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.

Washington Capitals, Caps, Olie Kolzig, NHL

Labels: Capitals/NHL, Video

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posted by WFY @ 6:12 AM | |

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.

NHL, Philadelphia Flyers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Penn State, State College, yo, yinz

Labels: Blogging/WWW, Capitals/NHL, Pennsylvania, PSU/Happy Valley

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posted by WFY @ 12:07 PM | |

On the whole, I'd rather be in Philadelphia.

# posted by  WFY : Monday, May 05, 2008 1:17:00 PM  

BREAKING: Ovechkin headed to Sunshine State

NHL Star Called Up To Big Leagues To Play For NFL Team

"Covering all sports and hockey too."

Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, Miami Dolphins, The Onion

Labels: Capitals/NHL, Video, Whiskey-Tango-Foxtrot

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posted by WFY @ 7:11 PM | |

Caps Game 7 post-mortem

Visions of 1988 were certainly coming to mind leading up to and during last night's game. The Caps were storming back from a Flyers 3-1 playoff lead and when the game went to overtime, it was almost eerie. Unfortunately, the Flyers snuck a puck in with six seconds left on an overtime powerplay and it was all over.

I think the Caps played with desperation last night, as evidenced by the 16 shots on goal in the third period, but I couldn't help but think they were running on fumes. The toll of climbing out of the cellar on Thanksgiving had finally caught up with them. It was a valiant effort, but I am not going suggest some sort of "we went the distance" pablum (as a certain fake Philly boxer said), makes it okay. The game and series was there to be won and they could not get it done. Yes, there was some poor officiating, but the lesson to be learned is there will always be poor officiating, play harder and smarter and render it a moot point. As much as I loathe to say it, learn from the Flyers and stretch the rules a little bit to get things done. The Flyers did that and they have at least four more games scheduled because of it.

Overall, it was a good series that just did not end the right way. Seeing how much the Caps grew during it is certainly a promising development. I did not expect Alex Ovechkin to have as much trouble as he did in the early part of the series, but in the end his four goals and nine points are pretty good for a superstar in his first playoff series. I was also pleased with Nicklas Backstrom who had four goals; I expected him to have more trouble against Philly. Alexander Semin also had some good moments and I cannot complain about the goaltending. Hopefully, they can sign Cristobal Huet in the offseason. Olie Kolzig is a goner though (Capitals Insider), something I will talk about later.

I am running out of lunchtime, so this post won't be as ambitious as I would like, so I expect to have more to say at a later date. Check out the Recommended Reading widget too.

Post-game video:



Washington Capitals, Caps, Philadelphia Flyers

Labels: Capitals/NHL

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posted by WFY @ 12:43 PM | |

Good season, bad end

Caps lose Game 7 in overtime; I'm going to bed. More tomorrow, probably at lunch.

Labels: Capitals/NHL

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posted by WFY @ 10:04 PM | |

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Fait accompli? Hardly

The Caps big win last night kept the series alive and brought it back to Washington. They seem to have the momentum on their side, not too mention younger legs and playing at home, but I can't even think for a second this one is in the bag. The Flyers now have their backs against the wall and you know, they want vengeance. For something.

Anyway, as great as last night's victory was and as many times I have heard the Dale Hunter 1988 comparisons, the Caps haven't won anything yet. They seems to realize this:



This should be fun. Win me a milkshake boys.

Washington Capitals, Caps, Philadelphia Flyers

Labels: Capitals/NHL, Video

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posted by WFY @ 12:36 PM | |

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And we'll see you tomorrow night!

The Capitals just came back from a two goal deficit to beat the Flyers, 4-2 in Philadelphia. Alex Ovechkin had the game-winner in the third. He finally broke through and got his first goal since his game 1 winner. He also added an insurance goal.

The series is now tied at 3 with game 7 in Washington tomorrow night.

Washington Capitals, Caps, Alex Ovechkin, Philadelphia Flyers

Labels: Capitals/NHL

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posted by WFY @ 9:36 PM | |

I am rooting for the Caps for three main reasons:

1) To gain points in an NHL playoff pool I'm in;

2) To see playoff hockey in person in the near future (or at least, I hope);

3) To give the Penguins an easier, tired, worn-out opponent in round two.

