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.
Ted Leonsis says he will buy Wizards, Verizon Center; chats at 12:30 - William World News
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ted Leonsis says he will buy Wizards, Verizon Center; chats at 12:30
Leonsis: 'We'll End Up Buying' the Wizards - DCist At a booksigning for the Business of Happiness, Ted Leonsis said "It's my intention and expectation that everything is going to work out fine and that it will be done the right way and that we'll own the Caps and the Wizards and the building." Apparently, he had used the word "definitely" originally. He also praised the Pollin family.
Since the sale did not go through at the first opportunity, the Pollins have increased their media presence and the past history of John Kent Cooke failing to buy the Redskins from his father Jack Kent Cooke's estate, Washingtonians have reason to be wary. I'm trying not to be and hope that Leonsis is correct and gets the Wizards, Verizon Center and the D.C. Ticketmaster franchise. Leonsis is chatting on The Post Web site at 12:30 p.m.
For all the grief that he caused, both as a Washington Redskins executive and as media personality, I'll say this for Vinny Cerrato -- he's been quiet lately. Maybe I'm giving him too much credit because this is one of the few relatively quiet times during the year for the NFL and he doesn't have a media job. Seriously though, when was the last time you saw a DC Sports Bog post about him? He has not gone out and gotten a Twitter account or anything else. It is appreciated.
I wish I could say the same about a couple of other failed GMs, one from Washington another from Long Island, that keep appearing on DC related blogs and twitter.
Folks, maybe if we ignore them, they will go away too.
Nevertheless, the Caps got a point on the road and reminded us they can never be counted out yet again. they have 29 points in their last 15 games. Ted Leonsis is thankful and keeping it in perspective. Streaks are nice, but they are not the goal. The goal is a big shiny trophy awarded in June.
Capitals beat Bruins to win 11th straight - William World News
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Capitals beat Bruins to win 11th straight
Washington Capitals defeat Boston Bruins 4-1 to win record 11th straight - The Post Not only is 11 consecutive wins a Capitals record, but it might be tied for an all-time Washington sports record. I can recall the Redskins going 11-0 in 1991, but that is probably the only time that a D.C. team had that many consecutive wins, I'm pretty sure the Wizards/Bullets, Nationals, Senators and DC United never pulled off the feat.
UPDATE 6:11 p.m. Actually, the Senators did it two better in 1933, according to DC Sports Bog, the last year a pennant was won by Washington. DC United did it in 1999 and won the championship.
This is a great milestone for the Caps, but they are looking for the biggest one. As Ted Leonsis says "we have miles to go before we can sleep."
Ted Leonsis blogs about Wizards, Verizon Center sale - William World News
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Ted Leonsis blogs about Wizards, Verizon Center sale
An Update on Today's News - Ted's Take Washington Capitals owner Ted Leonsis issued a statement via his blog about the recent Post article on his bid to buy the Wizards, Verizon Center and the D.C. Ticketmaster franchise outright from the estate of Abe Pollin. This is a "calm down everyone" move, but perhaps also a "hey, Pollins remember we had a deal" move on his part.
Until a time comes that Leonsis completes the purchase, Washingtonians are going to holding their breath because the last time a D.C. team owner died (Jack Kent Cooke), things did not go according to plan and we got...Dan Snyder.
I now expect this will be a long and nerve-racking process. Hopefully, the good guy wins.
The Capitals broke a 1-1 tie with the Anaheim Ducks in the 3rd period and charged to a 5-1 win. Eight wins in a row, not bad, how about doing it in May and June? :)
The Caps won again last night, dropping 7 on the New York Islanders on Long Island. They did it despite Alex Ovechkin not scoring, though he may have been gun-shy after Isles Jack Hillen taking an Ovi slapshot to the jaw.
Tonight, the Anaheim Ducks come to the Washington to try and end the Caps 7 game win streak.
Washington Capitals beat Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3 - William World News
Friday, January 22, 2010
Washington Capitals beat Pittsburgh Penguins 6-3
Capitals beat Penguins, 6-3, with three goals in third period - The Post It is always good to come out of Pittsburgh with a win. Three Washington 3rd period goals were the difference. The Caps have now won beat the Philadelphia Flyers, Detroit Red Wings and Penguins in consecutive games -- not a bad week. The Caps La Coupe Hauxer record is now 5-4, second place in the standings too.
