In my own preparation for the prospect draft I came to the conclusion that while there were a large number of players I really liked, there wasn't a sure-fire home run selection to be had (which is my explanation for reaching back another year on Hall), nor was there any consensus on who the top pick would/should/could be. I compared the out lines of my list to several GMs over the last few weeks and never got a sense of their being one guy who made everyone's list. I also got the impression that some GMs definitely were holding a name or two back - but it was never the same guys.
The Shadowmen:
Pesonen-L Pit: There were a trio of Euro left wingers, all; overage (23-25), highly skilled (a Swedish Elite league scoring title and the 1st and 2nd in the Finnish Elite League between them), a little undersized (none is over 6ft), and all potentially top six forwards just entering their prime. As it stands Pesonen has made the Penguins, but hasn't as yet cracked the top six. Think Stu Barnes.
Hodgson-C Vcr: Given how starved for talent at forward the Canuck roster is right now, Hodgson may make the team on an energy line and get a turn on the powerplay - and produce enough to be tantalizing but fall just short of being dressable. More likely he'll get bumped back to the AHL to continue his progress in a more or less orderly fashion. He's an average sized gritty playmaker and hustler ala Daymond Langkow.
Purcell-R LA: AHL scoring monster needs to crack a talented young Kings roster to be sucessful. A highly skilled beanpole, Purcell is a late bloomer who may end up producing in a solid offensive role despite the obstacles. A lower case Nieuwendyk, he won't be a checker.
Kindl-D Det: A cut and re-draft, the Shadowmen cagily added a year of development to the rearguard's contract. He's an all-round two way horse ala Roszival, so he may not command even 2nd unit powerplay time - especially on the Wings who are deep with offensive defensemen. Still projected to eventually land a job in the top 4.
Overall draft rating: A. Pesonen is a solid bet to produce a scoring role as soon as this year and the team added other assets besides him. Purcell and Hodgson are solid projections to earn future roles at their positions for their teams (the Cammalleri trade in particular is taylor made to free up ice for prospects like Purcell), and Kindl though clearly still a project, now has another year on him.
The Scourge
Brunnstrom-L Dal: Dallas won a bidding war for Brunnstrom's services - probably the most talented of the 'three dwarves', Dallas is all but compelled to hand him a top six spot. As such, he's the most likely to suceed. A Swedish Martin Straka.
Hornqvist-R Nsh: A slower footed, less experienced version of Brunstrom. May get a shot at the big time because of Radulov's defection to the KHL. Has a big league wristhot, but below average wheels. Think a slower Petr Prucha.
Winchester-R Ott: He's an older (24) forward, having graduated from Colgate. More a two-way player than future offensive force. he lacks both an offensive pedigree, and the time to develop one.
Hickey-D LA: Some critics thought Hickey was undersized for where he was drafted by the Kings, but I bet they don't think so anymore. A quick puck moving defenseman with loads of offensive ability, he merely needs to add some weight and experience to his resume before assuming a prominent spot in LA's top 4 with Doughty, Johnson and Teubert. The new Darryl Sydor.
Overall Rating: B. Brunnstrom was a strong candidate to go first overall, and Hickey is the kind of pure puckmoving defenseman that don't grow on trees anymore. However it would be shocking if either Winchester or Hornqvist survived as prospects past this season.
The Wolves
Bowman-L Car: The Spokane Chief was their top weapon in a march to the Memorial Cup. Unforntunately his game doesn't translate well to the NHL as he lacks the skating gears necessary to compete with the burners. May carve out a niche as a Shane Willis type.
Dupuis-L Pit: Checking winger has the speed to play defensive conscience on a line with Crosby and Satan, and could chip in offensively by osmosis, but he could also be bounced at any time because he lacks the finishing touch to be a reliable top 6 producer. Pittsburgh's version of Paul Ranheim.
Backlund-C Cgy: The talented forward slipped to Calgary because of concerns regarding a knee injury, or he would have been a top 10 pick. Backlund has all the ingredients for a top line center (skill, speed, hands, hockey IQ) except size (he's 6ft even), and with Calgary's lack of depth on the wings vs its number of pivots he may be converted in the short term if he earns a roster spot based on his talent. Otherwise its at least a year in Quad City for Backlund. He's more like Thomas Steen than Alex is.
Schenn, B-C OHL: Unlike his brother Luke, Bradyen is an all-offense, all-the-time forward. Has a big league set of wheels, and despite modest stature, projects well as a top scoring forward. Will get drafted into the NHL after John Tavares and Viktor Hedman - but not long after. Another whirling dervish ala Stamkos.
Stoll-C LA: Injury prone checking center in the mold of Kris Draper, is in mid-career and has already started to break down. Has Hollywood starlet/supermodel wife in LA, so he's got that going for him. Potentially useful only in short bursts as an injury replacement. Explanations for how the same GM that so adroitly picked Schenn could also pick Stoll requires a plot device like an evil twin or teleporter accident. Stoll is Shawn Horcoff without the offensive upside. Exactly.
Wheeler-R Bos: A hulking power winger with raw offensive potential. Skates like the wind. Just needs to put all his tools into the same box and he'll be formidable. If he can unlock the offense he's a potential bulldozer/Bertuzzi like winger, if he can' -t he's the second coming of Shawn Antoski.
Overall Rating: B+, Schenn, Wheeler, Backlund and even Bowman are all very promising prospects, but Stoll and Dupuis aren't likely to be sound long term investments. That all said, 3.5 out of 6 ain't bad at all.
The Knights Templar
Pietrangelo-D StL: Erik Johnson just mangled his knee so their is now ample room to have the swift skating stud Pietrangelo develop on the big team. Has all the tools to be a rock star defender, including big point shot and passing abilities. With Johnson out, Pietrangelo may be the most talented puck rusher on the roster. Could be dressable in the second half of the season.
Overall Rating: A. If you can only add one prospect to your roster in a year, you want it to be a prototype defender like Pietrangelo.
The Personal Vendetta
Sterling-Atl: A 5'7" gunner, he lacks the footspeed to be an effective smurf at the NHL level. Will one day win an AHL scoring title. Mike Comrie without the wheels.
Brule-C Edm: Mike Peca without the scoring, hitting or checking ability. Despite repeated chances, he couldn't crack the lineup in Columbus.
Bogosian-Atl: Almost completely makes up for the first two prospects picked. A big all-purpose defender who can log 20 min, run the powerplay and destroy people in his own zone. Atlanta will be hard pressed to send him down.
Overall Rating: Sterling and Brule aren't likely to contribute, but Bogosian could be a stalwart for years if he makes the roster.
The Lost Boys
Boedker-R Phx: A one touch sniper with terrific wheels and a high hockey IQ. A new Simon Gagne. If he doesn't force his way onto the roster this season (a possibility) expect him to be knocking on the door soon.
Bailey-C NYI: An all round talented pivot, he may be a better fit as a #2-3 when he reaches the FUNHL as he lacks outstanding ability in any one offensive skill, but plays with grit and heart.
Overall Rating: B+. Boedker is a legit bet to be a 40 goalscorer in the future, and Bailey has a good chance at being a useful center for the Islanders sooner rather than later. Not bad at all.
The Edge
Maclean-R Phx: Another high scoring Jr player who lacks the raw speed to play at the next level. Even with his soft hans his chances of making the Coyotes top lines is small, but he could stick around on a checking unit to see if he can get his skating up to par. Was accused of fattening his stats as Tavares' favourite winger. Most likely future is as an AHL goalscoring champion.
Perron-R StL: Undersized winger was a surprise to stick around with the Blues for last year, but proved his mettle by demonstrating speed and offensive flair. While he must be on a scoring line to suceed, Perron has locked down a spot in the teams top 6 forwards moving forward. He lands somewhere between last years Gionta and St Louis.
Kontiola-C Chi: In a dogfight with other prospects (Beach and Bolland) to earn a spot on the 2nd line. Has skillset similar to that of Christian Ruutu, but lacks the size of Bolland or the snarl that Beach brings. Part of a deep Chicago team that is just getting to know how good they can be.
Murphy-D Fla: Undersized blue-liner was a revelation coming out of training camp as he earned himself a spot running the powerplay. A couple of months in and a knee injury later, Murphy was a drop and re-pick by the Edge GM. Adding another year to a top 4 defenseman is only a good thing. But is he a legit top 4 defenseman?
Salcido-D Ana: With the inevitable departure of Schneider freeing up a spot on the roster, Salcido has a chance to turn his game pro. Has an outside chance of being a decent offensive defenseman if given the ice-time, but may lack in defensive coverage costing him coach confidence. A solid all-round two-way defender.
Overall Rating: B+. Maclean and Kontiola aren't bad, but they aren't solid bets to be producers either, while the rest are all solid prospects who should be dressable at some point in the future. Perron may even be dressable now.
The Highlanders
Hedman-D Modo: A monstrous defender with elite size and skating ability, he's been playing against men since he was 15. He loses a year with the Highlanders reaching for him, but he's being touted as a once in generation type of talent. The comparison I liked was to Larry Robinson.
Overall Rating: B+. Hedman is both a defenseman, and loses a year of eligibility which means his chances of producing for the Highlanders is comparatively small. Still, if you have to reach for a defenseman, Hedman is the one to reach for.
The Ramapithicines
Justin Williams-R Car: Its no secret that I hated this pick as first overall. Williams was a legit 30 goal scorer for two seasons in a row - coincidentally the only two seasons of his career he managed to stay relatively injury free. Worth repeating, the guy is 27 going on 28, and he has two years injury free on his record. When he's healthy he's a 65-80 point player depending on his linemates. Why was he available to be taken in the prospect rounds? You guessed it - because he's currently injured.
Mathias-C Fla: In direct contrast to Williams, we have Mathias. A full-blooded prospect with a history of offense, elite size, speed, World Jr experience, and a roster spot waiting for him. If he had been taken first overall I wouldn't have blinked twice. From what I've seen he's another Getzlaf but without the hair trigger temper.
Overall Rating: B-. I can't get past the Williams pick. I just can't.
The Great Whites
Doughty-D LA: Of the big three defenders available (not including Hedman) Doughty was the big prize, and the most likely to flit with a ppg. With his skating, passing and shooting abilities, pundits are using comparisons like Ray Bourque. I hear he wasn't bad.
Couture-C SJ: A cut and re-draft, Couture is a slick playmaker in the Sharks organization. His career has been derailed by a couple of serious concussions and a bout of mono, but if he can get his head in the game, he could be a top line producer. Tim Connolly is the obvious comparison.
Lepisto-D Wsh: A powerplay specialist from Europe he is attempting to crack the Caps lineup. If he does he has a chance to contribute immediately. Like Rafalski, Visnovsky and Murphy before him, he has the chance to prove he belongs.
Overall Rating: B+. Couture isn't a lock to perform, but Lepisto and Doughty have chances to be excellent.
The Bladerunners
Filatov-L Clb: An offense first winger with blazing speed, and a rocket shot. He was at the top of several other GMs lists, and IMO was a strong candidate to go first overall. Unlike some prospects using the KHL as a bargaining chip, Filatov seems intent on making the team and not looking back. Alexei Kovalev type skill, hopefully without a Kovalev type of attitude.
Berglund-C StL: A full meal deal power pivot in the mold of Ollie Jokinen or Mats Sundin. Future first line center of the Blues.
Svensson-Paajarvi-L Swe: A high skill sniper from Sweden, Svensson-Paajarvi is a candidate to go high in next years Entry Draft.
Overall Rating: A. Much like last year the Bladerunners loaded up on highgrade talent through the draft.
The Severed Heads
Hall-C OHL: Next year Tavares is hoped to go first overall. The year after that it should be Hall's turn. He's a warp speed sniper already turning heads for his offensive ability. Son of a CFL player gets compared to Pavel Bure because of his speed and shot.
Leino-L Det: the third of the three dwarves has a shot at making the champion Detroit Red Wings out of camp. Surprisingly responsible defensively, he may slot in next to Filpulla on the 2nd line.
Karlsson-D Ott: An offense first puck rusher, he may have the highest offensive abilities for the defenseman in his class - which is saying something. Though on the short side (5-11) he has the build that can add muscle and weight easily to help him defensively. At least a year away, but a strong candidate to be a fixture on the Sens blue-line moving forward.
Caputi-R Pit: this years winner of the Milan Kraft award as top Pens prospect who gets stupid love only because he is a Penguins. Caputi had a break out year in the OHL where he scored over 50 times and had just shy of 120 pts. Like many prospects he may lack the skating to take it to the next level, but if he makes it the next level has playmakers like Crosby and Malkin to help him out.
Overall Rating: B+. Hall is a two year reach as a draftee, and no matter who he turns into, thats a lot of time to give up. Leino has a good shot at being a dressable winger, Karlsson to be a decent defenseman, and Caputi a long shot to be the next Rob Brown. So all things considered, not a terrible draft for the Heads.
9/24/2008
Major Injuries already...
Most of these are old news but what the heck its slow today...
Sergei Gonchar-D- Penguins
Sep. 24 - 11:18 am et
Pittsburgh doctors continue to wait for Sergei Gonchar's swelling to subside in his shoulder before performing an MRI.
Gonchar's injury is believed to be serious but a time frame for it won't be known until an MRI is done. Stay tuned.
Erik Johnson will be out of action for the next six-nine months with a torn ACL according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Johnson tore the ACL in his right knee during a golf tournament last week. He tried to stop his cart and his right foot got caught between the accelerator and brake. He will have surgery in the next couple of weeks. Johnson will be back in mid-March at the earliest.
Justin Williams
W
I.L.
Sep 17
achilles
January to March
Latest News:Justin Williams suffered his torn achilles tendon in an off-ice workout on Wednesday. Williams underwent surgery and is still expected to be out for four-to-six months.
Ryan Whitney
D
I.L.
Sep 17
foot
Latest News:Ryan Whitney was walking around without crutches as training camp opened in Pittsburgh. The defenseman underwent foot surgery in mid-August that is expected to keep him sidelined until mid-November at the earliest. "I saw the doctor and he said the X-rays look fantastic and the scars are healing nicely," Whitney said. There have been reports that the offensive defenseman could be sidelined until January, although no one really knows at this point.
Sergei Zubov
D
Out
Sep 19
hip
Mid-October to Mid-November
Latest News:Sergei Zubov watched the Dallas Stars practice on Monday. Zubov is on crutches after undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery on Thursday. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks and could be out another month after that depending on how quickly he recovers. He should return sometime in late October or by mid-November to the Stars lineup
Sergei Gonchar-D- Penguins
Sep. 24 - 11:18 am et
Pittsburgh doctors continue to wait for Sergei Gonchar's swelling to subside in his shoulder before performing an MRI.
Gonchar's injury is believed to be serious but a time frame for it won't be known until an MRI is done. Stay tuned.
Erik Johnson will be out of action for the next six-nine months with a torn ACL according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
Johnson tore the ACL in his right knee during a golf tournament last week. He tried to stop his cart and his right foot got caught between the accelerator and brake. He will have surgery in the next couple of weeks. Johnson will be back in mid-March at the earliest.
Justin Williams
W
I.L.
Sep 17
achilles
January to March
Latest News:Justin Williams suffered his torn achilles tendon in an off-ice workout on Wednesday. Williams underwent surgery and is still expected to be out for four-to-six months.
Ryan Whitney
D
I.L.
Sep 17
foot
Latest News:Ryan Whitney was walking around without crutches as training camp opened in Pittsburgh. The defenseman underwent foot surgery in mid-August that is expected to keep him sidelined until mid-November at the earliest. "I saw the doctor and he said the X-rays look fantastic and the scars are healing nicely," Whitney said. There have been reports that the offensive defenseman could be sidelined until January, although no one really knows at this point.
Sergei Zubov
D
Out
Sep 19
hip
Mid-October to Mid-November
Latest News:Sergei Zubov watched the Dallas Stars practice on Monday. Zubov is on crutches after undergoing arthroscopic hip surgery on Thursday. He will be re-evaluated in three weeks and could be out another month after that depending on how quickly he recovers. He should return sometime in late October or by mid-November to the Stars lineup
9/23/2008
Your Mileage May Vary...
