Let the Boys Go: Fighting's Unwritten Rules

After a save by Holtby in the 2nd period of last night’s defeat by the Minnesota Wild 5 to 3, Steve Olesky and Kyle Brodziak who both had been battling out front for positioning agreed to drop the gloves and fight. Yet right when both players were about to square up, the linesman jumped in and broke up the play. In my eyes this is just another NHL official attempting to pussify the league. I understand and agree with the NHL's efforts to protect its players, but there comes a point were hockey is hockey and the players playing the game accept the risk that come along with it. In the game hockey there exists a list of unwritten rules that come along with its culture that display mutual respect for fellow players and keep the players safe when attempting to rally ones respective teams in a fight. For example, in a fight earlier in the night, Troy Brouwer did not continue to punch Nate Prosser because he was on the ice in a defenseless position. Another example of a rule being only fighting an opponent if that player answers yes to the famous hockey question, "Do you wanna go?” There is a very good book that I invite everyone to read by Ross Bernstein titled, The Code: The Unwritten Rules of Fighting and Retaliation in the NHL that goes through the complete list of the these rules and the step by step process of what occurs before, during and after a fight. In this case, both players verbally agreed "to go" and yet the ref jumped in as if one player was sucker punching the other one. Even in officiating school they teach refs to never intervene during a fight "if the players tell you not to intervene" or are in the process of beginning to fight, even though it seems like an appropriate time. This law exists mainly for their own safety but also for the safety of the players. Overall I thought it was a bonehead decision by the officials from last night and I wish they let the boys go.  Don Cherry would not approve. 

RIP Brian Pothier

Another cool article about hockey's unwritten rules:
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1458266-the-15-unwritten-rules-of-the-nhl

Five Thoughts, 1/4/2014, Caps at Wild

1. It seems like every loss, there is one thing the Caps look at and say "we need to be better with this" in the post game pressers and then don't actually do anything about. This time, it's gonna be penalties.

2. Holtby continues to slump but it seems like the guy just can't catch a break.  Whether its a lack of defense or unlucky bounces everything that can possibly go wrong for Holtby is going wrong.  People who look at the save percentage of Holtby as a way of evaluating his performance in tonight's game don't know a god damn thing about hockey.  It's going to be interesting to see who Oates goes with in the next game.  Part of me wants to see him start Holtby again just so Holtby can get back in his groove and get some of his confidence back but I have this feeling Holtby is the last person on his goaltending radar for the next game.  I'm guessing Neuvirth gets the next start as Oates searches for the next hot hand. 

3. I have a hard time finding Caps fans who can truly and objectively judge Alex Ovechkin's performances game in and game out.  Many times, it seems like his poor performances are overshadowed either by other problems with the team or a nice goal he may have scored during the game.  The fact is, Ovechkin just looked completely lost tonight.  I saw no urgency out of him whatsoever at all times in the game.  I am hesitant to give him credit for his assist because it appeared to just be a desperation play to keep the puck in the zone.  If history has told us anything, Ovechkin needs Backstrom, plain and simple.  He is utterly lost and therefore useless without him.  Perhaps I'm being too critical but nevertheless, they need to be reunited.

4. Ryan Suter is insanely good.  The guy plays half the game, nets a hat trick and clearly has proven to be the best defenseman in the NHL (arguably). 

 

.....damn you

5. Is Mike Green back? We can only hope so.  His first period was the best period of hockey he's played all season.  Even before he scored his goal he got a good look at the dot on a pass from Fehr.  But the real story is Greenie dangling the shit out of Matt Cooke and following that up with a snipe to the lower right corner.  His second goal is undoubtedly lucky but every coach in hockey will tell you, you get the puck towards the net, good things will happen.  A lot of people would like to blame Green for the 5th goal but I would like to invite anyone to argue that Holtby was in the correct position for that shot.  Spoiler alert: If he was in the right position, there wouldn't have been a 5th goal.  But still, keep up the good work Greenie. 

Caps Players

PLEASE READ NOW: These power rankings do not reflect player performance unless indicated by us.  These rankings are solely based on how we feel about players and other fairly arbitrary methods.  If you disagree with this, please let us know in the most vulgar and disgusting way possible in the comment section and we'll be sure to probably chuckle. 

