That was my favorite quote from last night at the arena. Thank you. The playoff monkey of not winning a first round playoff series is now off my back.
We can cross another one off the list:
- Become best Caps team in regular season as to points garnered. Check.
- Qualify for playoffs. Check.
- Repeat as SE Division champs. Check.
- Sell out all games. Check.
- Win a playoff series. Check.
We only have a few checks left to do to make the season complete and meet all of our goals.
Thank you to our fans. You are creative, hockey sophisticated, loud, proud and passionate. You care. You give us your time; your love; your money; your click streams; your eyeballs; and most importantly your hearts and soul. We have the best building now in the NHL hands down. Thank you!
Thank you to the local and national media and to the blogosphere for being so caring. We are generating a lot of attention with most of it quite welcomed and positive. And thanks to all of you that sent me more than 430 emails overnight. I am overwhelmed and most appreciative.
Thanks to the New York Rangers. They were a worthy opponent. They outplayed us last night for long stretches. This was a very tough series. It is amazing that with all of the talk about great goaltending; it was our young goaltender that stood strong allowing only seven goals in six games. Truly an amazing performance. We dug quite a hole for ourselves falling behind 3 to 1. Our team showed its heart, character and fortitude by never giving up and coming back against very long odds to win the series. It isn’t done very often so we can savor this series victory for about 48 hours. Then it’s time to get back to work and to get refocused.
I will blog more later in the day but did want to thank everyone for all of your support and good vibes. See? They collectively worked also as promised. Rise up and stay humble. We have a lot of work left to do. Onward. Go Caps!
Ted,
When met you briefly before game 5 at the practice facility you had thanked us (the fans that gathered outside) for our support and asked us to be patient with the team when they were down 3-1. As a long time Caps fan I would like to thank you for your perseverance through the lean years and bringing this franchise back to prominence. I would love to show my 3 year old son, who is a rabid Caps fan, the Stanley Cup. We will continue cheering on the Caps with all of our support. Bring the Cup back to DC! Go Caps!
Chris
Ted,
I’ve been a Caps fan for 23+ years starting with my Dad taking me when I was 13 to the Cap Centre in Landover. I was there for the heartbreak vs Islanders and also the incredible Huntsy goal vs. Philly. Plus the Stanley Cup sweep (I try not to think about that.)
This has been a LONG-time coming.
My gift to my Dad was front-row seats behind the Caps bench on Wed night. (You can actually see all of us on the front page of the Wash Post and online.) And my wife was a real trooper since it was her bday on Wed and I brought her too.
I felt like I had too many emotions going on because of the flat play I was really worried it would be a repeat of last year — but the 3rd period made me feel confident momentum was going our way. And the final 5 minutes of the entire crowd on their feet was just magical. Congratulations on having the vision, determination and patience to put together a real club that can contend for the Cup.
You know I’ll be watching.
We were at game 7 as we have been at all the games. What an atmosphere! We have been Caps fans since 1986, were at the game 7 against the Islanders that ended at 2:00 in the morning but, have never seen anything like we experienced Tuesday night, Our whole section (418) and everywhere you looked stayed Standing anc Cheering for the final 4:59 as we cheered on our Caps, what a moment!
Now, I hope VC isn’t overrun with those annoying Pens fans and we take the series to silence them, GO Caps, see you on Saturday, let’s keep the VC as loud as Game7!
Quarter of the way there (4 out of 16 wins). A sincere and well-deserved congratulations for you and your entire organization. The personal stories of how your team is affecting the Washington DC fan base are truly amazing to hear.
