Comments on: 7/26, 5:46 PM - Five possible Washington Capitals salary cap scenarios

By: DMG

DMG — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 23:30:52 +0000

I don’t think one goal all year implies a good shot, let alone a very good shot.

Perhaps I should have phrased it as “a very strong shot”.

Your point about Erskine versus Jurcina are well taken, but I suppose what it comes down to for me is that while I don’t think either Erskine or Jurcina were good enough last year, I think Jurcina’s problems are fixable, while Erskine’s are not. Jurcina, to me, mostly falters when he makes mental mistakes, whether it’s carelessness or bad decsions making. Erskine simply isn’t a good enough skater to be an NHL regular. At 28, Erskine’s skating isn’t going to improve much whereas Jurcina, who’s 25, can still refine the mental aspects of his game.

Maybe it would be different if clearing Jurcina’s salary would provide enough cap relief to the get the team under the $56.7 million mark, but it isn’t. Given that, I’d still rather have Jurcina on the roster than Erskine for next season.

By: S

Mon, 28 Jul 2008 20:32:37 +0000

@ DMG

As long as the plus-minus is plus I am happy.

I don’t think one goal all year implies a good shot, let alone a very good shot. Jurcina and Erskine both put it towards the goal much more than Poti or Shultz. Putting the puck to the net is something we need more of and it will generate more goals for guys like Laich and Fehr.

Where I think Erskine proved his worth over Jurcina was during the playoffs. Jurcina was terrible, with one specific moment he gave the puck to a flyer that immediately scored. Erskine however took a step back from his usual aggressive stupid game play to become a smarter player; despite his slower speeds (btw Jurcina is no Bure either). All his stats and play was much improved while getting additional ice time. I think Erskine proved that he is a smart player when we need him to be and I am hoping the BB and the management sits down with him and tells him to relax and just play the way he played during the playoffs. I would rather have a guy make mistakes in the season than the playoffs.

It also wouldn’t hurt to have someone else on the ice that can fight considering Bradley is horrible at it and Brash is getting old and is paid too much to be a 4th line sub.

By: Fauxrumors

Fauxrumors — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 17:25:10 +0000

1) There is little doubt that Pothier is done. So you can safely subtract his salary from the cap hit. Also, and others can confirm, the team can carry as few as 21 roster players, so depending on training camp you might see a couple of guys sent down/sent through wavers(Fleischmann) to clear up some space
2) You’d have to think(hope) that GMGM figured Morrisonn’s salary would be near what he received and was prepared prior to this to alter the roster accordingly. Like a good chess player, a good GM should be a few moves ahead and be prepared for all eventualities not have to act, not react to circumstances
3) What a HUGE difference from recent years when the Caps had oodles of cap space and few quality players. From a non Caps perspective the still seem to be missing a vital piece to compete for the Cup; a reliable, nasty/tough defensemen who can play 25+ minutes. Perhaps Alzner might become that guy, but that’s a lot to ask of a first year pro.

By: Dez

Dez — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 13:11:48 +0000

Good breakdown.. thanks..

By: DMG

DMG — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:44:03 +0000

Jurcina had a better plus-minus, more hits per game, only 14 minor penalties (to Erskine’s 36), more blocked shots per game, fewer giveaways per game, had more time on ice in every situation, and is a much better skater and has a very good shot.

By: S

Sun, 27 Jul 2008 22:09:24 +0000

Erskine > Jurcina