So far the pundits would say that the Capitals, Penguins, Blackhawks and Sharks are the best teams or at least the most productive teams in the NHL this year.
The local media has been going crazy this week generating tons of pixels about the Capitals using words such as “implosion” or “decline “or ” skid” and worse.
Ok in the last ten games here are the records. Click here.
Capitals 5-2 and 3. For 13 points.
Penguins 4- 4 and 2. For 10 points.
Blackhawks 3-5 and 2. For 8 points.
Sharks 4-6 and 0 . For 8 points.
Last night the Penguins lost to the Lightning 2 to 0.
The Sharks lost to Dallas 5 to 1.
Imagine if we lost a game 5 to 1 in the race of the President’s Trophy or if we were shut out by the Lightning?
The Washington Post’s presses would melt down, their web site would explode, and their writer’s eyes would pop out of their heads 
. Perspective people… perspective. Local media needs something to write about. How about a comparison of the top 4 teams and their play of late? What happens to teams in the last weeks of a season where they have clinched playoff positions?
This is why I write my blog to offer up different perspectives than main stream media. Flame away as I know four wrongs don’t make a right. Just saying though… Chill just a bit. Go Caps!!!
I think the reason the angst went up a couple of notches over those three losses is obvious. We remember last year–how the team coasted to the line, wasn’t ready for the playoffs, and gave away the first two games at home. The result was a seven-game series, which we won, but at a cost. By the time Game 7 came around in the Conference Semifinals, there was nothing left in the tank, so to speak, and we watched in agony as Pittsburgh ended our season, and then went on to win the whole kit-caboodle.
That three-game skid/hiccup/cataclysm/speed bump/whatever you want to call it, was looking an awful lot like a prior-season rerun of “Deja Vu All Over Again.” You’re going to have to forgive us for not wanting to watch THAT show all over again. It’s kind of the hockey equivalent of “Jon & Kate Plus 8″–please, we don’t want to see it any more! >_<
You are so right!
and we are sooooo spoiled. Hockey is not a sport where you can win every game. There are exactly 16 games that need to be won the rest of the season; anything else is gravy.
Lets Go Caps!!!!
awesome.
Don’t forget to be happy Ted. I know you can do it! Have a great day.
Hi Ted – I agree the WaPost has lived on bringing up the local teams failures instead of being a real hometown paper and building enthusiasm for a team on the verge of greatness.
I was at the game last night and even though it was a struggle the Caps needed a hard fought win. We sit in section 116 and the hilite of my evening was seeing, meeting and chatting with Rod Langway as he stood in front of us cheering on the Caps. What a great guy. I was surprised the lack of people recognizing the face of the franchise in the 80′s. I think it is so cool when a legend like Rod can ride up from his home in Richmond and be a fan of the team that he helped stay in DC. I wish some of the new Cap fans understood without him there would be no Ovie, Green, Backstrom playing in Washington.
Thanks again for putting together this fun team and good luck in the playoffs!!
Don Horan
Mr. Ted,
Went to tonite’s game and had a great time! Caps are 6-0 this year in games I’ve been to. Wanna shoot me some tix so I can keep the team’s streak going???
Really like Vancouver in the west this year. Offensive firepower combined with great goaltending will be formidable come playoff time. Your thoughts?
And as always, thanks for staying so connected to the fans. Some of us are happy and enjoying this amazing ride!!!
Mike
Teddy, I love the way you look at life. What a great reality check. Way To Go Caps!!
Well – you know what Nigel Tufnel said about perspective right?
No doubt that you are correct. There’s just so many new fans that you’ve attracted to hockey that they are starting to run scared. Yes, I’m a little disappointed in the performance of some individuals during a couple of minutes in each game. Nevertheless: the evidence is rather clear that CAPS outmatch everyone else on the ice. A couple of our traditional performances against Atlanta will demonstrate the intensity of this team, that desire, quality players, superb coaching can win. BIG. (now how could I manage not mentioning GMGM’s fantastic work as well as the owner who made it all possible?
Thanks for keeping your word during all the years of rebuilding the team: I can’t believe the spirit around our seats in Section 417, row A
BTW: I finally got my new license plates. While I’m only the second in my own neighbourhood, I’m certainly the first in the family.