We lost. But Montreal won. They deserve respect and congratulations for a well played series.
They played committed hockey, they sacrificed, and they out worked us. I have never seen better D and more blocked shots in a playoff series. I think they blocked as many shots as we took last night. Another stat I had never seen before.
Their goal tending ended up being better than our goal tending.
They played a defensive scheme that was very frustrating. They used their match ups deftly. They were more patient than us. They were more committed to their scheme. Be patient– trap– transition to offense off of turn over’s score on power plays. Play low scoring games. We scored 3 goals in the last 3 games on more than 130 plus shots. That is just not going to get it done.
They took advantage of breaks and they scored on their power play opportunities. We didn’t.
They played committed team defense. They took our stars out of play all series. I believe our hockey IQ seemed low this series and we didn’t adjust well on the ice to the new schemes coming our way.
Live by the O and die by the O. We were horrid on the special teams. When you score more goals shorthanded than with a man advantage in a 7 game series how can you expect to win? To me this was the biggest surprise and disappointment. We just couldn’t score on the man or two man advantage thus we didn’t deserve to win. And our second line didn’t contribute to us the way they did during the regular season.
We had a goal scored called back. We weren’t mentally tough enough to overcome that and capitalize right away on the momentum that a visual of a goal in the net provided us.
Montreal deserved the victory last night. They beat us three games out of four at home in front of our rabid fans.
Congratulations to the Montreal franchise. They move on and we stay home and answer questions and do some serious soul searching. But the better team won fair and square.
Ted,sound’s like a great game,alway’s Sue
Good afternoon Ted, I couldn’t react to your text. First of all, I’m very disappointed too as I felt the Caps had the strength and the type of season to go to the end. I knew we had weaknesses in our own zone (many turnovers, lack of hard hitting and of surveillance in the slot), but I figured out the Caps opponents were even farther from perfection.
I don’t disagree with your comments at all, but I believe you are too kind with the performance offered by the Montreal Canadiens. Yes, they worked very hard and made a very good job in keeping the Caps sharpshooters out of the scoring sheet. Apart from being very opportunist against the Caps defence, they owe this serie to the stellar performance of Jaroslav Halak, the leadership of Mike Camalleri and the sacrifices of the players who blocked almost as many shots as Halak did.
But, overall, what makes me even more mad is the total absence of objectivity of the Habs broadcasters. I watched all games on TV and, as I wrote in Mike Vogel’s blog (Dump’n Chase), if one believes what they told, any Canadiens player could score from anywhere on the ice and about only Nicklas Backstrom has played a good serie. No wonder the Habs fans are so chauvinist as you could read in some of the comments you received. Some are imbued with such bad faith they try to discredit Bruce Boudreau to plug their own favorite Guy Boucher. While at it, why not offer to trade Roman Hamrlik for Alex Ovechkin?
If the Capitals had won this serie, I doubt very much the Caps would have got any praise from the Habs fans. I have never seen such manic depressive people as they are.
In the meantime, I hope they will leave some buildings upright in Montreal should the Cup is gona be won by the Canadiens!
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Ted,
I have followed you blog all year, and have read your book. I have taken great inspiration from your insight.
Dont let the naysayers influence you. We have a great core, with a great coach. Lets build on it.
Thanks for a great season, and even more thanks, for making every trip to the Phone Booth memorable. Although I don’t care for the NBA (ACC BB is much better!), I hope you can translate a Caps experience into a Wizards experience.
Randy Hodson
Leesburg, VA
Responsibility for the third game 7 loss at home rests with you Ted. It’s easy to search for happiness when you can rest easy in the wealth of regular season revenue that amounts to a waste of time and money for the faithful who assume you take your responsibility seriously and hold yourself and those who work for you accountable to us.
The message I get is that some individual players like Theo are responsible for losses but others are not so accountable for their continued failures to produce improvement.
As an avid Montreal Canadiens’ fan, I am delighted with their series win over the Caps. As an avid hockey fan, I am stunned at their victory. You are gracious in defeat and you and the Caps should be congratulated for your regular season success. I hope you will find the formula to translate regular season success into playoff success.
You are the definition of classy. Of course we had hoped the season would have ended differently but C’est la vie. It was a fun, exciting, successful season! No matter what critics and fans say, the season did mean something. It was the best season in franchise history, we won the President’s trophy, every home game sold out, we had the best win streak in franchise history, some players had their best season ever, and we picked up some fantastic players! Fans need to take a step back and be thankful for the success this franchise has experienced in recent years. We have an owner, GM, coach and players that constantly strive to improve. They didn’t start making changes right after the series, they know that emotions cannot dictate their next move. The Cup will come to Washington. Rise above the critics, work hard, stay focused, and it will come! Thank you Ted for believing in a club when no one else did, not giving up, and being an all around class act. Can’t wait for next season!
Maybe Bill’s Burger Baron will make some Hab burgers.
Thanks Ted – From a Montreal Hab fan. You are a classy guy.
I have met some classy poeple in my life, who I have a lot of respect for and I can now add Ted to my list, even thought I have never met him. Would be interewsting to do so.
His summary of the series is pretty much bang on.
I might only add that I think Mr.Boudreau was out-coached.
Maybe next year !!
Thanks for a great season Ted and the entire Caps organization.
Season ticket holder here and I will rockin’ the red again next year. Keep up the great work!
As a Montrealer living in Washington, I thought it was unfortunate that the two teams met so early in the playoffs. I’m a Habs fan through and through, but wanted to thank you for this letter. You were more gracious than I think the Montreal fans could ever be.
