Monthly Archives: February 2010

USA USA USA

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My wife and I attended the USA vs. Russia woman’s hockey game yesterday. It was a blow out win for America 13 to 0. And it could have been 20 to 0. We played that well. There was no female equivalent for Alex Ovechkin on the Russian squad.

It was an honor to attend the game and sit with folks that truly care about woman’s hockey in the United States. There are now more than 55,000 women that play the game in the States. They play it with pride and passion and excellence.

Look to a Canada vs. USA final playing for the Gold Medal. I was very proud of the way we played and was happy to be there to show our support of this team. To be honest, I was the only NHL owner or representative at the game and I was glad I went. It was a fun experience.

We also attended the Canadian men’s national team game as well as the USA men’s game. Both were well played and both were victories for Canada and the US. Russia is about to play at 9:00 pm. What a full day around the ice.

Zowie Howie

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I was at lunch today when Howie Mandel entered the place. I nodded at him and my wife said, “Don’t shake his hand. He is a germaphobe. I just read that in the paper.” We talked and I didn’t touch him. He said, “Go Caps!” We talked about his success on his television show and his Canadian roots. He had just visited the Roots store and had bought a red Canada sweatshirt and some mittens which are all of the rage up here.

I sat back down and then watched as Howie worked the room shaking everyone’s hands. I guess he isn’t that afraid of germs, maybe only mine. My wife and I laughed and laughed. Never believe what you read in the papers.

Olympics Update and Name Dropping

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We went to the woman’s speed skating events. The woman are so competitive. They fly around the track. The folks from the Netherlands treat the skaters like rock gods.

We had fantastic seats and we really enjoyed the competition. We were seated next to Trevor Linden and his wife. Trevor is truly a legend here in Vancouver. He is quite smart about the game of hockey and was very supportive about our progress as a franchise in Washington DC. This event was truly indicative of the Olympic Games and the Olympic spirit. The crowd was into it and the racing was pure and fast!

We then hustled across town to the pair’s figure skating short program. We sat in the last row upstairs. We had a great time. We were with Canadian and US figure skating pair fans who were screaming and waving flags.

I went to the bathroom and was on the phone with Peter Bondra when I ran into Billy Bush who said, “Ted – I got out of DC!” I said, “Why would anyone want to get out of DC?” It happened right in front of Joe White, our AP reporter from the Capitals and Wizards, who asked, “What are you doing way up here?” I said, “We are inhaling the entire Winter Games experience.”

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The Good – The Bad – The Ugly

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The good: We are in first place in the NHL at the Olympic break with 90 points. We have garnered points in 16 of the last 17 games. We have lost exactly once in regulation in 17 games.

We are first in the East up 13 points over NJ. We are first in our division over second place Tampa by 27 points.

We lead the NHL in goals scored with 247. San Jose is second with 204 goals scored.

We lead the NHL in power play efficiency.

We have the best home record at 23-3-3 and have played the least amount of games at home of the best teams. We have sold out every game. We spend at the cap max in payroll. Our ticket prices continue to be in lowest third of the NHL.

Our goals scored vs. goals allowed differential is best in NHL as well.

The bad: We are a tired team and a team with some injuries.

We know we have to get back to playing better systems oriented hockey.

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Spinner on Kurt and Courtney

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Here is a terrific review on the documentary called Kurt and Courtney. It focuses on Nirvana and their life and times. Kurt Cobain was a troubled rock star and his marriage to Courtney Love probably didn’t help ease his worried mind.

You can also click within this article to watch the film courtesy of SnagFilms. The film is moving and tough and very well done. Click within to watch it.