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.
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.
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.
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 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 WFY :
Monday, June 22, 2009 8:08:00 AM
Post a CommentTed 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.
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.
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.
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. "
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.
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 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 WFY :
Thursday, May 14, 2009 9:59:00 AM
Post a CommentCapitals, 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.
I hope the Caps pull it out tonight. Good luck to them against the Penguins!
# posted by 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 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 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 TMBC :
Wednesday, May 13, 2009 8:15:00 PM
So does the guy behind him in Hershey, brighter perhaps given this disaster.
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.
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.
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?
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.
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 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 WFY :
Thursday, May 07, 2009 12:25:00 PM
Post a CommentCapitals 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
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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!
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. "
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
"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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 WFY :
Wednesday, January 07, 2009 5:45:00 PM
Post a CommentMusic 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!
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
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 Blogformore.
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.
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 Hendo :
Sunday, January 04, 2009 12:37:00 PM
Thanks again for the invite. Great fun.
# posted by 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!
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.
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.
# posted by 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 Hendo :
Sunday, December 14, 2008 5:11:00 PM
Post a CommentMiss 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:
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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 WFY :
Friday, October 31, 2008 7:46:00 AM
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.
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.
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.
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
Last year the Caps returned to their originalcolors 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.
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 Kolzigwho 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:
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?
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 Kevin McGuire :
Thursday, July 24, 2008 1:09:00 PM
Vulture
# posted by John Taylor :
Friday, July 25, 2008 11:34:00 AM
Post a CommentOvechkin gets key to city - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
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.
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.
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 DC Optimist :
Tuesday, June 10, 2008 6:09:00 PM
Farewell Olie - William World News - William F. Yurasko's blog
Farewell Olie
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.
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.
Washington Nationals, Nats, Washington Capitals, Washington Wizards, Washington Redskins
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