Yes, it was deeply, bitterly disappointing that we did not win the Cup, and more so that we can’t seem to break free from that old Pittsburgh hoodoo.

That said, anyone who would use this reversal as a basis for calling the best regular season in franchise history a “failure” is—to put it bluntly—beyond full of it.

Inch-by-inch, baby.

The officiating in the first round was flat-out terrible (e.g., Brashear suspended for one hit on an ex post facto Campbell decision, but Avery often not even penalized for repeat offenses).

Bad as the first round officiating was, the second round was horrible beyond my most paranoid nightmares. It almost lent genuine credence to the conspiracy theories floating around about Bettman’s wishes, etc.

As far as those who would counsel you to blow the team up, fire the Coach & GM, and THEN sell it: I am behind you 100%, Ted.

I know some tweaks and adjustments are inevitable, but I also trust you and George to NOT blow up this team. If for no other reason than this: The last thing I want to see is for a player who was on the cusp of respectability with Washington to get sent away, only to have him resurface a year or two later as a star…in an enemy sweater. The only “change” I feel remotely qualified to suggest is this: in the event that Chris Clark does not return next season, Brooks Laich IMHO definitely deserves to wear the “C”.

In closing: Thanks Ted, GMGM, Coach Bruce and ALL of the Caps for a fantastic season: It was refreshing, and just plain great to be able go through the lion’s share of this hockey season HAPPY. Looking forward to Rocking the Red again in ‘09-’10!

I want you to know up front that I am a die hard Pens fan. But having said that, I had lived in the Frederick Md. area for about 10 years and enjoyed going to Caps games. It was because of reading about you and your desire to put a good team on and off the ice. Ted you are a class act and there are many cities that would love to have you as an owner. Keep up the good work and see you next year!

I just wanted to say thanks for an awesome season. I finally have reason to be proud to call myself a Caps fan. We’re the opposite of the Redskins and I like it that way. Very smart decisions have brought us from the bottom of the barrel to the cream of the crop. Don’t change it now, I’m confident you’ll have a smart off-season. That said the only thing that went wrong this season is that you weren’t evil enough. Pull a Bill Belichick and bribe those refs. Clearly the Pens had a pool of money going straight to the refs back pocket. I think a few dollars fell out during some games. We’ve got to play dirty in the crease as well as with the rules. If they’re going to bribe the refs we might as well. Plus the NHL kind of robbed us on this one.

Thank you and your organization for the wonderful season and another step in the evolution of the franchise.

I worked for the Baltimore Ravens for a number of years (coaching video, PR and new media positions), allowing me the incredible opportunity to work in close proximity to GM Ozzie Newsome. Ozzie stresses the team’s internal “process” as the key to the operation.

As a longtime Capitals fan (in recent years relocated to the West Coast) who is thankful for your streaming audio of live games, DirecTV Center Ice and NHL.com’s streaming live game video - I can’t thank Mr. McPhee enough for staying the course of what appears to be the Caps “process.”

I was annoyed at the lack of a move at the deadline to pick up an agitator/energy guy (seemingly distracting and forcing #8 into that role far too often) if nothing else. But I’m realistic enough to know that wanting to make moves doesn’t mean the price is right or fair. I learned from Ozzie the stability of the organization for the long run and allowing the “process” to mature is vital and can’t be strayed from.

As for an NHL team following this path - I look no further than the Red Wings to think the correct decisions are being made at Kettler. I remember getting excited so many times when Steve Yzerman’s name would pop up in trade rumors when the Red Wings “collapsed” or “fell short” of their fans’ or the media’s demands. They stuck with him and allowed young players to grow, seasoning in some key veterans and seem to be doing quite well for themselves amongst the NHL landscape.

And as for anyone giving Ovie a hard time - look at what a disappointment Peyton Manning was because he couldn’t win in the playoffs. Not a bad quarterback.

Bottom line - whether on decisions team or individual based - thank you and the organization for the steady hand, wonderful (though at times draining) experiences and for implementing the red “process.”

Ross

I’m not a fan of a bunch of negativity because that seldom solves problems. Most hockey experts acknowledge the quality of the core of the team but at the same time, also say our defense is weak and we need one more quality forward. It’s possible some of that help is in Hershey, but don’t overlook the possibility of a trade or two.