Wizards & Verizon Center sale: No deal yet between Pollins and Leonsis - William World News
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Wizards & Verizon Center sale: No deal yet between Pollins and Leonsis
Appraisers to determine value of Wizards, Verizon Center - The Post The sale of the Washington Wizards, Verizon Center and the local Ticketmaster franchise to Ted Leonsis by the Abe Pollin estate is entering round 2. After falling to come to an agreement over the last 10 days the Pollin estate and Leonsis will each have appraisers advise them on the value of the assets. If they can't come to an agreement then, a third round with an appraiser chosen by both sides would make a determination. If that is not satisfactory, the Pollin estate could offer the team to a third party. Leonsis would have the right to match that offer.
This is a disappointing development, but try not to be alarmed. Both sides are playing a little hard-ball right now and hopefully it will result in a sale to Leonsis. The critical part of the sale is the Verizon Center, since Leonsis' Capitals have been in an unfavorable lease with Pollin's Washington Sports & Entertainment. Leonsis' Lincoln Holdings currently owns 44% of WS&E.
Capitals 3 Red Wings 2: I missed a good one - William World News
Capitals 3 Red Wings 2: I missed a good one
My old friend J.J.'s Detroit Red Wings came to the Verizon Center last night and dominated the Washington Capitals. The Wings had 46 shots while holding Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green to zero (though each got an assist). The Caps didn't even get off their first shot until late in the first period. Goalie Jose Theodore (video) kept them in the game though, stopping 44 of those shots while the Caps scored on goals from Nicklas Backstrom, Brooks Laich and Matt Bradley. They stole won one last night. I didn't see any of it though :(
Tomorrow night, off to the Pittsburgh to play the hated Penguins. How often has a team played back to back against Stanley Cup finalists? Between that and the Flyers on Sunday, its been quite a week for the Caps.
Major deadline in Wizards sale to Leonsis on Wednesday - William World News
Monday, January 18, 2010
Major deadline in Wizards sale to Leonsis on Wednesday
Deadline nears in sale talks for Wizards - The Post Ted Leonsis is negotiating with the heirs of Abe Pollin to buy the majority of the Washington Wizards and Verizon Center. Wednesday is the primary deadline, although as explained in the article linked above, this isn't the only opportunity for him to seal the deal.
While fixing up the Wizards would be great, controlling Verizon Center is huge. Leonsis' Washington Capitals are tenants in the building. Not having control of things like club seats and ice conditions is tough on the franchise and Leonsis getting control would likely mitigate those issues and balance out the cash flow situation.
Happy sports news -- Caps win! - William World News
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Happy sports news -- Caps win!
A new feat for Ovechkin - The Post I turned on last night's Washington Capitals vs. Toronto Maple Leafs game and said, oh great, the Caps are winning 5-1. Then, a second later, Tom Poti went top shelf for the final goal of the evening.
Alex Ovechkin had 5 points, including a goal in the first minute of the game. Despite missing 10 games this year, he is two points off of the NHL scoring lead.
So, there are a few things going on in D.C. sports - William World News
Wednesday, January 06, 2010
So, there are a few things going on in D.C. sports
The events of the last few days prove one thing -- The Wash. Times was SOOOOOOOO smart to cut their Sports section.
Washington Capitals name Alex Ovechkin captain - The Post Without hoopla and hype, superstar Alex Ovechkin was named the 14th regular captain in Washington Capitals history yesterday. I thought that Brooks Laich (who is another locker-room/media relations leader) may get it, but I find no fault with Ovi wearing the C -- nobody plays harder and that is one of the best examples a captain can set. Laich will certainly continue to contribute as well. The Great 8 turned down captaincy in 2006 because he was not yet comfortable with his English.
Now we move onto Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards nee Bullets...
