OK, how bad can it be?
We are 12-1-1 on it. 
We have one of the best records in the league on home ice!
We are on the issue of ice quality as a deliverable to be world class in everything we do. We are trying to make it best it can be and best in the NHL but the ice isn’t bad. The refs rank it after every game. If it was an issue, the media would write something about it. The league would be mandating that we improve the ice quality but it really isn’t that big of an issue right now. I am not trying to skirt responsibility but it just irks me when these statements continue to be made without facts as a basis. Sorry. End of rant.
Tags: Hockey, NHL, Ted Leonsis, Ted's Take, Verizon Center, Washington Capitals
Be interesting to see how the ice is when the weather gets warmer or after the monster truck event in January (does the ice get melted and replaced for that one?)
I’d say it’s an issue, with no other evidence than by just watching games, right after basketball events. When they pick up those floors and try to play hockey on it too soon, you gotta admit it is pretty choppy.
BTW, if I were the NHL I’d have the ref’s rate the inside of their colons rather than the ice on some nights.
1)” If it was an issue, the media would write something about it.” Are you serious? So the media’s coverage on an issue is the determining factor to decide if a problem is real or not?
2) Opposition players complain. Your OWN players complain about it. If we recall YOU complained about it. has it improved since then?
Ted,
Sorry to burst your bubble, but the ice leaves a lot to be desired on many game nights in the early and late parts of the season.
I know you’re hamstrung by Mr. Pollin and his cramming of events around the games and lack of desire to spend another dime on the VC, but really, please consider a dehumidifier. At the very least, tap up the AC in April so that the ice is more suitable for our style of play. You’ve put together a very solid team, now go the extra mile and provide a solid surface to play on.
When’s the last time any player has complimented the ice at Verizon Center? It hasn’t happened in print or the blogosphere. Any time. Ever.
NHL sweaters are large for a reason. They allow the wearer to put equipment on underneath, and allow the FANS to put JACKETS on underneath. Why jackets? Because the ARENA NEEDS TO BE COLD to produce AND SUSTAIN a great sheet of ice.
I seriously hope that the constant “high” temperature in the arena is due to a contractual obligation to Abe, and not a desire to make the fans more comfortable.
Before I leave for games, I typically dress light in anticipation of a warm arena. Please, some day this year I’d like to freeze my rear off at the game and actually think twice about wearing a jacket to the game. Cold arena makes for better ice.
And to someone who mentioned dehumidifier. I went to the game last night with a massive runny nose. By 5 min into the game, it was dry as a bone. I think it was on last night