The season just ended for us. The team is now leaving for home bases all around the world. We will all catch our breath then reconvene to reflect on the season; review what we need to do to improve; and then set forth our plan for next season.
Bruce is our coach. He deserved the deal he negotiated with George for his fine work. Thank you coach. You made us all proud.
As to individual players and deals, it does us no competitive good to go public with our thoughts, budgets and strategies. George will act at the right time within the confines of our long term plan. We will have a busy off season but we need the time to clear our heads and act with reflection and planning.
I would also like to make one comment. From time to time, I will read some message board posts or receive emails about a player. The fan will write with conviction and in anger “So-and-so is soft. He doesn’t hit. He should be benched because he isn’t tough.” and I will know that same player is playing in a playoff game with both a separated shoulder and a broken jaw. The player is a true warrior and is tough as nails and has the true respect of his teammates for playing so hurt. From time to time, a little empathy is in order. 
Thank you.
Who knew? All the fans can go by is the effort we see taking place on the ice. The Caps never release details about injuries – how are we to know if a player is injured or playing soft? Not making excuses but the fans posting at the message boards are simply calling it as they see it.
Ted,
There are no wimps in the NHL. Fans watching the game from the comfort of their living room most likely never played the game. Take a look at the injuries that keep baseball players out of the lineup. Hockey player get knocked unconscious or received 20 stitches to put his face back together usually come back on the ice later in the game! These guys are true warriors
It amazed me to see that so many guys were playing injured. Mike Green said it all when he something like there was no way that he’d miss out on a Game 7 and that they would have to cut his leg off before he would miss it. It says a lot about these young guys that we have. I love it.
Ted,
In my next life, will you move up and let me own the Capitals? Maybe you could be President or something.
I know you can’t comment on players, but can you comment on the ice and what you are doing to fix it during this offseason?
Danny Briere has now said in two interviews that the poor quality of the ice in Washington was a major factor in their series win. Here’s one quote in the Washington Times @ http://video1.washingtontimes.com/intheroom/
One thing from last night that we couldn’t get in the paper, this quote from Danny Briere:
“Another thing that favored us was the condition of the ice,” he said. “It was so bad that it was tough for guys like Semin, Backstrom and Ovechkin to get anything going, the ice was so bad. That was another thing that went our way.”
“Bad ice hurts players like that the most.”
Ted:
What you published about Morrison is no surprise. These guys are all tough. So much was made of Mike Green never having been in a fight till this year. So what! If you are tenacious enough to make it to the NHL you are tough. Just because the guys don’t act like Dave Schultz doesn’t mean they arn’t tough. Morrison, Green, Backstrom, Ovechkin, Semin; I’d never hesitate to walk into any place with any one of them.
I’ve been fortunate to play with a few of the Caps in years gone past in the summer around here. If anyone thinks they can do better or that these guys are not tough, get out on the iced with them one time and let them blow by you.
Gotta love the armchair GM’s.
I would say thus far mgmt. has done a good job, just keep doing what your doing.
I think , we the fans, have showed that we will support a good team. I believe you when you say you will keep working and doing what is needed to make this a Stanley cup winning team.
Ahhh…the messages boards…some on there would find fault even if we won the cup, go figure.
Thanks for a great season. It was aside from the 98 cup run the best season as a Caps fan IMO.
cough cough thank you Shaone cough couch
Keep making us proud guys!