Conference stkhlm::hockey

    Caps trade Carey, Carter, & Allison (three cheaper young guys) to Bosto for
    Oates, Tocchet, & Ranford (three old expensive guys).  Appears to me
    that the Caps win this (unless Oates doesn't report) - I always thought
    Jim Carey was a stiff.   Of course, the Bruins do reduce their payroll and
    get a better shot at a good draft pick :-)   I guess they've given up...
    
    The Caps on the other hand should be better with Ranford.  I figure
    Tocchet might find the fire again until he gets re-hurt.  And Oates
    and Bondra could be pretty potent.  But, I think Adam was counting on
    getting traded to more of a contender, though.  I guess the Bruins got
    back at him for sending him off to Hockey Siberia here in D.C. :-)
    
    Warren

    Another bone headed trade by Poile/Polin. I knew Carey was going, but I
    thought/hoped we'd get something more than Ranford for him. The Caps
    "gave" away a promising youngster in Anson Carter, and a possible power
    forward in Jason Allison. We "gain" another contract problem Adam Oates, 
    to join Brendan Witt, and an elder statesman in Tocchet. I do believe
    that Ranford will turn out to be an asset. I wish we still had Keith
    Jones, and I put the loss of Carter and Allison up with that "trade." I
    think Poile and Sinden should be forbidden from trading in the future.
    Their Iafrate for Juneau trade was a lose/lose for both teams, at least
    one team here will come out ahead, unfortunately for Caps fans its
    Boston. Well, I'll geat a chance to see the new Caps this week at
    practice and witness their performance against the Avalanche Thursday
    night. I guess things could be worse... Poile could have gone after
    Keenan.
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred

    Has Oates asked for a new contract yet??? Has he asked that a clause be
    inserted in his new contract that he can renegotiate his contract
    monthly???
    
    Dave

    Yep....he's holding out.
    
    He just signed a 3 year deal with Boston for around 2 million a season
    but says that was only because he respected the Bruin's desire to have
    Bourque as their highest paid player.    
    
    Now that Oates has left Boston, he figures that he should not be held
    to that contract and wants more $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$.
    
    pete

    Too bad no of the owners have the balls to either:
    
    A) Let him sit
    B) Sue him for breach of contract
    
    Dave

    Well, its been almost a week since the trade, its still too early to
    declare the trade a success. However, things are looking up for the
    Caps :) Ranford had a great game against the Av's last night. Oates has
    played 2 games and has 2 goals, he's playing on his signed contract and
    I think over the summer the two sides will come to an agreement. After
    hearing more about Oates contract and reasons for signing it, there are
    some unique issues, e.g. keeping his salary under Bourque's. Tocchet
    still hasn't played yet. This weekend's game against Philly should be
    another good test. Oates seemes to have fit into the Caps org very well
    and quite quickly. I'm looking forward to watching his remaining career
    closely.
    Notes on last nights Av's game. Witt and Ricci were after each other
    all night long starting from their first shifts. The opposition knows
    Witt's a bit of a hot head and can get him off his (limited) game. In
    Witt's defense last night he didn't take any stupid penalties. Sakic
    was almost invisible, Forsberg is impressive! The Av's lost a goal to
    the "skate in the crease" rule, however, it WAS the skate the puck went
    in off. Bondra scores 4 goals! Caps win 6-3...
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred

    So Fred,
    
    Is it still a "bone headed" trade by the Caps? (re: .26)
    I heard the Caps got a standing O last night.  Is that excitement in
    the air?  
    
    Meanwhile, Shrinks should be lining up to help poor Jim Carey...
    
    Warren

    Warren, I'm not ready to retract the "bone headed" note yet. The Caps
    have performed well for a short time after another trade this year,
    remember Keith F Jones for Simon and Lecysion (sp) ;) If the Caps can
    sustain this level of play the rest of the season I'll be a believer.
    The Caps have picked up their game FOR Oates and Ranford. I still think
    Carter and Allison will be strong for a long time. I really hope Carey
    gets it together again real soon for his sake as well as Boston's. I'd
    given up on the Caps making the playoffs this year, now I'm hopefull
    again. And, if they meet Pittsburg post season I'll bet on Washington!
    
    cheers,
    		fred

    Is Simon back? 
    
    Since he got injured we haven't heard anything about him; after a 
    great start w/ the Caps.
    
