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v12

Welcome to the my Web site, v. XII. The blog is typically published Monday - Saturday. My primary topics tend to be the Nats, Penn State (esp. football), BeltwayLand, transportation, media, photos and more. The rest of the site gets updated as warranted and is noted on the blog.

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My newborn son: WILL! What are you doing here?!

Capitals #6 for bang for your buck in ESPN Ultimate Standings, other D.C. teams in 90s - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Thursday, July 02, 2009

Capitals #6 for bang for your buck in ESPN Ultimate Standings, other D.C. teams in 90s

ESPN The Magazine compiled the "Ultimate Standings" a ranking of all of the teams in the traditional four major sports. "The eight major categories that make up the Ultimate Standings were created based on feedback from fans about what they want most from their favorite teams (click here for a more detailed account of the method to our madness.)"

The Capitals led the way for Washington teams, coming in 6th overall and behind the Carolina Hurricanes and Detroit Red Wings amongst NHL teams. After that though, it gets really rough for Washington fans as the Redskins, Nationals and Wizards come in 92nd, 97th and 98th respectively in the overall survey. The Nats are 27th in baseball, the Skins 25th in the NFL and the Wiz are 21st in the NBA. The Nats came in higher than I expected and the Skins maybe a little lower than they should be. I think the Wiz got a bum rap in this since they were a perennial playoff team until they had two all-stars miss most of last season.

While far from being scientific, this certainly interesting and ought to be reviewed by the front offices.

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posted by WFY @ 12:45 PM | |

Duh (v. 3) Ovechking wins Hart, Pearson awards - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, June 19, 2009

Duh (v. 3) Ovechking wins Hart, Pearson awards

Caps' Ovechkin Still Has Hart - The Post
After sweep of MVPs, Ovechkin covets Cup - The Wash. Times
Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin has been voted the best player for the 2008-2009 season by hockey reporters (Hart Trophy) and his peers (Lester B. Pearson Trophy). That makes it two in a row for the Caps left-winger. He also won his second consecutive Maurice Richard Trophy for scoring the most goals. Ovi keeps it in perspective though:

"Personal stats is good, personal awards is good. I just want to win one award -- and that's the Stanley Cup."

He ought to stop by Nationals Park on the way back to Russia. Hopefully, the Nats front office has extended an invitation.

PREVIOUSLY:

Duh (v.2) - 06.13.2008
Duh - 06.23.2006

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posted by WFY @ 9:30 AM | |

I forsee numerous Pens-Caps clashes in the playoffs over the next 10 years. Luckily for us, I can see the future and see the Pens winning 75% of them.

# posted by Anonymous TMBC : Friday, June 19, 2009 9:35:00 PM  

More than anything, I see ex-Pittsburghers interjecting "yinzer provincialism" for no real reason.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Monday, June 22, 2009 8:08:00 AM  

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Ted Leonsis chat 06.03.2009 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, June 03, 2009

Ted Leonsis chat 06.03.2009

Ted Leonsis, Majority Owner of the Capitals - The Post
"Washington Capitals majority owner Ted Leonsis takes your questions on owning an NHL team, building a rabid following in football-mad Washington and the team's plans for the future on Wednesday, June 3 at noon."

Let's ask if he can call a "five families" meeting and teach the other D.C. sports ownership how to treat their fans.

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posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Update on the Nats, Caps steroids allegations - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, May 28, 2009

Update on the Nats, Caps steroids allegations

On steroids and D.C. - Sports Biz, The Wash. Times
Everybody is looking into it, denying any knowledge of Richard and Sandra Thomas and their allegations of selling steroids to the Washington Nationals and Washington Capitals. Both the Polk County Sheriff's Office, working with U.S. Immigration Customs Enforcement were surprised by the claims made by the couple.

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posted by WFY @ 12:24 PM | |

Steroid anixety comes to D.C.: Alleged dealer names Caps, Nats - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, May 27, 2009

Steroid anixety comes to D.C.: Alleged dealer names Caps, Nats

This morning Washington sports fans woke up to news that an alleged steroids dealer in Florida named the Nationals and Capitals as clients following his arrest. As Dan Steinberg notes of DC Sports Bog notes, the situation is being played up by the authorities for sensationalism.

This story is just starting and very little is actually known. We know from the Mitchell Report and other sources that past Nationals who have tested positive include Mike Stanton, Jose Guillen, Gary Bennett, Nook Logan and Paul Lo Duca, all thankfully not part of the organization. Current reliever Ron Villone was also cited, but he just joined the team. Frankly, that list (and the Nats record) is pretty good argument against using PEDs, isn't it? MLB has testing now and nobody on the Nats has been busted yet so I am not too worried about the Nats.

I don't know much about the NHL's testing though, so I don't know what to make of it.

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posted by WFY @ 12:10 PM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 05.14.2009 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, May 14, 2009

Thomas Boswell chat 05.14.2009

Ask Boswell - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Thursday, May 14, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Caps, the Nats, the latest sports news and his columns. "

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posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Caps blown out of game 7 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Caps blown out of game 7

Penguins Rock the Red Light - The Post
CAPS FLATTENED - The Wash. Times
Well, that went pretty poorly for the Caps, wouldn't you say? Simeon Varlamov simply did not have it between the pipes, but none of the other Capitals did either. Why they got so outworked in game 7 at home, we'll probably never know. They need to remember this and use it as motivation next year.

I don't know that I'd have given them a standing ovation at the end for a good season with the way they played. I also hope the Southeast Division Champion banner goes up without fanfare. Division championships are not the goal.

Sam claims La Coupe Hauxer too
. This is annoying because he was a big proponent of the playoffs not counting in our contest. It was a nonsensical argument.

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posted by WFY @ 5:11 AM | |

I'm willing to talk about a joint trophy. I don't think its right for me to claim the trophy outright, but on the other hand, including the playoffs was certainly YOUR idea, not mine. I don't want to be hypocritical on the issue, so I'm willing to discuss a sensible way to recognize both teams.

# posted by Anonymous TMBC : Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:41:00 AM  

No, it is all yours, your team has the better record, I should have made that clear in this post. Here is what the LCH post says:

...I am glad it was won in the playoffs rather than the regular season, even though it cost me. Having won it based only on the regular season would have been a Pyrrhic victory. Also, Wiley won the Stanley Screwdriver and owes us Vienna Inn, so that is what really matters.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:59:00 AM  

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Capitals, Penguins: Game 7 tonight - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Capitals, Penguins: Game 7 tonight

The Capitals have reached game 7 in their third consecutive playoffs series. For the District's teams, it is the tenth game 7 ever, dating back to 1924 when the Senators/Nationals beat the New York Giants in the World Series. Tonight, in Washington the Caps take on the team and superstar that the NHL decided was the most important four years ago*, the Pittsburgh Penguins. In short, Washington needs to bring their "A" game, especially on the penalty kill, because they cannot count on the officials to do their job. As officials go, NHL refs are only better than their NBA counterparts. I don't expect Washington to get the calls tonight and they probably ought to come out of the gate as if they are down 1-0.

The Caps have gotten this far because Alex Ovechkin has 13 points in six games and Simeon Varlamov has emerged between the pipes. Both, especially that latter will need to play well tonight to advance. Mike Green has been pretty much a no-show throughout and may have a bum shoulder holding him back. This would be an excellent time for him to up his play. Pittsburgh's combination of Sidney Crosby and Evegini Malkin are the best one-two punch in the league when Malkin decides to play (which he did not at the start of the series), so they are quite formidable. The series has been everything the NHL could have dreamed for, now hopefully the Caps will give them the ending they don't want -- a Caps victory.