 

CAPS POWER RANKINGS POST 1

As said in the thing that you probably completely ignored, these rankings are purely opinion based.  Opinions are from two dudes (one is currently wearing a Nordiques hat) who watch caps games regularly and played hockey roughly since birth.  You'll probably realize these rankings are completely opinion based when you see some of them and then think we're jackasses... oh well. 

 

The capitals players are placed in three different categories by us.  Well, there's only supposed to be three categories but as you'll see there is a lot more.  The three main ideas of the categories are like, dislike, and neutral.  Enjoy.

 

POWER RANKINGS

 

Forwards: sorted by number because fuck you.

 

#8 Alex Ovechkin

Ranking: Love/Hate, but mostly love

Reason:  Lets be honest, he can score goals and hit people hard, but he's a dumbass.  This is proven when he decides its a good idea to make a no-look backhand pass to the middle of the ice during 4 on 4 overtime.  Shockingly, this resulted in Carolina scoring and winning the game and baby-face Skinner getting the hatty.  Yeah, he dumb. 

 

#10 Martin Erat

Ranking: Worse than those Coors Light commercials

Reason: Dear God, what honestly needs to be said of Martin Erat that I haven't already yelled at my TV?  What the hell does he bring to the table that any other player doesn't? He has been playing better ever since he asked for a trade but he can't finish worth shit and I swear to God if he turns the puck over in the defensive zone again, I will personal trade him myself. The only reason he is still in Washington is because we can't get anything for his sorry ass and Brooksy isn't quite healthy yet.

 

#16 Eric Fehr aka "The Winter Classic Hero"

Ranking: Fucking Love

Reason: This good ole Canadian boy is a great two way forward with a hell of release, who because of that is seeing first line minutes. Oh and winter classic...

 

#19 Nicklas Backstrom

Ranking: MVP

Reason: Easily the most under rated player in the league; this team revolves around him. Quietly leading the Caps in points and the best player on the caps roster. 

 

#20 Troy Brouwer

Ranking: Meh

Reason: Scoring more lately but overall a disappointing season for someone I thought could fill the role Knuble left on the first line a few years ago. Would like to see this two way forward play better on both ends of the ice while continuing to hit well and win a shit ton of face-offs.

 

#21 Brooks Laich

Ranking: Neutral

Reason: Its hard to hate such a good guy like Brooksy but since he hasn't really been able to play much in the pass two years its difficult to say he is worth 4.5 million dollars. Hopefully he can return to the 20 goal fan favorite he used to be.

 

 #24 Aaron Volpatti

Ranking: Like

Reason: Knows his role as a fighter/4th line grinder and does it well. Seems to give the capitals good energy shifts when needed.

 

#25 Jason Chimera

Ranking: Yeahh

Reason: The fastest grinder to ever play the game; the guy has wheels like a fuckin' Ferrari and stones for hands yet somehow finds a way to score. Great heart and soul guy who I once heard yell, "Suck my fucking dick" on T.V.

 

#42 Joel Ward

Ranking: Aw Shit Yeahh

Reason: When you see Joel Ward play you can't help but think what a guy. He has the second most goals on the team and  has helped the capitals fill a secondary scoring role that has been weak at times since Semin's departure. The Ward and Chimera wing pair has been  great offensively and defensively all season.

 

#43 Tom Wilson

Ranking: My Hero

Reason: Old time hockey at its finest, it's hard to find a guy in the league that works harder than Wilson on a nightly basis.  In my opinion, he is our most valuable "prospect" because he brings a combination of characteristics to the table that few players possess.  He reminds me of a young Lucic and that fact only makes me more and more excited to see him grow. 

#46 Michael Latta
Ranking: Hidden Gem
Reason: Although Michael Latta hasn't been getting much time with the caps recently, I think it's important to make a ranking about him.  Many people do not realize two things about him: 1) He's only 22 years old 2) He's the guy we got with Erat in the trade with Nashville.  I have a feeling this kid is going to get good and end up as an extremely solid depth guy; a third line center that can provide scoring as well as be an efficient penalty killer.  He impressed me when he was playing on the 4th line with the caps and he's only going to get better. 