MIKE WISE - Dear Gilbert, You've really blown it now - The Post In basketball, Gilbert continues to be Gilbert, but he is still in deep trouble. As I said before, never being serious is fun for a while, but not when the team is 11-21 and guns are involved. Its too bad, but his road to redemption is steep here in D.C. if he's even given the chance.
Some good news though -- the Wiz beat the Philadelphia 76ers again! Bad news -- they don't play again this season.
Redskins and Mike Shanahan reach agreement - The Post I for one welcome our new burgundy and gold overlord. I think Shanahan will make the Redskins respectable again, but don't see him getting a Super Bowl ring here. He will probably bring in a respectable offensive line though.
Capitals trade Clark, Jurcina for Chimera - The Post "Washington Post Capitals and NHL Editor Lindsay Applebaum will be online Tuesday, Dec. 29 at 11 a.m. ET to take your questions about the team's trade of captain Chris Clark and defenseman Milan Jurcina to Columbus for winger Jason Chimera."
Capitals trade captain Clark, Jurcinia for Chimera, lose to 'Canes - William World News
Capitals trade captain Clark, Jurcinia for Chimera, lose to 'Canes
Capitals trade captain Chris Clark and Milan Jurcina for Jason Chimera - The Post Capitals trade their captain to Columbus - The Wash. Times I don't think anybody saw this trade coming. The Washington Capitals traded their captain Chris Clark and defenseman Milan Jurcina to the Columbus Blue Jackets for Jason Chimera, best known around here for mixing it up with Alex Ovechkin back in November at the only game I have been to this season. After Ovechkin was injured in scrum that Chimera got started, Chimera declined to fight, so I don't know if his acquisition toughens up the team at all. So, now I have to cheer for him? Many have suggested that the Caps need an enforcer, but I saw the word "agitator" in early stories about the trade yesterday. I'm a little skeptical of Chimera, but certainly willing to be won over.
Clark, captain since 2006, was blindsided by the trade. He had 30 goals that season, but lost most of the next two seasons to injuries. His production has diminished as the team got better too, though Clark did not mind. Praise for his leadership and toughness has been universal, so he will really be missed. Jurcina on the other hand was often a healthy scratch lately and dealing him frees up a spot for a younger, cheaper blueliners. Also, the trade frees up more salary cap space which means the Caps could be buyers at the deadline. It also comes right after Alexander Semin signed a one-year extension that will keep him in Chinatown through next season. That was pretty shrewd for both parties.
Coach Bruce Boudreau said the next captain will not be named right away. The three candidates that come to mind are Ovechkin, Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble. It will be interesting to see how gets the C and when. I would not be surprised if it comes after the Olympic break.
Hurricanes top Capitals, 6-3 - The Post Disastrous first period dooms Capitals - The Wash. Times Gee, I guess the Caps were rattled. The last place Carolina Hurricanes came into Verizon Center and crushed the home team. That is Washington's first loss in the Southeast Division all season.
Too soon to call the Caps the real deal - William World News
Wednesday, December 09, 2009
Too soon to call the Caps the real deal
Caps the real deal - The Globe and Mail Some praise of the Washington Capitals from north of the border. Are they the real deal? Too early to tell, but it is a nice sentiment. As Ted Leonsis says, "miles to go before we sleep."
Ovechkin supension; Tarik El-Bashir chat at 2 - William World News
Thursday, December 03, 2009
Ovechkin supension; Tarik El-Bashir chat at 2
A few quick thoughts on Washington Capitals superstar Alex Ovechkin getting suspended for a knee to knee hit on Carolina Hurricanes Tim Gleason. Ovechkin was going for the check, but Gleason pulled up and the collision included both knees hitting. A five minute penalty and game misconduct give to Ovechkin, who later got kicked out for two games.
I am not thrilled about this but I can't find fault with the NHL's in all of this. I disagree with those who say Ovechkin is dirty though, reckless sure at times, but not dirty. He says he won't change his game, but I'm guessing he'll tweak it a little. He's got a bulls-eye on his back and there is a sizable contingent of the hockey community that wants him to fail for a variety of reasons. I think he'll be fine though.
By the way, the F?EE ALEX signs on Japers Rink are great.