Down to the Wire - The Post
Capitals hope to vanquish bad history against Penguins - The Wash. Times

No Place for Penalties In Game 7 - The Post
Capitals hope to vanquish bad history against Penguins - The Wash. Times

Dan Daly: A place in D.C. lore - The Wash. Times

GO CAPS!



*Right after the Penguins were last in league attendance.

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posted by WFY @ 12:48 PM | |

I hope the Caps pull it out tonight. Good luck to them against the Penguins!

# posted by Blogger Kevin McGuire : Wednesday, May 13, 2009 2:27:00 PM  

The only thing the league wanted was a 7 game series. I don't think they care who really wins this game. I think they DO care who wins the Boston-Carolina series, as well as the Detroit-Anaheim one.

That said, I think the Pens blew it on Monday. Fleury has been terrible. Caps win 5-3.

# posted by Anonymous TMBC : Wednesday, May 13, 2009 3:38:00 PM  

I hope you are correct TMBC, but methinks you are posting this in hope that the reverse comes true.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Wednesday, May 13, 2009 4:17:00 PM  

I certainly didn't see this coming. Look, Fleury had been terrible, and Varlamov had been terrific. To lose in OT at home was devastating, or so I thought. Really, 3 of the goals were easily saveable. But the kid is only 21 and has a really bright future.

# posted by Anonymous TMBC : Wednesday, May 13, 2009 8:15:00 PM  

So does the guy behind him in Hershey, brighter perhaps given this disaster.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Wednesday, May 13, 2009 8:41:00 PM   Post a Comment

Capitals force game 7 in OT - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Capitals force game 7 in OT

An Overtime to Remember - The Post
Caps deflect disaster - The Wash. Times
For the first time in the series, overtime went the Capitals way as they defeated the Penguins 5-4 in Pittsburgh. David Steckel's third goal of the playoffs after eight all season.

The final game of the series is in Washington, tomorrow night. I'll have a few words to say about it tomorrow.



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posted by WFY @ 5:17 AM | |

Capitals on brink of elmination - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, May 11, 2009

Capitals on brink of elmination

Caps' Backs Against the Wall -- Again - The Post
Caps at their best in worst spot - The Wash. Times
Washington blew a 2-0 series lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins, losing the last two in overtime. It isn't looking good for our Nation's Capitals. They have to win tonight in Pittsburgh for a chance to win Wednesday in D.C. Tall order, they really need to learn to stop doing things the hard way. They also need to win the next two so that I win La Coupe Hauxer for the first time.

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posted by WFY @ 12:37 PM | |

Thomas Boswell chat 05.07.2009 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, May 07, 2009

Thomas Boswell chat 05.07.2009

Ask Boswell: The Nats, the Caps and More - The Post
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell was online Thursday, May 7, at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions about the Caps, the Nats, the Redskins, the latest sports news and his columns."

How many times will Bos point out a pitcher drafted #1 has never made the Hall of Fame?

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posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM | |

Caps drop game 3 in OT - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Caps drop game 3 in OT

Penguins Fight Back - The Post
Caps fall to Penguins 3-2 in Game 3 - The Wash. Times
Series now 2-1 in favor of Washington. Anybody who thought the series was going to be a quick one was naive. They are back on Friday night and then Saturday at Verizon Center.

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posted by WFY @ 5:27 AM | |

I still think its going to be a quick series. The Pens completely outplayed the Caps but nearly lost because Varlamov has been excellent in net. He has been unbelieveable.

# posted by Anonymous TMBC : Thursday, May 07, 2009 12:14:00 PM  

I hope you are right. Joe Beninati was on the Mike O'Meara Show yesterday saying the Caps have not played their best game yet.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Thursday, May 07, 2009 12:25:00 PM  

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Capitals take game 2 over Penguins; Ovechkin, Crosby both get hat tricks - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, May 05, 2009

Capitals take game 2 over Penguins; Ovechkin, Crosby both get hat tricks

Ovechkin Moves the Crowd - The Post
Ovechkin scores hat trick; Caps go up 2-0 - The Wash. Times
Alex Ovechkin earned his first playoff hat trick last night, Washington's first since Al Iafrate in '93. Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby answered Ovechkin's hat trick then complained that too many hats were thrown (DC Sports Bog) following Ovechkin third goal. Really.

Ovechkin declined to shoot on an open net at the end, preferring to run out the clock. Dave Steckel had the game's only other goal.

The Caps have done what they needed to in this series which shifts to Pittsburgh for game 3. There are miles to go before we sleep.



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posted by WFY @ 8:27 AM | |

I'm not a huge fan of the way Ovechkin celebrates some goals and the way he'll sometimes taunt the opposing team's fans, but I thought him jumping against the glass where the Penguins fan in the hideous baby blue Crosby jersey was ammusing.

This is what the NHL should want out of an Ovechkin/Crosby match up. I wonder if Crosby is irritated when Penguins fans throw their hats on the ice for his hat tricks?

- Flyers fan pulling for Capitals...in this round.

# posted by Blogger Kevin McGuire : Tuesday, May 05, 2009 9:25:00 AM  

That's okay, we always root against Flyers fans :-)

Um, I'd beg to differ about Ovechkin "choosing" not to shoot for the empty night. He simply was trying to avoid an icing call, which brings the faceoff back in the Caps end. Smart hockey, but lets not make him out for sportsman of the year just yet.

That said, this series is over. Caps in 5.

# posted by Anonymous TMBC, and discouraged Penguins Fan : Tuesday, May 05, 2009 9:06:00 PM  

You are probably being more pessimistic than you need to be TMBC, but I'd be cool with a 4-1 series victory for the Capitals.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Wednesday, May 06, 2009 8:09:00 AM   Post a Comment

Tarik El-Bashir Capitals chat 05.04.2009 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, May 04, 2009

Tarik El-Bashir Capitals chat 05.04.2009

The Washington Capitals: Playoff Series Against Pittsburgh Penguins - The Post
"Washington Post staff writer and Capitals Insider blogger Tarik El-Bashir will be online Monday, May 4, at 3 p.m. ET to discuss the playoff series with the Pittsburgh Penguins."

The front page says the chat is at noon, not 3 p.m.

Question -- Have people shut up about Simeon Varlamov's stick save yet and focused on the real issue - slow home playoff starts.

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posted by WFY @ 11:00 AM | |

Capitals take game 1 against Pittsburgh - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Capitals take game 1 against Pittsburgh

Varlamov Saves Caps in Game 1 Thriller - The Post
Caps top Penguins 3-2 - The Wash. Times
The Caps got their first win, but they need three more to beat Pittsburgh. Then eight more.

Miles to go before we sleep as Ted Leonsis would say. Stop talking about Simeon Varlamov's stick save. Game 2 is tonight on Versus.



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posted by WFY @ 5:39 AM | |

Wilbon actually writes about Capitals - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 30, 2009

Wilbon actually writes about Capitals

MICHAEL WILBON - Now the Circus Comes to Town - The Post
For the first time I can remember and possibly since 1998, Wilbon has written a column about the Capitals. It is actually a pretty good summation about what this upcoming series with the Penguins is all about, so for people not following until now, it is a pretty helpful column.

I'm mixing up some Haterade for the series, it will go up some time tomorrow.

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posted by WFY @ 12:08 PM | |

Capitals 25% of the way to their goal; Penguins next - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Capitals 25% of the way to their goal; Penguins next


Old Hand, New Result - The Post
Caps vanquish Rangers - The Wash. Times
For only the second time in their history and for the first time since 1988 the Capitals won a game 7. They were outplayed by the Rangers for two periods, but stayed in it thanks to #1 star Simeon Varlamov, the 21 year 1 day old Russian goaltender. Their two goals also came off of the sticks of Russians with Alexander Semin scoring the first one and Sergei Federov netting the game-winner with just under five minutes left in the game. Now that is a Fed Bailout we can believe in. The Caps did it the hard way, coming back from a 3-1 series deficit, a feat that had yet to occur following the lockout.