# posted by  The Maryland Bureau Chief : Tuesday, April 22, 2008 9:42:00 AM  

Caps: Game 6 tonight in Philly

I did not see any of the Capitals victory over the Flyers on Saturday because I was at the Blue White Game. I wonder is if the Capitals have played their best game yet. Prior to Saturday, I don't think they had. Chances are they will need to play their best tonight in game 6 because Philly has to be motivated to avoid a game 7 in D.C. One Inky columnist seems very concerned. I'm concerned about Alex Ovechkin. He's been hitting everything in sight, but he isn't making the big bucks to hit people. I'm hoping he can finally break out and start putting them between the pipes tonight. Of course, if they win, I won't care who scores and I don't think he will either.

While I was off in my overall prediction -- Caps in six, I am going to be as consistent as I can and go with the Caps tonight. They have been responding to must win situations for a the last month, so this is old hat to them. This isn't the most informed prediction I have ever made, but my as well be an optimist :)

CHAT @ 2:30 p.m.
The Washington Capitals - The Post
"Washington Post staff writer Tarik El-Bashir will be online Friday, April 18 at 2 p.m. ET to take your questions about the Caps and their first-round playoff series against Philadelphia."

Washington Capitals, Caps, Philadelphia Flyers, NHL Playoffs

Labels: Capitals/NHL

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posted by WFY @ 12:35 PM | |

Chats on Caps & Nats

Actually, the Tarik El-Bashir chat link disappeared. Perhaps washingtonpost.com thought better of hosting a chat that would be filled with little but references to 1988 and polite requests suggesting Mike Wise never be allowed to write about hockey/anything again.

Boswell on Baseball - washingtonpost.com
"Washington Post sports columnist Thomas Boswell will be online Friday, April 18 at 3 p.m. ET to take your questions about the Washington Nationals and the rest of Major League Baseball."

Expect sad apocalyptic Bos.

Labels: Capitals/NHL, Nats/MLB 2008

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posted by WFY @ 12:55 PM | |

Nats find new way to lose

Bases-Loaded Wild Pitch In 14th Sinks Nationals - The Post
A wild ending for Nats - The Wash. Times
Bullpen Gives Mets Enough Time to Finish a Rally - The Times
Damion Easley scored on wild pitch for Mets in 14th inning to beat Nationals - Daily News
EASLEY DOES IT - NY Post
American Hero John Lannan struck out 12 in six innings of work, but the hitting wasn't timely and Joel Hanrahan blew it in the 14th with a bases loaded wild pitch. It is always something.

For Robinson, Time Brings Altered View - The Post
Former manager Frank Robinson visited Shea Stadium last night and spent some time with the Nationals. He has gotten over management's decision not to retain him in 2006 and now believes it was the right time for him to go. Robinson also thinks the Nats are in a rut. Um, yeah.

Most of The Wash. Times Frank Robinson coverage is on the jump page, so here is the first part:

Frank Robinson attended last night's game, and the Nationals' former manager said he has watched the team regularly all season and isn't worried about its sluggish start.

Robinson watching closely - The Wash. Times

Lacking zip, Cordero still not the closer - The Wash. Times
Cordero doubts shoulder is injured - The Free Lance-Star
Chad Cordero denies that he has a shoulder injury and is concerned he won't get enough work to increase his velocity. He understands whey is not closing now though.

I didn't see any of last night's game because I was watching the Caps. They lost again, this time in two overtimes (The Post). I went to bed after the first one.

Washington Nationals, Nats, New York Mets

Labels: Capitals/NHL, Nats/MLB 2008

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posted by WFY @ 5:59 AM | |

Come on William--you watched the Caps game but barely mention them on the blog, while giving the Nationals top billing? The baseball season is long....Don't try to distance yourself from the Caps now. Give the Flyers their due!

I stayed up through the entire 4 overtime game against the Caps in the playoffs in 1996.

# posted by  The Maryland Bureau Chief : Friday, April 18, 2008 10:55:00 AM