Dear Ted,
I’am a real fan of Hab’s and I realy respect your comment in my daily news papper this morning. I want tell you in my langage:
Vous êtes un homme de grande classe.
You are realy welcoome in my born town, Montreal. !
Ted,
You’re a class act!
Thanks,
A Habs Fan
Everyone talks about the goal called back from Washington. What about the goal called back from Montreal? Exact same circumstances. Just sayin.
Good luck next year!
Go Habs!
thank you Capitals for providing Montreal with it’s finest hockey moment since your Theodore was ours and frustrated Thornton and his bunch like Halak frustrated Ovie and Co.
In spite of this loss, cherish the fact that you have one of the finest collection of hockey talent ever assembled at the NHL level. All you’re missing is a hard-nosed seasoned coach….a hitchcock, a Quinn, a Tortorella. Actually the best available talent is maybe Guy Boucher currently coaching our AHL affiliate in Hamilton. And a system. A true system…one that doesn’t rely just on your superb offensive talent.
Ted,
You are pure CLASS. Getting knocked out in the first round this year is a hard one to swallow, but we will be back. I trust you will help make the changes that will put us over the top.
As a Wizards fan I can’t wait to see how your leadership brings the wizards back from the dead.
Great regular season, disappointing playoff. Can someone please get Bruce a RED tie – it’s rock the red, not the purple or green or whatever color he wears that is not RED!! Everybody in the buidling had red on except him! I know it sounds stupid, but it’s one of my superstitions!
Dear Mr. Leonsis,
Wow I’m speechless. I’m a Habs fan to the core, and i’m obviously very happy they won, but i can be honest with you and say, I never expected such a frank and “kind” words for the Habs. I want to thank you for being such a great sport, great team owner, and overall great hockey fan (and intelligent one at that). I’m sure it’s very frustrating for you, having sacrificed and invested so much, and I was sure your Caps would be going far in the playoffs. I didn’t think we stood a chance in a seven game series, and I guess playoff hockey and it’s outcome can be so unpredictable.
All this to say, I have gained a lot of respect for you, for writing this article, and being so candid and complimentary towards the analysis of the series and the solid play of the Montreal Canadiens. I wonder how many other team owners would take the time to write anything, let alone praise for the other team that just beat them. You’re a class act all the way, and a very good asset to the NHL.
Hey Mr Leonsis
I thought you were “one of those owners” but your blog has shown that you are definitely not “one of those owners”
I have been a Montreal fan since the day I was born in 1974 in Montreal. I am now a transplanted Habs fan in Toronto.
It is this reflective blog that will push your team over the top in the coming seasons.
I know I am not a GM but I would suggest you move Semin for Kaberle. I believe he would prove to be a valuable anchor on your back end.
Good luck next season and who knows – see you in the playoffs in 2011 against our Habs!
Ted, you are a classy guy! A true Professional. Being a HABS fan living in Toronto is tough enough.
After reading this blog, all owners, teams, and fans in all sports should see how great of an owner and fan of the game you really are. You respect the game and the outcome.
Sir,
Thanks for the congratulations.
I know a lot of disappointed Caps fans at work but there is a reason why the Habs have won the Stanley Cup 24 times.
Solid goal tending is crucial in the play offs in the NHL.
See Dominik Hasek and Patrick Roy from years ago.
My advice is to keep at it and build a solid organization with the proper support personnel.
You have the facilities and the fans. Now work at the basics and try out different strategies. Study the great teams!
Good luck to you!
Ted,
That was all class. That is why you are one of the best owners in the game. I may be a Habs fan, but the Caps have got my respect. Good luck next year!
You are class act. My wife and I are both season ticket holders and we attended most games. We thoroughly enjoyed the regular season. The achievements of the 2009-2010 edition of the Caps should not be washed away by the first round elimination. Upsets happen all the time in sports and it should be no excuse to trade away our underperforming skill players in an emotional fit. I feel better that you won’t do that. Your salute to the Habs is another class act. Even though I rooted for the Caps, I was amazed by the performance of Hal Gill, the Canadians defenseman.
A very refereshing comment on a great series. Por sports needs more honest and intelligent owners like yourself. This coming from a die hard Habs Fan, good luck next year..
What a classy guy! I’m a huge Montreal fan and never expected them to win. But I agree with you that they did play better hockey and unfortunately, the caps were too confident for their own good. But thanks for the wonderful words. We need more classy people like you in the world who can acknowlege things and learn from them.
Thanks again!
Ted Leonsis, you are a classy individual! All pro sports should have ownership like yours.
Ted,
Thanks again. A great time..a disappointment on the way to greater things. Thanks for being accessible and for your comments. Its a pleasure to go to games and support this team, mostly because of your class as an owner and philanthropist.
I love the team and the coaches. BB is very intuitive and honest. The sudden turn around when he was hired tells you all you need to know and some fans may have forgotten that in the disappointment of the moment.
I think wrapping up the #1 seed early hurt. It took some fire out of the last two weeks. The younger guys will learn more about what it takes to win the second season. Our goaltending and defense was good enough to win..our offense didn’t adapt to the 5 men back strategy the Habs employed. It was more like a rugby scrum..we stayed with skill, when what was needed was muscle in front and a scrum.
I think our existing players are capable of that..it was just a sudden change of style that we didn’t adapt to quickly enough. One or two bruisers will help. The core is good.
It was a great season…no regrets…yes a stepping stone to the cup. Congratulations for building such an amazing team and for the season.
Ted ask George to Slats and see if you could pty The King loose for Semin and a D man . And if you need a Dman back we will also give you are top Paid D Redden for a 10th round pick
I’m from Montreal and i’m still pinching myself to see if I was dreaming. The media here is still talking about Ted’s blog. Let me point out that no sport reporter here predicted montreal winning.