Although we are not finished yet, I bet getting past this first round felt like Sisyphus finally completing his task. Congratulations and well deserved wishes for the team’s continued success.
teddy..to be lucky..is better than being good..now your starting to see why i made the statment many weeks ago to get varly set in net ..because he will be the go to guy in postseason..check..i said this great caps team when playing there game are the best in hockey…check..also said that fedder will be why the caps raise lord stanley at the dance against the wings..almost check…now i hope that brucie can take something away from the first series..as a coach you see what each team used as a game plan to beat you..I think it would help to forecheck more agianst pens..clog up blue line to blue line more…look the boys should worry more this series about tight in there end..varly is jim cary reincaranated..our goals will come..the pp is the bread and butter in this series..to win a cup good-d and a good ” TWINE MASTER”…always does the trick..look in 98..godzillia won a venz that year..but the bad thing is gonch is a pen now eh teddy..now no more rough and tumble..good-d..good goalie…good pp..now bring the hunger to play the next 12 wins..teddy your the man….98caps
Ted: I took my 14 year old daughter, Christina, to Wednesday’s game seven. She was totally into it, and will be a lifelong Caps fan. I have been to a Super Bowl and the World Series, but never in all my years have I had a sports experience like that. Absolute pandemonium in the Phone Booth! And a standing ovation and prolonged cheering for the owner? You don’t often see that in any sport. Our affection and appreciation for you runs deep.
Thanks to you and your first class organization, from GM GM, to our coach Bruce, and especially the players, who are like our own sons to us. Wow. What a team.
So, thanks and kudos to you. Whether we go on to the next round or not: this year has been a raging success. Go Caps!!
Thanks Ted for keeping ticket prices in a range that fans can afford the unimaginable feeling that came with that hard fought game 7 win. Your commitment to the fans by keeping the prices reasonable, putting on the ice a team we can all be proud of, and then giving us the best game presentation I’ve seen makes you a top owner in sports and one I wish more owners would model (hear me Danny?).
Thanks for believing in the city and the fans before we responded. We believe now and will give the team every ounce of our voice and our emotion for 12 more wins till we bring that cup home! Wont it look nice next to the Bullets NBA trophy?
I was in O’Hare Airport and missed Tuesday’s game (They don’t get Versus at Berghoff’s). But http://www.nhl.com advertised I could get live video over the net. Only after I’d paid $20 for the day did they tell me, no, the Caps game is not available. What a ripoff! I’m obviously going to cancel the credit card payment and am tempted to drag Gary Bettmans sorry **s down here on a false advertising charge. I’m a hockey fanatic — why does the NHL go out of it’s way to alienate me?
Congratulations Ted. I am not sure I have ever seen a 5 minute standing and screaming ovation before. What a blast being there for this game.
Enjoy a couple days savoring the results of what you have been trying to do for several years. You have now taken this team and us fans to a new level. Thanks for sticking with it.
…Then back to work!
GO CAPS!
Teddy, Congratulations!! What a TEAM! Coach Bruce thinks fast on his feet and the game is won!! I wore my red hat for the game and when we won, I took my pots and pans outside and started banging away. What a GREAT VICTOY! Way to Go Caps!
Ted,
Congrats on the huge win last night. You deserve it.
I now truly feel that all the disappointments of the 1980′s and (other than 1998) the 1990′s as well as last year are truly behind us and in the distant past.
The series with the Penguins will be awesome for the NHL.
Go Caps!
Ted – congratulations and let’s get ready for a tough series against the Pens who want to win as much as we do.
I cannot express to you the feelings I felt after Sergei scored his 2-1 tally – tears in my eyes, screaming in my apartment in Penguins’ country…
I mean, for crying out loud, I’m 22 years old – under no circumstances should a 22-year old male be crying in joy but I did last night…and then again this morning when I read the Post article…and then again about 5 minutes ago reading these comments.
I’ve been watching the Caps my whole life, back to 1990 and I’ve never been so excited over a team, win or lose, and I am so proud to be a Caps fan. The tears are spinging again!!!
Let’s not lose humility and strength as we begin the second of four tough series.
