Steven Hindle: The Mike Green Effect - The Mike Green Effect

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Steven Hindle: The Mike Green Effect
- The Mike Green Effect
- Sven_119H

Nice job Steven. Hope that Green is truly healthy when he does come back. I think ultimately the team isn't going anywhere without Backstrom as well, but Green's insertion into the lineup would be a huge boost.

Nice job Steven. Hope that Green is truly healthy when he does come back. I think ultimately the team isn't going anywhere without Backstrom as well, but Green's insertion into the lineup would be a huge boost.
- MadCap2008

Thanks!

I couldn't agree more. While this piece does focus on Green, Backstrom is just as big a part of the equation - which is why I made sure to mention that.

Despite that, Green holds incredible value in all 3 zones and all situations and the dissection came from my interest in comparing Green and Markov's values to their respective teams.

The differences in age and in the makeup of the teams play huge roles, but it was curious to see how disoriented both clubs progressively became the longer both of these players were out.

Also, this was really Backstrom's first true absence from play so it's hard to compare the impact given his near-ironman status over the past few years.

Nevertheless, losing both is monumental and something that has clearly had an enormous and significant impact on the entire team.

Word is that he was on the ice with the team today, so perhaps his return may be a bit earlier than mid-March. Either way, the sooner the better so long as he is healthy as it's quite clear how bad these Caps need him in the lineup.

Another quick note; it's kind of funny to consider how the team's blue-liners have filled in for Green while he's been out. Wideman's been incredible and has helped close the gap, but the greater impact seems to be on the forwards as without Green they just do not seem capable of producing anywhere close to what we've come to expect of them. My assumption is that his return will be the spark that awakens what now seems like a long dormant offense.

Good read. Is there any exact timeline for both Backstrom and Greene to return?

Good read. Is there any exact timeline for both Backstrom and Greene to return?
- cupcake

Nothing exact from what I've heard. They are hoping for Green possibly this weekend, but probably more realistically in a week or so. As for Backstrom, the most recent communication was that he hoped to be ready for the playoffs - not good.

Nothing exact from what I've heard. They are hoping for Green possibly this weekend, but probably more realistically in a week or so. As for Backstrom, the most recent communication was that he hoped to be ready for the playoffs - not good.
- MadCap2008

Thanks. Yikes that sucks about backstrom. Hope he makes it back sooner than expected. Its no wonder there has been a drop in the standings for the caps. Its like losing henrik and edler on the nucks. Not good...

Thanks. Yikes that sucks about backstrom. Hope he makes it back sooner than expected. Its no wonder there has been a drop in the standings for the caps. Its like losing henrik and edler on the nucks. Not good...
- cupcake

Are the Canucks looking to add at the deadline ? If healthy, they seem primed for a deep run again without making any moves.

Are the Canucks looking to add at the deadline ? If healthy, they seem primed for a deep run again without making any moves.
- MadCap2008

I would say the canucks are just looking for some grit on the last few lines. I would love if they could pick up a top pair defenseman but there is nobody out there really.. Probably all Gillis will do is pick up guys like last year, Lapierre and Higgins, kind of under the radar cheap, low risk guys. Are you thinking the caps will trade semin? What do the caps need besides there best players back...

I would say the canucks are just looking for some grit on the last few lines. I would love if they could pick up a top pair defenseman but there is nobody out there really.. Probably all Gillis will do is pick up guys like last year, Lapierre and Higgins, kind of under the radar cheap, low risk guys. Are you thinking the caps will trade semin? What do the caps need besides there best players back...
- cupcake

I don't know that they are going to be able to find a taker for Semin (or if they are actively shopping him, for that matter -- most of the fanbase seems ready to see him depart). Biggest boost for Caps would obviously be a healthy Green and Backstrom. They are also in need of the long-desired 2C, and some help in the defensive zone would be appreciated. It doesn't look like this is going to be their year, but we've seen some fairly improbable runs in recent seasons, so I guess you never know.

is their a return date set for backstrom yet or when they estimate him back?

GMGM is using backstroms concussion as a reason to keep him top healthy and fresh for playoffs - I'm SURE of it (concussed players don't party on new years). Quite the gamble given the situation, but really who'd think we'd be in this position? Backstrom will play this year, but when? I'd say the end of march if I was a betting man, which I am, so there you go.

Green will come back and provide what we need to get in. Given the emergence of Orlov, I really like our back end when that happens. No more Shultz or Erskine, yay!

I'm not worried at all. I'd be worried if we were 5 pts out with 10 games left and no games in hand, as it is now, their destiny is in their hands and I have confidence in this group! Plenty of time to catch Florida, not to mention pass TO and Ottawa.

Hopefully Ottawa takes down Florida tonight and Caps win on Friday to put them within two.

. It doesn't look like this is going to be their year, but we've seen some fairly improbable runs in recent seasons, so I guess you never know.
- MadCap2008

I'd much rather a battle to get in then coast in first place. That hasn't worked well for us in the past.

The team is blocking shots. The team is hitting. We just need more goals and less crap magically finding the back of our net. Although there are still defensive lapses, those two things are what we needed to do to be successful in April. Now, if only to get there....

I'd much rather a battle to get in then coast in first place. That hasn't worked well for us in the past.

The team is blocking shots. The team is hitting. We just need more goals and less crap magically finding the back of our net. Although there are still defensive lapses, those two things are what we needed to do to be successful in April. Now, if only to get there....
- blondinwrx

I agree...makes for some frustrating days sitting on the edge of the playoff line, but I think that if they get in and have a healthty team then they may go far. They can not take anything for granted anymore is the lesson they are leaning this regular season. That mentality, plus a healthy (some rested) lineup should give them the hard work ethic to make a strong push in the playoffs.

I don't like Knuble's grumbling for being benched. He is usually a slow starter and I think that if he stays focused on working hard and improving, then he will be setup for a strong playoffs. He should look at this as a resting spot before the payoff run. I think Hunter will give him a few more chances, but he needs to be engaged instead of grumbling and looking for a trade.

I love Knuble. The thing with him is that he doesn't work well with Hunter's system. He needs high shot totals to get those dirty goals in front of the net, the second chance opportunities and the screens. Also, Troy Brouwer pretty much does what he does but better and faster, so he has kind of been replaced. I still think hes the best on the boards on the team though. He has gotten slower and I'd much rather have Perreault in the lineup then him, but I I've always liked him. It's too bad but true.

I love Knuble. The thing with him is that he doesn't work well with Hunter's system. He needs high shot totals to get those dirty goals in front of the net, the second chance opportunities and the screens. Also, Troy Brouwer pretty much does what he does but better and faster, so he has kind of been replaced. I still think hes the best on the boards on the team though. He has gotten slower and I'd much rather have Perreault in the lineup then him, but I I've always liked him. It's too bad but true.
- blondinwrx

Yeah, I see the fade also. I'm hoping that that if he can stay rested that he might be able to kick it up a notch for the playoffs. This is probably his last year with the Caps and I would love for him to have a part in the run, but only if it makes sense.