    Andy

    Andy, Simon is still out with back problems. I don't know when he'll be
    on the ice again. He got off to a great start after the trade, however,
    he seemed to fade. If the Caps make another trade before the deadline I
    look at Simon and Witt as possible candidates. Witt's two year contract
    non-signing/temper tantrum/bad agent bit really put him in a hole. 
    Warren's favorite ex-Cap, KFJ, is doing well with the Av's I see, it was 
    good to see him play last night, even if it was against us.
    
    fred

    After Roy's return to Mtl for the first time on Wed, a reporter in
    Mtl asked Jones if he too expected a big media frenzy in Wash for his
    1st game back in Wash. He said:"No, not as big as this. Actually, I
    just hope they notice it!" :*)
    
    andy

    Fred,
    
    Caps get creamed by Philly.  New Bruins do well as they win 2 in a row...
    
    I guess you're right - we'll have to let this trade percolate a while
    before we pass judgement.  I would have thought the Caps would've given
    Philly a tougher time...
    
    Warren

    Yea Warren the Caps got creamed, it was a typical Cap performance. They
    looked full of themselves. Witt got into a great fight with Kerdic (I
    think), it'll probably be on Cherry's highlights. The Caps tried to
    intimidate the Flyers and it didn't work. I hope it's not a return to
    the same-ol-Caps :( On the other hand the Flyers had to win after their
    recent poor performances.
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred deady
    
    p.s. Boston fans, is the trade looking any better for you now?
    

>    p.s. Boston fans, is the trade looking any better for you now?
    
   Actually - I kinda like the trade..... As much as Oates will be missed,
   we've picked up some YOUNG talent that will help this Team build their
   future. I'm real impressed with Carter, so far.



_sbn    
    

    	Yeah, what he said. I'm pretty impressed with Carter too. He's
    pretty quick on his skates, it would seem he can play it physical and
    he seems to have pretty good sense around the net, even when he doesn't
    have the puck. While Allison hasn't shown me as much yet, I do like his
    hustle. Carey's mechanics were a LOT better in the games over the
    weekend than they were in his first two games with the spoked B on his
    jersey. He looked like he was more comfortable when he came in to
    replace Tallas on Saturday and he looked pretty comfortable and sure of
    himself last night. 
    
    Barry
    

    The Caps, you can put a pig in a dress, however, it's still a pig. The
    Caps' new additions can't do it all themselves. The Caps' last few
    games have looked like the Flyers of old -- more fights than goals.
    Brendan (nit)Witt fights well, but on defense he gets beat like a drum
    and is always out of position -- trade him quick. Same old, same old
    Caps.
    
    fred

    >>Brendan (nit)Witt fights well, but on defense he gets beat like a drum
    >>and is always out of position 
    
    Andy!  Fred is beating on your golden boy.  Quick get in here and defend
    him.  
    
    Nobody else will!
    
    Bernie ;-)
    

    Caps squeeze by the Blues 3-2 after going down 2-0 in the first period.
    It's the first time this year the Caps have come back to win when down 2
    goals (I think). Gonchar and Reekie are back from injuries. Gonchar scored 
    2 goals last night in his return. 
    
    Andy, Witt has had his two best games of the year this week, against 
    Montreal and the Blues, he even scored a goal last night and probably 
    saved at least one as well. Philly's in town this weekend.
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred
    
    p.s. While I'm in a good mood I'll admit I underestimated Gretzky's
    ability to play in the Eastern Conference, he's played great!
                              

    > -< life is good this morning... >-
    
    No Fred, life is not good this morning. The only thing that may be good
    is my bank account. 
    
    This game had all the ingredients for a Blues victory
    
    1) Road Game
    2) Playing against a good Team
    3) Brett Hull comng off a bad game
    4) Playing a team full of injuries on defense
    
    And they get off to a 2 - 0 lead (on a beauty goal by Turgeon). Then I
    leave and get home after the game and... the usual, late period soft
    goals (I'm told) and then the team quits playing.
    
    Bad day!!!
    
    Dave 

    So Fred, is Witt playing good enough to compete for the Norris trophy
    against Jovanowsky in a 1 or 2??? (when all the old fellas retire;
    Chelios, Coffey, Stevens and Bourque).
    
    Mind you Leetch is still young.
    