I think washinton was a stronger team but was struck with bad luck.
I’de like to congradulate Ted & washington fans for being good sports.
From Quebec City…
I am very impressed with this blog mister Leonsis !
It was a David vs Goliath fight, this time David won thanks to Halak
Once again, very impressed !
I has already been said, but I will say it again, you’re a class act! Your assessment is right on the money: lucid, unvarnished, and fair. It is clear to me why you have enjoyed so much success in life, and why you will continue to do so in the future. Watching the Caps has been great entertainment for our whole family. With you at the helm, it’s only going to get better!
Don’t be too hard on your team. If you had’ve gotten that overtime win in game one, it would have been a Washington sweep. The worst thing you could do is make sweeping changes. Bruce is a good coach. A lot of people would be quick to jump on him, but they deserve another chance.
I’ve been a Habs fan for most of my 42 years, and have NEVER seen them work so hard and play like a real team over such a stretch… well, maybe in ’86… anyhow, it IS possible to just get outplayed even if you bring your A game.
Congrats on a great season!
Very Classy Orgainzation, didnt point fingers and blame refs. All the great teams have to learn to loose before they learn to win, the Habs of old did, the 80′s Oilers did and the Caps will too. Though I am a habs fan and happy about the win, I know the Caps will remain being one of the tops teams in the league!
wow, I agree with your assessment but way to throw your organization under the bus.
I live in another hockeytown but am a BIG Caps fan. THANKS for a terrificly entertaining season. There is NOT ONE team in the NHL that is as exciting to watch as this one. NO LEAD IS SAFE when you play the Caps.
Your team makes hockey fun to watch for peope who aren’t especially avid hockey fans too.
#s 8, 19, 28, 52—all outstanding, and I could go on.
You’ll break through in the post season eventually and once you’ve got it figured out, clear a shelf for the Cups.
I wish Bruce Boudreau were as classy as this man.
Dear Sir, Montreal is my hometown. The Canadiens are in my soul through and through. You Sir, are not only a man of class and dignity and honesty, in my humble opinion, you are a model for the younger generations seeking an example, a Godsend in what can be considered troubled times. May God bless your soul. May you find success in the future. May your endeavors be granted the fulfillment I truly feel is deserved. Congratulations for shining brightly and stoically. I, today, at this very moment, became a fan Mr. L.
Very well said sir and a very classy response. That is one hell of a team you got there and you should be very proud of your team. They will be good again next year and will definitely be a force to be reckoned with in years to come. The Washington Capitals will have their time, be it next year, or in a few year. Keep your head held high. It was a great series and a memorable one at that. From a fans perspective, this was the most entertaining series of the first round. Good luck next year (except against my Habs, of course). Meanwhile, Go Habs Go!
Mister Leonsis,
Being from Montreal, I just read your comments (translated in French on http://www.rds.ca/hockey/chroniques/298157.html).
Like peoples said before, in a difficult and uncomfortable situation like this, it takes a lot of class to write a piece like you did.
Thank you!
I have heard you were all class and this confirms it. As a Montreal fan I can honestly say my prayers were answered the last 3 games. With that said, I am now a Capitals fan after reading stories like Laich helping last evening and now your blog. Good things come to good people and hopefully you will receive yours soon, just not at our expense!
Ted your a great man the CAPS have been in my heart f0r 20 odd years and i live in montreal and am a CAPS fan montreal out played us this year but next year we should get it …And don’t take it hard …STANLY WILL COME TO YOU SOON I FEEL IT….
Mr. Leonsis:
It’s been said once, but it merits saying again. You are so classy. Our city is proud of a big win against your incredible team. If I respected the Capitals’ play before it’ll be easier to respect your whole organization now because of your leadership. Best of all, you actually know the game.
I’m a Habs fan for life, but I wish you and your organization the best. I look forward to many more exciting rematches in the future.
Kudos to you, sir!
Giasou Ted,
Thank you for the compliments and congratulations on building a team with tremendous potential.
Good luck in the future.
P.S. If you don’t want that Ovie guy, we will be glad to take him off you hands! *smiles*
Classy note indeed.
But as a Montrealer, I must say there are quite a few of us that are baffled with the results. As a team, the Caps are more talented, faster and heavier than our players. Our goalie saved our collective asses but, on the ground of sheer talent, we didn’t demonstrate that we deserved to move to the next round.
What a sport. What a game. But it’s only a game
Thank you. You’re a gentleman.
You are a very classy man Mr. Leonsis, on behalf of all Habs fans “thank you” for your words.
I am sure that the Caps will hoist some silverware in the near future, best of luck with all your endeavors.
Sir, you’re a gentleman.
Hope you’re team will learn from this experience.
The path to the Stanley Cup is a painful one.
You have to work as a team in order to win.
Good luck for next year.
Greetings from Montreal.
GO HABS GO!
Mr Ted,
I’m a Canadiens fan living in the DC area. Thank you for your message and sportsmanship.
Hockey is the greatest sport on earth!
Great take, Ted. This is why you are a great owner. I hope the soul-searching gives you the answer. To me…in my armchair, of course, it seemed that organization seems a bit fearful to fully commit to winning. To do what is necessary to get the job done…bring in those type of players who have the type of grit and moxy when it counts.
I thought the free agency and trade deadline would bring more of this than the few added to the mix. Time to question the mix.
Just a humble opinion and wish you well.
