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."
Again, why no Nats single game tickets for sale? - William World News
Monday, February 01, 2010
Again, why no Nats single game tickets for sale?
I couldn't make it to NatsFest or any of the Winter Caravan this year, but based onseveralaccounts, these events were well-received. There was also a number of media appearances by members of the organization which is also refreshing in the dead of winter with spring training still a few weeks away. I still have a big problem with all of this though:
WHY CAN'T I BUY SINGLE GAME TICKETS YET?!
A full week of good PR that is not getting turned into ticket sales. What's the deal Stan Kasten? I thought you were the genius of the 1990s Atlanta Braves, this stuff shouldn't be too hard. The reality of it is, the longer this kind of thing goes on, the more I'm reminded of Homer Simpson, union negotiator.
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? :)
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.
DC Sports Bog: #26 is cursed in Washington sports - William World News
Thursday, November 12, 2009
DC Sports Bog: #26 is cursed in Washington sports
For D.C. sports, 26 = sign of the devil - The Post I did not get to this yesterday -- 26 is the number of the damned in Washington pro sports according to Dan Steinberg's frightening numerology. The Nationals, Capitals, Redskins, Wizards and DC United have all fallen victim to this dark number, though the spell seems to be indirect on the Caps.
By the way, the Caps now have 26 standings points - best in the Eastern Conference.
#11 was a magic number in DC on Wednesday. The Caps won their 11th game of season in an 11 round shootout. Ryan Zimmerman (#11) won the NL 3B Gold Glove. Both of these took place on the 11th day of the 11th month. Wild.
To which I added:
11 is also retired by Capitals (Mike Gartner), the Wizards/Bullets (Elvin Hayes), was worn by the last Redskins QB to win a Super Bowl (Mark Rypien). My favorite number too.
# posted by WFY :
Thursday, November 12, 2009 12:36:00 PM
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.
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