Congrats…a truly amazing experience brought together by a superb mix of the Capitals organization, awesome team, and great fans. Game 7 had the fewest opposing teams fans I had ever witnessed. The place was electric. I couldn’t believe the TV commenter for Game 6 in NY when he said most CAPs fans believed they saw their last game Friday night. What was that guy thinking about! He had no clue. There wasn’t a fan who left the Verizon Center who didn’t believe they wouldn’t be seeing some of their closest friends again Tuesday night. We did; won; and ready to Just Do It, again.
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Congrats…you guys have worked hard and most of all you never give up and thats your golden key. From what I’ve seen and read about the Caps it’s a winning/nose to the grindstone outfit….Many Thanks from a Frozen Fan, KEEP GOIN’!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations and thank you. Well played. You have set the standard for sports franchises in Washington.
Being a Caps fan over the years has had its ups and downs. This definitely qualifies as one of the highest highs. Now go beat the Penguins! (and re-sign Federov – I love that guy!)
All these comments are great! I am a proud season ticket holder! The head was pounding by mid 2 period, thought for sure it would explode! But when former Detroiter ( like myself) Sergei popped that biscuit in, WOWWWWW! and the tears and the joy….well Thank you for a great season….to date! and for all your passion and support for the great game of hockey!
Congratulations, Ted, you’ve worked hard for every bit of this! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Ted, i just want to know if there will be any giveaways during the second round home games and when you will be retiring bondra’s number? HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!
great job ted! see you saturday for round 2!!!!! btw, who are we playing?
Thank you Ted for believing in the Caps and the Caps fans! Thank you for continuing to support both for so many years, knowing that with the right combination you could make so many dreams come true! Sitting in the stands last night, hearing the crowd cheering the boys on, fueling them to keep going was amazing and something I hope happens at every playoff game!! I hope that all the fans will continue to support and believe in all that this team can achieve!!!
Way to go Caps!!!
Ted-
Thank you for being a a wonderful owner. You epitomize the Washington Capitals. Hard working, dedicated, forward-thinking, and professional.
AS a long-time fan, who got turned onto hockey while working for the Capitals in college in the late 80′s–I am enjoying the resurection of Capitals hockey as the ticket to have in the DC area.
Kudos-
Jay
Ted, last night was awesome! I’ve never been to any event like that in my life! The Caps have done it the right way, and it’s been a pleasure to watch. From the opening anthem (EVERYONE in the arena shouted “O” during the anthem…), to the final horn and beyond, we were all united in our passion for this team! We’ve got great players, great fans, great facilities and great ownership/management. This is a hockey town thanks to you! I know you take pride in that, and you should! Go Caps!
Can’t thank you and the fans enough for what was a great atmosphere in games 5-7 which I attended. I still don’t have a voice.
As I have said before….Best owner in professional sports.
Ted, Thank you so very much. We love the CAPS and this victory just makes it that much sweeter. It takes us about 2 hours to get to the local games since our move to WV and it is absolutely worth the trip every time. You guys have always been the best. C – A – P – S CAPS! CAPS! CAPS!
Thanks for bringing the Caps franchise back to glory. My father bought season tickets the very first seasons and continued until he could not climb the stairs anymore. I know he was watching from above last night and was right there with the fans. Let’s go Caps
u the man ted
Ted, congratulations on the big win last night. It was a tough series, coming back to win it down 3-1 was an amazing accomplishment, but even better was that the boys found a way to win when they were not playing their best hockey – grit, character, and a whole lot of talent is what makes a champion…let’s hope they can keep the momentum up against the Pens!
Well done, Ted and Company. You put the money and vision there, and let GMGM and Bruuuuuuuuuuce build the team and system to make a winning franchise.
It’s been 10 years??? Seems just like yesterday!
I have NEVER heard the Phone Booth, or any other arena for that matter, as loud as it was the last 4+ minutes last night.
4 down, 12 wins to go
Revbert
Bon travail Ted .
I am from Montreal , and I want to congratulate you and your team for the hardwork .I wish you guys to get to the cup and win it .
May God bless the Washington Capitals !
Oh, one more thing. Can you please repeat what you did a few years ago and come up with some algorithm preventing fans from Allegheny County from buying home ice tickets online?