In the end, Rangers just collapse - The Wash. Times
The Rangers controlled the first 40 minutes of the game, prompting the crowd to boo the home team as the second intermission began.

MIKE WISE - Sergei's Day - The Post
Old man Federov got it done again.

Stanley Cup Journal: Defensemen step up at most critical time - The Wash. Times
The blueliners really stepped it up against the blue shirts in this series.

THOMAS BOSWELL - Time to Exhale - The Post
Ah, relief -- this was D.C.'s first win in a game 7 since the Caps did it against the Flyers in 1988.

Captain Clark Enjoys 'Good Stuff' - The Post
Clark makes long-awaited return to lineup - The Wash. Times
Captain Chris Clark made his Washington playoff debut last night after missing last year's run as well as much of this season.

Varlamov's Gift Is a Day Late - The Post
The birthday boy got it done. Here is some video from Eric McErlain:


Five turning points for the Caps - The Wash. Times

Coming up in the next round -- the Pittsburgh Penguins. Break out the haterade!

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posted by WFY @ 6:04 AM | |

Capitals win game 7 over Rangers! - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Capitals win game 7 over Rangers!

Capitals 2 Rangers 1

Ted Leonsis
gets his first playoff series win as owner! Sergei Federov has the game winner late in the 3rd. Three wins in a row to come back from 3-1 deficit! More tomorrow morning!

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posted by WFY @ 9:29 PM | |

Granted, this question will be answered in about 15 minutes, but which of your fellow La Coupe Hauxer teams would you prefer to battle in round 2?

# posted by Anonymous TMBC : Tuesday, April 28, 2009 9:52:00 PM  

Post a Comment

Capitals vs. Rangers Game 7 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Capitals vs. Rangers Game 7

The Plot Thickens Before Game 7 - The Post
Caps' players know losing - The Wash. Times
Another year, another game 7. Last year's did not work out too well. Can they find redemption (The Post)?

The Caps have home ice, a red-hot Alex Ovechkin, their captain Chris Clark returning, a goalie so young he has not gotten nervous yet, and a two-game win streak. They don't have their enforcer, Donald Brashear.

The Rangers have nothing to lose, a very good goalie coming off of being pulled twice in a row and the most annoying player in the NHL, Sean Avery.

Sounds like a pretty good build-up for Game 7.

The Washington Capitals: Playoffs Against Rangers, Brashear's Suspension, More - The Post
"Washington Post staff writer and Capitals Insider blogger Tarik El-Bashir was online Tuesday, April 28, at 3 p.m. ET to discuss the suspension of Caps enforcer Donald Brashear and more Caps news as they head into Game 7 against the Rangers. "

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posted by WFY @ 12:39 PM | |

Well, since my Flyers are out of it, I'm pulling for the Caps...at least tonight.

# posted by Blogger Kevin McGuire : Tuesday, April 28, 2009 1:11:00 PM  

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Caps down 3-1 again - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 23, 2009

Caps down 3-1 again

Too Little, Maybe Too Late - The Post
Caps fall to Rangers - The Wash. Times
Uh oh, like deja vu all over again.

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posted by WFY @ 5:53 AM | |

Capitals win game 3 over Rangers in New York - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Capitals win game 3 over Rangers in New York

Caps' Pieces Come Together - The Post
Capitals: Back in it - The Wash. Times
No time to offer any more insight though. Here are highlights:


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posted by WFY @ 6:07 AM | |

Capitals drop game 1 to NY Rangers - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 16, 2009

Capitals drop game 1 to NY Rangers

Caps Open With a Thud - The Post
Caps are indefensible in playoff loss - The Wash. Times
Uh oh. Jose Theodore is blaming himself for the Capitals losing to the New York Rangers in Washingtno last night. While panic sets in or people endlessly proclaim there is no need to panic, coach Bruce Boudreau has a decision to make on Saturday's starter.

MIKE WISE - A Goalie On Thin Ice - The Post

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posted by WFY @ 5:44 AM | |

Capitals open playoffs vs. NY Rangers - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, April 15, 2009

Capitals open playoffs vs. NY Rangers

At long last, the NHL playoffs are beginning. Our nation's Capitals have the #2 seed, giving them home ice advantage in any playoff series they are in other than on against the #1 Boston Bruins. For the first round, they've drawn the #7 New York Rangers. The puck drops tonight on Comcast SportsNet at 7:06 p.m.

Coverage this time around is pretty intense. The Post has a bunch of stories and columns in the Capitals section and this video with beat writer Tarik El-Bashir:



El-Bashir is chatting at 2 p.m.

The Caps got 7 out of 8 possible points in their four games with the Rangers this year. Historically, they have tied four playoff series with the Rags with each team winning 11 games.

Other places to go for intense coverage: The Wash. Times, Japers Rink,
Dump and Chase, On Frozen Blog, A View from the Cheap Seats, Bleatings from a Caps Nut, The Peerless Prognosticator, Ted Leonsis, CAPITALS NEWS NETWORK

I don't know how much I will be posting this time around, but my Recommended Reading (top right) will have lots of Caps headlines in it.

Of course, why we fight:



This would have gone up earlier, but a co-worker wanted to talk about the game.

PREDICTION: Capitals in six games

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posted by WFY @ 12:42 PM | |

Capitals clinch second seed, set record for points - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, April 10, 2009

Capitals clinch second seed, set record for points

Caps Hit 50-Win Mark, Clinch No. 2 Seed in East - The Post
Caps earn No. 2 seed, set points mark - Washington Times.htm - The Wash. Times
The Capitals set a new record for points in a season last and can set the wins record if they defeat Florida in the final game of the season. They also locked up the #2 seed after a 5-0-1 run and a regular season slide by the New Jersey Devils.

In La Coupe Hauxer, the Caps are still keeping me in first place, but Brad (Devils; the only champion La Coupe Hauxer has ever known) and TMBC Sam (Pengyunz; he doesn't think playoffs should count) are likely to face off in the first round. La Coupe Hauxer is still wide-open with all teams in the playoffs and more matchups possible.

In the real playoffs, Washington gets either the New York Rangers Rangers or Montreal Canadiens.

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posted by WFY @ 12:38 PM | |

Can you see 4 D.C. sporting events for under $100? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, April 09, 2009

Can you see 4 D.C. sporting events for under $100?

TIM LEMKE - D.C. sports scene on a budget - The Wash. Times
Lemke tries to see a home game for the Nationals (exhibition), Capitals, Wizards and D.C. United in one week with $100 to spend. He is also includes getting a hot dog and soda at each game, plus the transportation to get there. Can it be done? Maybe, find out how.

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posted by WFY @ 12:00 PM | |

Thrashers mock Ovechkin's Eastern commercial; Caps win - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, April 08, 2009

Thrashers mock Ovechkin's Eastern commercial; Caps win

I have to hand it to the Thrashers, this public service announcement about bad hockey player commercials is fantastic.

H/T Capitals Insider: Kovalchuk: 'Ovie, Next Time, Call Me'

Alex Ovechkin is in some good company there. Well played, Thrashers well played. Better played than last night's game in fact. The Capitals won 4-2, increasing their lead for the second seed to four points.

Caps Close In on Second Seed - The Post
Caps poised to earn No. 2 seed - The Wash. Times

At least somebody in town is winning.

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posted by WFY @ 9:30 AM | |

Capitals win NHL Southeast Division title - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, April 04, 2009

Capitals win NHL Southeast Division title

Capitals Lose but Still Win - The Post
Last night's loser point against Buffalo (4-5 loss in OT) meant the Capitals clinched the Southeast Division again. They missed a chance to extend their lead over New Jersey for the Eastern Conference second seed, but still control their own destiny for the #2 spot.