Of course you don't. EVERY NHL analyst has agreed that Ovechkin's play was a dirty one (even Wilbon on PTI, who is a BIG Ovechkin fan, said it was dirty). Wake up man! Ovechkin has been doing this for years. He's extremely talented, and you know as a Pens fan it pains me to admit that, but he doesn't need to resort to these antics. Need I remind you what he did to Gonchar last year, and others?
# posted by TMBC :
Thursday, December 03, 2009 7:43:00 PM
Of course you say he's dirty, you are a Pengyunz fan. He plays on the edge and he crossed a little. He's gotten disciplined for it. He'll be fine and the sport will survive and thrive.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, December 03, 2009 8:39:00 PM
Post a CommentTed Leonsis has right of first refusal to buy Wizards, Verizon Center - William World News
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Ted Leonsis has right of first refusal to buy Wizards, Verizon Center
Leonsis has the option to purchase franchise - The Post Leonsis in line to buy Wizards, Verizon Center - The Wash. Times As part of the agreement that Ted Leonsis made to buy the Capitals and 44% of Washington Sports and Entertainment (Wizards and Verizon Center) from Abe Pollin, Leonsis has the right of first refusal to buy the those assets. Let's hope that he can and does. Leonsis is the best sports owner in Washington if not the country. Getting Verizon Center into his portfolio would greatly improve the Caps situation since their lease is not very good to them.
Wizards owner helped transform D.C. - The Post D.C. sports icon, Wizards owner Pollin dead at 85 - The Wash. Times Abe Pollin, a juggernaut of Washington D.C. sports, died yesterday at age 85. Pollin was the owner of the Washington Wizards (nee Bullets) of the NBA and Verizon Center. He had founded the Washington Capitals of the NHL and Washington Mystics of the WNBA as well, later selling them to Lincoln Holdings, Ted Leonsis managing partner. He also built the Capital Centre, since demolished, the first of two arenas he financed and built for his teams.
Pollin was a construction magnate who had moved to D.C. as an eight year old. He bought the Baltimore Bullets in 1964 and become sole owner in 1968. In 1973, he opened Capital Centre in Landover, Prince George's County, Md., moving the Bullets to just outside the Beltway. In 1974, he founded the Capitals, despite never seeing a hockey game. Jimmy "The Greek" Snyder had given Pollin 600-to-1 odds on landing the NHL expansion franchise.
In 1978, the Bullets, led by Wes Unseld won the NBA title for the first and to date only time, beating the Seattle SuperSonics. That would be the high water mark for Pollin's teams in competition. The lack of championships led a to mixed legacy for Pollin. He was often thought of, by Caps fans in particular, as unwilling to spend the money to win. The marketing of the Bullets was directed drawing fans to see the visitors, rather than the home team. Caps fans felt as though Pollin cared little for that team and those feelings only intensified when Pollin sold busloads worth of tickets to Detroit Red Wings fans during the lone Stanley Cup appearance. The Bullets went a decade between playoff appearances and about two decades between playoff series wins. Pollin also changed the name of the basketball team to Wizards after his friend Israeli prime minster Yitzhak Rabin was gunned down.
In 1999, he sold the Captials to Leonsis' Lincoln Holdings. The transaction also included 44% of the Wizards and Verizon Center. In 2000, Pollin and Leonsis brought Michael Jordan to Washington to be an executive and for two years had Jordan as a player. After Jordan ended his playing days, Pollin did not retain Jordan's services as an executive, a shocking move. Pollin rebounded by hiring Ernie Grunfeld who assembled the Wizards into a playoff team. Pollin has also been criticized for the terms of the lease with the Caps and the conditions of the ice.
While Pollin's legacy is mixed in the management of his franchises, his philanthropy at home and aboard and development of arenas is universally praised. He built Verizon Center with his own money (the District spent millions on infrastructure), setting off a building boom in the old Chinatown neighborhood. His decision to put a new arena in the District will ultimately by his greatest legacy. Gallery Place/Chinatown turned into a bustling neighborhood and led to more building and investment downtown. When Verizon Center (then MCI Center) opened in 1997, 7th Street was barren, now it is thriving along with the rest ofthe neighborhood. The return of baseball to Washington and Nationals Park happened in large part because Pollin proved what a magnet a sporting venue could be. That will be his greatest legacy.