Sure you know that you drafted the best team in the league last Saturday - me too - but that doesn't mean that there isn't some interest in knowing what other interpretations are out there. Its an inexact science to be sure. Of the "Big 3" guides (The Hockey News Guidebook, The Score Sports Forcaster and McKeens), only the Hockey News provides predictions for goaltender GP and GAA allowing for a prediction based on our formula. No guide gives a prediction of PIM. Post-publication injuries to players (Gonchar, Gaborik, Alfredsson, Johnson) or trades (Meszaros) can mess with the value of these predictions. Oh, and they are so often wrong - no, like really wrong.
Still, it can't hurt to look - can it...
The Hockey Pool Guide Book predicts ... the Edge to hoist its first Predator Cup beating the Highlanders by 6pts.
The Score Sports Forcaster predicts ... the Scourge to eke out a 5pt win over the Knights Templar.
While McKeens predicts ... the Personal Vendetta to win in a walk, by 37 pts over the Wolves. Note that McKeens predicted the Vendetta to win it all last season as well.
As for who may have had a rough draft day? Well there is some consistancy there. The Great Whites are predicted to finish 12 by both the Hockey News and the Sports Forcaster and 11th by McKeens while McKeen's gives the Turkey Title to the Lost Boys who finish 11th according to the Hockey News and tied for 11th (along with the Severed Heads) according to the Sports Forcaster. As said in the title, your mileage may vary.
9/22/2008
FUNHL Master
Hey everyone,
Just a quick note that I have updated the link for 'FUNHL Master' on Google docs to include our newest spreadsheet.
If you have any problems viewing it let me know.
Thanks,
Cameron
Just a quick note that I have updated the link for 'FUNHL Master' on Google docs to include our newest spreadsheet.
If you have any problems viewing it let me know.
Thanks,
Cameron
9/21/2008
The Draft
Thanks again to Collin and his family for hosting the draft. Despite coordinating the feeding arrangements for almost a dozen people, technical issues involving people spread across the country, space issues and the omnipresence of a small child and gregarious dog, the draft was an unqualified success!
Great to see everyone again! Analysis to follow soon.
Cameron
Great to see everyone again! Analysis to follow soon.
Cameron
9/20/2008
FP Drops
Shadowmen drop Marleau,
Highlanders drop Jagr,
Lost Boys drop Sakic,
Great Whites drop Whitney.
Highlanders drop Jagr,
Lost Boys drop Sakic,
Great Whites drop Whitney.
9/16/2008
Top Ten Mustaches
I didn't notice Rob's blonde caterpillar thing on this list, nor was I able to find Dan's goat-stache. Must be an oversight....
In any case, I weep for my testosterone when I see this list
In any case, I weep for my testosterone when I see this list
9/15/2008
Voting results
After tabulating the results: (Reminder, I stated that in all yes/no votes an obstension counted as a yes). Bob has concurred.
Brian is now a member of the DC committee.
3 Year terms for the DC failed by a vote count of 8 Yes to 4 no. With a little clarification this would probably pass. ie Nobody would be forced to sit on the DC. It is only the term of a volunteered sitting member that rotates.
Droping prospects before the ED failed with 8 no votes
Of the goalie calculation votes. GM's are wanting a change as keeping the status quo received 8 no votes. Also receiving 8 no votes is Dan's new formula, GM voting on the GAA each year, and Mike's proposal of points for wins and shut outs.
Current formula with no negatives (11 no votes) - Fails
The bandwidth proposal for determining baseline GAA received 9 yes votes and 3 no votes. This passes for next year.
So at the end of the season. The total goals scored/total games played will equal X. X will fall into one of the bands and the corresponding GAA will be used for the next season.
The ranking were poorly responded to (five and four) thus inconclusive. This was dissapointing as the each of our opinions on the value of a goaltender is different and is the route cause of much of the past months discussion. This could have solved many issues and provided easier group concensus for the future.
Baseline GAA for this current season is 3.75 as per the DC decision earlier.
Thanks for your participation.
Brian is now a member of the DC committee.
3 Year terms for the DC failed by a vote count of 8 Yes to 4 no. With a little clarification this would probably pass. ie Nobody would be forced to sit on the DC. It is only the term of a volunteered sitting member that rotates.
Droping prospects before the ED failed with 8 no votes
Of the goalie calculation votes. GM's are wanting a change as keeping the status quo received 8 no votes. Also receiving 8 no votes is Dan's new formula, GM voting on the GAA each year, and Mike's proposal of points for wins and shut outs.
Current formula with no negatives (11 no votes) - Fails
The bandwidth proposal for determining baseline GAA received 9 yes votes and 3 no votes. This passes for next year.
So at the end of the season. The total goals scored/total games played will equal X. X will fall into one of the bands and the corresponding GAA will be used for the next season.
The ranking were poorly responded to (five and four) thus inconclusive. This was dissapointing as the each of our opinions on the value of a goaltender is different and is the route cause of much of the past months discussion. This could have solved many issues and provided easier group concensus for the future.
Baseline GAA for this current season is 3.75 as per the DC decision earlier.
Thanks for your participation.
9/13/2008
A look at the FuNHL Rules
According to the latest posted rules that I could find, goalie stats are a rule, and need to be voted on by the league GM's.
7. Goaltender points are calculated by multiplying three and one-half (3.5) by the number of games they played for that week, then subtracting the number of goals allowed for the week. The number of games played during a week is calculated by dividing the number of minutes played by the Goaltender by sixty (60). Partial games are included in this calculation, as are minutes played in overtime games.[Note: For simple calculation, a 60 minute shutout is worth 3.5 points.]
53. The Disputes Committee is also responsible for the amendment of these rules via rule proposals or changes to calculated stats such as goal-keeping. The Rules of the Fun-HL are not allowed to change during the course of a season without the agreement of all League GMs.
Last but not least...
As of August 17 2006
Fait accompli changes:- Rule 7 – Edit to change base goaltending calculation from 3.5 to 4.0
Unless I am a total git, the above text tells me that goalie stats are a rule, and we need league approval to change such stat.
Therefore, I find the DC is incorrect in changing the goalie stats system from 4 to 3.75.
7. Goaltender points are calculated by multiplying three and one-half (3.5) by the number of games they played for that week, then subtracting the number of goals allowed for the week. The number of games played during a week is calculated by dividing the number of minutes played by the Goaltender by sixty (60). Partial games are included in this calculation, as are minutes played in overtime games.[Note: For simple calculation, a 60 minute shutout is worth 3.5 points.]
53. The Disputes Committee is also responsible for the amendment of these rules via rule proposals or changes to calculated stats such as goal-keeping. The Rules of the Fun-HL are not allowed to change during the course of a season without the agreement of all League GMs.
Last but not least...
As of August 17 2006
Fait accompli changes:- Rule 7 – Edit to change base goaltending calculation from 3.5 to 4.0
Unless I am a total git, the above text tells me that goalie stats are a rule, and we need league approval to change such stat.
Therefore, I find the DC is incorrect in changing the goalie stats system from 4 to 3.75.
9/12/2008
Illustration as per Cameron's query
Hey all,
Cam had expressed the notion of having a #1 goalie being roughly equal to a #1 centre, so I thought I would illustrate that with my proposal :-)
Let's say we adopt a rule that statistically aims to meet the goal above:
The top 12 centres last year earned an average of 86.4 points
The top 12 goalies (by FuNHL stats) last year played an average of 67.75 games, and earned an average GAA of 2.34
If we want the top centre average to be the guide, then our formula is simply:
We want top 12 goalie average = 86.4
86.4 = (X - 2.34) x 67.75 games played
so X = 3.62
In other words if our formula for this coming year were to be
goalie stats = (3.62-GA) x GP
and we applied it to goalies from last year, the top 12 would average exactly the same as the top 12 centres.
(Interestingly a result in the middle between 3.5 and 3.75 almost exactly)
To compare:
- Use GPG sliding scale (GPG 5.57 means magic # is 3.75): avg top 12 goalie = 95 pts
- Use the ever popular 3.5: avg top 12 goalie = 78 pts
- Use formula above: avg top 12 goalie = 86.2 (almost bang on a top 12 centre)
Personally if we really think a top 12 goalie should score like a top 12 centre, this way works perfectly
IMHO ;-)
Cam had expressed the notion of having a #1 goalie being roughly equal to a #1 centre, so I thought I would illustrate that with my proposal :-)
Let's say we adopt a rule that statistically aims to meet the goal above:
The top 12 centres last year earned an average of 86.4 points
The top 12 goalies (by FuNHL stats) last year played an average of 67.75 games, and earned an average GAA of 2.34
If we want the top centre average to be the guide, then our formula is simply:
We want top 12 goalie average = 86.4
86.4 = (X - 2.34) x 67.75 games played
so X = 3.62
In other words if our formula for this coming year were to be
goalie stats = (3.62-GA) x GP
and we applied it to goalies from last year, the top 12 would average exactly the same as the top 12 centres.
(Interestingly a result in the middle between 3.5 and 3.75 almost exactly)
To compare:
- Use GPG sliding scale (GPG 5.57 means magic # is 3.75): avg top 12 goalie = 95 pts
- Use the ever popular 3.5: avg top 12 goalie = 78 pts
- Use formula above: avg top 12 goalie = 86.2 (almost bang on a top 12 centre)
Personally if we really think a top 12 goalie should score like a top 12 centre, this way works perfectly
IMHO ;-)
More voting instructions
I will conduct the votes my email.
Please only respond to Bob and myself. I will tabulate the results and Bob can confirm. As there will be multiple things to vote on please only respond yes or no to the question being asked. Any non responses will be a concidered a yes. I will send my vote to Bob and he likewise to me. Note the vote for the DC member will be a choice of Mike or Brian. Majority rules.
As there are lots of proposals regarding Goalie calculations voting may need to be done over multiple rounds. So voting periods will be short. You can vote yes to more than one Goalie calculation solution as your first choice may not be acceptable to others in the league. Only the top 2 or three vote getters will continue to the next round.
Please only respond to Bob and myself. I will tabulate the results and Bob can confirm. As there will be multiple things to vote on please only respond yes or no to the question being asked. Any non responses will be a concidered a yes. I will send my vote to Bob and he likewise to me. Note the vote for the DC member will be a choice of Mike or Brian. Majority rules.
As there are lots of proposals regarding Goalie calculations voting may need to be done over multiple rounds. So voting periods will be short. You can vote yes to more than one Goalie calculation solution as your first choice may not be acceptable to others in the league. Only the top 2 or three vote getters will continue to the next round.
9/11/2008
Voting instructions
Thanks Doug for your votes but you jumped the gun here.
I will send out voting instructions (tommorrow). I want to talk to Bob first.
Mike, I will include your proposal for the Win, SO system in the vote. Do you still want the no negatives in the vote.
I will send out voting instructions (tommorrow). I want to talk to Bob first.
Mike, I will include your proposal for the Win, SO system in the vote. Do you still want the no negatives in the vote.
9/10/2008
My votes
As it isn't clear to me what proposals are out there, here are my votes on what I undestand to be the proposals.
1 - Dan's Goaltending Proposal based on creating an average goaltending standard linked to last year's average center.
I am intrigued but vote against it as being too complicated for my little Pooh-brain to follow.
2 - Rob/Bob's Goaltending "Bandwith" proposal for setting the goaltending baseline.
I would vote in favour of this should we continue to use the current goaltending formula.
3 - Brian's 3-year terms for DC members proposal.
I would vote against this.
4 - Mike/Richard/Chris?'s proposal to make change the calculation of goalie stats from the current formula to one of 2pts for a W, 1pt for an OTL and 1pt for a SO.
I have found myself, with reservations, won over by the simplicity, certainty and equity of this proposal and will change my vote to support it for implimentation next season (2009-2010). I would vote against a change for this season.
5 - Richard/Bob?'s proposal to keep the current formula for goaltenders but to not include negative scores.
I would strongly vote against this statistician's nightmare.
I think that covers all the proposals I have seen out there. If there are others - let me know.
---
FYI, I have taken my stress pills and am feeling much more myself now. Please disregard my previous posted statement that I will not be doing stats next season. I will (though I can see occaisional delays in their posting do to my work committments). That said, should proposal #5, above, be adopted I will be resigning - not out of anger but out of fear :-)
1 - Dan's Goaltending Proposal based on creating an average goaltending standard linked to last year's average center.
I am intrigued but vote against it as being too complicated for my little Pooh-brain to follow.
2 - Rob/Bob's Goaltending "Bandwith" proposal for setting the goaltending baseline.
I would vote in favour of this should we continue to use the current goaltending formula.
3 - Brian's 3-year terms for DC members proposal.
I would vote against this.
4 - Mike/Richard/Chris?'s proposal to make change the calculation of goalie stats from the current formula to one of 2pts for a W, 1pt for an OTL and 1pt for a SO.
I have found myself, with reservations, won over by the simplicity, certainty and equity of this proposal and will change my vote to support it for implimentation next season (2009-2010). I would vote against a change for this season.
5 - Richard/Bob?'s proposal to keep the current formula for goaltenders but to not include negative scores.
I would strongly vote against this statistician's nightmare.
I think that covers all the proposals I have seen out there. If there are others - let me know.
---
FYI, I have taken my stress pills and am feeling much more myself now. Please disregard my previous posted statement that I will not be doing stats next season. I will (though I can see occaisional delays in their posting do to my work committments). That said, should proposal #5, above, be adopted I will be resigning - not out of anger but out of fear :-)
GAA determined by bandwidth Proposal
This proposal uses the existing Goalie calculation but instead of using the DC to determine the base GAA the bandwidths determine the base GAA. Here are the proposed bandwidths.
The base GAA is determined by the previous season overall GAA.Thus
4.00 - 4.4999 use 3.00
4.50 - 4.9999 use 3.25
5.00 – 5.4999 use 3.50;
5.50 – 5.9999 use 3.75;
6.00 – 6.4999 use 4.00;
6.50 - 6.9999 use 4.25;
The base GAA is determined by the previous season overall GAA.Thus
4.00 - 4.4999 use 3.00
4.50 - 4.9999 use 3.25
5.00 – 5.4999 use 3.50;
5.50 – 5.9999 use 3.75;
6.00 – 6.4999 use 4.00;
6.50 - 6.9999 use 4.25;
9/09/2008
CLARIFICATION RE. VOTING PROCEDURES
I'd like to ensure we have a Covenant that is current as per most recent rule changes and that each year the covenant is dated so we know it is most recent one. I 'think' that Doug and Bob were last guys to make some revisions. I'd be happy to go through covenant with a fine tooth comb to look for anything that might be confusing BUT I want to ensure I am looking at the correct covenant!!
So.. with that said, I'd like to ensure clarification re. rule changes. IF a rule change requires 12/12 for current year and 9/12 for following year then let's ensure that is clear in the covenant.
And... should we say that votes must be decided BEFORE the ED each season or is this just 'preferable'?? The concern I have with voting on ED day is 1) it just adds time to a long day as is and 2) it can lead to some bad feelings on ED day which is 'supposed' to be a fun day).
So.. with that said, I'd like to ensure clarification re. rule changes. IF a rule change requires 12/12 for current year and 9/12 for following year then let's ensure that is clear in the covenant.
And... should we say that votes must be decided BEFORE the ED each season or is this just 'preferable'?? The concern I have with voting on ED day is 1) it just adds time to a long day as is and 2) it can lead to some bad feelings on ED day which is 'supposed' to be a fun day).
RULE PROPOSAL - DC PURVIEW
I would like to propose a vote that decides whether or not the DC will continue to decide the goaltending stats base as of next season. IF 9 plus GMs decide that the DC should NOT make this decision, then the DC will give up this responsibility and the league will need to vote each year to change the baseline (and we'll have to decide if 9/12 each year would be good enough to make change). IF less than 9 GMs vote in favor of a change, then the rules stand and DC decides.
*This rule proposal would become null and void if the stats for goaltending changes altogether i.e. as per Mike/Richard rule proposal. The Mike/Richard rule proposal should probably be tabulated first and then IF it fails, we move onto a vote on this proposal.