Penn State basketball's NIT championship run took up some of the time I would have normally blogged about our Nation's Capitals. Since I last mentioned them, they had a pretty mediocre March but went 6-2-2 in their last ten games. Alex Ovechkin also got in a duel with CBC Hockey Night in Canada's Don Cherry over celebrations. Cherry's real issue of course is that a non-Anglophone Canadian is the league's biggest star, so I thought Ovechkin lowering himself to Cherry's was disappointing. That is why I did not not post about it when it was happening, it was just a waste of time.

On another note, the Caps are in first place in La Coupe Hauxer right now with some likely playoff matchups between the four participating teams likely.

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posted by WFY @ 11:28 AM | |

Congrats to the Caps for another division title.

# posted by Blogger Kevin McGuire : Saturday, April 04, 2009 12:41:00 PM  

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Ovechkin Easterns Motors outtakes - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Ovechkin Easterns Motors outtakes

Don Cherry would not approve -- Alex Ovechkin sings the Eastern Motors anthem:



Then he makes Chris Cooley do pushups:



Destruction!



I held off on posting this until the Capitals righted the ship which they did in Nashville last night. Big game tomorrow in Philly.

Now, when are the Nats going to get a player on one of these?

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posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

D.C. teams in Bizjournals 2008 rankings - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, March 10, 2009

D.C. teams in Bizjournals 2008 rankings

Another ranking of teams from the four traditional big sports. Here is a look at how Washington franchises, minus D.C. United, did.

"Bizjournals analyzed the performances of all 122 franchises in the NBA, NFL, Major League Baseball and the National Hockey League in the 2008 calendar year. The top scores went to those teams that were strongest at the twin missions of professional sports -- winning games and making money."

41. Washington Capitals (10th in NHL) 41-60
42. Washington Redskins (12th in NFL) 41-60
82. Washington Wizards (19th in NBA) 81-100
113. Washington Nationals (28th in MLB) 101-120 only better than the Orioles and Pirates

I would expect the Capitals to rise in 2009, the Redskins to stay about the same, the Wizards to fall and the Nationals to rise. Three of these teams were in the playoffs in 2008, but none of them advanced. In 2009, it will likely be just one postseason appearance for Washington unless the Nats pull off a miracle. The Redskins have alerady missed the 2009 playoffs and the Wizards may be offically eliminated already.

I wish I could find the complete 2008 Turnkey Team Brand Index too, but it is behind a paywall.

Celtics rank as best in pro sports, Lions come in last - Bizjournals

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posted by WFY @ 12:12 PM | |

Steinberg & Capitals Chats 03.10.2009 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Steinberg & Capitals Chats 03.10.2009

D.C. Sports Bog Live - The Post
"Dan Steinberg will be online Tuesday, March 10 at 11 a.m. ET to discuss the latest posts from the D.C. Sports Bog."

Will the Washington Capitals End Losing Streak? - The Post
Washington Post staff writer Tarik El-Bashir takes your questions about the Caps, losers of four consecutive games, as they prepare to play Nashville. Why has the team stumbled, and what will it take to turn it around?

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posted by WFY @ 8:30 AM | |

Another D.B. Sweeney Caps story - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Another D.B. Sweeney Caps story

A couple of days ago, DC Sports Bog mentioned that actor D.B. Sweeney was at the Caps game. In the post, Sweeney mentioned he used to come down to see his team, the Rangers, at the old Capital Centre. I am pretty sure that in addition to that he also was part of an intermission entertainment at a game I attended, probably in March 1992 when The Cutting Edge (which I have never seen) came out. Anyway, Sweeney's part of the intermission was to be the celebrity goalie in a shootout. The shooting celebrity -- Larry King. My memories are hazy, but if I recall correctly, Sweeney did not have to stop any shots since King was an emaciated stick figure who had trouble getting the puck past the blue line from center ice. King may have moved progressly closer, but I'm pretty sure none of his attempts would have counted as a shot on goal. Does anybody else remember being at that game?

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posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

Ovechkin scores another amazing goal - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, February 19, 2009

Ovechkin scores another amazing goal

Everybody and I mean everybody (WPGC?!) has already linked to TSN (Canada's ESPN more or less) video of Alex Ovechkin's first period goal last night. It is simply sensational what he did -- picking off a pass, bouncing it off the boards backhanded, change directions without losing any speed and then scoring on his backside.

I found the Comcast SportsNet Video of the goal, including an overhead shot.


You don't even have to be a hockey fan to appreciate that one.

The Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens, 4-3, (The Post) in a shootout in Verizon Center.

Japers Rink breaks it down, Ron Jaworski style. We'll assume he's wearing terrible glasses.

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posted by WFY @ 12:04 PM | |

Mike Green sets record for consecutive games with a goal by a defenseman - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, February 15, 2009

Mike Green sets record for consecutive games with a goal by a defenseman

Green Makes History in Victory - The Post
Only one defenseman has ever scored goals in eight consecutive NHL games. His name is Mike Green and he plays for the Washington Capitals. They beat Tampa Bay 5-1 last night in St. Petersburg. Today, Green goes for a ninth game in a row with a goal vs. the Panthers in Fort Lauderdale.



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posted by WFY @ 8:49 AM | |

Sadly, bad ice is a Capitals tradition - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Sadly, bad ice is a Capitals tradition

Dan Steinberg points out today on D.C. Sports Bog, that poor ice conditions have long plagued the rinks the Washington Capitals call home.

The Post had an article, Condition of Home Ice Drawing Fire From Caps, about it today as well.
Players and officials rate the ice after each game, but Craig would not divulge the marks Verizon Center's ice has received. He did, however, say that the ice has been better since his visit to Washington in the fall before acknowledging that the challenge of producing good ice consistently will increase as spring approaches. Craig said he will recommend the Capitals bring in dehumidifiers in the playoffs.
Why wait for the playoffs?

Capitals owner Ted Leonsis addressed the situation on his blog and says they are trying to solve it.

Ultimately, there are probably limits to how much of the problem they can solve as long as Verizon Center is controlled by Washington Sports & Entertainment, Abe Pollin, majority owner. Pollin is not exactly loved by Capitals fans, even though brought the Capitals here as an expansion team. The Capitals are simply not the priority and even if/when Leonsis buys the rest of WS&E, how much can he do since Verizon Center is a multi-sport arena. In the meantime, hopefully the Caps can keep playing through it and try to let the conditions get into their opponents heads. Perhaps they already have, given the robust 22-4-1 home record.

Also see: Contentious conditions - The Wash. Times

On Frozen Blog (in general, the ice conditions are a frequent topic)

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posted by WFY @ 12:14 PM | |

Terry Murray on Caps: They can make that step up anytime - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, February 08, 2009

Terry Murray on Caps: They can make that step up anytime

THOMAS BOSWELL - Can't Wait To Be Great - The Post
"They are a great team. I think they are ready now. They can make that step up anytime," said Murray, who coached with his brother Bryan, then after him, for 10 years in Washington. "What they did in the third period against us is the level they need to reach consistently in the playoffs. But to get there, their young players have to take over ownership of that team."
This was coming off a game where's Murray's Kings defeated the Capitals. I think he is right though, the Capitals have the players to go very far, they just need to realize it. That realization will prevent sloppy defeats like the one against L.A. when the Caps did not show up for the first two periods, but nearly pulled off a win anyway.

Last night, behind the most offensive defenseman in the league, Mike Green, the Capitals beat division rival Florida on the sloppy ice (Japers Rink) of Verizon Center. Green had the game-winner and an empty-netter to clinch it. The Caps finally had a 100% penalty kill too.