BD
Sir, I am speechless. Your comments are spot on and terribly true. The Washington Capitals should hire a coach who can teach a team concept and react rapidly when things go wrong in the playoffs…You should have a chat about that with Mr McPhee. Suggestion: Stanley Cup winner coach Bob Hartley is available and he can develop different patterns for any situation of a hockey game.
As a Montreal fan, I’ve been very impressed with the Caps this year, despite the outcome of this series. Washington has probably been the best show in hockey for some time, and not all due to Ovi.
Now I also know they also have great ownership. Kudos to you.
Awesome post. You’ll win a Cup soon with this kind of attitude. Wish the ownership of my Buffalo Sabres had 1/100th as much class.
Sir, you are very classy and this good and nice blog entry rise your whole organisation one step higher. Better luck next year. Your guys are still young and can only improve during the next years.
Dear M. Leonsis,
I have heard from your blog in “La Presse” Montreal’s newspaper. I was strike by the fairplay you show in your text “Congratulations Montreal”.
Too rarely we can see or hear that quality of speech, that objective look of both sides, honesty and humility. In professionnal sport, in politics and in our daily life.
I didn’t know you before that text. But for sure, your text will inspire me, in my class room and in my daily actions.
Best wishes from Montreal.
A.D.
You sir, are a very gracious man. The very best to you and your franchise.
Mr. Leonsis,
You are a classy person and your comments are appeciated North of the border. They’ve been translated to our French news outlets as well. It was a hard-fought series and goes to prove again that the Stanley Cup is the hardest prize to win in sports. Thank you for an exciting season and the job you’ve done in Washington.
A Habs fan from Montreal
Hi Ted,
I love the game. I love to watch Ovi play and you have got a hell of a team. PLease continue (and I am sure you will) to push for this game! I abslutely loved this series between the Caps and CH. Both teams showed us what the game is all about! This series was really one of the best ‘suspense series’ Ive seen in years and believe you me Ive seen many!
Tx to the Caps Players for their talent.
Tx for the Habs for their passion.
Hockey will be the Greatest Sport in the World!!!
MarcO
Your a great owner Mr.Leonsis. I am a Montreal Canadien fan, and here in Montreal, many peoples did not belive in our team chance against your goal scoring machine and I was one of them, how could we? The puck seem to roll for us in this series and your team dont have to be a shame, they played like they where no tomorrow, but we had a goaly that stopped everything, and when you have a goally like that, there nothing you cant do. Emotion seem to have been more on our side as we follow the Canadien like a religious thing and it’s maybe that that given the player the energy to play like they did. But the only thing I can say is that your team did take (at first) the Canadien lightly, and the thing Ovechkin did on the little kid in Montreal and the weird comment of Boudreau and Overchkin (like the bottle shaking incident) did frustrated the peoples here in Montreal, and there is something peoples who never been in Montreal cant understand, is that when you make personnal attack, we make sure that our players know about these stuff and let them know how we feel. That might be the turning point of the serie and gave our team energy to beat yours and that without.
Also, individually your team is good, but collectively, I think they need to play a bit more togheter, which was not the case after match number 3…
Anyway, I will make sure to keep following the Caps as they are my 3rd favorite team in the NHL…
Thank you
Stephane Gagne
Well that’s a classy man ! I’ve seen him put so much effort in rebuilding this franchise, it’s a shame it came to this. I’m from Montreal, and very happy we won, but it’s quite sad that this had to happen to you guys. But the way this team played, a slap in the face may be the best thing you could get. This justifies any move that may be made over the summer. Teams win. Clubs don’t. Because in my definition of team, it’s a group of players tied together with a strong bond. This group of player, I felt it was more like a club. People doing their own thing, nobody to rally the troops, everyone getting over their heads after a 3-1 lead and stupid comments in the newspaper. If you look at what Kris Letang said today, you see an immediate contrast. It was more humble. I think this club possesses many great assets that will make rebuilding for next year so much easier. Obviously the team can’t stay as it is. And with all the tools coming from Hershey, you’re stacked for years to come. Don’t lose hope, but do work to have more chances at winning it all.
A true class owner of a class organization. We need more like you in any sport. Being a Habs fan, I’m thrilled. You still have a great team. Surprising
what a hot goalie can do. We have learn this over the years in Montreal. Best of luck with all your teams.
You are a great owner. I am a diehard Wizards fan and felt that no one could come in and replace Abe – or even come close. The more and more I read about you, the more amazed I am at how much I’m looking forward to your time at top with the Wiz.
I am from Montreal, and I really appreciate your latest blog post. It truly reflects the direction the Washington Capitals organization have taken over the past 11 years since you took over. The Canadiens are often referred to as a classy organization and with merit, but I respect what you have just written. Your franchise has an encouraging future and one of the most exciting to watch. It was a great series.
Classy article. Good luck next year Washington!
Mr.Leonsis you are a classy man and i want to thank you to had save hockey in Washington. I’m from Montreal, of course i’m a habs fan but i love to watch your team. Maybe next year will be the year. The only thing who is missing to your team is th TEAM concept, to much individual effort. See you soon!
)
Sorry for my poor english, i’m french speaking!
As a devoted Habs fan, I am truly touched by your comments. Thank you for being so classy. It was a fantastic series and surpassed even my expectations! It was nice to play the Caps over Boston for a change ; )
Cap and Ted has bi-partisan support. I am as big a fan of you sir as I am of your Capitals, who knows you may get me to liking basketball. I agree with the sentiments of some of the prior postings, you have class. We had a great season, and already looking forward to the next.
Rogbo
Habs fan here. I just wanted to mention that the cyberpresse.ca website based in Montreal published a link to your blog; most people there salute your text as a great anaysis and I have to say that it takes a lot of courage to come out with such a text on the day following your elimination.
