On Tuesday night, we beat Philly - a very tough team - 4 to 2. It was like a playoff game. We were focused and played well in front of a sold out building at home.
We then eeked out a 4 to 3 win two nights later - on the road - after taking a 3 to 0 lead over a divisional opponent. With the win, we now have won six games in a row. We have 18 points in 12 games played. We have the second most points garnered in the East, two behind Pittsburgh.
We got home at 2:30 am and tonight we play the Islanders at home and then the Blue Jackets on Sunday afternoon.
We play four games in six days, a grueling schedule.
After Sunday we can worry about how we did last week. Did we gain points and did we win in a way that is acceptable to folks? But right now we just need to focus and play each game as it comes. Don’t look back. Don’t critique. This schedule is difficult as it is hard to “get up” for every game, one after another and keep the intensity going.
If we win this evening, we will have concluded the best October in team history. Think on that. How bad can it be? :-) And our goal tending tandem is putting up pretty great stats as well.
I agree though. I don’t like seeing us lose momentum in a game but after one month, we are well positioned and we know we have kinks to work out in our game but we are too busy to critique and worry. We have to keep our focus - one game at a time - two points to gain at a time.
Thanks for worrying along with me but I do think there are times to worry and times to chill a bit. See you all tonight. Go Caps!
Tags: Hockey, NHL, Ted Leonsis, Ted's Take, Washington Capitals
Please buy the redskins. You are a GOOD guy, and transparent…
Ted -
Momentum loss or not, it wasn’t enough that we didn’t get two points out of it. Ovie is still putting up beastly numbers, and the rest of the team is doing wonderfully, IMHO. The kinks will be worked on, and play will improve. Still very proud to be a Caps fan!
Jenn and I are celebrating our 5th wedding anniversary tonight at the Verizon Center with the best hockey team in the world, a world-class owner and the best fans ever. See you in 412.
eds
Ted,Tuesdays game was great. The come from behind games are the ones that turn a very good team into a great team. We are going to the Islander game tonight and am looking forward to another exciting nite of Caps Hockey. Thanks for everything you have done to make the game experience the best in town!!
Good post. I think sometimes people forget how well they are doing. Is there room for improvement? Always, but it shouldn’t take away from the fact they have won 6 in a row, it is the beginning of the season and they are doing very, very well. Let’s support them and not freak out.
I agree, Ted. By the way some people are grumbling, you would think we’re having a lousy October. Caps are historically bad starters. We normally don’t turn it up until January. The fact that we are starting blazing hot this year gives me chills thinking about what we can do when we actually play better later.
Good thoughts, Ted! Time to chill—but let’s hope for two more wins this weekend.
“Its an easy thing to be satisfied with mediocre success,” Boudreau said. “But if we want to be great, you’ve got to take these opportunities and not be happy with mediocrity.”
Sure, no need to freak out but chillin isn’t going to happen, I’m glad Bruce realizes it. Not worried about points, I have no doubt the Caps will make the playoffs. But will they be ready to be the team they can be once they get there? Notice the Pens this year? They are winning and the scores have been 4-1.. 6-1.. thats killer instinct, they have learned how to win. The Caps will get there but not there yet. Go Caps!
Is there a third jersey in the works? If so, is there a date for its release?
Ted,
I totally agree. One game at a time at this point. Pretty much the way it is when life gets overwhelming; one thing at a time. Four games in six days is almost beyond grueling. So my husband and I will be there tonight cheering loudly to get the team going. (BTW-Bringing new Baltimore area fans tonight!)We’ve brought so many lately that I’m beginning to lose count.
Also, this I found really interesting but mostly just exciting.
Left work, put the Baltimore version of “The Fan” on the radio, expecting to hear all about the big game this weekend for our Ravens. Imagine my surprise when I tuned in and heard “Caps hockey” talk?! I was stunned. Whoever thought Baltimore would become so excited about the Caps!
It’s so exciting, just had to tell you! GO CAPS!!!!
Yes, maximum intensity would be impossible to maintain over the course of a season and through the playoffs wouldn’t it?
I guess the only other option is for the players to learn to play disciplined, puck controlling hockey.
Hmm, I wonder if that’s harder…
Ted -
I am a big fan of the team and you, but I do have to say that the lack of killer instinct should be reason for concern. The season is not going to get easier, and our competition will faced with similar obstacles. I would like to believe that most of the fans want to see the most successful season in team history.
That said - Isn’t being able to get up for every game, finishing teams off when you have the chance and rising to the challenge of grueling schedule, indicative of a team that is destined to be champions?
Just my two cents. Thanks for all you do for the fans, the organization and DC.