Thanks Caps fans — last night — you were all amazing. You were so loud — it felt like a playoff game. That was a fun game — a meaningful game for us — we are now tied for first place in the East; we have the third best record in the NHL; we have scored the most goals in the NHL. We lead our division by 7 points.
We are hurting and aching; having lost amongst others — two first team NHL All stars — yet we are scoring in bunches — and when we lose a game it is in OT or by one goal. No blow outs so far. We have a couple of days to rest up now and try to get healthy before our next game on Wednesday.
So — so far — so good.
I know many of you angst always — you are in pain — you want dramatic change — you want to meddle — you want us to fire folks — and trade players-bench players — and make big statements. I find it hard to process several of the emails I received over night — I have to be honest with you. I was actually receiving emails during the game regarding line changes and pulling the goalie — oh my. So — I will just ask that you try to enjoy some of these nice moments when they are here — it feels good to be in this position — I am not gloating — just have to be able to smile once in awhile — and seize the day.
How about this — take a day off — chill out a bit — enjoy the moment — we are positioned well right now in the standings; we sell out every game; our players believe in each other and the coaching staff; we are showing we have lots of depth.It aint that bad — it could be worse.:-).
I am proud of our team; we can and will do better — but I think we are doing well; be happy just a little bit, please — ; onward. Go Caps.
Tags: Washington Capitals
Bottled whatever Mathieu Perreault uses to prepare for a game and sell it! That kid is hot and fun to watch.
He reminds me of Martin St. Louis.
Last night was one of the most satisfying wins I’ve seen in a while. Because to score 7 (and 11 over 2 nights) WITHOUT a single goal from 8, 19, 28 or 52 is pretty remarkable. But to see the real character guys contribute so much was so rewarding. Guys like Laing and Perreault (and like Aucoin earlier this year). Flash continuing to score so much right after an injury. And Knuble having a career night. What a great game. To all the critics that say Backstrom only gets so many points because he feeds the Alexes, may I point out his 2 assists last night, neither of them involving an Alex?!
Thank you!
I missed the game last night because I had to study, but I’m reminded a lot of last season, when a third of our payroll was in the press box. We struggled through it then, and we can struggle through it now. I love that Knuble wearing a Caps sweater.
“A pessimist sees the difficulty in every opportunity; an optimist sees the opportunity in every difficulty.” –Churchill
I was there with my 3 yr old last night and we had a blast!
I just liked the fact that the team went back to the core Boudreau belief that they should never give up, coupled with the fact that, like Friday night, they actually *did* go for the jugular. It was great to see.
Ted, I find it hard that people are requesting changes this early in the season. I have been a die-hard Cap fan since day one and I know what it is like to be on the bottom. We have a great team! No changes necessary. We’ll get healthy and the guys will start to jell together. I would not want to play against them! I have had the fortunate experience to sit in the box that Shellie Trostle has access to and was thourghly overwelmed. She is from the town I live in. Keep up the great work and thanks for bringing success to the Caps!! Sincerely, Jeff Adams
I just read your blog post, and I couldn’t agree with you more. I use to be a regular on Tarik’s blog but became a bit tired with all the negativity being posted by knee jerk reactionary jerks. The funny thing is that I just posted this on the Capitals Insider this morning.
If we all just take a brief look at the standings, you’ll see that there are only 2 teams in the entire league with more points than us, 2. Both Colorado and San Jose have 26 points to our 24 and have played in 18 games to our 17. Pittsburgh has 24 points too, but they have Malkin, Gonchar and Kennedy out due to injuries.
Positives…
We have scored more 5 on 5 goals than anyone in the league. Our goaltending is in much better shape than last year at this point. We’re nicked up but even close to how bad it was last season. We have taken fewer penalties this season per game than last. Secondary scoring is here big time with 4 players averaging a point per game (Ovi, Backs, Laich, Semin), 5 if you want to add Flash. 3 others are very close (Knuble, Morrison, Green).
Negatives…
We are tight against the cap. Our PK is below 80%. We take some bad penalties late in games.
All these things are very fixable and the truth is, there are maybe 27 teams that would love to have our issues. We could be Detroit.
Anyway, thanks Ted for the Caps. I’m a STH and live for Caps hockey, and other things too, but mostly Caps hockey.
John
Thanks for the “chalk talk” Ted, it was really great! My husband and I had a blast at the game and neither of us sent you an email during the game! Let’s Go Caps!
Mr. Leonsis, please just enjoy the good emails and ignore the others. Just apply your usual mental filter and continue to gather information on how best to run a professional franchise, especially from your GMGM! Thanks for allowing the Washington fans something with substance to root for this season and for many years to come.
agreed on all points, Ted.
you going for the record in dash marks though??
Ted,
It was a great atmosphere in the building and great to see all the scoring to show all the naysayer fans that the caps can score and win with Ovie out. Our ST are right under the Press box and it was “our little secret that Ovie and Mike were right above us until everyone in our section was chanting “Ovie”, parents were lifting their kids to see him then, Ovie leaned over and then everyone else new he was there! It was nice of both him and Mike to wave to the fans. Wonder how the experience was for them to sit above us and listen what goes on in Section 418!
To the naysayers be happy the CAPS are in 1st in the div, tied for 1st in the Conference, as a fan since 1986 I can tell you it could be alot worse! GO CAPS, YOUR DOING GREAT!
Teddy, Human beings are an interesting group. Some are not happy unless they are complaining, some will always see the glass half empty, but most of us fans really, really enjoy the ride! Way to Go Caps!! I am looking forward to my game on Saturday night. We will be Rocking the Red in section M127! Lets take them down fast and furious! Lets Go Caps!