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posted by WFY @ 11:55 AM | |

Look Loverro is trying to start something - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Look Loverro is trying to start something

Thom Loverro: Caps see red, but it could be worse - The Wash. Times
Loverro notices that the Nats new NatsTown campaign contains "Get Your Red On" and wonders if they are stealing from the Capitals. Far from it, when the Nats debuted "Get Your Red On" the Caps were still wearing those nonsensical black uniforms. Ted Leonsis has a rebuttal and naturally takes a shot at newspapers.

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posted by WFY @ 6:41 AM | |

Yay, another La Coupe Hauxer win for me - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, February 04, 2009

Yay, another La Coupe Hauxer win for me

First place in La Coupe Hauxer belongs to the Washington Capitals after last night's defeat of the Devils in New Jersey.

The Caps have 5 of 6 possible points in their last three games against Detroit, Ottawa and New Jersey, respectively.

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posted by WFY @ 12:29 PM | |

Caps have super weekend, head to Jersey - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, February 02, 2009

Caps have super weekend, head to Jersey

D.C.'s premier team, our nation's Capitals had a big weekend of back-to-back afternoon wins. On Saturday, they doubled-up the Red Wings with a "sleepy" Alex Ovechkin scoring twice in the third period to win it 4-2.



On Sunday, Ovi was not content with a mere two goals, getting a hat-trick. The Caps took out the Ottawa Senators 7-4.



They head up to Newark for Tuesday nights games against the Devils who are pretty hot themselves. They do so without the services of captain Chris Clark who is shutting it down because of his injured wrist. Hopefully they can get the two points because this is a La Coupe Hauxer contest as well.

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posted by WFY @ 4:17 PM | |

Ovechkin doing it again - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, January 26, 2009

Ovechkin doing it again

ESPN discovered this weekend that Alex Oveckin is the NHL's true rock star. Here in D.C. we discovered this too -- about three years ago during his rookie season. Next week ESPN will tell us that Gilbert Arenas can be quirky when he is healthy.

Ovi had another big All-Star weekend, winning the breakaway competition.



Yes, that was Evegini Malkin of the flightless birds. Apparently the two are BFFs again, so that soap opera is over with for those who care *cough* Pengyunz fans.

So, now that Ovechkin has one the breakaway competition, won the All-Star game in the shootout (try it for the Caps sometime Ovi) on top of another goal and two assists will the NHL try including him in their marketing? For the last 3+ years the NHL has forced upon its fans and the sports world at large one player in particular. While I am not denying that Sidney Crosby is talented, perhaps focusing on just him has backfired a little, no? It was suggested to me that this was done because Crosby speaks English and this was thus marketing 101. Now, I've had several marketing classes over the years and limiting your marketing to one person or thing just might not be the best strategy. Then again, NHL and marketing seem like an oxymoron like government intelligence and jumbo shrimp. By the way, Ovi's English is fine and when it is borken English, he's quite funny about it.

Now, greater exposure for Ovechkin and all and the fact that the next successful argument suggesting he is not the best player in the sport right now will be the first is nice, ultimately that is not what is important. What is important is winning hockey games. The Caps have been doing that pretty well this season and sit at #2 in the conference. That is a pretty good place to be if they can keep it. What is impressive about it is that they got there with a lot of injuries. The deep system that Capitals have developed is paying dividends. The youngsters have gained valuable experience and are learning how to win at two levels. Hopefully, a healthy team can continue the good fortune through the second half. A #1 seed for the playoffs would be nice, but #2 would be fine. Barring a reversal of fortune between them and second place Carolina, the Caps are in the drivers seat for no worse than the #3 seed. It is a long half though and many things can happen. It should be fun.

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posted by WFY @ 9:14 PM | |

Joe Beninati profiled - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, January 22, 2009

Joe Beninati profiled

Beninati a national voice - The Wash. Times
Capitals play-by-play man (I can't call him the "voice of the Capitals" as that will always be Ron Weber) is getting more and more national jobs. Right now is the #2 play-by-play announcer on Versus NHL. He also does college football and lacrosse. Hopefully, his star will continue to rise and he also stays as Capitals announcer for a long time.

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posted by WFY @ 12:21 PM | |

Highlights: Washington Capitals 6 Pittsburgh Penguins 3 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, January 15, 2009

Highlights: Washington Capitals 6 Pittsburgh Penguins 3



Commentary on La Coupe Hauxer in the noon hour.

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posted by WFY @ 9:00 AM | |

Caps & Boswell chats 01.09.2008 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, January 09, 2009

Caps & Boswell chats 01.09.2008

The Washington Capitals - The Post
"Washington Post staff writer Tarik El-Bashir will be online Friday, Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. ET to take your questions about the team and the rest of the NHL."

Hopefully El-Bashir won't let the chat be overrun with complaints about the Capitals All-Star snubs. I'd rather have my team be #2 in the conference than have a bunch of All-Stars.

Ask Boswell - The Post
Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Friday, Jan. 9 at 3 p.m. ET to take your questions about the NFL playoffs, the Caps, the Hot Stove league and his latest columns.

It will be interesting to see the reaction to the Nats free agency white flag from Bos and the peanut gallery. Also, will Caps fans call him out for his "hey, the Caps are good!" column.

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posted by WFY @ 12:08 PM | |

Caps beat Flyers, smacktalk later on La Coupe Hauxer - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, January 07, 2009

Caps beat Flyers, smacktalk later on La Coupe Hauxer

Caps Get a Measure of Revenge - The Post
Sure it was a shootout, but we don't argue with Capitals wins over the Flyers. Check out La Coupe Hauxer after 5 p.m. for some trash talk about Wiley and his Flyers.

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posted by WFY @ 2:00 PM | |

Oh sure brag about a game that had to come down to a shootout when the Flyers have 9 players on the DL. Thats almost 2 full lines of regular players. So basically your Capitals had to go to a shootout against half an AHL team. WOW YOU GUYS ARE SOOOO AWSOME!!

# posted by Blogger Wiley : Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:25:00 PM  

My rebuttal is on La Coupe Hauxer. Basic point -- the Caps have been playing at 66% for a couple of months and that has not stopped them.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:45:00 PM  

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Music Tuesday: The Hockey Song - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, January 06, 2009

Music Tuesday: The Hockey Song



Music Tuesday storms back from its unannounced and unnoticed hiatus with this classic by Stompin' Tom Connors. The Capitals used to play "The Hockey Song" about half way through the third period, but stopped this year. Apparently, many are pleased by this development, including a Canadian-American I know. Since the Caps are doing well at Verizon Center this season, so I won't complain too much, but to the haters out there -- I defy you!

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posted by WFY @ 12:15 PM | |

Well, I know what video I won't be watching today ;-P

# posted by Blogger DCSportsChick : Tuesday, January 06, 2009 1:22:00 PM  

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The first hockey night in Washington of 2009 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Sunday, January 04, 2009

The first hockey night in Washington of 2009

Caps win!
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- We finally made it out to our first hockey game of the season last night had a great time watching our nation's Capitals beat the New York Rangers. The Rags scored first, but Mike Green responded soon after with his ninth goal of the season. Alexander Semin got the assist on a bang-bang play. Alex Ovechkin won the game on a short-handed goal in the wanning seconds of the second period.

Some observations from the game:
  • Lots of red in the sold out crowd. There were a few Rags fans by us, but they were only noticable due to their vicinity. They also lacked the obnoxiousness of a Pittsburgh, Philly or Buffalo fan. The fans owe praise for their eighth sellout of the season and making the Verizon Center the toughest arena for visiting teams. Seriously, the Caps are 17-1-1 at home this year.