You earned my respect as a NHL franchise owner with this text.
I think that the OLYMPICS hurt not only the CAPITALS, but the NHL as a whole. TOO MANY GAMES with TOO LITTLE REST !! I hope that the next time the OLYMPICS occur, the NHL does NOT allow our star players to leave the team for a couple weeks.
BUT, the CAPS need to prepare to be shut down again if we don’t change our style of play and learn some DEFENSE !!
Hello sir Leonsis;
I never read any comment as classy as yours from anybody in an organisation that face such high expectations and lose in the first round. Then, I have to admire you and your personnal strength. I think it’s a lesson for everybody who lose, not just in the world of sports, but in life. I’m french canadian and a proud fan of the Montreal Canadiens but this is a thing that makes you deserve all the respect in the world from us, Habs fans. Congratulations for the phenomenal year, tremendous demonstration of skills and passion your entire organisation showed the entire league this year. It won’t come off that way every year, I’m sure!
Best of luck.
Thank you! You are a good man. You give a wonderful exemple!
A girl from Montreal
Wow! Humble, respectfull and true. I live in Montreal and of course the Canadiens is in my blood. But when I knew that the Canadiens where facing the Capitals… man I was scared…but today, I’m in heaven. I would like to say thank you to mister Leonsis’s great words. Humble, respectfull and true you are Sir.
Long Live Alexander THE GREAT!
As a fan of hockey I was very happy to see #8 comming to Montreal and maybe giving us a great show. But the show went on the other side…#41 Jaroslav Halak gave us the show we Canadiens fans wanted. Trust me folks, if one day I’m moving to Washington I’ll be very proud to be a Capitals fan.You do have an electrifing and amazing team ! But as far as i’m concern, I’m still in Montreal so ….Go Habs Go!
Hello Mr. Leonsis,
I am writing to you from Montreal. I just finished reading your statement on our local sports page(rds). I must say that you are a class act, congratulations on telling it like it is (I’m sure it was not easy). Capital fans are devastated today but I have a good feeling that next year’s roster will come out much stronger and will have more sucess. As for Alexander Ovechkin I still think he is the best hockey player in the world.
Good luck,
Panagiotis (Peter) Stappas.
A well written, classy, honest, blunt and refreshing piece on a great hockey series. Good luck next year … from a died-in-the-wool, true red, white & blue Habs fan.
This is perhaps the most graceful congratulations I have read in the realm of sports.
I do not know you but the humility you show in your remarks can only make one want to learn more about how you and your activities.
It remains such a contrast with the litany of sound bites reported from your team’s coach and players all through the series. I wish you the best for the future. I hope you find a solution for a team which had shown such promises.
I have a feeling the decision to go with the young less experienced goaltender in game 7 was a committee decision. Blinding speed and power will always be successful but with the Habs system Ovie needed to be more creative and generous with the puck. Leonsis analysis is pretty good
You are a Gentlemen, M. Leonsis. It was a great game… A very good one… and we win it ! But with theamazing line-up you have in D.C. , no doubt that next year will event be better for you ! Regards… and Go Habs Go !
Very well put – i got your link from Ek @ hockeybuzz.
Can you Buy the Leafs, PLEASE!!!
We would be HONORED to have a Hockey man like you!
First time I hear of you. Sorry. You earn my respect instantly because of your analysis. I would like to point out that the Caps have had a fabulous season and have achieved amazing results both offensively and in terms of wins. I think the biggest mistake made by your team was denial and self-content. I kept reading player and coach reactions after our wins and they were all based on a sort of facade and over confidence. Comments should have been “We were outplayed and we should get more involved in the game”. Instead I was reading “It is just a matter of time before we score because we keep out shooting them.” The coach should have realised he was playing a better team, concerting efforts for the greater good of a win. Aside from the goalie, who might have single handedly won the series by himself, Montreal does not have star players. Perhaps this is the greater lesson about hockey to be learned. A more cohesive formation will beat any star players any night, night after night. The Caps were outplayed by a tightly knit bunch of dedicated players. It might be a lesson of humility for players more preoccupied by personal statistics than the good of the team. Then again there was Halak. Go figure.
Sir,
(excuse my english, I am french speaking)
First of all I would like to say I am from montreal and as you probably now, a Habs fan.
I followed in my university course in the past your path throw sports business. Everytime I had a research to be done, I was doing it on sports business’ best leader, how they arrived there and what are the most ”winner” process to make a successfull team. Since then, I learned a lot about you sir and I was a fan of your way of doing business.
But now, by reading this, it confirms to me more than ever the kind of human being you are and how ”TRUE” you can be.
Here in the montreal radio it talks a lot about your commentary and would like to tell you we have a lot of respect for what you said.
As some said before me, you haVE a young team, the best to watch on TV and your fans are completly awesome, they seems so passionnate. Just make sure to continue to have this good relationship with them, they are your best assets in this business.
Again, the caps are lucky to have an owner with this mindset, your turn will come in the next 2 years, don’t worry about that.
We will double our force now to honorate you and won against number 87, Sid the kid.
Sincerely yours,
Living in Montreal and being a huge Habs fan, I have to say you are one classy guy. It was a great series with loads of excitement. Best of luck in the years to come.
Look at the Eastern Conference, #4, #6, #7, #8 seeds moved on to the next round while #1, #2, #3, #5 went home…
It is not just the Caps, Phily took out NJ Devils in 5 games. At least Caps hung around till 7th game.