Ted,
As a long time Caps fan I just want to give you a huge THANK YOU!!
Last night was wonderful. It made those days a few years ago when we weren’t that good and the VC was almost empty, less painful and worth the wait.
Bring on the 2nd round.
How great is it to be playing hockey in May?
Awesome, awesome game Uncle Ted.
Please ask the team to close out the Pens in no more than six games. My heart can’t take many more Game 7s.
Thanks to you, Ted! and the entire Caps organization. Hard work does pay off.
Ted,
Thank you for years of losing money on this team, and continuing to spend whatever it took to bring us talent and resign key players capable of bringing us playoff hockey. Owning a professional hockey team was obviously never a strategy to have a tax write-off as a business plan. This team has always meant so much to local hockey fans. It is great to see we can count our team owner into the circle of fans (many who have waited decades for a winner) that have a huge emotional attachment to our Capitals. In short…..thank you for believing in the fans, somehow knowing 10 yrs. ago you could make the Washington, D.C. area a hockeytown (against the opinions of many in other NHL cities, and possibly your corporate accountants).
I salute your success. The “Rock the Red” campaign was brillant, and has made the Verizon Center a place where opponents do not look forward to play.
“LETS GO CAPS!”
Ted – I completely agree with you. The Caps have done amazing things this season and last night is another testament to their ability to stay focused and finish strong.
Cheers to the Caps! I hope to be there in Red on Saturday for the first game of the second series!
Need Caps gear or info? Check out AOL Shopping and Fanhouse dot com.
- PG
Ted, congratulations on a terrific achievement. One thing that really concerns me now, is that with all the off-ice distractions that took place in the last series, the supensions, the non-suspensions, the accusations made against our arena, etc., it became glaringly obvious that the Caps do not command the same respect from our beloved commissioner that some other teams enjoy. We are now going up against the leagues poster-child and team. What can we do to level the playing field?
It seems now to be way beyond biased refereeing. Is there anything that we, the fan base, can do? How about giving us GB’s email address. Or should we contact Glen Sather for that, as he seems to have GB’s ear?
Looking forward to taking the Pens in another game 7.
English
congrats! Can’t wait to play Pittsburgh – another great series!
THANK YOU, Ted. As a long time Caps fan I was brought to tears to see what an amazing team you and your managers have assembled. But grander than that was the 18,000+ fans decked in red pounding the glass, spilling beer and hugging strangers in the stands. My how things have changed. Thank you for putting the Caps back on the map. As long as I’ve known it DC hasn’t been much of a hockey town but has always been a place with rabid fans. Thank you for giving DC a team to cheer for. If I make it up to a game this post season I’m finding you and giving you a great big hug!
Crush the Pens!
Ted and all the Caps,
Thanks for giving us some outstanding hockey for the last few years and good luck on your march to the cup. I’ve been a hockey player and fan for my entire life and am proud to say that my wife and daughter are now as possionate about the Caps as I am. You have produced a solid product both on air (Joe B, Locker and Al are the best announcers on TV) and in person at Verizon. We all love watching and going to the games. Thanks again.
LET’S GO CAPS!!!
Congratulations Ted,from a Flyers Fan…..go get those Pittsburgh Penguins!
Ted, just wanted to congratulate you on a job well-done and going strong. Tears sprang to my eyes when Federov scored and I really started crying when the clock stopped at 0.00 and we had won. Everyone in our section was standing, shouting and clapping the last three minutes of the game. A yeoman’s job — congrats to the entire organization!
CONGRATS TED. That was hands down the best game I’ve ever experienced. After Feds scored I thought the roof was going to fly off VC. I think I was jumping and screaming for a minute straight. Lets Go Caps chants on the streets, on the Metro. One of the best life experiences in general. It was great and a testament to everything that you’ve done for this city and this team. Major props to you. YOU deserve it.
BRING ON THE PENGUINS! LETS GO CAPS!