  • I don't get why people get down on Ovi for his English-speaking ability. After getting a shot stopped, he could be seen on the big screen as a saying "Whiskey Tango Foxtrot."

  • Semin got in a fight and was given a game misconduct, apparently for fighting like a 13-year old girl. Still, he fought with more honor than the most important hockey player of all time. See On Frozen Blog for more.

  • Speaking of OFB, we saw 75% of them before the game and the other 25%'s husband filled in for my dad who was a late scratch. Get well Pop! Thanks for driving and buying Chanuck.

  • The ice was um, not great, but both teams have to play on it, so it is certainly fair, though foolish. I was warm in the 400 level.

  • We thought about getting Will a 6-9 months onesie, but decided it might become too small too quickly. We may have it order one online.

  • The Hockey Song is no longer featured during Capitals games. I am disappointed by this though others don't seem to be.

  • The Ice Girls are barely featured.

  • Those nachos are so damn salty. Won't bother again.

  • I have really grown to love the red Caps sweaters. I'll get one evetually, but I stuck with the classic white one last night.

  • Thanks for babysitting Will, Grandee!
Capitals Win Sixth Straight - The Post
Capitals' defense provides a boost - The Wash. Times


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posted by WFY @ 12:10 PM | |

Hallelujah, the Hockey Song is gone! (Sorry, WFY, but I think you're right... more will share my sentiment than yours.)

Eating at the Phone Booth is hopeless. La Tasca across 7th Street is my choice.

Hope your Pop is feeling better.

# posted by Anonymous Hendo : Sunday, January 04, 2009 12:37:00 PM  

Thanks again for the invite. Great fun.

# posted by Blogger chanuck : Sunday, January 04, 2009 4:25:00 PM  

Like Hendo, I am glad that there's no Hockey Song.

The other 25% would have liked to have been there, but a certain Chanuck had been whining all day about how he wasn't going to the game...so I figured it was only fair to let him go. Thanks for asking him!

# posted by Blogger DCSportsChick : Monday, January 05, 2009 10:04:00 AM   Post a Comment

2009 New Year's sports resolutions - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, January 01, 2009

2009 New Year's sports resolutions

A New Year means it is time for resolutions -- here are my sports ones:
  • Go to Penn State for homecoming for the first time in three years

  • Go to the Blue White Game, maybe even see most of it this year

  • Attend Opening Day for the Nationals

  • Attend July 4 Nationals home game

  • Get my son clothes for my respective teams

  • Go to a Nats vs. Red Sox game, call anybody with a B on their hat a poseur

  • Go to a Nats vs. Baltimore game, boo the visitors a lot
The rest are more goals than resolutions:
  • Organize office field trip to Nats or Caps game

  • Attend at least one home game of the Nationals, Capitals, Redskins, Wizards and DC United

  • See a NL team that I never have before (MIL or ARI)

  • See the Nats in Philly and/or Pittsburgh with friends from the opposition
One thing that may be seen as an omission is a visit to new Yankee Stadium. I don't want to see the old one while it is being dismantled. Maybe in 2010 I'll go.

As for real resolutions, not really my thing and I would not blog them anyway.

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posted by WFY @ 11:02 AM | |

Brett Leonhardt video - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, December 15, 2008

Brett Leonhardt video


Web producer turned back-up goalie, Brett Leonhardt, is media saavy.

Sheesh, I have been a Web producer forever and no one has asked me to play goalie.

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posted by WFY @ 2:30 PM | |

Caps Web producer briefly #2 goalie - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, December 13, 2008

Caps Web producer briefly #2 goalie

Web Producer Suits Up As Backup Goaltender for Capitals - The Post
The Capitals "#1" goaltender, Jose Theodore has a lower-body injury which means Brent Johnson got the start last night. Johnson was out of his mind the other night, so this was not a big deal. However, none of the goalies in the minors could get to Washington in time for last night's game against Ottawa. The solution to this problem was to tell Capitals Web producer Brett Leonhardt to "be ready." Leonhardt played Division III hockey and has on occasion practiced with the Caps to give the pros a rest. Officially, they worked with the NHL on this and signed him to an amateur tryout. He was relieved by Simeon Varlamov about halfway through the first and resumed his Web producer duties.

This kind of story is a lot fun when the team is in first place. They won, 5-1, last night too.

Oh and Leonhardt wore #80. He is the only Capital to ever wear that number.

Caught in the net - The Wash. Times
'Every Dream Come True' - Fanhouse

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posted by WFY @ 6:48 AM | |

That is so awesome!!

# posted by Blogger MissChatter : Saturday, December 13, 2008 9:31:00 AM  

Can he run? If so, can we get the Redskins to trot him out there for a couple series next week?

# posted by Anonymous Hendo : Sunday, December 14, 2008 5:11:00 PM  

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Miss Virginia was the Lady Icers goalie - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 25, 2008

Miss Virginia was the Lady Icers goalie

The reigning Miss Virginia, Tara Wheeler, is not only a Penn State alumna ('06 Journ), but a former goalie for the Penn State women's hockey team, the Lady Icers. On Frozen Blog has been featuring her recently:

On Line, Tara's Terrific Tale Broadens

Tara Wheeler, Local Girl, Beauty Pageant Winner, Miss America Contestant, Star College Hockey Goalie, Nothing To See Here, Move Along

She has gotten the Capitals attention as well, she'll be involved in several functions with them in the near future.

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posted by WFY @ 10:00 AM | |

Caps score on first two shots against Kolzig, win 4-2 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, November 11, 2008

Caps score on first two shots against Kolzig, win 4-2

Olie Kolzig returned to Washington for the first time as a member of the Tampa Bay Lightning and promptly allowed the first two shots in. Sounds about right to me. Olie was great here for a long time and the end was handled poorly, but the team needed to move on. The Capitals played the tribute below (after scoring two goals) on the HD screen:


Game recap:


Alex Ovechkin finally got another goal. The Caps are 6-0-1 at home.

Capitals Win in Kolzig's Return - The Post

Thom Loverro: A lovely welcome for Kolzig - The Wash. Times

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posted by WFY @ 12:10 PM | |

GO FLYERS!!!!

# posted by Blogger Wiley : Wednesday, November 12, 2008 1:26:00 PM  

Randomly posting "GO FLYERS!" on a post about something else. Wiley, you are acting like a Pengyunz fan.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Wednesday, November 12, 2008 5:32:00 PM  

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Bourdreau book deal, Semin interview and 5-4-2 - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Wednesday, November 05, 2008

Bourdreau book deal, Semin interview and 5-4-2

A few items from our nation's Capitals:

Bruce Boudreau has a book deal (Capitals Insider, washingtonpost.com)
Potomac Books (Dulles, Va.) announced this morning that Boudreau's autobiography, co-written with Bears beat writer Tim Leone, will be on sale at your local bookstore in time for next hockey season.
I like Coach Boudreau an awful lot, but Jack Adams Award notwithstanding, how about winning a few playoff series before a book?

Alexander Semin speaks! (Puck Daddy)

The Caps are 5-4-2 right now, kind of a typical slow start. Semin is on fire, but Alex Ovechkin is not. Any game now...

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posted by WFY @ 12:09 PM | |

When do we get a parade? D.C. now tied for longest title drought - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 30, 2008

When do we get a parade? D.C. now tied for longest title drought

With the Phillies World Series win, Washington is now tied with Minnesota's Twin Cities for the longest title drought amongst 4-team major league markets (NFL, MLB, NHL, NBA). Coincidentally, both the Redskins and Twins won their titles in the Metrodome in Minneapolis after their 1991 seasons, though the Redskins came in January 1992. Technically, the Twin Cities have the longest drought, but I'll still call it a tie.

