Monthly Archives: January 2009

Back to Back Spooning with Our Fans

Posted on by

It is Super Bowl Weekend but here in Washington we have back to back sold out hockey games to play.

We have bookended two games this weekend. This is a very unique programming and marketing platform and a really terrific way to say thank you fans for loving the game and for enjoying the way our team plays.

We play Detroit on Saturday. This is a total sellout game and one that everyone has been looking forward to as Detroit is the defending Stanley Cup champions and one of the best teams once again in the NHL this year. This will be a good game to see how we measure up to the best in the league. I hope we are up for the challenge.

And then on Super Bowl Sunday, we play Ottawa and try to get back at them for their win over us right before the All-Star break. I have had this weekend circled on my schedule all season as this back to back concept over a big football weekend is a very unique and one of a kind event. Wear Red. Be loud and proud and know we are grateful for your support. Go Caps!

SB Nation at the NHL All-Star Game

Posted on by

Bloggers were out and about in Montreal all weekend at the All-Star game. Here is a snapshot of what it felt like from SB Nation and a very connected blogger in the community.

The NHL has been a leader in reaching out to the blogosphere and I believe the Washington Capitals have the most developed and largest and most active set of bloggers in the entire NHL. I am pleased to have been part of this movement.

NHL.com

Posted on by

I am so pleased with how well NHL.com has been growing and how well it is serving customer needs.

I believe we have the most tech savvy customers in all of sports and the new NHL.com has very innovative services. At the NHL All-Star game, I was given a preview of some new mobile apps and content that will be mind-blowing and will be of really great utility to all of our fans.

I am pleased with the look and feel; navigation; and deep and rich video within the site.

I think NHL.com will become a top sports site in the industry and will help us to promote our game on a worldwide basis. Kudos to the folks who have scaled this site and who operate it every day. Well done.

On the Road Again

Posted on by

Wow. I am exhausted from so much traveling and so many trips in one weeks’ time. I have been to Pittsfield, MA and Boston; Montreal; Providence, RI; and Chicago all in one week. That’s eight flights in seven days. All I do is pack and unpack a travel bag.

I am noticing though that airports, roads, hotels and dining establishments are NOT crowded at all. There is very little traffic and hotels upgrade you to bigger rooms. It is easy to get a reservation at any restaurant. The economy is devastated and the wheels of commerce have ground to a halt. There is an upside when you travel; you are virtually on your own these days.

Phew

Posted on by

It could have been worse. We could have come back from Boston with no points and an impaired Alex Ovechkin.

I think everyone held their breath last night when Ovie was down on the ice at the end of the second period. I can’t honestly remember seeing him motionless on the ice, can you? We are grateful that he is the “Russian Machine”.

I thought we played a smart, crisp game on the road. We needed to stay out of the penalty box a bit more and playing 4 on 3 in OT is never a good idea but we did what you have to do on the road, play for the point and see what happens in OT.

The game was played at playoff level intensity. It was a tough game and we deserved better.

Time to rest up until this weekend’s back to back sold out games. Hope to see you at Verizon and wear your Red!