**It 'might' be an idea for current/recent members of the DC to abstain in which case 6 votes would be necessary to make a rule change re. DC purview (i.e. 6/9 instead of 9/12) ??
*This rule proposal would become null and void if the stats for goaltending changes altogether i.e. as per Mike/Richard rule proposal. The Mike/Richard rule proposal should probably be tabulated first and then IF it fails, we move onto a vote on this proposal.
**It 'might' be an idea for current/recent members of the DC to abstain in which case 6 votes would be necessary to make a rule change re. DC purview (i.e. 6/9 instead of 9/12) ??
9/08/2008
FUNHL Site Changes
As I mentioned a few months back I've been making changes to the FUNHL site in the hopes of improving its utility for everyone.
First, I have added a bunch of blogs to our blog roll, in particular I encourage everyone who craves a daily fix of hockey information to check out; 'Illegal Curve' and 'James Mirtle'. Illegal Curve is a group of guys (students?) at the University of Manitoba who make frequent daily postings on hockey related items of all sorts - its good stuff.
Mirtle is my favourite hockey blogger and has ties to the Globe and Mail, as well as to the Oilogosphere (which is HUGE), so he has a vibrant and lively blog with an equally vibrant and lively group of commenters.
I've also added blogs like 'Puck Daddy' and 'Melt Your Face Off' for their pure entertainment value, and the blog like 'Five Hole Fanatics' because it covers the Flames in depth.
Personally the all-round best blog is probably 'Lowetide' - and I say this as someone who can't stand the Oilers, but it is so well written that I can't stay away for long.
If you have other recommendations to make please do so, as I can always make the blog-roll longer.
Well that covers some of the new blogs, but some of you may have noticed that if you click on the link for 'FUNHL MASTER' at the Top Right hand corner of the FUNHL Blog you will access an on-line version of our Master list!
Unfortunately, this document needs to be updated in Google Docs for it to remain useful (Brian? Dan? DC members? Stats guy?) - the good news is that updating it is rather easily done. All I need is few minutes of time with whomever this task is currently assigned to teach them how to update this link and we can all access an updated master from the blog whenever we wish. If done once a week it eliminates the need for constantly sending out a new Excel file. If nobody (other than me) cares I'll get rid of it.
However, given that the Waiver Wire posting appears to be a failure (it wasn't updated by anyone past week 7 last year) and given that the trade tracker was similarly little used I am deleting them. If anyone wishes me to I can add them back in at a later date.
Also, you may note that I have dropped the list of GMs from the sidebar. I did this because;
A. It was taking up key visual space on the blog, and
B. I figured we knew who the other members of the FUNHL are by now.
Last but not least, you may notice that I have adjusted the look of the blog a little. Please let me know what you think.
First, I have added a bunch of blogs to our blog roll, in particular I encourage everyone who craves a daily fix of hockey information to check out; 'Illegal Curve' and 'James Mirtle'. Illegal Curve is a group of guys (students?) at the University of Manitoba who make frequent daily postings on hockey related items of all sorts - its good stuff.
Mirtle is my favourite hockey blogger and has ties to the Globe and Mail, as well as to the Oilogosphere (which is HUGE), so he has a vibrant and lively blog with an equally vibrant and lively group of commenters.
I've also added blogs like 'Puck Daddy' and 'Melt Your Face Off' for their pure entertainment value, and the blog like 'Five Hole Fanatics' because it covers the Flames in depth.
Personally the all-round best blog is probably 'Lowetide' - and I say this as someone who can't stand the Oilers, but it is so well written that I can't stay away for long.
If you have other recommendations to make please do so, as I can always make the blog-roll longer.
Well that covers some of the new blogs, but some of you may have noticed that if you click on the link for 'FUNHL MASTER' at the Top Right hand corner of the FUNHL Blog you will access an on-line version of our Master list!
Unfortunately, this document needs to be updated in Google Docs for it to remain useful (Brian? Dan? DC members? Stats guy?) - the good news is that updating it is rather easily done. All I need is few minutes of time with whomever this task is currently assigned to teach them how to update this link and we can all access an updated master from the blog whenever we wish. If done once a week it eliminates the need for constantly sending out a new Excel file. If nobody (other than me) cares I'll get rid of it.
However, given that the Waiver Wire posting appears to be a failure (it wasn't updated by anyone past week 7 last year) and given that the trade tracker was similarly little used I am deleting them. If anyone wishes me to I can add them back in at a later date.
Also, you may note that I have dropped the list of GMs from the sidebar. I did this because;
A. It was taking up key visual space on the blog, and
B. I figured we knew who the other members of the FUNHL are by now.
Last but not least, you may notice that I have adjusted the look of the blog a little. Please let me know what you think.
Proposal Voting Date - Sep 17
In effort to avoid any voting and long discussions on draft day. Bob and I feel that the vote needs to take place before then. Thus voting day will be Sep 17th which will give one final week after all rule change proposals are submitted for discussion. This will also allow everyone to know by Friday the results so any draft lists can be modified if necessary.
Proposal Closing Date - Wednesday Sep 10
I think no knew proposals for rule changes should be made after this Wednesday Sep 10th.
Would those who proposed Goalie changes please re post them each as a seperate post except for Dan's that was recently posted.
Would those who proposed Goalie changes please re post them each as a seperate post except for Dan's that was recently posted.
New proposal - not GAA related
Now that the last of the original DC has resigned why do we not implement a suggestion of a couple of years ago that the DC is composed of 3 members each serving a staggarded 3 year term so that each year we have one new DC member.
A previous DC member must have a one year break between 3 year terms.
Someone will replace Dan this year.
Either Bob or I will drop next year ( not sure who has served longer on this current stretch)
Bob or I drop the following year. (Dan could now serve again after a 3 year wait)
A previous DC member must have a one year break between 3 year terms.
Someone will replace Dan this year.
Either Bob or I will drop next year ( not sure who has served longer on this current stretch)
Bob or I drop the following year. (Dan could now serve again after a 3 year wait)
9/07/2008
DC = DISPUTE COMMITTEE
Am I wrong in thinking that the DC was formed to resolve disputes between GMs?
Did we not change the responsibility from RC (Rules Committee) to DC because we thought any changes to the FuNHL rules were preview to ALL GMs, not just a small group? We all have a voice when it comes to the rules.
It does say in the Covenant that we need to vote on rule changes. Changing goalie calculations IS changing a rule.
We need to take conflict out of rule changes, and let the DC focus on DISPUTES.
Therefore I put before the FuNHL GMs a proposal to vote on the proposals set forth by myself, Rob, Dan and whom ever proposed the change to 3.5.
It is getting close to the ED and we REALLY need to put this issue to bed. NOW. I want closure so I can get my lists set in stone.
Did we not change the responsibility from RC (Rules Committee) to DC because we thought any changes to the FuNHL rules were preview to ALL GMs, not just a small group? We all have a voice when it comes to the rules.
It does say in the Covenant that we need to vote on rule changes. Changing goalie calculations IS changing a rule.
We need to take conflict out of rule changes, and let the DC focus on DISPUTES.
Therefore I put before the FuNHL GMs a proposal to vote on the proposals set forth by myself, Rob, Dan and whom ever proposed the change to 3.5.
It is getting close to the ED and we REALLY need to put this issue to bed. NOW. I want closure so I can get my lists set in stone.
Whos at Center?
What does the covenant say about entering the ED with more than the requisite slots in a position?
Should we allow more than the stated number of players in a given position to be surpassed?
How many players in any one position do we really need?
Should we really allow GMs to over stack a position during or after the season?
Do we just go with the 22 players on the active roster regardless of position as long as you dress the required (or less) number per position every week?
We need clear definition in the Covenant.
Should we allow more than the stated number of players in a given position to be surpassed?
How many players in any one position do we really need?
Should we really allow GMs to over stack a position during or after the season?
Do we just go with the 22 players on the active roster regardless of position as long as you dress the required (or less) number per position every week?
We need clear definition in the Covenant.
Rule Proposal regarding Prospects
I propose that at the beginning of the ED, all prospects that are not likely to be held onto by any GMs be dropped.
This will bring more players into the fold for the ED. It makes sense to me to treat drops the same way we do at the WDs, ALL drops are announced at the beginning of the ED, before any picks are announced. There are occasions where GMs enter the PrD with more than the allowed 8 prospects.
It may seem inconsequential to some, but there are prospects that do not generate interest as prospects, but are prospects, and are dropped at the start of the PrD. But, those players in question could be better suited for 4th line spots by others.
I just feel we should have the sound knowledge of who we are dropping from our Prospect roster at the beginning of the ED. Having said that, the Prospect draft is technically part of the ED. Maybe we should treat those dropped prospects as RFAs for the duration of the ED, that way they still hold some sort of value.
This will bring more players into the fold for the ED. It makes sense to me to treat drops the same way we do at the WDs, ALL drops are announced at the beginning of the ED, before any picks are announced. There are occasions where GMs enter the PrD with more than the allowed 8 prospects.
It may seem inconsequential to some, but there are prospects that do not generate interest as prospects, but are prospects, and are dropped at the start of the PrD. But, those players in question could be better suited for 4th line spots by others.
I just feel we should have the sound knowledge of who we are dropping from our Prospect roster at the beginning of the ED. Having said that, the Prospect draft is technically part of the ED. Maybe we should treat those dropped prospects as RFAs for the duration of the ED, that way they still hold some sort of value.
9/06/2008
GMs - Please Make Your Lists
Hello All,
The final act of the last DC set the Shutout standard at 3.75. That will be standard for this coming year 2008/09 ED. GMs - Please make your lists.
As well known, there is a vacancy on the DC for which nominations are open and will be settled at the ED at Collin's home.
There is need potentially for a new statskeeper as Doug wishes to set down.
There is also a vacancy as FUNHL treasurer which I will temporarily volunteer for [having collected the Lost Boys entry fee] until a more suitable candidate is found.
Any Rule Proposals for FUNHL changes should posted to the Blog on a different posting ASAP, perhaps by end of next week as a deadline so the league can consider each proposal.
Please abide the Covanent's Last Rule - Have Fun!
The final act of the last DC set the Shutout standard at 3.75. That will be standard for this coming year 2008/09 ED. GMs - Please make your lists.
As well known, there is a vacancy on the DC for which nominations are open and will be settled at the ED at Collin's home.
There is need potentially for a new statskeeper as Doug wishes to set down.
There is also a vacancy as FUNHL treasurer which I will temporarily volunteer for [having collected the Lost Boys entry fee] until a more suitable candidate is found.
Any Rule Proposals for FUNHL changes should posted to the Blog on a different posting ASAP, perhaps by end of next week as a deadline so the league can consider each proposal.
Please abide the Covanent's Last Rule - Have Fun!
9/05/2008
It's not 3.75, right?
I'm not going to add to the clown-car of posts below through a series of replies, since by now they would be ignored. I find myself in the awkward position of agreeing with Cam's logic to oppose the decision, and then not wanting to be so affiliated with him when he uses the brick-bat of personal attacks to really hammer it all home.
Anyway, with Dan's resignation, and his clear disinterest in continuing to back 3.75. Can we do the sensible thing as aleague choose to ignore this particular finding of the DC? We no longer have 3 committee members willing to back it (and it would not have passed with a clear majority of GMs by the way--Cam, myself, Mike and Chris have all argued for 3.5 [or at least against 3.75] on the blog, and Brian has confirmed Corey, Collin and Bob would also all be against it in a vote. That's 7 GMs out of 12 by my count.)
I do want to say, that after weeks of what I thought was my vociferously arguing against 3.75 and finding a clear majority of GMs saying they didn't favour it. After beginning to plan my draft list with 3.5 as the goalie base. After arguing for a new system with the logic that it was generating similar stats to 3.5--which was unambiguously supported as being the superlatively accurate assessment of goalies by people on both sides of that particular debate. After having discussed this ad nauseam with Bob. After having my concern that 3.75 was too complicated a number to use rationally aired to some end with Rob. After all that...
After all that... it is personally hurtful to me that I'm being told the base number I adamantly opposed and rejected--and still do, for several different reasons--is being handed down to me from the DC. Blessed wisdom from Sinai. No consultation with me. No rationale other than "it is a good number, and no one objects but Cam." Which I guess means I'm invisible, or my concerns are easily dismissed by my betters in this league.
But, moving forward. Since this whole stat thing really has been well discussed--but I'm willing to do it again if anyone missed it the first time--I suggest that for 2008-09, unless a new DC convenes and backs 3.75 again--it be determined by vote, by all GMs, at the ED. And that we only propose for 3.5 this year, since that's the only number clearing the majority territory we need to get the change. (And, if it fails--we go with magic number 4, again.)
I will still be seconding Mike's Win-Loss system, since it's still superior--but it remains to be seen if Mike still wants it presented.
Well--that's my vent. Thanks for bearing it out.
Richard.
Anyway, with Dan's resignation, and his clear disinterest in continuing to back 3.75. Can we do the sensible thing as aleague choose to ignore this particular finding of the DC? We no longer have 3 committee members willing to back it (and it would not have passed with a clear majority of GMs by the way--Cam, myself, Mike and Chris have all argued for 3.5 [or at least against 3.75] on the blog, and Brian has confirmed Corey, Collin and Bob would also all be against it in a vote. That's 7 GMs out of 12 by my count.)
I do want to say, that after weeks of what I thought was my vociferously arguing against 3.75 and finding a clear majority of GMs saying they didn't favour it. After beginning to plan my draft list with 3.5 as the goalie base. After arguing for a new system with the logic that it was generating similar stats to 3.5--which was unambiguously supported as being the superlatively accurate assessment of goalies by people on both sides of that particular debate. After having discussed this ad nauseam with Bob. After having my concern that 3.75 was too complicated a number to use rationally aired to some end with Rob. After all that...
After all that... it is personally hurtful to me that I'm being told the base number I adamantly opposed and rejected--and still do, for several different reasons--is being handed down to me from the DC. Blessed wisdom from Sinai. No consultation with me. No rationale other than "it is a good number, and no one objects but Cam." Which I guess means I'm invisible, or my concerns are easily dismissed by my betters in this league.
But, moving forward. Since this whole stat thing really has been well discussed--but I'm willing to do it again if anyone missed it the first time--I suggest that for 2008-09, unless a new DC convenes and backs 3.75 again--it be determined by vote, by all GMs, at the ED. And that we only propose for 3.5 this year, since that's the only number clearing the majority territory we need to get the change. (And, if it fails--we go with magic number 4, again.)
I will still be seconding Mike's Win-Loss system, since it's still superior--but it remains to be seen if Mike still wants it presented.
Well--that's my vent. Thanks for bearing it out.
Richard.
Rule Proposal
Since there aren't enough options out there :-)
While I personally like the notion of linking goalie stat calculations to scoring in the league, I think the proposed scale is a weak approximation. Based on the numbers provided by Bob/Doug, the "shutout number" for goalie points would increase as league scoring increases but at a ratio of 1:2 - That is, if average goals per game in the league goes up by 1, the shutout number goes up by 0.5. I presume this is because an increase in league GPG does not translate directly into a similar increase in GAA for the top 24 or so goalies, so we are using an approximation.
Why not decide what we think goalies should be worth, then index it to last year's goalies?
For example, take the top 24 goalies (GAA) based on those who played at least 2500 minutes. Calculate the average # of games played (for argument, let's say that is 60), and calculate the average GAA (AGAA)
Then answer the question - what should an average goalie get for points?
Let's say we think the average drafted goalie should get 75 points. If the avg games played is 60 as in this example, the formula for the ensuing year would be:
goalie points = (X minus AGAA) * (Mins played/60)
where the magic number X would simply be AGAA plus 1.25
thus X minus AGAA = 1.25, x 60 games played = 75 points.
If the average drafted goalie should in our estimation earn 90 points,
X would be AGAA plus 1.5
That way we index goalie scoring not to league average GPG, but to actual prior year goalie stats, and align it to our pre-chosen target using THE ACTUAL STAT we are trying to optimize.
Just a thought...
Dan
While I personally like the notion of linking goalie stat calculations to scoring in the league, I think the proposed scale is a weak approximation. Based on the numbers provided by Bob/Doug, the "shutout number" for goalie points would increase as league scoring increases but at a ratio of 1:2 - That is, if average goals per game in the league goes up by 1, the shutout number goes up by 0.5. I presume this is because an increase in league GPG does not translate directly into a similar increase in GAA for the top 24 or so goalies, so we are using an approximation.