    
    Andy

    Hey Fred,
    
    Glad to see you in a good mood.  The Caps always try to put together a
    good run before they go down like Choking Dogs in April. :-)
    (Although, since the Pens and Caps will probably finish 6 & 7 or 8), it
    looks like Caps will have to choke to a new team this year...)
    
    Regards,
    Warren

    How're we doing today, Fred?
    
    Warren

    Warren, I'm ridin' that rollercoaster... 
    
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred

    Well, the Caps are done. They've proved they can't win the big game
    against the stronger teams. Losses to Philly and New Jersey have shown
    their true "ability." The Caps just don't deserve a playoff spot. Look
    for losses against Ottawa, Islanders, and Florida to complete the act.
    What a pitiful season. "The TRADE" didn't do squat for this bunch of
    under-achievers. Perhaps it's time for Schoeny to leave. Yea, Warren
    I'm spittin' nails today :)
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred

    Never say die, eh Fred :-)  You really think the problem is Schoenfeld?
    As long as I've been in D.C. (10 years now) the Caps have always 
    seemed the same and there's been one constant - David Poile, the G.M.
    He made one great trade (Rod Langway) and he's been riding that ever
    since.  Shoenfeld might go but if Poile doesn't go too then you know
    he has something on the Abe Pollin, the owner. :-)
    
    I still hope the Caps will make the 'offs though. I think they could
    give the Phylers some problems.  Although, if it's NJ, they're toast.
     
    Warren

    Warren/Fred;
    
    	I read somewhere that Poile put his head on the block w/ the
    Bruins trade. If this trade doesn't bring immediate dividends (read; at
    least make it to the second round.), Poile will be fired...
    
    Ray.
    

    Granted, the Caps have been weak for 2+ decades, however, I don't think
    they have had the talent in the past they have now or in the past few
    years. David Poile's job may be on the line, IMHO, it should be.
    Looking back on some of his trades is depressing. IMHO this last trade
    wouldn't have gotten the Caps any farther in the playoffs. The Caps
    have failed to score consistantly, play 60 minutes of strong hockey,
    and most importantly develop a winning team attitude. I'm beginning to
    question Schoenfeld's ability to motivate the TEAM. There are several
    individuals who work, and have worked, game in and game out, season in 
    and season out, but the TEAM has still failed. And the owner, Abe Pollin,
    hasn't shown me that he really wants a winning hockey team. I think
    when he moves the team to his new MCI center he'll be surprised at the
    lack of fans... even fewer than there are now.
    
    	cheers,
    
    	fred

    Fred,
    
    Do we get a Caps (and Cap Center and David Poile?) Eulogy Note?
    
    Warren

    Who would have thought that after the big trade that brought Oates,
    Tocchet and Ranford that the Caps would miss the playoffs?
    
    That trade may set this team back several years.
    
    Bernie.

    > Who would have thought...Caps would miss playoffs
    
    I can think of one.
    
    > That trade may set this team back several years.
    
    Then again, if it gets Poile fired...
    
    Warren

    The Caps, as we know, now have great players, the numbers these
    guys have produced are great!
    Let's just see if next yers, that they can "connect"
    hopefully they can. On the other hand the team will have too much
    talent for their own good.
    I've said for the last few months that the Caps will produce next year.
    And byt he way would U be wiling to trade:
    Juneau, Simon and Pivonka for Daigle, laukenen and Yashin?
    well, I tried.....
    Rik...

    Rik,
    
    I get the feeling that you don't like Laukenen and no, I wouldn't make
    that trade.  Laukenen was a pleasant surprise for Ottawa and I think
    that he was very effective.   
    
    I think the Caps are in trouble.  They bet the farm on
    that late season trade and things didn't work out.  Tocchet is done and
    Ranford and Oates although very good players are nearing the end of
    their careers.  
    
    Bernie.

    Yes, some of the guys are ready to retire within the next few
    years, but, maybe they'll be a true force before they do.
    With Laukanen he is surely not my favorite, that's for sure.
    Rik...

    I'd trade Simon and Juneau, however, I wouldn't trade Pivonka just yet.
    How about Witt. I hope the Caps don't go for Bonk or Daigle in the off
    season. I was saddened when Buffalo scored in overtime game 7, I was
    pulling for the Sens. Without Hasek I think the Sabre's will go down
    fast to NJ. However, my prediction record is pretty poor this playoff
    season, e.g. .2 in the Playoff note :(
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred

    >>Without Hasek I think the Sabre's will go down fast to NJ. 
    