It is the fact that #6, #7, #8 had to play “do or die” hockey to squeeze into playoff way before the playoff started, so they are more mentally prepared to take it up a notch, while #1, #2, #3 teams were just coasting into playoff… and the result are obvious…
Mr. Leonsis, I have been watching hockey on TV since 1954 and have been a Habs fan even longer than that. In the almost 6 decades of being a fan of hockey, I believe that you are the only owner who I can honestly say is “of the people”. Kudos. (In a perfect world and if I were not a Hab fan, I would say you deserved better)! There is nothing wrong with the Caps as a group, but that talented group should be moulded into a TEAM.
I am actually a fan of the Caps, ever since my favourites of the Habs got traded to them – Rod Langway and Doug Jarvis.
Sir, your a classy guy, see next year!! Sooner or later your team will win the cup!
A class act indeed! As a Habs fan, I want to thank you for this post and for your very graceful attitude.
)
Well said. In my opinion the team was depending too much on the top three.
Your still a classy guy and lets see if BB can come out and say something as classy.
Good luck next season, from a born Canadian fan in Montreal.
Ivan Cohene
Well done M Leonsis.
Before the start of the serie(I am a die hard Hab’s fan from MTL) I tougth it was a impossible mission to win more thant 1 games in that serie. I still think the Caps are a way better team thant Mtl with more offence and deepness. We where luky, opportunism and transported by a amazing goaltender. Best of luck for next year and we will take care of tne Pens for you!(sorry for my bad english)
François
A sincere and wise analysis. It’s this kind of spirit that will guide such a talented, but young team through to future championships.
Capitals fans should be happy to have such a class act as an owner!
I’m from Montreal and really impressed by the class and profound understanding of the Hockey game by the Caps owner. With a good head at the very top, the Caps will be good again for many years to come.
As Jacques Deners explained here on TV about his own experience as Red Wings’ head coach, you have to be patient with your leaders – particularly Ovy – the Pay Days
will come very soon. Yzerman had a looser reputation in his early days as a very young Wings’ captain – he later won 3 Stanley cups and the Wings are still a great team today!
I’m a big habs fan from Canada. When you read your comment above, it’s not hard to be a fan of yours. I wish more professional sports teams had passionate owners like yourself, rather than corporation’s with more layers than a good chocolate cake. I think most hockey fans will agree that if not for Halak, Washington would be getting ready for Philly a couple of days ago. Mr. Semin better learn the correlation between heart/passion and winning. 14 games without a goal, in the only season that matters is unacceptable. The Caps are an exciting team to watch and I believe they’re almost there.
so wrong to critize them in public. i am a season ticket holder and share the disappointment but this was unnecesary.
Ted,
I have just read a French translation of your article on Montreal most important newspaper. I was impressed by your analysis and I wish to congratulate you for your great sportmenship.
We have been lucky although you are right to say Habs were more committed to their scheme.
I guess this morning has been particularly tough for Mr Boudreau who might have fallen in love with his powerful offense which is never a good idea.
I’m sad for Caps’ fans today, because I know how they are feeling. I’m a long-time Red Wings’ fan, and I remember how devastated I was after every single playoff loss–and there were a lot of them. (We won the Pres Trophy in 94–and got upset by the Sharks in Round 1. Just to name one) The Wings had the same problem as the Caps–the inability to adapt to the playoff game. Their idea of a good win was 8-7, when someone had a hat trick. Wildly entertaining, but it didn’t win championships. Not until they were forced to adapt, thanks to Scotty Bowman, did the Stanley Cups come flowing in. So I’m saying here–even with this loss, the Caps will have learned something.Hopefully, it’s enough to make them see that they have to start to play differently in the playoffs, but that’s up to them. Somebody mentioned a coach like Mike Keenan. He’s gotten more mileage out of 1 Cup (in 94) with the Rangers than he has any right to (Messier did more to push the team there, anyway) and he’s never done anything anywhere again. So please, not him.
But what I would say, Mr Leonsis, is this: Scotty Bowman is done coaching, and he’s happy working with his son in Chicago. But Scotty Bowman loves hockey, knows it completely, and will talk with ANYONE about it if they share his passion. Invite him to DC on your ticket, and spend a couple of days asking him how he would build a Cup team out of the Caps, and listen to what he says, remembering that getting to a Cup is a process, not a single act.
Thanks for all your class and good sportsmanship, Mr. Leonsis, and for your work in making the Caps a successful and much loved team. That Cup will be yours someday, and it will be a sweet day indeed. Just keep going forward.
hmmm you weren’t so gracious 2 years ago when the Flyers team beat your franchise, oh well maybe you live and you learn.
I am a Montrealer who never stopped believing in my team but also was very well aware of what the Capitals could do at any time; after all, we *were* down 3 games to 1, and faced elimination 3 games in a row for nail-biting nights of play and anticipation.
But I congratulate you, Mr. Leonsis, for your very classy, introspective and obviously painful entry here. You provide a model for your team, and I hope your players and Mr. Boudreau will take a page from your book here and carry themselves into next season with the lessons learned and the example you set.
good luck in the off season,
Lissa
Every sport franchise need an owner like you. You are the most honest that I ever saw. You don’t hide behind someone else for such failure. As you said, nobody was dead last night. Sport provides wonderful lessons. You provide one also on your blog.
I’m from Quebec City and I really wished that your team haved beat Montreal. But for their hard work, they deserved to win last night, this serie.
Better assets for Montreal throughout the series : Halak, Gill and Georges. Think about that for next year Mr Leonsis.
Wish you good luck for next year.
I am amazed by this display of class and grace. I hope, as a hockey fan from Montreal, that this series that just ended is the beginning of an even more exciting rivalry.