Why not decide what we think goalies should be worth, then index it to last year's goalies?
For example, take the top 24 goalies (GAA) based on those who played at least 2500 minutes. Calculate the average # of games played (for argument, let's say that is 60), and calculate the average GAA (AGAA)
Then answer the question - what should an average goalie get for points?
Let's say we think the average drafted goalie should get 75 points. If the avg games played is 60 as in this example, the formula for the ensuing year would be:
goalie points = (X minus AGAA) * (Mins played/60)
where the magic number X would simply be AGAA plus 1.25
thus X minus AGAA = 1.25, x 60 games played = 75 points.
If the average drafted goalie should in our estimation earn 90 points,
X would be AGAA plus 1.5
That way we index goalie scoring not to league average GPG, but to actual prior year goalie stats, and align it to our pre-chosen target using THE ACTUAL STAT we are trying to optimize.
Just a thought...
Dan
Trade Talk
Well time to get back to the business of managing my team!
With Carey Price in the wings, it is only logical that I explore trade options for the services of Mr. Lundquist for another FP - In fact I had begun such discussions before the summer and need to pick up where I left off!
Doug - I believe you had mentioned something about Lundquist for Pronger and ?
Other interested parties - you know where to find me :-)
Dan
With Carey Price in the wings, it is only logical that I explore trade options for the services of Mr. Lundquist for another FP - In fact I had begun such discussions before the summer and need to pick up where I left off!
Doug - I believe you had mentioned something about Lundquist for Pronger and ?
Other interested parties - you know where to find me :-)
Dan
DC Nomination to fill 3rd DC posting
Unfortunately with Dan quite legitimately tendering his resignation as a member of the DC we now search for nominations for a 3rd member. I will nominate Brian, GM of the Bladerunners.
Dan, it was fun working with you and I'm sorry you had to take the brunt of some fierce criticisms.
Cameron, I know you vowed never to be on the DC after you quit the DC after a storm of fierce criticisms (irony?).
Doug, you are the present statskeeper and have a "unofficial" role on the DC as it stands which is why I will not volunteer your name.
If anyone else has nominations, please let Rob and I know either through this post or personally.
Dan, it was fun working with you and I'm sorry you had to take the brunt of some fierce criticisms.
Cameron, I know you vowed never to be on the DC after you quit the DC after a storm of fierce criticisms (irony?).
Doug, you are the present statskeeper and have a "unofficial" role on the DC as it stands which is why I will not volunteer your name.
If anyone else has nominations, please let Rob and I know either through this post or personally.
9/04/2008
Goaltender Stats
Having conferred with the balance of the DC, and reviewed the Covenant rules (in which there is no guideline whatsoever that restricts the goaltender "shutout" changes to be in increments of 0.5 - sorry Cam), please be advised that for the coming season, goalie stats will be calculated as follows:
Points for a goalie = (3.75 minus goals against) x (mins played / 60)
For future guidelines on determination of goalie stats, watch this space for a summary of proposed rule changes. (If someone wishes to propose that the stat be restricted to 0.5 point increments, they may wish to do so...now)
Dan
Points for a goalie = (3.75 minus goals against) x (mins played / 60)
For future guidelines on determination of goalie stats, watch this space for a summary of proposed rule changes. (If someone wishes to propose that the stat be restricted to 0.5 point increments, they may wish to do so...now)
Dan
9/03/2008
DC Update
Hi all,
Sorry for the delay, but I am back in the "real" world, and wrapping up talks with Rob and Bob. Here's what you can expect:
1) A decision on the formula for goalie stats for the current year
2) A concise summary of proposals for consideration, which we would like to narrow to the most popular 1 (or 2) for a formal vote on draft day (or before if we can manage it) to see if we have the requisite 75% support for any changes that would take effect Fall 09
On a personal note, having just read 2 months worth of blog debate, I am yet again saddened by the fact that we cannot go a single year without discussions being unnecessarily harsh, personal, and negative. Perhaps we need a rule change on what constitutes appropriate GM conduct in a public forum?
:-)
Dan
Sorry for the delay, but I am back in the "real" world, and wrapping up talks with Rob and Bob. Here's what you can expect:
1) A decision on the formula for goalie stats for the current year
2) A concise summary of proposals for consideration, which we would like to narrow to the most popular 1 (or 2) for a formal vote on draft day (or before if we can manage it) to see if we have the requisite 75% support for any changes that would take effect Fall 09
On a personal note, having just read 2 months worth of blog debate, I am yet again saddened by the fact that we cannot go a single year without discussions being unnecessarily harsh, personal, and negative. Perhaps we need a rule change on what constitutes appropriate GM conduct in a public forum?
:-)
Dan
9/02/2008
8/27/2008
FUNHL News and Notes
Sakic is re-signing with the AVs.
I suspect that, if injury free, he will return for one more year after that (and perhaps more), so he can make the 2010 Olympic team and play in front of a Vancouver home crowd. A crowd which will promptly go totally and irrevocably insane.
The Fan 590 soul destroying monster and slobbering Leaf-a-holic Doug Faraway is leaving! Thank the freaking hockey gods. He was way beyond terrible. The Glenn Beck of hockey is so bad he actually makes the act of listening to hockey talk vomit inducing. In any case, it's over, and we will never have to listen to him soar off into unrestrained two-handed, two tissue Leaf wankery on how the Buds once made the quarterfinals and would have won it all if not for Kerry Fraser, or his feverish rim probing analysis of the near divinity that is Doug Gilmour, or his personal boycott on calling Mats Sundin 'Mats Sundin' - choosing instead to call him 'Johan' (Sundin's middle-name), until Sundin makes up his mind about where he is going this summer. As if Sundin, or anyone else not drunk on the sewage smelling excresence that is Leaf fandom, could care less.
In any case, all of that turgid noise he makes is now gone from my favourite hockey podcast! Gone I say! Party!
There are a number of trends that I am noting as I put together my prospect list this year (a top 12 version of which you will get FOR FREE! Offer is void in Quebec).
It seems that three is the magic number; I noted a trio of this years 1st forward rounders (Hodgson, Wilson, Filatov), another trio of first year defensemen (Doughty, Pieterangelo, Bagosian), a trio of older Scandanavian forwards (Fabian, Ville, Janne) who can't be picked until the prospect rounds, a trio of Danes - which you don't see everyday, and a trio of 'Rafalski' type D-men who could all step in and run some teams powerplay (or toil anonymously in the AHL). I have a trio of Detroit prospect D-men AND a trio of Penguin prospect D-men. There is also a trio of prospects I really like in LA. I have a trio of Cliff Ronning clones, I have a trio of prototype butterfly netminders, and a trio of prospects listed as centers that I think will be wingers in the pros. I have a trio of goons. I have a trio who have a year of college, and a trio with famous last names. I have a trio of prospects from 09, and to nobodies surprise I even have a trio of prospects of interest for 2010.
Ok, actually, I lied. It is only two Danes.
IMO Hejduk could be jettisoned and Mike could easily find someone better at pick 11. That said, Mike is probably better off trading Hejduk for an older FP, Ultimately, Kopitar and Kane could be the FP guys for the Templar at C and RW (and an interesting pair they are, Kopitar is the one with the poster-child size, Kane looks like a child the size of a poster) with FP Tanguay at L, but he needs to compliment them with someone elite in the second FP slot and strike while the iron is hottest and the core of his team is still under rookie contract.
With Bouwmeester half way out, and Jokinen and Luongo long gone, injury prone power sniper Nathan Horton could be on the block as well. The team looks to be clearing the decks in its latest rebuilding mode and Horton could fetch a nice price at the deadline if the Panthers aren't showing playoff possibilities. My guess is Toronto will bend over the longest and deepest to get the Ontario born gunner. And will someone just sell the Panthers to Balsillie and let him move the team to Hamilton already?
When all is said and done, I think the prognosticators will be wrong and Sundin (Johan!) will be a Leaf. He will lead them in scoring by a wide margin, and they will just barely miss the playoffs.
If he doesn't return, I look for Thomas Steen to actually lead the team in points with around 60 or so, and for a more or less healthy Nik Antropov to lead the team in goals. Jason Blake is now radioactive as far as I'm concerned. Ditto for anyone and everyone on the Islanders and every Thrasher except for Kovalchuk. That said, it is now mathematically possible that I could draft Coyotes.
I suspect that, if injury free, he will return for one more year after that (and perhaps more), so he can make the 2010 Olympic team and play in front of a Vancouver home crowd. A crowd which will promptly go totally and irrevocably insane.
The Fan 590 soul destroying monster and slobbering Leaf-a-holic Doug Faraway is leaving! Thank the freaking hockey gods. He was way beyond terrible. The Glenn Beck of hockey is so bad he actually makes the act of listening to hockey talk vomit inducing. In any case, it's over, and we will never have to listen to him soar off into unrestrained two-handed, two tissue Leaf wankery on how the Buds once made the quarterfinals and would have won it all if not for Kerry Fraser, or his feverish rim probing analysis of the near divinity that is Doug Gilmour, or his personal boycott on calling Mats Sundin 'Mats Sundin' - choosing instead to call him 'Johan' (Sundin's middle-name), until Sundin makes up his mind about where he is going this summer. As if Sundin, or anyone else not drunk on the sewage smelling excresence that is Leaf fandom, could care less.
In any case, all of that turgid noise he makes is now gone from my favourite hockey podcast! Gone I say! Party!
There are a number of trends that I am noting as I put together my prospect list this year (a top 12 version of which you will get FOR FREE! Offer is void in Quebec).
It seems that three is the magic number; I noted a trio of this years 1st forward rounders (Hodgson, Wilson, Filatov), another trio of first year defensemen (Doughty, Pieterangelo, Bagosian), a trio of older Scandanavian forwards (Fabian, Ville, Janne) who can't be picked until the prospect rounds, a trio of Danes - which you don't see everyday, and a trio of 'Rafalski' type D-men who could all step in and run some teams powerplay (or toil anonymously in the AHL). I have a trio of Detroit prospect D-men AND a trio of Penguin prospect D-men. There is also a trio of prospects I really like in LA. I have a trio of Cliff Ronning clones, I have a trio of prototype butterfly netminders, and a trio of prospects listed as centers that I think will be wingers in the pros. I have a trio of goons. I have a trio who have a year of college, and a trio with famous last names. I have a trio of prospects from 09, and to nobodies surprise I even have a trio of prospects of interest for 2010.
Ok, actually, I lied. It is only two Danes.
IMO Hejduk could be jettisoned and Mike could easily find someone better at pick 11. That said, Mike is probably better off trading Hejduk for an older FP, Ultimately, Kopitar and Kane could be the FP guys for the Templar at C and RW (and an interesting pair they are, Kopitar is the one with the poster-child size, Kane looks like a child the size of a poster) with FP Tanguay at L, but he needs to compliment them with someone elite in the second FP slot and strike while the iron is hottest and the core of his team is still under rookie contract.
With Bouwmeester half way out, and Jokinen and Luongo long gone, injury prone power sniper Nathan Horton could be on the block as well. The team looks to be clearing the decks in its latest rebuilding mode and Horton could fetch a nice price at the deadline if the Panthers aren't showing playoff possibilities. My guess is Toronto will bend over the longest and deepest to get the Ontario born gunner. And will someone just sell the Panthers to Balsillie and let him move the team to Hamilton already?
When all is said and done, I think the prognosticators will be wrong and Sundin (Johan!) will be a Leaf. He will lead them in scoring by a wide margin, and they will just barely miss the playoffs.
If he doesn't return, I look for Thomas Steen to actually lead the team in points with around 60 or so, and for a more or less healthy Nik Antropov to lead the team in goals. Jason Blake is now radioactive as far as I'm concerned. Ditto for anyone and everyone on the Islanders and every Thrasher except for Kovalchuk. That said, it is now mathematically possible that I could draft Coyotes.
8/26/2008
How Many Goals In A Game Should There Be?
Turns out we aren't the only people asking that question.
Count me among those who think we are firmly on a trendline towards Russian Elite League level scoring unless something is done.
Also count me among those who thought that the following comments were especially insightful;
"The main challenge facing hockey is that playing defense has become too easy, so more and more teams have changed to playing a style that emphasizes defense."
and...
"There is a myth that speed increases offense. All other things being equal, it has the opposite effect. This is more than just the change relative to skills. It's also a product of where along the distribution curve the changes have happened. The fastest players today aren't that much faster than the fastest players of two decades ago. The marginal player of today, though, could skate circles around the marginal player of yesteryear. Now, all you have to do is sort through your marginal players to find the ones who are willing to work their ass off and have the discipline to play a system, and you have yourself a line capable of playing solid defense."
Both are by JM Neal from Mirtle's comments section.
Count me among those who think we are firmly on a trendline towards Russian Elite League level scoring unless something is done.
Also count me among those who thought that the following comments were especially insightful;
"The main challenge facing hockey is that playing defense has become too easy, so more and more teams have changed to playing a style that emphasizes defense."
and...
"There is a myth that speed increases offense. All other things being equal, it has the opposite effect. This is more than just the change relative to skills. It's also a product of where along the distribution curve the changes have happened. The fastest players today aren't that much faster than the fastest players of two decades ago. The marginal player of today, though, could skate circles around the marginal player of yesteryear. Now, all you have to do is sort through your marginal players to find the ones who are willing to work their ass off and have the discipline to play a system, and you have yourself a line capable of playing solid defense."
Both are by JM Neal from Mirtle's comments section.
8/25/2008
The case for a bad franchise name
Read this, and then consider; 'Rubber Duckies' and 'Puck U' from FUNHL history. Cute relics of a time gone by? Jokes best forgotten? Rank sentimentalism? Or unreproducable classics?
Once upon a time the Severed Heads Gm was in a precursor pool to this one and we were called 'The Late Nite Thrill Cam's', along with; Flaman's Flames, Joel's Autos, and others, and while I thought the name sucked because it was too dependent on a little seen skit from Letterman, I also thought it sucked way less than everyone elses.
The year that followed saw a triumphant rebirth of the franchise in a new league as 'The Machine' (followed by an upset loss to the Great Whites. Grrrrr).
So as a way of honouring the transformation of that bad franchise name beginning into the transglobal mega-brand we have today, Severed Heads mgt will be using a third jersey this year honouring either the Late-Nite-Thrill-Cam's or 'The Machine'. Submissions to the Severed Heads marketing department welcome.
The Machine - (in this case a Mark V OGRE)
The Thrill Cam makes its appearance on or about 7:14
Once upon a time the Severed Heads Gm was in a precursor pool to this one and we were called 'The Late Nite Thrill Cam's', along with; Flaman's Flames, Joel's Autos, and others, and while I thought the name sucked because it was too dependent on a little seen skit from Letterman, I also thought it sucked way less than everyone elses.
The year that followed saw a triumphant rebirth of the franchise in a new league as 'The Machine' (followed by an upset loss to the Great Whites. Grrrrr).
So as a way of honouring the transformation of that bad franchise name beginning into the transglobal mega-brand we have today, Severed Heads mgt will be using a third jersey this year honouring either the Late-Nite-Thrill-Cam's or 'The Machine'. Submissions to the Severed Heads marketing department welcome.
The Machine - (in this case a Mark V OGRE)
The Thrill Cam makes its appearance on or about 7:14
The FunHL: All goalie debate, all the time...
Richard keeps intimating that I have said that both Mike's system and the current system (at 3.5) would produce similar results. Yes and no. The top of the range looks similar but many of the names, and certainly the relative ranks of the goalies within that range, are very different and the lower ranked goalies are considerably less valuable under the current system. That may be a result that we think is fine but, as I have said, it does result in goalies who had statistically poor seasons getting much higher pts and relative rankings under Mike's proposed system.
