This would have been more effective if Tavares DIDNT sign in Toronto and Leafs fans were posting this picture as a reason for why he was going to sign in Toronto.TOR?
Why?
He grew up rooting for them too? Nice blankie and all?
This would have been more effective if Tavares DIDNT sign in Toronto and Leafs fans were posting this picture as a reason for why he was going to sign in Toronto.TOR?
Why?
He grew up rooting for them too? Nice blankie and all?
This would have been more effective if Tavares DIDNT sign in Toronto and Leafs fans were posting this picture as a reason for why he was going to sign in Toronto.
For a hockey team to land a skilled player without having to wsit in line or trade with another team, it is lucky. It doesnt mean it isnt a smart move by the caps. There is rational support as to why a player would want to be one place over another, and there are things a team can do to facilitate decisions like this, but at the end of the day it is luck for the team that a player chooses when they can choose at their own will.This is a curious sentiment.
Did Chicago LUCK into Panarin?
Edmonton LUCK into Justin Schultz?
Pittsburgh LUCK into Zack Aston-Reese?
Rangers LUCK into Vesey, Shattenkirk?
Leafs LUCK into Tavares, Gardiner?
Players that are Free Agents by the rules of the League can choose to sign and play wherever they so desire. It’s not Luck, it’s not necessarily Unfair, It Is What It Is. The Capitals have rarely been the benefactors in these exchanges but have recently fomented a culture of winning and have embraced and cultivated a strong contingent of European players. At the end of the day it’s not Luck, nor is it Surprising. In fact, it’s practically Logical.
Luck includes taking a chance, being good and popular is just reality. Also, these skilled KHL players don't fall from the sky, it's not a hard task to follow around several dozens of players who can both potentially join your team and improve it, approaching them early, making a good impression and putting your team ahead in the line.For a hockey team to land a skilled player without having to wsit in line or trade with another team, it is lucky. It doesnt mean it isnt a smart move by the caps. There is rational support as to why a player would want to be one place over another, and there are things a team can do to facilitate decisions like this, but at the end of the day it is luck for the team that a player chooses when they can choose at their own will.
Perceived? Reigning champs with pretty much entire roster back plus some kids kicking in the door?
LOL. Don’t need “perceived” in there right now, do we?
For a hockey team to land a skilled player without having to wsit in line or trade with another team, it is lucky. It doesnt mean it isnt a smart move by the caps. There is rational support as to why a player would want to be one place over another, and there are things a team can do to facilitate decisions like this, but at the end of the day it is luck for the team that a player chooses when they can choose at their own will.
Yes, we do. They will certainly be very high on my *projection list*. That's all there is factually to say during an off season. Teams good or bad based on their actual results, not your fertile imagination. I don't evaluate hockey teams during summer because there is nothing to evaluate.
Does he crack the caps lineup and if so where does he fit?
I agree on all points but would add, we have no idea how he will be defensively at the NHL level and that may also play a huge role in where he slots in the lineup. The Capitals are also fielding a re-vamped coaching staff so no one really knows how they’re going to manage deployment and what direction they have in mind for the team. If the 3rd-4th lines are mainly utility lines i.e. it’s hard to imagine him being much more effective than, say, a Soshnikov-type. That said, for all the talk of Jakub Vrana being poor defensively at the minor-pro level he transitioned (after some hurdles) and played passably in the effective structured team-defense style the Capitals play and was still able to stand out offensively. If Shumakov is as-advertised and can manage a similar integration I’m sure the Capitals will be thrilled and will find a place for him in the lineup. Depth is invaluable, skilled depth is priceless.A lot of it depends on how quickly he assimilates to the NA game. Once that’s done, asssuming he’s what he looks to be.....I could see him as a top 9w. Could be anywhere now, as the team is rolling scoring lines. Could slot Stephenson to 4c (instead of possibly 3RW)
He may be a great winger for Backstrom, with his ability to finish and grease the net. It will also depend on which wing he favors. LW would open up for slots for him (behind only AO). RW has Wilson and Oshie.
If he’s RW, then playing with Eller and Burakovsky/Vrana would make some sense.
Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Wilson
Vrana - Backstrom - Oshie
Burakovsky - Eller - Shumakov
Connolly - Stephenson - DSP
Wow. But we will see.
I agree on all points but would add, we have no idea how he will be defensively at the NHL level and that may also play a huge role in where he slots in the lineup. The Capitals are also fielding a re-vamped coaching staff so no one really knows how they’re going to manage deployment and what direction they have in mind for the team. If the 3rd-4th lines are mainly utility lines i.e. it’s hard to imagine him being much more effective than, say, a Soshnikov-type. That said, for all the talk of Jakub Vrana being poor defensively at the minor-pro level he transitioned (after some hurdles) and played passably in the effective structured team-defense style the Capitals play and was still able to stand out offensively. If Shumakov is as-advertised and can manage a similar integration I’m sure the Capitals will be thrilled and will find a place for him in the lineup. Depth is invaluable, skilled depth is priceless.
it is lucky.l.
Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Roger Penske
From what I’ve seen, I concur. Not necessarily because that’s going to be Reirden’s style but because I think the entire staff has/will continue to que into the notion that what you’re suggesting is the best use of the available talent and plays directly to the Caps core strengths.If Trotz was HC, I’d buy this as possible.
Reirden? I think he’s going to cater towards a relentless attack, IMO. He seems new school, so I’d wager at least 3 scoring lines. Perhaps 4.
Stephenson is not your prototypical 4th line C. The wings that will play will not be grinders (unless you see DSP as that sort), so I’d imagine a more Vegas style attack from the Caps. Akin to what we saw most of the playoffs. A lot more attacking style than most Caps fans are used to.
I could certainly be wrong.
Playing in his strongest position, Shumakov is a RH LW, who plays from the circles in and relies on a very good shot. I imagine they'd want him to crack the lineup at 4LW and gradually work his way up to 3LW or even 2LW.
Opening night:
Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Wilson
Vrana - Backstrom - Oshie
Burakovsky - Eller - Connolly
Shumakov - Stephenson - DSP
3LW
Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Wilson
Vrana - Backstrom - Oshie
Shumakov - Eller - Connolly
Burakovsky - Stephenson - DSP
2LW
Ovechkin - Kuznetsov - Wilson
Shumakov - Backstrom - Oshie
Vrana - Eller - Connolly
Burakovsky - Stephenson - DSP
The reality is likely to be that his best shot at ice time is going to come with the injuries that naturally occur to most teams. They will miss guys throughout the year and won't have the luxury of putting snipers or slick skating puck movers on the fourth line before long.
It does much for team depth, though. With not a lot of forward talent coming through the farm system for a couple of years, signing both of Gersich and Shumakov as free agents will hopefully fill that gap.
Luck is for losers.
By everyone did you mean literally nobody?Everyone acting like the dude is the real deal and a shoe-in for stardom. He ain’t done nothing yet.