Wow! My respects, Sir, for being so introspective and for being such a gentleman. YOU deserve our respect, from Québec. Thank you!
Thank you Very much Sir.
You are a real Gentleman, it’s all at your honor.
Be sure that the Canadiens fan like me, will realy appreciate your comment.
Phase 1 of the rebuild worked to near perfection for the regular season. What’s the plan for Phase 2?
Very nice post Ted. You are a good man. Did you see Steinberg’s post today re: Laich? Your team is good people.
nicely done! Hopefully Caps fans won’t be too hard on Ovie (judging by what I read so far from Washington reporters, it seemed to imply that Ovie was going to be blamed for this and I hope this won’ be the case). I am beyond thrill with the win of my my bleu, blanc, rouge, but it was a nail biter and it truly could have gone either way.
I think the Habs had to play extra hard, because they knew that if they didn’t win, upon arriving back home, Montrealers would chase them out of town with torches, so they felt pressured
I truly thought the Caps would win cause they played amazingly all year long. Let the rivalry continue next year!!
Very classy blog post; it’s appreciated up here in Montreal.
MS
all the best ofr next season thought. This lesson will be remembered and built upon
Sir
You have a lot of class.
As you can see sometimes a slingshot is more powerfull than a bazooka.
Regards sir,
Merci Ted !
Bon Golf !
Claude
Great sportsmanship.
Gatineau, Québec, Canada HABS fan.
AS a Habs fan I take my hat off to you Ted. Very classy of you to give kudos to a team of underdogs that played as a team while the press chooses to eviscerate the Caps instead.
Too many of your players tried to do it all on their own. Unfortunately for the Caps, hockey is a team sport and no matter how talented players are you must play as a team.
Montreal showed that hard work can indeed trump talent. Sure Halak was sensational in the final 3 games but the team in front of him sacrificed mind and body to compete with a clearly more talented Caps squad.
Not to join the mob forming at the Caps doorstep but I feel Boudreau was out-coached. Losing 3 of 4 at home when you have the last change is not acceptable in the NHL. He did not adjust to the tremendous job Gill-Gorges did on Ovechkin when even the most layman of fans realized they were shutting him down. More should have been done to get him away from those two, especially with the last change.
Bruce Boudreau is a great coach but, in my humble opinion, is more suited for up and coming young players than established stars. Your Caps are established now, they need an experienced coach to take them to the next level. I am sure you are a loyal man, and loyalty is admirable, but you owe it to your fans to give them the best possibility to win.
Go out and get a true shutdown defenseman and a veteran coach that has been deep in the playoffs before and I assure you, the cup will be yours.
I’m a Habs fan but I respect your fairplay and sincerity. And I respect how you builted this team and what you do for hockey in USA.
I think Ovechkin is a good player and he’s like some fresh air in the NHL but, cleary, he need a little more maturity. I hope it will be a great lesson for the Capitals, in the next years.
I’m sure the cup will come around Washington soon…
Great series, great sensations, wish you the best,
Habs fan,
Jean-Francois
That’s very very Classy and demonstrates good sportsmanship! It’s very well said and extremely nicely analyzed… It was one hell of a ride… GO HABS GO!
Ted, you also need to excuse yourself for the remarks you made in your suite in Montréal during and after Game 4… “Bonsoir Montréal!” “Where is everyone going?”.
Sometimes, Karma will come back on you and always remember what Yogi said: It ain’t over til’ it’s over.
The history and the fans in Montréal are also part of what happened yesterday.
Very gracious of Mr. Leonsis.
From a Habs fan
A class act and one of the best owners in the league. I am proud of my Canadiens for winning!! I am sure Ted has many more winning days to come.
Not much to say that wasn’t already said.
It takes a strong person to say this about something they have financial and emotional investment in.
All the best, Ted.
Return our Expos and you can advance to the second round.
The better TEAM won yesterday. By no means was Montréal able to compete with the Caps on a pure talent basis. But they did compete as a whole…something the Caps were unable to become.
Was watching Boudreau’s post game comment and he seemed jealous of how of a TEAM Montréal became during that series. He said the were more committed to the cause…
May i say that you reap what you sow? Short practices, little intensity during the season while trusting your sole talent just doesn’t quite make it when the real season begins. Hadn’t the Habs won i would’ve been the same…but no one would’ve noticed because the team would have made it to the next round out of their sole talent.
In order for this team to win the Lord Stanley’s Cup, the players will have to commit to the TEAM and be ready to suffer. How many bruises today on Caps players arms? I take a wild guess….at lot less than in Montreal.
Good luck for the future, Caps are great players…may they become a great TEAM.
Just a thought here… I love Bruce Boudreau but i believe Mr. Ted Nolan is probably available to coach the Caps?!
Class act. No other words.
I’m a Montreal fan through and through. First and foremost, thank you to the Capitals for a riveting series! It was the best one out of all the first round games.
I echo the sentiments above. More professional sports need owners like you. You are passionate, classy and call it like it is.
Cheers and best of luck next season!
Dear Ted,
It is a very honest retrospect of your team and very classy of you to be as upright, you have my respect. I am a Habs fan and seriously thought about an early playoff outting run when we were down 1-3. As an owner, it is very difficult to admit defeat but your honesty made me admire the person that you are.
