We played well. Carolina was focused and they deserved the point but we got two points with an OT win.
We have been juggling the line ups. Giving lots of different players lots of minutes. We are experimenting with line combos and we have been resting some players as well.
We have lost a bit of cohesion in search of the perfect playoff line up. We have so much depth and so many options. Coach has his hands full.
But that is a good thing.
We gained two standings points again. We are quite efficient in this category.
We now have 99 points. We have 15 games left to play.
If we were to play at a 500 level the rest of the season we would end the season with 114 points. Our best season in franchise history.
If we win on Friday I believe we can clinch our SE division. I believe we have already qualified for the playoffs.
Enjoy the ride and try to be happy. We have a pretty good team. We are not a perfect team which is what some folks demand but we are pretty good. Best in NHL in terms of points but we have miles to go before we sleep. We “get the joke”.
Tags: NHL, Ted Leonsis, Ted's Take, The Washington Post, Washington Capitals
All true. But the problem is that some of us have suffered with this team for 35 years without a Cup. Nothing else but winning a Cup matters at this point.
Bring the Cup to DC and you will truly be in the “Business of Happiness”!
I wouldn’t say “suffered.” It’s been quite a ride, seeing this team excel and like you implied, utterly stink throughout the years. I believe we’re going to win a cup. This year seems like our best chance, and I think the players and the staff are doing everything they can to make that a reality. But if not this year, next year looks just as promising.
I am enjoying the ride. I’m happy. But Jim is right. I won’t be satisfied until Lord Stanley makes a visit to D.C.
Haven’t qualified for the playoffs quite yet. Atlanta can still top out at 100 points, so the Caps’ magic number is 1.
Thank you, Ted! You’ve brought excitement to a city too long mired in sports mediocrity while also maintaining the integrity and good nature of the team. The group of young men you have brought together,are in my Grandmother’s words “Boys you would have for dinner, good respectful boys.” (She’s a huge Green fan, even buying a jersey, and watches every game) And as evidenced by even other DC teams, that is an almost rare occurrence in professional sports. The NHL as a whole is very lucky to have men who believe they play the gentlemen’s sport. The Caps, with their many public appearances, charitable works, and transparency with their fans, exemplify this spirit.
We have one of the most talented and fun loving teams in the NHL. Ovechkin is an amazing ambassador for the game and it’s hard to believe we’ll have him for his whole career. The excitement he brings night after night is unmatched. The whole team truly brings passion to the game. For that all of DC and really all hockey fans should thank you and Mcphee. Too many people complain if we lose a game or if Ovi doesn’t score a hat trick every game. I just wanted to let you know there are still plenty of us out there who truly appreciate the effort the boys put out every night and love the Capitals through all the ups and downs (of which there are very few lately.) We believe in the Caps and have faith that the Cup is coming to DC this year!
Sorry for the long comment, I just felt it needed to be said.
Rock the Red and Thanks again Ted!
Some great players play an entire career without getting their name on the Cup. A prescient trade by Bruin’s GM Harry Sinden sent Ray to the Avalanche.
Yes, the Cup is the goal. To say “nothing else” matters, is to miss the whole beauty of the past several seasons.
Been a fan since 1974. Long suffering fan. But I have enjoyed the last several seasons. Ovie, Bruce, Green, Backstrom, Laich, Semin, etc.; This season IS special. Cup or no Cup.
But a Cup would be the icing on the cake! And it has been a great cake!
For the nay sayers crying about the Cup. I think we will have a shot at it this season. http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=520999
Mr. Leonsis - keep up the good work.
@Jim- Do you actually think that management goes into the season, NOT trying to win a championship?
Capitals have fielded a competitive team for 35 years… Do you feel they have not given you your money’s worth? Does it say on your contract of purchase their promise to win a championship or a refund is due?
That’s because somethings are just beyond control- including the luck to win a championship
Great news Ted- behind the team all the way
LET’S GO CAPS!
Ted,
Was pleasantly surprised to hear you on the Tony Kornheiser show yesterday (I’m a podcaster..) talking about the book, and of course, the Caps. For those who didn’t listen, Ted stated what Jim said about the cup - it’s the teams only goal. Hope it happens.
If you want to hear the radio interview, head to iTunes and download Wednesday March 10th part 1 of TK’s show. Also, his Mr. Tony make it to the game last night?
Ted according to NHL.com we have not clinched anything quite yet:
“The Washington Capitals (idle) would clinch the Southeast Division tonight if the Atlanta Thrashers lose (regulation or OT/SO) at Columbus. If the Thrashers win, the Capitals would still clinch an Eastern Conference playoff berth if the Montreal Canadiens lose in regulation to the Edmonton Oilers.”
Not that it matters, because obviously the Thrashers are not going to finish the season with a 15 game win streak while we go on a 15 game losing streak. The important thing is that everyone stays healthy and Boudreau keeps them sharp.
Not to be picky, but playoff spot hasn’t been clinched yet as Atlanta could score 100 points if they win out and Caps lose all games (stay at 99). It looks like they clinched when you look at the current 9th spot, but Atlanta has 2 games in-hand in the 10th spot. Obviously, not going to happen, but the clinching will come soon enough. (Wife says I’m nuts cuz I’m always looking at the numbers and playing out scenarios, but I knew my skill would come in handy)
ANT’T that the truth Chrysten! All we need to do is stay healthy and as TED would say “a little bit of luck”! This Team has brought so many moments of happiness. Take a breath and enjoy journey! Lets Go Caps!!
The Cup would be nice, historic even. The very idea gives me chills of excitement! I’ve been a fan since I was a 13, I’m 39 now and I still love this team. I love it more now because I see what Ted has done, I love his vision, his belief in the organization.
What we as fans should be doing is believing in the team, believing that Ted, GMGM and Bruce know what they are doing. Believe that our time will come, we will get what is earned when it is deserved. Just because you want something doesn’t mean you get it! Be happy about the journey, not just the destination. Enjoy the games we have left, enjoy watching our team grow and be successful. Support the team and everyone involved in it. Most of all stop being so negative, stop being one of those people who is never happy about anything!!!
Thank you Caps for another amazing season, thank you for the wins and the losses, for the over time games, the shootouts and the heart stopping plays. Thank you for making this my best season yet! I’m looking forward to the last remaining games of the season and the playoffs! No matter what I’ll proudly rock my red!!!!