.
IMO, he has a very good hockey IQ, and really good on Caps/NHL history and older players, as well.
Admittedly, he probably is better than me at accepting/tolerating a lot of the newer shit in today’s NHL. Said another way, I haven’t EVOLVED with the newer league changes, quite as kindly!! LOL


When we disagree, it usually comes from differing assessments/opinions, on how some Caps players perform. Much of it is eye-test stuff, but we just see it differently! We will even throw a few analytics at each other sometimes, trying to support our points!! Usually, (because we’re both over 50, LOL, and have watched a lot of hockey in our time), neither of us changes our minds, BUT, one good thing comes from it!.....We know a good deal about each other’s hockey views, and even a little about each others lives, in general......One of the things THIS BOARD is all about, IMHO!!👍👍
And don’t you worry Raven, LOL. Whether Maaco agrees or disagrees with my words in this post, one things for sure. HE WILL LET ME KNOW😁😁!! (much respect Maaco, and a little fun)!!


Rush

[Maacoshark]

    I dont really disagree with this post. But part of the fun here is disagreeing with you guys and rubbing it in when you can say I told you so. It sucks when it blows up in your face.
I got lucky on a couple predictions last season. I was pretty pissed when Walker made the team over Stephenson at the beginning if last season. And when he did get called up I predicted he would stay with the club. I also predicted he would end up being a regular penalty killer. I remember how good he was killing penalties in junior.
   I also was pissed when Holtby got benched for Grubauer.  And when Grubauer good the start I predicted he would fail and Holtby would have to come in and bail us out.
    I was wrong on a couple of guys. I wasnt impressed with Vrana but his game improved immensely as the season went on. I hope he can do what Burakovsky couldn't do and take it to the next level. And I was hard on Kempny when he first got here. He was brutal his first few games but seemed to settle in.
   And for the record I wasnt wrong about Carlson. He had an excellent season and not just offensively. I know he isnt a shutdown dman but he was solid. He is better defensively than most offensive dmen.

[PUCKNRUSH]

For the board:
Here is, I feel, some fairly balanced commentary on the Bura issue. It is part of a Q and A article, where local fans submit questions to J. J. Regan, with NBC Washington Sports, Capitals Talk. Just out today.


Rush







[/size]Steve Farmer writes: Why is Andre Burakovsky still here? Why hasn't the team traded him yet? He's inconsistent and always injured.[/color]First off, for a team that tried to keep its roster together for another run at the Cup, trading away the guy that scored two goals in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Final would be a pretty big departure from that strategy. Second, you would think that his Game 7 performance and his four points in five games in the Stanley Cup Final would buy him a little more leeway from the fan base, but I guess not.[/color]Burakovsky is a top-six talent who has dealt with inconsistencies and injuries through his career which is something the general managers of the other 30 NHL teams will be well aware of. When you make a trade, you need to make sure you are at least getting equal value in return. For everyone out there who wants to trade Burakovsky, think of all the reasons why you do. Everything you just thought of, every general manager will be aware of if the Caps try to trade him.[/color]If the Caps can't get equal value for Burakovsky in a trade, it's a nonstarter. Even if they could, his ceiling is high enough that I believe it would be wise to give him another season to see if he can finally have that breakout year we've all been waiting for.[size=78%]