Capitals and Wizards have below average ticket prices - William World News
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Capitals and Wizards have below average ticket prices
Report: Wizards, Caps among sports' best bargains - The Wash. Times D.C.'s two major indoor teams, the Capitals and Wizards, sell their tickets at less than their league averages. The Nationals have the 7th highest prices in MLB, but cut back tickets an average of 7% for 2010. The Nats also have $5 seats.
Finally get to a Caps game and the Ovi gets hurt - William World News
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
Finally get to a Caps game and the Ovi gets hurt
Ovechkin is listed as week to week - The Post Ovechkin week-to-week with upper-body strain - The Wash. Times Sunday evening, my brother and I were treated to the Washington Capitals vs. Columbus Blue Jackets game by my father. Dad had not yet seen Alex Ovechkin play in person and unfortunately, he did not see much of him Sunday evening. Ovechkin got an upper body injury, likely in a scrum with the opposition. I guess the Blue Jackets motto is "if you can't beat him, beat him." I suppose it worked for them as they beat Washington in overtime 5-4.
Frankly, the Caps did not play that well, especially in the first period when they were lucky to get a 1-0 lead on a sweet Nicklas Bäckström goal off of a couple of bang-bang passes. Nevertheless, a dull second period was followed by an exciting third period that saw Brooks Laich pick up two goals and Quinten Laing get his first goal of the season. It was not enough though as the Blue Jackets kept scoring.
With Ovechkin gone for a while, the Caps have an opportunity to grow as a team and start playing 60 minutes, a major shortcoming thus far this season. Given that they are second in the conference in points, we can look forward to what a more focused team can do going forward.
JOHN FEINSTEIN - Capitals Should Revel in Every Banner Night - The Post Feinstein thinks the Capitals should have done more than unfurl their 2008-2009 Southeast Division title banner. I disagree, unfurling it instead of raising it is the right message to the players and fans -- division titles are nice, but there are two bigger goals than a division title, the conference and Stanley Cup.
By the way, On Frozen Blog noted that the Caps changed their banners, something I mentioned to UniWatch. No more pictures of the players faces on their retired number banners.
MIKE WISE - Leonsis's Invention of Not Lying - The Post Another column about the Ted Leonsis way of franchise ownership. It is all review, but good to read anyway.
The Caps are 2-0 right now and headed up I-95 on the bus for opening night in Philadelphia with the Flyers. They better watch out and that's just from the Philly fans!
Alex Ovechkin, Mike Green and Nicklas Backstrom kicked field goals at FedEx Field before the Redskins game which is great until someone gets hurt. Redskins Blog, DC Sports Bog. Bruce Boudreau was there too, sitting in with Comcast SportsNet Washington:
The Washington Capitals' 2009-2010 season starts tonight - William World News
Thursday, October 01, 2009
The Washington Capitals' 2009-2010 season starts tonight
Is This the Year for the Caps? - The Post Capitals Preview 2009 - The Post Capitals season preview - The Wash. Times Leonsis: Capitals set for dynasty - The Wash. Times As one season fades, another begins. I wore my white stars n' stripes Washington Capitals sweater today (with a Nationals home red hat -- a sharp combo). Hockey is back tonight with our Nation's Capitals opening in Boston against the Bruins. Washington's premier team will return to D.C. for a Saturday night home opener against the Toronto Maple Leafs. Hopefully, they won't make a big fuss about their latest Southeast Division title becuase at this point, that is too small a goal for this team. They have most of the firepower from last year's second seed team back. LW Alex Ovechkin the greatest player in the world returns following another Hart Trophy (MVP) season. He is joined by C Nicklas Backstrom, fellow Russian Alexander Semin, defensive scoring leader Mike Green plus new additions Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison. Tom Poti and Sergei Federov departed in the offseason, as did enforcer Donald Brashear. Captain Chris Clark is also the healthiest he has been in years.
Goaltending is the biggest question mark for the Caps with Jose Theodore trying to fend off Semyon Varlamov, who led the playoff run after taking over for Theodore in the first round. Michael Neuvirth who won the Calder Cup with the AHL Hershey Bears and will likely see some time in Washington this season.