There is an asterisk on this though -- Washington has only been a 4-team major league market since 2005 when we got baseball back. There was not a hockey team in the Twin Cities for most of the 1990s for some reason either. D.C. United has won MLS Cups since 1996, but soccer is generally regarded as the fifth pro sport.

Of the four big league teams here now, my predictions for the most likely to end this streak.

CAPITALS: They are young, have the reigning league MVP in Alex Ovechkin and should just be entering their prime in the next season or so. On paper, the thing most likely to hold them back is goaltending while the most likely thing to move them ahead is their stable of goalscorers. Also, relying heavily on Russains could become problematic now that Russia is moving back to some Soviet-era behaviors.

Recent playoff appearances: 2008
Championships won: 0
Championship appearances: 1998

REDSKINS: After many years of mediocrity, the Redskins have made the playoffs two out of the last three years and are 6-2 this season. They have a strong nucleus, a young quarterback, Jason Campbell, who seems to have turned a corner and a fiery, intelligent coach, Jim Zorn. They have the potential to make a deep playoff run with the team they have right now and may for another couple of years. With some breaks, they could win it all. Working against them is their owner, Dan Snyder, who has historically been meddlesome. Snyder may have learned to back off from the Joe Gibbs experience though.

Recent playoff appearances: 2007, 2005
Championships won: 1991, 1988, 1982, 1942, 1937
Championship appearances: 1991, 1988, 1983, 1982, 1945, 1943, 1942, 1940, 1937

WIZARDS: The Wizards (nee Bullets) have become a periennel playoff team in the last few years, but after breaking through in 2005, they have not won another playoff series, being eliminated by Cleveland annually. When healthy, they have a strong core with Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison and Caron Butler, but they have not played together too much lately. Even when these three are healthy, the Wizards are not much for defense though. It appears that the team will continue to make the playoffs for the foreseeable future, but a championship seems unlikely unless they have excellent health and good luck.

Recent playoff appearances: 2008, 2007, 2006, 2005
Championships won: 1978
Championship appearances: 1979, 1978, 1975

NATIONALS: They are young, lack power and get by with scrap heap pitchers exceeding expectations. After starting off well with the Lerner family ownership, the franchise seems to be spinning its wheels and backing off of "The Plan" to build a strong team through the farm system. 3B Ryan Zimmmerman, C Jesus Flores, OF Elijah Dukes, OF Lastings Milledge and P John Lannan provide a foundation, but not a spectacular one. Zimmerman could be a star with good health and perhaps some protection in the lineup. Dukes, who is the Nationals most exciting player, has to overcome some very strong character problems to meet his enormous potential and Milledge still has room to grow. Flores is a highly regarded young catcher, but he needs to improve his batting to become a cornerstone. Lannan has the makings of a solid middle of the rotation starter who could win 15 or more in a strong season. There is little hope of anything more mediocre for the foreseeable future, though if the system producers a few pitchers and a slugger in the next few years, they could contend.

Recent playoff appearances: 0
Championships won: 0
Championship appearances: 0

D.C. has another eight seasons to avoid matching Philadelphia's recent title-less streak. Hopefully, it won't come to that but at least we are better off than Cleveland, whose three teams have not brought home a title since 1964.

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posted by WFY @ 12:07 PM | |

What do you mean "we"? You aren't even a Redskins or Wizards fan, are you? (You are no longer an NFL fan, as I recall).

# posted by Anonymous The Maryland Bureau Chief : Thursday, October 30, 2008 1:44:00 PM  

Good luck to your sports teams. I hope you don't have to wait as long as I did for a parade!

# posted by Blogger Kevin McGuire : Thursday, October 30, 2008 2:17:00 PM  

I occasionally take in a Wizards game, they are fun.

Saturday football is better than Sunday football, but I watch more Redskins than anyone else. I could see converting if not for two things:

Dan Snyder

That team I used to passionately follow until about ten years ago is the Redskins arch-rival. It would be quite an odd turn of events to switch, no? Perhaps I ought to ask Joe Queenan for some guidance.

# posted by Blogger WFY : Friday, October 31, 2008 7:46:00 AM  

what about DC United?

# posted by Blogger chanuck : Friday, October 31, 2008 8:01:00 AM   Post a Comment

Caps extend Erskine for $2.5 million over 2 years - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, October 24, 2008

Caps extend Erskine for $2.5 million over 2 years

Erskine Gets $2.5 Million - The Post
Erskine Gets Extension, Questionable For Tonight - The Post
Caps lock up Erskine - The Wash. Times
Why? Please be a "sign-and-trade."

Caps lost again too -- typical early season.

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posted by WFY @ 12:07 PM | |

Caps announcers profiled - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 23, 2008

Caps announcers profiled

Beninati, Laughlin Put the 'Biscuit in the Basket' - The Post
I am a fan of Joe Beninati and Craig Laughlin on the Capitals telecasts. Everytime I hear someone else do play-by-play (*cough* Al Koken, but Mike Emrick too) I appreciate Beninati even more. Laughlin is more of an acquired taste -- you have to get through his Ontario accent and lisp, but I enjoy him too.

The Caps are only so-so right now, no power play scoring is weighing them down. Sounds like a typical start.

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posted by WFY @ 6:17 AM | |

Oh look, NHL highlight videos can be embedded - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, October 17, 2008

Oh look, NHL highlight videos can be embedded

Very Web 2.0, NHL. Let's test it out with highlights from last night's Capitals win in Pittsburgh. MLB, NFL -- this is how it is done.



We had 'em all along! I start the La Coupe Hauxer season 1-0. Saturday night, the LCH season continues with the Devils in town.

UPDATE: This is not working on Firefox on this post, but was in drafts and on I.E. It is just an iframe which should not be a big deal. Ted Leonsis would not approve.

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posted by WFY @ 12:29 PM | |

The trash talking has begun - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, October 16, 2008

The trash talking has begun

La Coupe Hauxer is back for its fourth season. Reigning NHL MVP Alex Ovechkin and the Capitals are in Pittsburgh to take on Gary Bettman's coddled Pengyunz. I think I'll listen to the radio broadcast if I watch the game - I'll take Steve Kolbe over Mike Emrick's gushing over Sidney Crosby's every move i.e. "did you see how well he tied his skate laces?" any night.

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posted by WFY @ 12:54 PM | |

The world's most casual hockey fan previews the 2008-09 Capitals - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, October 10, 2008

The world's most casual hockey fan previews the 2008-09 Capitals

Capitals logo banner
Last year the Caps returned to their original colors and new logos in June and stormed out of the gate in October, going 3-0. Then injuries, apathy and suspect goaltending led to a 3-14-1 skid that cost coach Glen Hanlon his job on Thanksgiving. The next day, the Capitals rallied to beat the Flyers in overtime in Philadelphia, giving new coach Bruce Bourdreau his first NHL win. From there Capitals slowly worked their way back into relevancy and signed Alex Ovechkin to a $124 million contract. At the trade deadline they acquired Cristobal Huet who led the Caps on a tear, winning his last nine regular season starts. The fanbase was energized and turned Verizon Center into a sea of red (without giveaway t-shirts too) Washington captured the SE Division crown and faced the Flyers in a 7-game epic. The Caps got bullied for several games, but figured out how to play in the playoffs and forced game 7. By then they were too tired and fell in overtime of game 7 after two consecutive penalties.

Since then, the Caps watched Boudreau win the Jack Adams Trophy and Ovechkin sweep the post-season awards.