#82 Jay Beagle
Ranking: To the vet with you
Reason: Ever since he lost that faceoff in the rangers series two years ago I've disliked this fourth liner. He has been invisible this season and I haven't noticed him at all.

#84 Mikhail (spit, spit, spit) Grabovski
Ranking: Pleasant Surprise
Reason: To be honest, I was eerie about this pick up because of the questions about this Europeans play in Toronto. Yet he has been a great second line center for the Capitals, who seems to be playing to spite the doubter. I like his speed and crafty play with the puck. Hope to see him reunited with Ward and Chimer soon.

#90 Marcus Johansson
Ranking: New nickname, BloJo
Ranking: What a wasted of speed. Mojo couldn't finish if Kate Upton was on his dick. I don't understand why we continue to play him on the first line and I hope to see him out of Washington with Erat and Neuvy.

Defense: also sorted by numbers, still because fuck you.

#4 John Erskine
Ranking: The Man, The Myth, The Legend
Reason: John Erskine is my fucking man.  I've had an autographed John Erskine jersey for the last 3 years and for good reason.  This guy is everything that hockey is about.  He's worked his way up throughout his career, an unsung hero on every team he's played on, and is the first person to defend a player when it needs to be done.  John Erskine; what a guy.

#27 Karl Alzner
Ranking: Don Cherry's stamp of approval
Reason: Alzner is quietly and easily the caps best defensive defenseman. You don't always notice Alzner during a game but  that's because he doesn't make any mistakes. An extremely smart player who can move the puck well. Could see him evolve into a top stay at home defenseman in the league.

#38 Jack Hillen (had to look it up)
Ranking: Who?
Reason: Uhhh....

#52 Mike Green
Ranking: Love/ Hate, but mostly hate
Reason:  It's hard to find good things to say about Mike Green this season.  If I had to find something it would be that Green just dangled the fuck out of Matt Cooke and scored a sweet ass goal.  Other than that, he pretty much does nothing other than turn the puck over, nearly get injured, and weed.  Probably should stop with the weed. 

#61 Steve Oleksy
Ranking: Hardhat
Reason: What Oleksy lacks in skill, he makes up with his hard work. He makes simple plays and limits his mistakes to earn and re-earn a spot on the roster night after night. I like him paired with Erskine and think its a good defensive balance to the Green and Orlov pairing.

#74 John Carlson
Ranking: Captain America
Reason: He's a god damn Olympian, that's my reason, bitch.  But seriously, this guy kicks ass.  He is the most threatening offensive presence on the back end for the caps and can be a solid shut down defenseman when he needs to be.  All in all, the caps most valuable defenseman. 

#81 Dmitry Orlov
Ranking: Earned a Spot in the Big Leagues
Reason: Out of all the players who asked for a trade out of DC, Orlov's was the most justified as no named D were getting playing time over him when injuries occurred. He really didn't get a chance to prove himself until now. With his mix of speed, and hard hitting I believe this guy will only continue to improve.

Goalies: In no particular order, screw numbers. 

#70 Braden Holtby
Ranking: Steady Eddy
Reason:  In my opinion, he's our guy.  I'm all in favor of Grubauer playing while he's hot, but when shit starts getting real, I want Holtby in our net.  Nothing makes me want him playing more than that memory of Peverly fake slashing him and his response is to stand there like a boss. 

#30 Michal Neuvirth
Ranking: Unfortunate
Reason: Neuvy is clearly an NHL level goalie yet the injury bug always seems to sting him when giving the chance to take over the number one spot (kinda reminds me of another goalie we had cough, cough Varly). Its understandable why he would want a trade but the caps might be better off holding on to him in light of Holtby shaky play and if Grubauer can't continue his hot start.

#31 Philipp Grubauer
Ranking: The New Guy
Reason: Grubauer has been great to start his early career but its too soon too tell if this guy is for real. He has won some games for the caps and his cross crease speed is his best asset. A bright light in net while Holtby has been struggling and Neuvy hurt. Go Deutschland.

Note we will be updating this list every month or so as opinions can change over time.
RIP Tom Poti and Steve Kolbe