    Sorry Fred, it won't happen. NJ and Buff were 1-2 in the standings.
    
    Andy

    
    I hope the Caps (or anybody else) do make an offer for Daigle, he would
    look good in any other uniform. Yashin is not for sale.
    

    Daigle's got another year left to his contract.
    If the Sens DO trade him, they'll most likely have to pickup his
    salary. Can't see the Sens doing that (he did score 25 goals you know).
    
    If I'd be the Sens, I'd trade Bonk and move Daigle back at centre 
    where he belongs.
    
    Also, after next year, when Daigle becomes a free agent, the Sens
    must make an offer to him or else they lose him outright. The offer
    can't be less than 80% of his current salary. In other words; they're
    f*cked! :*)
    
    Andy

    understood and agree but why not trade Daigle this year, at least get
    something? They would only have to pick up some of his salary and only
    for next year nes pas?

    
    Trade him to Montreal for Richer. Habs have the coin and Richer would
    love to get out'a town like Daigle would.

    Daigle may say that he'd like to play in Mtl but I doubt he really
    does; ie. the last few days in the Mtl media.
    
    One would have to be crazy to want to play in that jungle.
    
    Andy

Yeah but...

Daigle always seems to play well in Montreal. Maybe he likes it 'cause he
can be near Claudia's sister. Right Andy? :^))))))

Ben

    Bentley,
    
    Richer??? no thanks!
    
    
    Bernie.

    
    Ok Bernie, How'bout when Keenan goes to deal Corson for the 2nd time?  

    David Poile has been fired as GM and president of the Capitals.
    
    pete

    It's about time. Next should be Sinden.
    
    
    Andy

    >>It's about time. Next should be Sinden.
    
    	In a perfect world it should be, but this ain't a perfect world.
    Jeremy Jacobs doesn't give a rat's rump about a winning team. I'd
    venture to say that he doesn't give a rat's rump about hockey. He does
    care very deeply about money and Harry is making him a ton of that.
    Would you fire someone that was making you truckloads of money? If
    people keep buying the product Jacobs will continue to believe that
    there's nothing wrong with it. 
    
    	Now obviously the Caps' owner wants a competitve team. I don't have
    any kind of attendance figures at hand but maybe he's under more
    pressure to fill seats. I think we all kinda knew when Poile made the
    trade with Boston that if this move didn't get the Caps into the
    playoffs that he'd be gone. I'd be willing to bet that he knew it too. 
    He gambled, and this time he lost. 
    
    Barry
   

FWIW, from a Washington standpoint I liked the trade. If I had been in 
Poile's shoes I would have rolled the dice too.

Ben

    I didn't like the trade then and I don't like it now, except Ranford
    for Carey. I am not convinced that Abe Pollin wants a winning hockey
    team. He does have, or will have, a new stadium to fill, however. I
    think he'll put a token effort into the Caps and eventually sell them,
    IMHO. The Baltimore Bandits just moved into a refurbed rink in Upper
    Marlboro, MD. and most hockey fans I talk with will be spending their
    money and time following them, ECHL. Poile was this itteration's
    sacrafical lamb.
    
    
    cheers,
    
    	fred

    Most people in the NHL would have made the trade Poile made w/ the
    Bruins, considering what was at stake at the time. I know the Habs mgmt
    (who were fighting w/ the Caps for a playoff spot) were very ticked off
    when they found out about it.
    
    On the other hand, I must say I'm very impressed w/ Anson Carter, who
    went to Boston in the deal. He's a power forward with good hands, and a
    good scoring touch.
    
    Ray.
    

    	I like Carter too for the same reasons. He doesn't seem to mind the
    physical play, he's got a pretty good touch around the net and he
    hustles out there. He's young and he's most likely going to get better
    as he becomes more seasoned. I just wish the B's still had Ranford
    because I think that hands down, he's better than Carey. Those ankle
    problems that have nagged him for two years could have been cause for
    concern with the B's though...
    
    Barry
    

    Jim Schoenfeld has been fired.

    It had to be done. Schoney will be liked where ever he goes.
    
    
    fred