Here are the top 24 Goalies
Under Current Rule with the baseline set at 3.5
Evgeni Nabokov 103.38
Martin Brodeur 102.74
Henrik Lundqvist 91.12
Roberto Luongo 79.02
J.-S. Giguere 76.13
Marty Turco 71.98
Niklas Backstrom 67.61
Manny Legace 66.60
Ryan Miller 64.13
Ilya Bryzgalov 63.85
Pascal Leclaire 62.21
Cristobal Huet 59.96
Miikka Kiprusoff 59.37
Tim Thomas 59.04
Chris Osgood 56.61
Tomas Vokoun 55.09
Martin Biron 53.67
Jose Theodore 53.49
Dominik Hasek 53.27
Cam Ward 49.13
Vesa Toskala 48.60
Dan Ellis 43.09
Rick DiPietro 42.01
N. Khabibulin 41.93
And here are the top 24 goalies
Under Mike's proposed system:
Evgeni Nabokov 106
Martin Brodeur 98
Henrik Lundqvist 94
Miikka Kiprusoff 90
Roberto Luongo 85
Ryan Miller 85
Cam Ward 83
J.-S. Giguere 80
Niklas Backstrom 78
Vesa Toskala 75
Martin Biron 74
Marty Turco 73
Tomas Vokoun 72
Cristobal Huet 71
Manny Legace 67
Martin Gerber 66
Ilya Bryzgalov 65
Tim Thomas 65
Pascal Leclaire 63
Chris Osgood 62
Jose Theodore 62
Dominik Hasek 62
Rick DiPietro 62
Mathieu Garon 57
Finally, to add some more fuel to the discussion, here is the difference between the two. Mike's proposal adds pts to every goalie - save M.Brodeur who loses pts - but the differences are telling.
Additional pts goalies get under Mike's system vs the current system with a 3.5pt baseline:
Cam Ward 33.88
Johan Hedberg 30.72
Miikka Kiprusoff 30.63
Vesa Toskala 26.40
Olaf Kolzig 25.99
Johan Holmqvist 24.46
Martin Gerber 24.44
Ryan Miller 20.87
Martin Biron 20.33
Rick DiPietro 19.99
Mathieu Garon 19.79
Chris Mason 19.08
Ray Emery 17.58
Dwayne Roloson 17.45
Tomas Vokoun 16.91
Jason LaBarbera 16.83
Carey Price 16.20
Kari Lehtonen 15.93
Patrick Lalime 14.28
Antero Niittymaki 13.00
Ty Conklin 12.21
N. Khabibulin 12.07
Dan Ellis 11.91
Cristobal Huet 11.04
Niklas Backstrom 10.39
Josh Harding 10.34
Dominik Hasek 8.73
Jose Theodore 8.51
Alex Auld 8.47
Marc-Andre Fleury 7.79
Peter Budaj 6.36
Roberto Luongo 5.98
Tim Thomas 5.96
Chris Osgood 5.39
J.-S. Giguere 3.87
Mike Smith 3.49
Henrik Lundqvist 2.88
Evgeni Nabokov 2.62
Fredrik Norrena 2.52
Ilya Bryzgalov 1.15
Marty Turco 1.02
Pascal Leclaire 0.79
Manny Legace 0.40
Martin Brodeur -4.74
The top-end goalies (Nabokov, Lundqvist, Luongo, Brodeur) don't gain much under Mike's system - they are top-end either way - but goalies like Ward, Hedberg, Kipper and Toskala are much more valuable under Mike's system. I think our current system, as imperfect as it is, does a much better job of rewarding the real-world top goalies than does Mike's system.
Here are the top 24 Goalies
Under Current Rule with the baseline set at 3.5
Evgeni Nabokov 103.38
Martin Brodeur 102.74
Henrik Lundqvist 91.12
Roberto Luongo 79.02
J.-S. Giguere 76.13
Marty Turco 71.98
Niklas Backstrom 67.61
Manny Legace 66.60
Ryan Miller 64.13
Ilya Bryzgalov 63.85
Pascal Leclaire 62.21
Cristobal Huet 59.96
Miikka Kiprusoff 59.37
Tim Thomas 59.04
Chris Osgood 56.61
Tomas Vokoun 55.09
Martin Biron 53.67
Jose Theodore 53.49
Dominik Hasek 53.27
Cam Ward 49.13
Vesa Toskala 48.60
Dan Ellis 43.09
Rick DiPietro 42.01
N. Khabibulin 41.93
And here are the top 24 goalies
Under Mike's proposed system:
Evgeni Nabokov 106
Martin Brodeur 98
Henrik Lundqvist 94
Miikka Kiprusoff 90
Roberto Luongo 85
Ryan Miller 85
Cam Ward 83
J.-S. Giguere 80
Niklas Backstrom 78
Vesa Toskala 75
Martin Biron 74
Marty Turco 73
Tomas Vokoun 72
Cristobal Huet 71
Manny Legace 67
Martin Gerber 66
Ilya Bryzgalov 65
Tim Thomas 65
Pascal Leclaire 63
Chris Osgood 62
Jose Theodore 62
Dominik Hasek 62
Rick DiPietro 62
Mathieu Garon 57
Finally, to add some more fuel to the discussion, here is the difference between the two. Mike's proposal adds pts to every goalie - save M.Brodeur who loses pts - but the differences are telling.
Additional pts goalies get under Mike's system vs the current system with a 3.5pt baseline:
Cam Ward 33.88
Johan Hedberg 30.72
Miikka Kiprusoff 30.63
Vesa Toskala 26.40
Olaf Kolzig 25.99
Johan Holmqvist 24.46
Martin Gerber 24.44
Ryan Miller 20.87
Martin Biron 20.33
Rick DiPietro 19.99
Mathieu Garon 19.79
Chris Mason 19.08
Ray Emery 17.58
Dwayne Roloson 17.45
Tomas Vokoun 16.91
Jason LaBarbera 16.83
Carey Price 16.20
Kari Lehtonen 15.93
Patrick Lalime 14.28
Antero Niittymaki 13.00
Ty Conklin 12.21
N. Khabibulin 12.07
Dan Ellis 11.91
Cristobal Huet 11.04
Niklas Backstrom 10.39
Josh Harding 10.34
Dominik Hasek 8.73
Jose Theodore 8.51
Alex Auld 8.47
Marc-Andre Fleury 7.79
Peter Budaj 6.36
Roberto Luongo 5.98
Tim Thomas 5.96
Chris Osgood 5.39
J.-S. Giguere 3.87
Mike Smith 3.49
Henrik Lundqvist 2.88
Evgeni Nabokov 2.62
Fredrik Norrena 2.52
Ilya Bryzgalov 1.15
Marty Turco 1.02
Pascal Leclaire 0.79
Manny Legace 0.40
Martin Brodeur -4.74
The top-end goalies (Nabokov, Lundqvist, Luongo, Brodeur) don't gain much under Mike's system - they are top-end either way - but goalies like Ward, Hedberg, Kipper and Toskala are much more valuable under Mike's system. I think our current system, as imperfect as it is, does a much better job of rewarding the real-world top goalies than does Mike's system.
8/22/2008
Goalies Losing Points
I believe it was Richard (though it could have been Rob) who asked me to check on how many goalies lost teams pts last season. This list does not include benched or undrafted players but only those who were actually played last season by FunHL teams and lost points.
Bladerunners (0):
no negative pts from goaltending
Great Whites (-0.2):
-.20pts from Lundqvist in wk 19
Ramapithicines (-0.93):
-.93pts from Turco in wk 5
Wolves (-1.2):
-1.20pts from Khabibulin in wk 4
Edge (-2.2):
-.07pts from Ward in wk 8
-2.13pts from Ward in wk 11
Knights Templar (-2.4):
-1.33pts from Fleury in wk 1
-1.07pts from Biron in wk 5
Shadowmen (-2.53):
-.73pts from Lundqvist in wk 11
-1.80pts from Luongo in wk 26
Highlanders (-3.27):
-.33pts from Kiprusoff in wk 9
-.87pts from Kiprusoff in wk 13
-2.07pts from Kiprusoff in wk 20
Scourge (-3.66):
-1.00pts from Biron in wk 4
-.33pts from Legace in wk 16
-2.33pts from Legace in wk 24
Lost Boys (-4.74):
-.67pts from Osgood in wk 15
-2.20pts from Osgood in wk 16
-1.87pts from Hasek in wk 24
Severed Heads (-4.87):
-.07pts from Hasek in wk 2
-1.67pts from Hasek in wk 7
-2.33pts from Nabakov in wk 16
Personal Vendetta (-13.53):
-1.07pts from Vokoun in wk 1
-5.93pts from Mason in wk 2
-.40pts from Leclaire in wk 18
-2.13pts from Leclaire in wk 24
-4.00pts from Toskala in wk 27
Bladerunners (0):
no negative pts from goaltending
Great Whites (-0.2):
-.20pts from Lundqvist in wk 19
Ramapithicines (-0.93):
-.93pts from Turco in wk 5
Wolves (-1.2):
-1.20pts from Khabibulin in wk 4
Edge (-2.2):
-.07pts from Ward in wk 8
-2.13pts from Ward in wk 11
Knights Templar (-2.4):
-1.33pts from Fleury in wk 1
-1.07pts from Biron in wk 5
Shadowmen (-2.53):
-.73pts from Lundqvist in wk 11
-1.80pts from Luongo in wk 26
Highlanders (-3.27):
-.33pts from Kiprusoff in wk 9
-.87pts from Kiprusoff in wk 13
-2.07pts from Kiprusoff in wk 20
Scourge (-3.66):
-1.00pts from Biron in wk 4
-.33pts from Legace in wk 16
-2.33pts from Legace in wk 24
Lost Boys (-4.74):
-.67pts from Osgood in wk 15
-2.20pts from Osgood in wk 16
-1.87pts from Hasek in wk 24
Severed Heads (-4.87):
-.07pts from Hasek in wk 2
-1.67pts from Hasek in wk 7
-2.33pts from Nabakov in wk 16
Personal Vendetta (-13.53):
-1.07pts from Vokoun in wk 1
-5.93pts from Mason in wk 2
-.40pts from Leclaire in wk 18
-2.13pts from Leclaire in wk 24
-4.00pts from Toskala in wk 27
including Save%
I bandied this idea with Doug and have not had time to do the math for the exact figures but the formula would go like this
(3.0 - GAA)*min/60+sv%*min/60
I have used 3.0 instead of the current 4.0 as a shut out would add a point.
As the save % is always positive this would reduce any negative on the GAA.
(3.0 - GAA)*min/60+sv%*min/60
I have used 3.0 instead of the current 4.0 as a shut out would add a point.
As the save % is always positive this would reduce any negative on the GAA.
8/21/2008
Changes From Pages of the THN "Bible" Yearbook
Hello Hungry GMs awaiting major roster changes...
1st Throw out your rosters from the THN Ultimate pool guide. They are totally without merit.
2nd Here I'll try and summarize noteable changes
Ana - no major changes from last yr [i.e. nada]
Atll - nada except jason williams is now a C
Bst - nada except kessel is now R
Buf - nada except Stafford = R
Cal - Cammalleri and Rene Bourque =L
Car - nada
Chi - Sharp, Byfuglien =L, Havlat =R
Col - nada
CLB- Huselius and Torres =R
Dal - nada [yes, Avery still on L]
Det -Datsyuk, Hudler= L, Zetterberg=C
EDM- nada, Cole=L, Cogliano=R
FLA-nada, Stillman=L and Horton still R
LA -O'Sullivan=L and Frolov=R
Min -Bouchard=R
Mtl - Higgins=R and A.Kostitsyn=L
Nsh -Erat and Dumont now on LW
NJ- Zajac=L, Rolston=C, Zubrus=R
NYI-nada
NYR-Prucha=R
OTT-nada
PHI-nada
PHX-Mueller=L
PIT-Staal=C, Satan, Sykora=R
SJ=NADA BUT J.R. IS NOW RW!!!!
STL=nada
TBL- Prospal, Malone=L, Vrbata=R
TOR - Steen=L, Pony=R
VAN - Raymond=L, Demitra,Kesler=C, Bernier,Wellwood=RM
WSH-nada
Now I only covered the obvious changes and didn't include all players and prospects - that's every GMs job...
This was just a courtesy...
Enjoy the "Bible" when you get it also the Sport's Forecaster is out...
1st Throw out your rosters from the THN Ultimate pool guide. They are totally without merit.
2nd Here I'll try and summarize noteable changes
Ana - no major changes from last yr [i.e. nada]
Atll - nada except jason williams is now a C
Bst - nada except kessel is now R
Buf - nada except Stafford = R
Cal - Cammalleri and Rene Bourque =L
Car - nada
Chi - Sharp, Byfuglien =L, Havlat =R
Col - nada
CLB- Huselius and Torres =R
Dal - nada [yes, Avery still on L]
Det -Datsyuk, Hudler= L, Zetterberg=C
EDM- nada, Cole=L, Cogliano=R
FLA-nada, Stillman=L and Horton still R
LA -O'Sullivan=L and Frolov=R
Min -Bouchard=R
Mtl - Higgins=R and A.Kostitsyn=L
Nsh -Erat and Dumont now on LW
NJ- Zajac=L, Rolston=C, Zubrus=R
NYI-nada
NYR-Prucha=R
OTT-nada
PHI-nada
PHX-Mueller=L
PIT-Staal=C, Satan, Sykora=R
SJ=NADA BUT J.R. IS NOW RW!!!!
STL=nada
TBL- Prospal, Malone=L, Vrbata=R
TOR - Steen=L, Pony=R
VAN - Raymond=L, Demitra,Kesler=C, Bernier,Wellwood=RM
WSH-nada
Now I only covered the obvious changes and didn't include all players and prospects - that's every GMs job...
This was just a courtesy...
Enjoy the "Bible" when you get it also the Sport's Forecaster is out...
GOALIE Proposal number 3
Bob, came up with this idea, and Doug modified the ranges. But this takes the pressure off the DC/RC for making the change based on their opinion.
Using the existing formula for Goaltender points calculation but the base GAA is determined by the previous season overall GAA.
Thus
4.50 - 4.9999 used 3.25
5.00 – 5.4999 use 3.50;
5.50 – 5.9999 use 3.75;
6.00 – 6.4999 use 4.00;
6.50 - 6.9999 use 4.25;
Even before the trade deadline of a season we are going to recognize if a shift is possible in base points for the next season
Using the existing formula for Goaltender points calculation but the base GAA is determined by the previous season overall GAA.
Thus
4.50 - 4.9999 used 3.25
5.00 – 5.4999 use 3.50;
5.50 – 5.9999 use 3.75;
6.00 – 6.4999 use 4.00;
6.50 - 6.9999 use 4.25;
Even before the trade deadline of a season we are going to recognize if a shift is possible in base points for the next season
8/20/2008
Fearless First and Second Round Predictions!
Well I know that Cam and Bob and I have kicked this around a few times but this prediction is my own. I am assuming that goalie stats will be at a 3.5pt baseline (though if Richard and others are correct, Mike's system might produce a similar result). I have also tried to incorporate those position changes that I recall from my conversation with Bob.
1 - Severed Heads. Resisting the urge to replace Elias as an FP the Heads will proceed exactly as if they were replacing an FP. After a bid on S.Crosby (matched) they will select C V.Lecavalier TB.
2 - Personal Vendetta. The Vendetta still stunned to see their FP moved to C, attempt to redress the problem by selecting his linemate: LW P.Datsyuk DET.
3 - Wolves. The Wolves, subject to the FunHL version of the Heisenberg principle are impossible to predict other than to note that the selection will defy expectations, all the published guides and most commonly understood schools of logic. I'm going to say LW B.Morrow DAL as a plausable TG-Pts combo but have pretty much zero confidence that the player selected will actually be on the first page of my list.
4 - Bladerunners. Mischief time. Brian will bid on E.Staal but be matched by Dan. Brian will then hum and haw about taking a goalie, regardless of the system or the baseline, but will conclude in the end that Miller is a solid #1 or an awsome #2 thus freeing him to select D S.Gonchar PIT who should have been the pick all along.
5 - Ramapithicines. Corey will curse Brian's selection until he sees that his third FP is still on the board. Corey will then select RW D.Alfredsson OTT.