Bruce Boudreau is the enthusiastic head coach who continues to push the culture of high expectations and great post-game interviews. Ted Leonsis believes that the Caps could be a dynasty with the current core as well as the talent they have in the minors. We can't get ahead of ourselves though and I don't think Leonsis or Bourdreau have either. They have to win one first and this appears to be a prime year to do it with some likely roster changes next year.
In addition to the newspapers linked above, I follow the team through a few of the many blogs:
I'll be following along all season, though I don't know how much blogging I will do -- after all I am the "most casual hockey fan in the world." I am going to the Nov. 3 game though and hopefully some others later in the season. If you have an extra pair of seats, let me know sometime and I will see if I can take them off your hands. :)
Alex Ovechkin is one of my favorite players to watch, and I'm a Flyers fan. I think the Caps' addition of Mike Knuble will serve them well this season.
Caps off to a good start with last night's win and two goals by Alex the Great.
Should be a fun year!
# posted by Kevin McGuire :
Friday, October 02, 2009 6:54:00 AM
Who are we playing November 3rd?
# posted by Caps Nut :
Monday, October 05, 2009 7:42:00 PM
I think its the Hartford Whalers. No, maybe its the Quebec Nordiques or even the Winnipeg Jets. Hmmm, maybe I'll go to the Nov. 1 game vs. Columbus instead.
Harrisburg/Hershey, home to Nationals & Capitals farm teams, #1 minor league market - William World News
Monday, August 24, 2009
Harrisburg/Hershey, home to Nationals & Capitals farm teams, #1 minor league market
Harrisburg, Hershey have best fans, sports publication declares - The Fan Box, Patriot-News According to Sports Business Journal, Pennsylvania's capital region is the leading minor league market in the country. Two Washington teams, the Nationals and Capitals have minor league teams there, the Harrisburg Senators and Hershey Bears. My in-laws live up that way and I have a few friends there too. In 2006 (I think) I went with my father-in-law to a Senators game -- we ran into Fritz and his father. I have not been to a Hershey Bears game yet, but I am sure I will go sometime, they have a great atmosphere there.
Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau threw out the first pitch at last night's Nats game - William World News
Friday, August 21, 2009
Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau threw out the first pitch at last night's Nats game
BRRRUUUUUUUUUCE
I'm glad the Nationals and Capitals are cross promoting each other. the Nats need to do this with every D.C. team. I want Jim Zorn of the Redskins, Flip Saunders of the Wizards, college coaches etc. and even Tom Soehn of D.C. United, out there before the respective seasons too. Draft picks out to be invited out too, make it a regular part of their rounds upon coming to Washington.
Capitals 2009-2010 schedule released - William World News
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Capitals 2009-2010 schedule released
Yesterday, the NHL released the 2009-2010 Washington Capitals schedule. Our Nation's Capitals open Oct. 1 in Boston against the Bruins, followed by the home opener in Washington vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs. The traditional night before Thanksgiving game brings the Buffalo Sabres to D.C. while the Super Bowl afternoon game is against the Pengyunz. The traditional New Year's afternoon game has been shelved due to the NHL only letting the Winter Classic, Philadelphia Flyers vs. Boston in Fenway Park, play on that day. The only person at ESPN who cares about hockey, Scott Burnside, is not happy the Caps and Alex Ovechkin are not in it. It also makes a Beaver Stadium clash between the Penguynz and Flyers less likely in the near future. I'll get over it, since I tend to have other programming to watch on New Year's Day.
The Caps might get a big stage in Montréal though as the Canadiens are working on getting the November 28 matchup into Olympic Stadium (The Wash. Times). That could be a crazy scene and the fact the former tenants of Stade Olympique, the Expos, move to Washington and became the Nationals, could add a little fuel to the fire in that one.
Now, I have to figure out which games I want to try and go to -- have to get the old man out for a game too.
Capitals #6 for bang for your buck in ESPN Ultimate Standings, other D.C. teams in 90s - William World News
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
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
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
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
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
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. "
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
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.
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
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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