This year, the Capitals return very much on the NHL radar with Ted Leonsis looking for disrespect to motivate them. He is uncomfortable with the praise the Caps are getting because they have not really done anything yet which is a very healthy outlook

The team that returns is almost the same as the one that left with a maxed out salary cap. A notable departure is G Cristobal Huet, the deadline acquisition whose nine straight wins to close the season put the Capitals in the playoffs. The Capitals tried to resign Huet and even met his demands, but he decided that he preferred Chicago. Also leaving is long-time G Olie Kolzig who departed for Tampa Bay after playing his entire career in the Capitals organization -- he'll be back someday to see his number in the rafters. Jose Theodore, a one-time elite goalie, arrives in their place after a comeback season in Colorado. He was widely seen as the second-best goaltender available after Huet in free agency. Unlike the two goalies above, Theodore has won a playoff series recently.

The offense which came to life last year behind Ovechkin's 65 goals and the emergence of Nickalas Backstrom should be even more powerful than last season. Boudreau likes to attack the other team and feels the high risk/high reward style forces teams to play on the Capitals terms. At the very least, it makes for exciting hockey. The return of injured centers Michael Nylander and Chris Clark, the captain, should also help the attack.

Tonight's game is against Atlanta a Southeast division "rival." Tomorrow night, hockey night in Washington debuts for the 2008-09 with Huet and his new team, the Chicago Blackhawks an excellent coincidence on banner raising night.

It should be a fun season and I expect the Capitals to at least reach the second round, but fully capable of going farther. We shall see.
Capitals blogs I regularly read:

Japers Rink - Long-running, one of the best
Dump and Chase - washingtoncaps.com beat writer Mike Vogel
On Frozen Blog - hockey is everything to these guys, this chick
Off Wing Opinion - the longest running
A View from the Cheap Seats - a woman's perspective
Bleatings from a Caps Nut - grumpy
The Peerless Prognosticator
Ted Leonsis - the boss


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posted by WFY @ 12:20 PM | |

You forgot to include in your prediction the inevitable Caps loss in the playoffs to the mighty Pittsburgh Penguins. :-)

# posted by Anonymous The Maryland Bureau Chief : Friday, October 10, 2008 2:49:00 PM  

Hockey is everything to these guys- and girl! :-P

# posted by Blogger DCSportsChick : Friday, October 10, 2008 10:06:00 PM  

We're not grumpy!

# posted by Blogger Caps Nut : Saturday, October 11, 2008 12:48:00 AM   Post a Comment

Lavar on ice - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Tuesday, October 07, 2008

Lavar on ice


Penn State football and Capitals hockey converge -- Lavar Arrington got on the ice with the Capitals. He works for ComcastSportsNet now.

By the way, he wants you to boycott Sports Cafe (The Collegian) in downtown State College. I'm not argue with him.

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posted by WFY @ 12:36 PM | |

Possible NHL or NBA team in Baltimore? - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Thursday, July 24, 2008

Possible NHL or NBA team in Baltimore?

Baltimore wants to build a new arena (The Sun) that could support a franchise from either the NHL or NBA. I think Baltimore could support a NBA team, but am skeptical about the NHL. Either way, should a team be placed there, the established D.C. team should be granted 90% of the new Baltimore team's television rights. After all, what is fair for Baltimore is fair for Washington, right?

By the way, which bird would be the new Baltimore team's nickname?

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posted by WFY @ 12:10 PM | |

Which bird, eh? Well clearly the oriole and raven are off the list. And you can probably scratch any birds that exist for other professional sports teams, especially those on the east coast, so good bye to the eagle and cardinal and falcon. The canary wouldn't be fit to a pro team but would make for some eye sores of a uniform.

What about the Seagulls, or Gulls? Weak, I know.

# posted by Blogger Kevin McGuire : Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:09:00 PM  

Vulture

# posted by Anonymous John Taylor : Friday, July 25, 2008 11:34:00 AM  

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Ovechkin gets key to city - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Saturday, June 14, 2008

Ovechkin gets key to city

Ovechkin Locks Up Another Honor: Key to City - The Post


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posted by WFY @ 8:33 AM | |

Duh (v.2) - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, June 13, 2008

Duh (v.2)

Caps' Ovechkin Wins MVP; Boudreau Is Coach of Year - The Post
An awarding evening - The Wash. Times
Alex Ovechkin swept the NHL awards last night, taking home the Hart Trophy and Lester B. Pearson Award. He had already clinched the Art Ross and Maurice "Rocket" Richard trophies for leading the league in points and goals, respectively. No player had ever swept all four awards in one season.

Bruce Boudreau also won the Jack Adams award for coach of the year after rallying the Caps back from 6-14-1 on Thanksgiving to a division title.

These trophies are great and a vindication for Ted Leonsis rebuilding the team the way he did, but the job is not done. Ovechkin, Boudreau and Leonsis all acknowledge this -- the job is done when the Stanley Cup is in their hands.

PREVIOUSLY: Duh

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posted by WFY @ 6:44 AM | |

Perhaps hockey recaps will cool things down - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, June 09, 2008

Perhaps hockey recaps will cool things down

It is 96° out and the pool doesn't open on Mondays. Perhaps some hockey will help matters -- Comcast SportsNet is replaying a Caps game every night this week. The first one is the game against the Flyers on the day after Thanksgiving. It was Bruce Boudreau's first as a coach and the beginning of the turnaround. Other pivotal games nightly.

H/T: On Frozen Blog

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posted by WFY @ 3:54 PM | |

Pivotal games. How about every last one from March on, when they (almost) won 'em all? Those were some games. I guess no chance those are on MSG or Fox Sports NY, huh?

# posted by Anonymous DC Optimist : Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:09:00 PM  

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Olie videos - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Friday, May 09, 2008

Olie videos

300 wins video


Ha!


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posted by WFY @ 12:02 PM | |

Farewell Olie - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog

Farewell Olie

Olie Kolzig, January 6, 2004
Olie Kolzig at work, January 6, 2004

A Net Loss For Washington - The Post
Yetserday, over lunch beat writer Tarik El-Bashir learned that Olaf "Olie the Goalie" Kolzig will not be returning to the Capitals. Kolzig, who has been part of the organization since 1989 has decided to move on, either to a contending team or retirement, the latter of which strikes me as more likely. While it would have served the Capitals well for Kolzig to tell them directly, this decision is hardly surprising, so I won't get on his case too much about how he announced it.

The acquisition of Cristobal Huet from Montréal made Kolzig coming back increasingly unlikely. Kolzig kept quiet to the media since the Huet trade, but was seen removing his nameplate following the Caps elimination last month. On Wednesday, On Frozen Blog reported that Kolzig's Potomac, Md. home was on the market, so this announcement seemed inevitable

Kolzig is easily the most storied goaltender, if not player, in Capitals lore. For one thing, he is the only Cap to wear every sweater the team has worn. His 1998 Stanley Cup Finals run, 2000 Veinza Trophy and 300 wins were the big highlights on the ice and Kolzig was the face of the Caps and a champion in the community. It is unfortunate that he just didn't have it this year as the Caps began their climb back to the contention, but that is the way it goes sometimes. Hopefully, in a few years #37 heads to the rafters and everyone will put how his Washington career ended behind him.

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posted by WFY @ 6:12 AM | |

Flyers vs. Pens: Hockey blogger looking for correspondent - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Monday, May 05, 2008

Flyers vs. Pens: Hockey blogger looking for correspondent

A noted hockey blogger I know may be looking for a correspondent to collect video, photos and observations of the Happy Valley scene during the Flyers vs. Pengyunz series. Apparently, it was quite something the last time these two teams met in the playoffs; I had already graduated, so I missed it. Actually, I may not have missed it. I do remember what the town was like when the Eagles and Steelers met in the regular season a few years ago though and that was pretty intense. Drop me a line (e-mail link below) if you are interested.

As for the series, I won't be watching it, but I hope that Pittsburgh loses.

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