6 - Shadowmen. After sending out mixed messages for the past two months, Bob will conclude that Cam's FP theory does, ultimately, come to pass and will select a new FP in LW R.Nash CLB. Nash will be dealt before American Thanksgiving.
7 - Edge. Regardless of the system, Collin will insist on having a top end goaltender and select G E.Nabokov SJ. The law of large numbers will determine that it will actually prove to be the correct call.
8 - Lost Boys. Are ecstatic to select C R.Getzlaf ANA as his new FP.
9 - Scourge. Will be the first GM at this draft to declare aloud "I can't believe he's still available!" and actually mean it. Chris will then take RW M.St.Louis TB.
10 - Highlanders. Will select a new FP in matching C S.Crosby PIT a broad grin will be afixed to Doug's face for at least the next 10 years.
11 - Knights Templar. Will bid on Parise, who will grudgingly be matched by Dan, and then select C M.Savard BOS.
12 - Great Whites. Will select a new FP in matching C E.Staal CAR.
13 - Great Whites. Will match LW Z.Parise NJ and become concerned that they may not get to select a player not already on their roster (namely Semin and Horton) until the fifth round.
14 - Knights Templar. Will select their 3rd FP, and a player who will end up outpointing Parise by the end of the season, LW D.Sedin VAN.
15 - Highlanders. Will later rue not taking a goalie here and instead select D B.Campbell CHI.
16 - Scourge. Chris continues the a mini-run on d-men by selecting D D.Boyle SJ
17 - Lost Boys. Ignoring the d-men to focus on the last top-end RW selecting RW A.Hemsky EDM.
18 - Edge. Continue to draft for their own needs and not the sway of the crowd taking C D.Briere PHI but only after pondering long and hard about perenial Edge pivot, O.Jokinen.
19 - Shadowmen. Will engage in some mischief making of his own biding on LW Cammalleri, matched by Darrell, and then on RW Kovalev, wit+h Rob matching, before switching positions yet again to take D S.Niedermayer ANA.
20 - Ramapithicines. Seeing the run on top-end d-men will have Corey momentarily consider taking McCabe (then in Florida) but settle on D B.Rafalski DET.
21 - Bladerunners. Not wanting to risk letting their goaltending plan slip away, select G J-S.Giguere ANA. This despite having convinced themself only one round previously that Miller would be up to the task. Will begin to offer up rights to either goaltender for help at forward before fourth round concludes.
22 - Wolves. Rob matches on RW Kovalev MTL and, with Hemsky having been taken feel that they probably have the best RW left on the board. Still ticked that they couldn't get two more rounds.
23 - Personal Vendetta. Find it annoying to have to match Cammalleri so early, like Rob hoping to get past Cam without having to match, but with Michalek pencilled in in the last round or so, the Vendetta will be very strong on the sinister side.
24 - Severed Heads. While they will probably select a forward with their second pick, do not plan on the wrap-around passing without the Heads securing a goaltender. I have them selecting G M.Kiprusoff CGY.
Criticisms, corrections or improvements on my predictions are, of course, welcome.
1 - Severed Heads. Resisting the urge to replace Elias as an FP the Heads will proceed exactly as if they were replacing an FP. After a bid on S.Crosby (matched) they will select C V.Lecavalier TB.
2 - Personal Vendetta. The Vendetta still stunned to see their FP moved to C, attempt to redress the problem by selecting his linemate: LW P.Datsyuk DET.
3 - Wolves. The Wolves, subject to the FunHL version of the Heisenberg principle are impossible to predict other than to note that the selection will defy expectations, all the published guides and most commonly understood schools of logic. I'm going to say LW B.Morrow DAL as a plausable TG-Pts combo but have pretty much zero confidence that the player selected will actually be on the first page of my list.
4 - Bladerunners. Mischief time. Brian will bid on E.Staal but be matched by Dan. Brian will then hum and haw about taking a goalie, regardless of the system or the baseline, but will conclude in the end that Miller is a solid #1 or an awsome #2 thus freeing him to select D S.Gonchar PIT who should have been the pick all along.
5 - Ramapithicines. Corey will curse Brian's selection until he sees that his third FP is still on the board. Corey will then select RW D.Alfredsson OTT.
6 - Shadowmen. After sending out mixed messages for the past two months, Bob will conclude that Cam's FP theory does, ultimately, come to pass and will select a new FP in LW R.Nash CLB. Nash will be dealt before American Thanksgiving.
7 - Edge. Regardless of the system, Collin will insist on having a top end goaltender and select G E.Nabokov SJ. The law of large numbers will determine that it will actually prove to be the correct call.
8 - Lost Boys. Are ecstatic to select C R.Getzlaf ANA as his new FP.
9 - Scourge. Will be the first GM at this draft to declare aloud "I can't believe he's still available!" and actually mean it. Chris will then take RW M.St.Louis TB.
10 - Highlanders. Will select a new FP in matching C S.Crosby PIT a broad grin will be afixed to Doug's face for at least the next 10 years.
11 - Knights Templar. Will bid on Parise, who will grudgingly be matched by Dan, and then select C M.Savard BOS.
12 - Great Whites. Will select a new FP in matching C E.Staal CAR.
13 - Great Whites. Will match LW Z.Parise NJ and become concerned that they may not get to select a player not already on their roster (namely Semin and Horton) until the fifth round.
14 - Knights Templar. Will select their 3rd FP, and a player who will end up outpointing Parise by the end of the season, LW D.Sedin VAN.
15 - Highlanders. Will later rue not taking a goalie here and instead select D B.Campbell CHI.
16 - Scourge. Chris continues the a mini-run on d-men by selecting D D.Boyle SJ
17 - Lost Boys. Ignoring the d-men to focus on the last top-end RW selecting RW A.Hemsky EDM.
18 - Edge. Continue to draft for their own needs and not the sway of the crowd taking C D.Briere PHI but only after pondering long and hard about perenial Edge pivot, O.Jokinen.
19 - Shadowmen. Will engage in some mischief making of his own biding on LW Cammalleri, matched by Darrell, and then on RW Kovalev, wit+h Rob matching, before switching positions yet again to take D S.Niedermayer ANA.
20 - Ramapithicines. Seeing the run on top-end d-men will have Corey momentarily consider taking McCabe (then in Florida) but settle on D B.Rafalski DET.
21 - Bladerunners. Not wanting to risk letting their goaltending plan slip away, select G J-S.Giguere ANA. This despite having convinced themself only one round previously that Miller would be up to the task. Will begin to offer up rights to either goaltender for help at forward before fourth round concludes.
22 - Wolves. Rob matches on RW Kovalev MTL and, with Hemsky having been taken feel that they probably have the best RW left on the board. Still ticked that they couldn't get two more rounds.
23 - Personal Vendetta. Find it annoying to have to match Cammalleri so early, like Rob hoping to get past Cam without having to match, but with Michalek pencilled in in the last round or so, the Vendetta will be very strong on the sinister side.
24 - Severed Heads. While they will probably select a forward with their second pick, do not plan on the wrap-around passing without the Heads securing a goaltender. I have them selecting G M.Kiprusoff CGY.
Criticisms, corrections or improvements on my predictions are, of course, welcome.
Proposed Rules Changes for Draft Day
Hello!
Per Brian's excellent suggestion that any proposed rules changes need a month of discussion before draft day, I'm going to put the following suggested changes to the league:
As has been stressed by Doug and Brian, I don't want to see anyone quit because of a proposed rule change, so please be good enough to note now if you strenuously objecty
Rule Change #1: Goalie Points
(Presented by Mike, GM Knights Templar; seconded by Richard, GM Lost Boys)
From the 2008-09 season onwards, the goalie in a team's weekly lineup will be awarded 2 points for every win, with 1 additional point for a shutout (making shutouts worth 3 points), and 1 point for every over-time loss. The statistics source for the FUNHL will inform the league what goalie was assigned the win/loss/SO/OTL.
As statistically demonstrated on the blog: this formula generates a statistical value for goalies putting them at about the same value as forwards, without a need for annual re-evaluation--a situation a majority of GMs have recognized as being ideal. This formula also generates the same approximate value for most goalies as the system used in 2007. Finally, this formula also encourages GMs to always play a viable goalie, since it recognizes wins, instead of goals against, encouraging GMs to draft their backup goalie sensibly.
Rule Change #2 Goalie negative points
(Presented by Richard, GM Lost Boys; seconded by Bob, GM Shadowmen)
(This rule change will be withdrawn if Rule Change #1 passes)
A goalie cannot receive less than 0 points in any game.
---
Discuss!
Richard,
GM Lost Boys
Per Brian's excellent suggestion that any proposed rules changes need a month of discussion before draft day, I'm going to put the following suggested changes to the league:
As has been stressed by Doug and Brian, I don't want to see anyone quit because of a proposed rule change, so please be good enough to note now if you strenuously objecty
Rule Change #1: Goalie Points
(Presented by Mike, GM Knights Templar; seconded by Richard, GM Lost Boys)
From the 2008-09 season onwards, the goalie in a team's weekly lineup will be awarded 2 points for every win, with 1 additional point for a shutout (making shutouts worth 3 points), and 1 point for every over-time loss. The statistics source for the FUNHL will inform the league what goalie was assigned the win/loss/SO/OTL.
As statistically demonstrated on the blog: this formula generates a statistical value for goalies putting them at about the same value as forwards, without a need for annual re-evaluation--a situation a majority of GMs have recognized as being ideal. This formula also generates the same approximate value for most goalies as the system used in 2007. Finally, this formula also encourages GMs to always play a viable goalie, since it recognizes wins, instead of goals against, encouraging GMs to draft their backup goalie sensibly.
Rule Change #2 Goalie negative points
(Presented by Richard, GM Lost Boys; seconded by Bob, GM Shadowmen)
(This rule change will be withdrawn if Rule Change #1 passes)
A goalie cannot receive less than 0 points in any game.
---
Discuss!
Richard,
GM Lost Boys
8/19/2008
The Bible Is (Almost) Out
I understand from Bob that the Bible is out - at least to online subscribers.
No info yet as to any significant position changes but if anyone knows anything - post away.
No info yet as to any significant position changes but if anyone knows anything - post away.
The KHL and the FunHL
Moving away from the goalie controversy for a moment, is there a point at which we feel that we might want to look at compensating GMs whose prospects/RFAs or FPs abandon the NHL for the KHL. We have one prospect (Radulov), one RFA (Emery) and one FP (Jagr) - though only Radulov was under contract to an NHL team at the time - who have made the jump but imagine if the number is higher next season, and what if one FunHL team is the one that takes the brunt of the impact? I don't know if this is a big concern for other GMs at this point (not sure it is one even for me) but it could become one down the road and we might want to give it some thought before our own self-interest is too directly involved.
Speak of the devil. You can add RFA L.Nagy to the list of NHLers off to the KHL - again, not under NHL contract but is now gone for at least 2 years.
Speak of the devil. You can add RFA L.Nagy to the list of NHLers off to the KHL - again, not under NHL contract but is now gone for at least 2 years.
What does it take?
Can someone look through the vast tome of rules and provide an answer to these:
(Then can they, and everyone else offer free opinions?)
What does it take to adjust the baseline in the current system to 3.5 at draft this year? (And is there any opposition to this move?)
What does it take to implement Mike's proposed overhaul of goaltending?
And, the important question:
There's a lot of focus on enforcing the "goalie average" no matter what system we have (I believe it was Thrasymachus who suggested that "justice" was a way for weak people to bring down successful people); what do people think of adding a third goalie to our rosters, and requiring every team in the FUNHL to play 2 goalies each week.
(At this time I have no suggestion for whether we reduce the total number of players in another position--ie I don't think D would suffer all that much if we reduced to playing 5/7--or if we just add another round to the draft, and whether that would be an RFA or FA round.
Richard,
GM Lost Boys
(Then can they, and everyone else offer free opinions?)
What does it take to adjust the baseline in the current system to 3.5 at draft this year? (And is there any opposition to this move?)
What does it take to implement Mike's proposed overhaul of goaltending?
And, the important question:
There's a lot of focus on enforcing the "goalie average" no matter what system we have (I believe it was Thrasymachus who suggested that "justice" was a way for weak people to bring down successful people); what do people think of adding a third goalie to our rosters, and requiring every team in the FUNHL to play 2 goalies each week.
(At this time I have no suggestion for whether we reduce the total number of players in another position--ie I don't think D would suffer all that much if we reduced to playing 5/7--or if we just add another round to the draft, and whether that would be an RFA or FA round.
Richard,
GM Lost Boys
8/16/2008
8/15/2008
Goaltending Stats Discussion
Last year the top 12 centres accumulated 957 pts, for an average of 79.75.
Using the old 4.0 stat we get an average goaltender value of 112 (I think obviously out of whack).
Using the 3.75 scenario we get an average Top 12 goaltender of 95.00.
Taking the average top 12 goaltenders from last year, and using 3.5 the average scoring is 78.06.
Which means that on average your first line centre and your starting goaltender would be expected to produce the same amount of points.
I'd say there is a case for making sure goaltenders are equivalent to the highest scoring position in the league, but by what logic do those who favour 3.75 argue that we should value goaltenders an average of 16 pts more than a first line centre?
Using the old 4.0 stat we get an average goaltender value of 112 (I think obviously out of whack).
Using the 3.75 scenario we get an average Top 12 goaltender of 95.00.
Taking the average top 12 goaltenders from last year, and using 3.5 the average scoring is 78.06.
Which means that on average your first line centre and your starting goaltender would be expected to produce the same amount of points.
I'd say there is a case for making sure goaltenders are equivalent to the highest scoring position in the league, but by what logic do those who favour 3.75 argue that we should value goaltenders an average of 16 pts more than a first line centre?
8/14/2008
Bladerunner GM hits 40 Years
Happy Birthday Brian,
Thanks for joining me at the next level. Hopefully you had a good evening out yesterday.
Thanks for joining me at the next level. Hopefully you had a good evening out yesterday.
8/12/2008
Goalie Stats and Relativity - An Open Letter to the DC
Goalie pts are currently based on a 4pt baseline - that is a FunHL goalie will get 4pts for a 60minute shutout. Usually we, and by we I mean the FunHL Disputes Comittee (currently Dan, Bob and Rob), review the baseline annually and adjust it, if deemed necessary, up or down a half-point. There is no magic in the half-point adjustment but it seems to have worked. There has been a call from some quarters, including myself, to have the DC adjust goalie stats downward for next season. Why? I can give you 10 good reasons...
Here are the top 15 FunHL Pointing Players from last season (not counting TGs):
1 - E.Nabokov 141.39
2 - M.Brodeur 141.00
3 - H.Lundquist 127.00
4 - R.Luongo 114.29
5 - A.Ovechkin 112
6 - E.Malkin 106
7 - J-S.Giguere 103.71
8 - M.Turco 102.22
9 - R.Miller 101.41
10 - J.Iginla 98
11 - M.Legace 97.15
12 - P.Datsyuk 97
13 - M.Kiprusoff 96.02
14 - N.Backstrom 96.02
15 - J.Thornton 96
Ten of the top Fifteen highest pointing players are goaltenders, clearly goaltending stats are horribly out of whack with reality and need to be reigned in. When the pool's stats say that M.Legace is worth more than P.Datsyuk or J.Thornton - isn't the arguement over? Well, maybe not.
Is the above list a reflection of how we as a pool actually rank players? Yes goalies seem to have gotten more points this past season, but the change from the previous season wasn't THAT big - so why would 12 clever FunHL GMs wait so long to draft a goalie? By the same token, why would any GM draft a defenseman in the first or second round - let alone have one as his FP!? Well, because position matters. We judge players based on their "relative value" far more than their absolute value.
There are many different ways to guage relative value but one straightforward way to do so is to face the reality that everyone will need to dress the same number of lw, c, rw, d and g. Three of each forward position (36 of each), six defensemen (72) and one goalie (12). The worst left-winger you should have to play will be the left-winger with the 36th most pts of all the left-wingers in the league. Last season that left winger would have gotten you 42pts. If you happen to have A.Ovechkin as your FP, way to go Collin, then your number one left-winger not only gets you 112pts to lead the league in pts but also happens to be 70pts more than the worst left-winger that should be dressed in the league.
So what does the top Fifteen players list look like if we set it up by comparing relative value by position:
1 - A.Ovechkin +70
2 - J.Iginla +57
3 - E.Malkin +54
4 - E.Nabokov +53
5 - M.Brodeur +53
6 - H.Zetterberg +50
7 - N.Lidstrom +49
8 - D.Alfredsson +48
9 - P.Datsyuk +45
10 - I.Kovalchuk +45
11 - J.Thornton +44
12 - S.Gonchar +44
13 - A.Kovalev +43
14 - M.Gaborik +42
15 - M.St.Louis +42
Now this list looks almost exactly how we collectively value player value in our league. The three Hart-finalists are in the top three positions. Only two goaltenders make the top 15, though clearly are right up at the top of the list. Only two defensemen make the top 15, but again few would quibble with their being there. Compared on straight points, N.Lidstrom is the 60th best player in the league - clearly a poor reflection of his actual value. So the question perhaps should not be simply a concern for the number of pts a goaltender gets but how many more pts that goaltender gets than the 12th best goalie that gets played, his relative value.
Last season the top 12 goalies (based on the 4pt baseline) were as follows:
1 - E.Nabokov 141.39
2 - M.Brodeur 141.00
3 - H.Lundquist 127.00
4 - R.Luongo 114.29
5 - J-S.Giguere 103.71
6 - M.Turco 102.22
7 - R.Miller 101.41
8 - M.Legace 97.15
9 - M.Kiprusoff 96.02
10 - N.Backstrom 96.02
11 - I.Bryzgalov 93.96
12 - Tomas Vokoun 88.68
The worst goalie you should have to play garners you 88pts. Is that too high? Perhaps. Its about 11pts higher than the worst "first-line" center you would play, who got 77pts last year (A.Kopitar btw) who was 11pts higher than the worst first-line right-winger (66pt M.Hossa) and 12pts higher than the worst first-line left winger(65pt Z.Parise, C.Stillman, P.Kariya - ok, there were three tied at 65pts :-)). The worst top-line defenseman only got 36pts.
So what happens if we went to the 3.5pt baseline? Well the top goalies drop from being 120-140pt players to being 90-100pt players.
1 - E.Nabokov 103.06
2 - M.Brodeur 102.38
3 - H.Lundquist 91.13
4 - R.Luongo 78.93
5 - J-S.Giguere 76.08
6 - M.Turco 71.69
7 - N.Backstrom 67.86
8 - M.Legace 66.85
9 - R.Miller 63.98
10 - I.Bryzgalov 63.82
11 - P.Leclaire 62.18
12 - C.Huet 59.86
On a relative scale, only Nabokov and Brodeur make the top 15 players list barely squeaking in at position 14 and 15. The worst first-line goalie, C.Huet at less than 60pts, has less pts than any of the worst first-line forwards. While on an absolute scale, Nabokov and Brodeur come in behind Ovechkin and Malkin but ahead of Iginla - I think this is too big a "hit" to the relative value of all goalies.
I said before that there is no magic to the half-point adjustment "standard" for the DC. It's a nice easy way to calculate a goalie's points in your head when you see a score on the tv or hear it on the radio but that's about it. We all know that OTL and OTW can skew those quick mental calculations anyway. Not to mention should your goalie be "Keanan'ed" for a shift of two in the second period. Anyone who has done the quick mental tally of their TG's exploits for the night already knows that a fight is worth a minimum 1.25pts (and hopefully many more misconduct minutes and pts) so the quarter-point is already well ingrained into the pool. So what happens if we calculated goalie stats based upon a 3.75pt baseline and split the difference between the current option and the 3.5pt alternative?
Well, goalie stats change again to:
1 - E.Nabokov 122.06
2 - M.Brodeur 121.69
3 - H.Lundquist 109.06
4 - R.Luongo 96.56
5 - J-S.Giguere 89.88
6 - M.Turco 86.81
7 - R.Miller 82.63
8 - M.Legace 82.13
9 - N.Backstrom 82.06
10 - I.Bryzgalov 78.88
11 - M.Kiprusoff 77.88
12 - P.Leclaire 74.63
Well Nabokov and Brodeur are still the two highest pointing players in the league, though not by nearly as great a margin as they were using last season's 4pt baseline. By way of a relative comparison, Nabokov and Brodeur are still the only two goalies in the top 15, fitting in around the middle of the list between Lidstrom and Alfredsson at around +48. The worst top-line goalie, P.Leclair at 74pts, is lower-pointing than the worst top-line center but is higher-pointing than the worst top-line wingers.
Is the 3.75pt baseline perfect? Hardly, but I think it is a reasonably close approximation of goalie value - at least based on last season's stats.
Here are the top 15 FunHL Pointing Players from last season (not counting TGs):
1 - E.Nabokov 141.39
2 - M.Brodeur 141.00
3 - H.Lundquist 127.00
4 - R.Luongo 114.29
5 - A.Ovechkin 112
6 - E.Malkin 106
7 - J-S.Giguere 103.71
8 - M.Turco 102.22
9 - R.Miller 101.41
10 - J.Iginla 98
11 - M.Legace 97.15
12 - P.Datsyuk 97
13 - M.Kiprusoff 96.02
14 - N.Backstrom 96.02
15 - J.Thornton 96
Ten of the top Fifteen highest pointing players are goaltenders, clearly goaltending stats are horribly out of whack with reality and need to be reigned in. When the pool's stats say that M.Legace is worth more than P.Datsyuk or J.Thornton - isn't the arguement over? Well, maybe not.
Is the above list a reflection of how we as a pool actually rank players? Yes goalies seem to have gotten more points this past season, but the change from the previous season wasn't THAT big - so why would 12 clever FunHL GMs wait so long to draft a goalie? By the same token, why would any GM draft a defenseman in the first or second round - let alone have one as his FP!? Well, because position matters. We judge players based on their "relative value" far more than their absolute value.
There are many different ways to guage relative value but one straightforward way to do so is to face the reality that everyone will need to dress the same number of lw, c, rw, d and g. Three of each forward position (36 of each), six defensemen (72) and one goalie (12). The worst left-winger you should have to play will be the left-winger with the 36th most pts of all the left-wingers in the league. Last season that left winger would have gotten you 42pts. If you happen to have A.Ovechkin as your FP, way to go Collin, then your number one left-winger not only gets you 112pts to lead the league in pts but also happens to be 70pts more than the worst left-winger that should be dressed in the league.
So what does the top Fifteen players list look like if we set it up by comparing relative value by position:
1 - A.Ovechkin +70
2 - J.Iginla +57
3 - E.Malkin +54
4 - E.Nabokov +53
5 - M.Brodeur +53
6 - H.Zetterberg +50
7 - N.Lidstrom +49
8 - D.Alfredsson +48
9 - P.Datsyuk +45
10 - I.Kovalchuk +45
11 - J.Thornton +44
12 - S.Gonchar +44
13 - A.Kovalev +43
14 - M.Gaborik +42
15 - M.St.Louis +42
Now this list looks almost exactly how we collectively value player value in our league. The three Hart-finalists are in the top three positions. Only two goaltenders make the top 15, though clearly are right up at the top of the list. Only two defensemen make the top 15, but again few would quibble with their being there. Compared on straight points, N.Lidstrom is the 60th best player in the league - clearly a poor reflection of his actual value. So the question perhaps should not be simply a concern for the number of pts a goaltender gets but how many more pts that goaltender gets than the 12th best goalie that gets played, his relative value.
Last season the top 12 goalies (based on the 4pt baseline) were as follows:
1 - E.Nabokov 141.39
2 - M.Brodeur 141.00
3 - H.Lundquist 127.00
4 - R.Luongo 114.29
5 - J-S.Giguere 103.71
6 - M.Turco 102.22
7 - R.Miller 101.41
8 - M.Legace 97.15
9 - M.Kiprusoff 96.02
10 - N.Backstrom 96.02
11 - I.Bryzgalov 93.96
12 - Tomas Vokoun 88.68
The worst goalie you should have to play garners you 88pts. Is that too high? Perhaps. Its about 11pts higher than the worst "first-line" center you would play, who got 77pts last year (A.Kopitar btw) who was 11pts higher than the worst first-line right-winger (66pt M.Hossa) and 12pts higher than the worst first-line left winger(65pt Z.Parise, C.Stillman, P.Kariya - ok, there were three tied at 65pts :-)). The worst top-line defenseman only got 36pts.
So what happens if we went to the 3.5pt baseline? Well the top goalies drop from being 120-140pt players to being 90-100pt players.
1 - E.Nabokov 103.06
2 - M.Brodeur 102.38
3 - H.Lundquist 91.13
4 - R.Luongo 78.93
5 - J-S.Giguere 76.08
6 - M.Turco 71.69
7 - N.Backstrom 67.86
8 - M.Legace 66.85
9 - R.Miller 63.98
10 - I.Bryzgalov 63.82
11 - P.Leclaire 62.18
12 - C.Huet 59.86
On a relative scale, only Nabokov and Brodeur make the top 15 players list barely squeaking in at position 14 and 15. The worst first-line goalie, C.Huet at less than 60pts, has less pts than any of the worst first-line forwards. While on an absolute scale, Nabokov and Brodeur come in behind Ovechkin and Malkin but ahead of Iginla - I think this is too big a "hit" to the relative value of all goalies.
I said before that there is no magic to the half-point adjustment "standard" for the DC. It's a nice easy way to calculate a goalie's points in your head when you see a score on the tv or hear it on the radio but that's about it. We all know that OTL and OTW can skew those quick mental calculations anyway. Not to mention should your goalie be "Keanan'ed" for a shift of two in the second period. Anyone who has done the quick mental tally of their TG's exploits for the night already knows that a fight is worth a minimum 1.25pts (and hopefully many more misconduct minutes and pts) so the quarter-point is already well ingrained into the pool. So what happens if we calculated goalie stats based upon a 3.75pt baseline and split the difference between the current option and the 3.5pt alternative?
Well, goalie stats change again to:
1 - E.Nabokov 122.06
2 - M.Brodeur 121.69
3 - H.Lundquist 109.06
4 - R.Luongo 96.56
5 - J-S.Giguere 89.88
6 - M.Turco 86.81
7 - R.Miller 82.63
8 - M.Legace 82.13
9 - N.Backstrom 82.06
10 - I.Bryzgalov 78.88
11 - M.Kiprusoff 77.88
12 - P.Leclaire 74.63
Well Nabokov and Brodeur are still the two highest pointing players in the league, though not by nearly as great a margin as they were using last season's 4pt baseline. By way of a relative comparison, Nabokov and Brodeur are still the only two goalies in the top 15, fitting in around the middle of the list between Lidstrom and Alfredsson at around +48. The worst top-line goalie, P.Leclair at 74pts, is lower-pointing than the worst top-line center but is higher-pointing than the worst top-line wingers.
Is the 3.75pt baseline perfect? Hardly, but I think it is a reasonably close approximation of goalie value - at least based on last season's stats.
8/11/2008
20 years since the Gretzky trade
Let's celebrate!
Even knowing that both Fuhr and Smith would play out the string with stops in Calgary, that clip still never gets old.
Even knowing that both Fuhr and Smith would play out the string with stops in Calgary, that clip still never gets old.
Design Sanford's Mask!
This is way beyond cool.
When people talk about the internet is 'interactive' this is exactly what they mean. Or should mean.
When people talk about the internet is 'interactive' this is exactly what they mean. Or should mean.
On his way to the Hall of Fame....
Theo stops to play some baseball.
Maybe its just me, but it looked like he may have been a tad excited after getting that first at bat.
Maybe its just me, but it looked like he may have been a tad excited after getting that first at bat.
8/08/2008
New Lost Boy Corporate Sponser Deal Reached
(The picture is from a movie mash poster contest held at Worth1000.com by this person)
Undead Hermione is disturbingly hot.
8/05/2008
8/04/2008
Mats Sundin (Retires From/Re-Signs With/Betrays) Maple Leafs
Penion Plan Puppets anticipates everything.
8/03/2008
Hejduk only has two years left
Which makes it sound suspiciously like he is a replicant...
....but actually Milan has simply announced that after his contract with the Avs is up he is returning overseas. Which is a shame. I'm gonna miss that snake.
....but actually Milan has simply announced that after his contract with the Avs is up he is returning overseas. Which is a shame. I'm gonna miss that snake.
7/29/2008
Offseason hockey questions
I'm bored. Bored, bored, bored (and procrastinating on a project to boot).
Rather than talk about my FP situation ad nauseum (been there, done that), here are some other questions for us to debate over the off-season;
#1 Is Theoren Fleury a Hall of Fame candidate?
Here are some stats and figures collected by 'Five Hole Fanatics' that make his case;
- Never won a major award, or (aside from one year of awesome +/-) lead the league in any category.
- Did not reach the magic number of 500 goals (though 455 is nothing to sneer at)
- Serious off-ice issues marred the later stages of his career.
#2 According to Bob's and my back of the envelope calculations, as many as 6 teams could be taking new FPs this year (Severed Heads, Shadowmen, Highlanders, Lost Boys, Knights Templar, and Great Whites), with Jagr, Elias, Marleau, Sakic, Hejduk, and Whitney all potentially being on the block. Lecavalier is a good bet, as are Crosby and Erik Staal who are both RFAs. With Getzlaf being both young and very talented we have a good idea for who four of these new FPs might be, but who are the other two?
#3 Once Nabokov and Giguere are off the board, who is the next best goaltender to take?
#4 What round does the newest Calgary Flame Todd Bertuzzi get picked?
#5 How many non-forwards (goalies/defensemen) will be taken in the first round of the prospect draft? (this question comes courtesy of Doug)
Rather than talk about my FP situation ad nauseum (been there, done that), here are some other questions for us to debate over the off-season;
#1 Is Theoren Fleury a Hall of Fame candidate?
Here are some stats and figures collected by 'Five Hole Fanatics' that make his case;
- Fleury is 56th in all time scoring
- Recent inductee Glenn Anderson was 55th
- Theoren averaged 1.004 pts/game good for 47th all time.
- 51 goals, 104pts, +48 (1st in league in +/-) in 90/91.
- 8 30 goal seasons, and had 29 in 47 games in '94 (strike year).
- Played in 7 NHL All Star games.
- 11 pts in 22 playoff gms in 89 playoffs for Stanley Cup Champs as a rookie.
- 79 career playoff pts in 77 career playoff gms.
- 67 game winning goals, 37th all time.
- 35 career Short Handed Goals; 9th all time.
- Never won a major award, or (aside from one year of awesome +/-) lead the league in any category.
- Did not reach the magic number of 500 goals (though 455 is nothing to sneer at)
- Serious off-ice issues marred the later stages of his career.
#2 According to Bob's and my back of the envelope calculations, as many as 6 teams could be taking new FPs this year (Severed Heads, Shadowmen, Highlanders, Lost Boys, Knights Templar, and Great Whites), with Jagr, Elias, Marleau, Sakic, Hejduk, and Whitney all potentially being on the block. Lecavalier is a good bet, as are Crosby and Erik Staal who are both RFAs. With Getzlaf being both young and very talented we have a good idea for who four of these new FPs might be, but who are the other two?
#3 Once Nabokov and Giguere are off the board, who is the next best goaltender to take?
#4 What round does the newest Calgary Flame Todd Bertuzzi get picked?
#5 How many non-forwards (goalies/defensemen) will be taken in the first round of the prospect draft? (this question comes courtesy of Doug)
Seen Stamkos?
The headline is part of the marketing campaign the Lightning are building around him.
I gotta give the new owners credit, they've handled the Stamkos pick WAY better than Ottawa handled Daigle.
The 2nd line centre spot will be handed to him out of training camp, and I don't be surprised if he is the runaway ROY with all the powerplay ice-time he's going to get with big Vinny and Co.
7/27/2008
7/25/2008
Polling results so far...
| What should the Severed Heads do about Jagr leaving for Russia? | ||
 | ||
| Selection | Votes | |
| Trade for someone else's trash FP and suck it up |  38% | 3 |
| Insert shotgun into mouth, select Malkin with first overall pick, pull trigger with big toe. |  25% | 2 |
| Make Vincent Lecavalier an FP. Finally. |  13% | 1 |
| Go to the darkside and make Nabokov an FP goaltender |  25% | 2 |
| Take Datsyuk (or whoever) just so I can look him in the eye and laugh when he takes Lecavalier |  0% | 0 |
| | |
| 8 votes total | ||
Curiously the only person who thinks I should take Lecavalier...is me. Everybody else picked a different option (including two recommendations that I blow my brains out by drafting Malkin).
All of which leads to me think that if everyone thinks I should do something else, I am probably on the right track.
7/23/2008
Options....
It would seem that as part of the Karmic bargain for my soul, I must lose Jagr a year early to balance out my winning the lottery.
About these things one can only argue with the hockey gods. So be it.
So what happens next?
If Jagr had left next year instead of this year, the clock on Malkin's contract would have just run out and a match in the first round would make him the replacement FP. Neat and tidy. Now it is anything but.
Here are the options I have as I see them, all of which take place after the perfunctory bids for Crosby services are matched by the Highlanders (I have to at least try).
1. Trade for a new FP.
The appeal to this is obvious because replacing an FP costs the value of a 1st for a 9th rnd pick, so a trade that nets even a moderately productive FP (say Elias) is sensible as the payback comes in the form of not taking the hit on my first rounder and then proceeding as scheduled with the FP replacement next season. The downside is that to move from Jagr to a moderate FP would likely cost me something, and I suspect from conversations so far that that cost would be something I am going to miss (say my RFA Zherdev taking Jagr's spot on the first line)
2. Simply draft Malkin this year.
This would make some sense if I were sitting with pick 9, but wasting the first pick overall on a guy who is already on my roster? Not going to happen - I'd rather take the hit and draft an FP two years running.
3. Draft Lecavalier.
This makes the most sense right now. Lecavalier fits the FP profile (being the 1st forward in his draft year), and is still just entering his prime years. He also fits some of the teams prejudices in that he's a better goal scorer than setup artist, he's a winner, and he's tough enough to drop and throw with Iginla. He also has fear-my-wingspan. Which we like. A lot.
4. Draft Nabokov.
This makes sense if the scoring stays at 4.0 and Nabokov is a 130 pt goaltender - But it won't and instead he'll be a 110 point goaltender. Which is good and all, but its only been one season of wonder from Nabokov, and history has not been kind to goaltender FPs with slim resumes.
5. Other. Datsyuk? (tactically so Darrell doesn't get him and match him up with Lidstrom and Zetterberg again - before you suggest this, consider that it leaves him Lecavalier to take instead), Gonchar (the argument being he gets turfed or traded next year and he brings back the offensive presence/linkage with Malkin). Sundin? (Unlikely, but if he were to land in Detroit or Pittsburgh he would move back into consideration), etc.
About these things one can only argue with the hockey gods. So be it.
So what happens next?
If Jagr had left next year instead of this year, the clock on Malkin's contract would have just run out and a match in the first round would make him the replacement FP. Neat and tidy. Now it is anything but.
Here are the options I have as I see them, all of which take place after the perfunctory bids for Crosby services are matched by the Highlanders (I have to at least try).
1. Trade for a new FP.
The appeal to this is obvious because replacing an FP costs the value of a 1st for a 9th rnd pick, so a trade that nets even a moderately productive FP (say Elias) is sensible as the payback comes in the form of not taking the hit on my first rounder and then proceeding as scheduled with the FP replacement next season. The downside is that to move from Jagr to a moderate FP would likely cost me something, and I suspect from conversations so far that that cost would be something I am going to miss (say my RFA Zherdev taking Jagr's spot on the first line)
2. Simply draft Malkin this year.
This would make some sense if I were sitting with pick 9, but wasting the first pick overall on a guy who is already on my roster? Not going to happen - I'd rather take the hit and draft an FP two years running.
3. Draft Lecavalier.
This makes the most sense right now. Lecavalier fits the FP profile (being the 1st forward in his draft year), and is still just entering his prime years. He also fits some of the teams prejudices in that he's a better goal scorer than setup artist, he's a winner, and he's tough enough to drop and throw with Iginla. He also has fear-my-wingspan. Which we like. A lot.
4. Draft Nabokov.
This makes sense if the scoring stays at 4.0 and Nabokov is a 130 pt goaltender - But it won't and instead he'll be a 110 point goaltender. Which is good and all, but its only been one season of wonder from Nabokov, and history has not been kind to goaltender FPs with slim resumes.
5. Other. Datsyuk? (tactically so Darrell doesn't get him and match him up with Lidstrom and Zetterberg again - before you suggest this, consider that it leaves him Lecavalier to take instead), Gonchar (the argument being he gets turfed or traded next year and he brings back the offensive presence/linkage with Malkin). Sundin? (Unlikely, but if he were to land in Detroit or Pittsburgh he would move back into consideration), etc.
7/18/2008
FunHL 2008-2009 Challenge Cup Schedule
This is the FunHL Challenge Cup Schedule for 2008-2009.
To read a team's schedule, simply scan across the above charts. The team in the "Red" is at home, the team in the "Blue" is away while "Yellow" is a neutral site game.
Week One action kicks off on Saturday October 4th through to Sunday October 12 with a battle between the defending Challenge and Predator Cup Champion Severed Heads and the Herbivore Trophy recipients, the Knights Templar.
Weeks go Monday through Sunday from there on in. The second set of neutral site games are held during the week of the NHL's Christmas break, Week Twelve beginning Monday December 21st. The FunHL All-Star Game will be held from Monday January 19 to Wednesday January 21, 2009 with regular season play resuming Week 17.
The Challenge Cup regular season concludes at the end of Week 21 on Sunday March 1st with the top four teams advancing to a best of three semi-final and the winners of the semi-finals advancing to the Challenge Cup final series commencing Week 25 on Monday March 23rd.
The Challenge Cup has never been won back-to-back, will the Severed Heads acheive the feat this season - let's drop the puck and find out.
7/14/2008
Bertuzzi
By now you will no doubt be aware that Calgary has signed Todd Bertuzzi to a one year $1.95M contract.
Sports radio programs, face-book pages, etc. are all a-twitter about this being a sign of the apocalypse.
To them all I say 'calm the f*ck down'.
First lets remember what this was all about. Once upon a time a gutless puke and marginal hockey talent Steve Moore drove Markus Naslund head-first into the boards injuring him badly. About this incident, everybody (at least in Vancouver) was totally pissed. So sure enough the coach hypes it up in the locker room, and in the follow up game, the pesty Cooke even gets the chance to trade shots with Moore in a what amounted to a fair enough tilt, but not the cathartic beating Canucks fans were hoping for.
Enter Bertuzzi - Naslund's best friend.
Now when I think about this I put myself in Bertuzzi's shoes and picture one of my friends motionless on the ice as a result of a hit from behind - and I ask myself, 'would I clock the villain from behind'?
You bet I would. And I'd have ridden him face-first into the ice too.
Will he help the Flames? Yes. His days of 30-30-60, 150 are now gone, but he can be a very useful player. Is he overpaid? Nope.
So all in all, I like the deal.
Sports radio programs, face-book pages, etc. are all a-twitter about this being a sign of the apocalypse.
To them all I say 'calm the f*ck down'.
First lets remember what this was all about. Once upon a time a gutless puke and marginal hockey talent Steve Moore drove Markus Naslund head-first into the boards injuring him badly. About this incident, everybody (at least in Vancouver) was totally pissed. So sure enough the coach hypes it up in the locker room, and in the follow up game, the pesty Cooke even gets the chance to trade shots with Moore in a what amounted to a fair enough tilt, but not the cathartic beating Canucks fans were hoping for.
Enter Bertuzzi - Naslund's best friend.
Now when I think about this I put myself in Bertuzzi's shoes and picture one of my friends motionless on the ice as a result of a hit from behind - and I ask myself, 'would I clock the villain from behind'?
You bet I would. And I'd have ridden him face-first into the ice too.
Will he help the Flames? Yes. His days of 30-30-60, 150 are now gone, but he can be a very useful player. Is he overpaid? Nope.
So all in all, I like the deal.
7/11/2008
Radulov unhappy with Knights management... leaves NHL
Alexander Radulov has made the jump back home, as the young forward signed with Ufa of the Russian Superleague on Thursday.
The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.
Radulov, who is still under contract with the Nashville Predators, said he had warned the team that he wanted to play in Russia.
"I told my bosses in Nashville that I wanted to play at home and some Russian clubs were offering me much better conditions than I had in Nashville," Radulov told the Russian media.
"They said they would call me back but never phoned. It seems that they were either not really interested in me or just did not believe I could return home. One way or another, I'm happy to come home."
Radulov, 22, scored 22 goals and 58 points in 82 games with Nashville last season and made $688,900. He has one year left on his entry-level deal that pays $984,000 next season.
The former Quebec Rempart added that it was unlikely that the Predators would be able to demand his return to North America, as the NHL had no transfer agreement with either the Russian Superleague or the new Continental Hockey League at the time.
The financial details of the contract were not disclosed.
Radulov, who is still under contract with the Nashville Predators, said he had warned the team that he wanted to play in Russia.
"I told my bosses in Nashville that I wanted to play at home and some Russian clubs were offering me much better conditions than I had in Nashville," Radulov told the Russian media.
"They said they would call me back but never phoned. It seems that they were either not really interested in me or just did not believe I could return home. One way or another, I'm happy to come home."
Radulov, 22, scored 22 goals and 58 points in 82 games with Nashville last season and made $688,900. He has one year left on his entry-level deal that pays $984,000 next season.
The former Quebec Rempart added that it was unlikely that the Predators would be able to demand his return to North America, as the NHL had no transfer agreement with either the Russian Superleague or the new Continental Hockey League at the time.
7/05/2008
Jagr Sickness
As the comment on YouTube says;
"Bad quality video, shitty music, but a great player"
You just can't make a bad Jagr highlight reel.
Personally I think he qualifies as the greatest player of our era other than Wayne and Mario, but with 11 years of Jagr as my FP, I'm defiantly biased.
I also think there is a fair argument to be made that Jagr with his blend of skills and size (6"3 - and between 220-240) he was simply a more overwhelming offensive player than either the ultra-durable Gordie Howe or the shoot first Rocket Richard - and that Jagr with his four straight scoring titles in a dead puck era, is arguably the greatest right winger of all time.
Here are his career stats.
Note that even during his worst statistical years in Washington, he was still a ppg or better, and that he had multiple surgeries for shoulder problems and a host of groin issues (cause no doubt by having refrigerators like Hal Gill and Derian Hatcher leaning on him all game long).
Also consider that he lost a 6th scoring title to Joe Thornton (who is 7 years younger than Jagr) and a 3rd Rocket Richard trophy to Cheechoo, on the last week of the season because of a soft schedule of non-playoff teams for San Jose that allowed their first line to fatten their stats.
Here's a great recap of some of Jagr's best goals and my break down of each one.
10. Actually a Jagr assist as he simply obliterates his coverage along the wall to cycle in front and find the wide open man - Marty McSorely. Note how the defenseman (Jeff Finley?) is allowed to grab and hold Jagr throughout and never has both hands on his stick. Also check out the interference pick thrown by Francis that helps spring Jagr free. Ah the unmistakable sweet and sour hockey of the 90's.
9. He picks off the horrible pass glides in front of the net and then in defiance of the laws of physics reverses his position in the space time continuum with his deke before going top shelf. Also has one of the best lines by an announcer... "Jaromir Jagr has the hat-trick and Lalime doesn't know whether to cry or to wind his watch". Cry Lalime, cry.
8.A. Inside, outside, inside, a dash of fear my wingspan, inside the post - goal. And yes, you are seeing that correctly, he is in fact beating Patrick Roy with a wrist shot to the AHL side of the net.
8. B. Here Jagr tortures the Canadiens 1 on 2 from centre ice.
7. In this clip he first attacks the defender with his speed and then screws him into the ice with a 'how you doing?' stick-handle, before slamming on the brakes and unleashing a backhand move that undresses the goalie to the short side.
6. Jaromir Jagr is bigger, faster and stronger than Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins. First he picks the Bruin defender clean, then overpowers him wide, and finally paralyzes the remaining defenseman and the goaltender with a series of fakes to score what amounts to a tap in putt - all while cruising at near top speed.
5. Call this the 'art of the head fake'. Also note that according to the announcer this goal was Jagr's 4th point of the night. Something that really doesn't come through is how prolific he was. Sure he could dangle, but he once had me a 7 point night vs the Islanders! How do you get that kind of dominance to show up in a goals clip?
4. Another clip of Jagr simply overwhelming someone with raw power. Note how the helpless defender (John MacLean) attempts both to hook and grab Jagr to slow him down to no avail.
3. Jagr toys with the soul of Joe Juneau before casually snuffing it out.
2. Jagr not only gets away a hard back-hander after being tackled to the ice, but HE PICKS THE REBOUND OUT OF THE AIR AND PUTS IT TOP CORNER while sliding into the net!
And he does this with a mullet that would have made Joe Dirt cry with envy.
IMO this goal is next to Ovechkin's for its physics mocking beauty.
1. The ultimate. Fear. My. Wingspan.
The Severed Heads waive the period of mourning clause and announce that we will be adding Jagr's jersey number to the list of those retired by the team immediately. Raising ceremonies will be held at the first Heads home game.
Au Revoir Jaromir.
7/04/2008
End of an Era
Jagr has signed with a Russian team, consequently we are officially ending his tenure as a Severed Head FP.
While we are saddened by his departure for greener pastures (he is reportedly getting $12.5M for at least two years) we recognize his role in leading the Heads to three Predator Cup victories during his long tenure as Heads franchise player.
In truth, Jagr was merely getting ahead of the game as the Heads were planning on giving Malkin the Franchise Player contract next year and allowing Jagr to test free agency.
Heads fans need no longer ponder, "what the fuck exactly is going on with Jagr's mustache/beard?"
Ponderous and lachrymose Jagr retrospective to come.
While we are saddened by his departure for greener pastures (he is reportedly getting $12.5M for at least two years) we recognize his role in leading the Heads to three Predator Cup victories during his long tenure as Heads franchise player.
In truth, Jagr was merely getting ahead of the game as the Heads were planning on giving Malkin the Franchise Player contract next year and allowing Jagr to test free agency.
Heads fans need no longer ponder, "what the fuck exactly is going on with Jagr's mustache/beard?"
Ponderous and lachrymose Jagr retrospective to come.
:-( Won't be making it out West
Hi all,
After some discussion with Bob last night about possible options for September, I won't be able to go out West for the Draft. Plane fares are just too much, and there are other planned trips I need to save for.
So, the Lost Boys will be calling it in. (But still wearing our awesome authentic Lost Boys Jersey)
Richard.
(And damn you Jagr with your millions-of-rubles contract! Cam is now drafting an FP...)
After some discussion with Bob last night about possible options for September, I won't be able to go out West for the Draft. Plane fares are just too much, and there are other planned trips I need to save for.
So, the Lost Boys will be calling it in. (But still wearing our awesome authentic Lost Boys Jersey)
Richard.
(And damn you Jagr with your millions-of-rubles contract! Cam is now drafting an FP...)
REPORT: JAGR SIGNS TWO-YEAR DEAL WITH AVANGARD OMSK
MOSCOW - Russian club Avangard Omsk says it has signed Jaromir Jagr, a day after the New York Rangers parted ways with the star winger.
Avangard announced the signing on its website today but did not disclose the terms of the contract.
Jagr had long been reported to be considering lucrative offers from Russia. Rangers general manager Glen Sather said Thursday the club could not wait any longer for Jagr to decide where he wanted to play.
Jagr played for Avangard during the NHL's lockout season in 2004-05.
On Thursday, the Rangers signed former Vancouver captain Markus Naslund to replace Jagr.
Avangard announced the signing on its website today but did not disclose the terms of the contract.
Jagr had long been reported to be considering lucrative offers from Russia. Rangers general manager Glen Sather said Thursday the club could not wait any longer for Jagr to decide where he wanted to play.
Jagr played for Avangard during the NHL's lockout season in 2004-05.
On Thursday, the Rangers signed former Vancouver captain Markus Naslund to replace Jagr.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)