Ted,
As I would expect from you; total class and honesty. I am a transplanted Canadian living in Maine and worship the Canadiens. I have followed the Caps with a lot of interest since your affiliation with the Portland Pirates. I know a lot of your players from their days here and can honestly say that if the Canadiens were to lose it would be your team that I wouldn’t mind losing to. That doesn’t mean much but I cheer for the team a lot and fully expected the Caps to win. Like others have said, it looks like the team expected to as well, especially after coming back from the 4-1 deficit. Maybe Halak wasn’t as shaken as OV thought or maybe he was fired up by OV’s comment. Either way, good luck in the future. You are a class act and deserve a Cup in Washington.
Hey William,
Great call with the Red Wings comparison. I think the Red Wings have had their share of President Trophies and first round eliminations. It even happened in’06. The Capitals have a sound foundation and I would gladly take some of your players and add them to the Habs any day.
Ted, this is classy and, as a lifelong hockey player and Montreal fan, thank you for your class and thank you to the Capitals for a great series. Meaning no disrespect, here are a few tips from someone who has played the game for near 40 years: Dream teams do not work. Period. Build a team philosophy and eliminate any mercenaries on your squad or you will repeat (I DID NOT SAY RISK REPEATING, I guarantee behavioral repeat) the same result. The 09-10 Capitals are the embodiment of ‘offense wins games, defense wins championships’–1st in the season 1st out in the playoffs. Hockey is played at both ends of the ice. Ovechkin plays one half of the game and for all the investment has yielded negative results. Best of luck to your team in future endeavors
Tom
Hi, I come from Quebec and I’m a huge Habs fan. God, that was one of the best serie i’ve ever seen in my life. Habs win but you guys deserve respect. You got such greats fans and your team is amazing. You are so close to lift the stanley cup. Thanks for your class sir. Good luck for your future.
I am from Quebec and 1 thing you should do as a owner is to teach your stupid ovenchkin to have a minimum of respect to young fans.Walking away from little fans who wants a autograph and stopping so hard in front of a kid putting so much ice in is face just because he is holding a habs flag in the presentation in disgusting.Ovechkin lost al the respect i had for him and alot of people here feel the same way.I always put ovechkin in front of crosby so the Capitals was always one of my favorite teams but now i don’t think i will watch you guys anymore just from that stupid move.
Mr Leonsis,
You are truly a class act! As are your Fans and your whole organization. You hit the ‘nail on the head’ with your Blog. Even though im from Montreal, im a big Ovie Fan! loved what he did last year at the All star week end. Once again you are CLASS!! good luck in all future endeavors.
j cohen
You are a good owner Ted, don’t let this loss change your love for your Capitals, as a Habs fan, I have enjoyed your work with the Capitals franchise, It used to be a financial doom and now it’s booming.
So keep it going ! It will go better for the Caps eventually!
Ted! If I may call you Ted? Totally classy on your part. Classy like my beloved Habs. I am in Vancouver, British Columbia. I have been a Habs fan since 1967, check the irony of that. I’ve always had a soft spot for the Caps dating back to the Bryan Murray days. I wish the NHL had more owners like you. By the way have you ever considered buying my favourite baseball team, the Baltimore Orioles?
As a Habs fan, I have to say that this is one of the classiest posts ever. Not only were the commentators talking about your unconditional love for the Caps, but you truly showed your passion in your post. All the best to you and the Caps. You guys had us freaking out in MANY situations. One of the best 7-game series ever.
Cheers!
Your passion is inspiring Ted. You are a true sportsman. As a fan who despises The Great 8 it was still tough to see you hurting after last nights game. From one hockey mind to another, your team is most successful when 8 reacts to the play not carries the play. 19 is the QB you need. Similar to The Kid, he can take it to the net when everyone’s looking at 8 or dish it at just the right time when he pulls the defense towards him. BB said it best last night in that MTL was happy to play 4on4 or 4on3 anytime 8 was on the ice. Unfortnately for you, the adjustment was not made. Why did you trade for Scott Walker? What about signing Mike Knuble? While 8 was running around and 28 was getting deeper and deeper in debt, Walker and Knuble sat begging someone to dump it in the corner so they could crash the party and make something happen. You had the make-up of a Stanley Cup team but didn’t give the GRUNTS a chance to GRUNT. Lesson learned? There’s also a fine line between making a goalie change to shift momentum and selling a guy out for a second year in a row. Theo was your best player since the Olympic break. You didn’t lose the series because of your goalie, you lost it because of their goalie. Congrats on making the Caps the talk of the town. God bless you and yours always.
Very classy Ted–you wanna take over the management of the NHL?..;))
@hockeynuts
Ted i just read your blog and coming from a man that has tasted success in many avenues of life I got to tell you, you made me rise up in my chair and read it a second time. you are why the game of hockey is so special.Owners that care about the game love the sport and realise that even the sport is larger than the greed some of your counterparts have. I am now a fan of the Caps still love the Habs but realise that Bruce Ovie and cast have one hell of a leader watching above. Kudos to you good luck this off season and i wish you success in all your ventures
Steve
Very classy as previously stated.
Regardless of results this was one of the best series I have ever watched. Every game was a battle and hard fought.
The Caps fans truly impressed me by taking the high road in game 5 and responded to the booing incidents in Montreal by showing Montreal how it should be done and cheering for the Canadien anthem.
Now you the owner of the Caps impress me with your gracious letter and take on the series.
Better luck next year (just not against the Habs)
-W
Ted, you’re the best owner in sports and a true class act. Thanks for all that you’ve done for the Capitals. That being said, there’s one hard choice I urge you to make now: replace Boudreau.
In this series there are two inarguable facts. We had the better talent, but Montreal was the better team. I hate to say it, but there’s only one thing that causes that to happen, and that’s coaching. We were flat out outcoached. BB did not, or more accurately could not, adjust to a very simple trap scheme, one that’s been defused before so often it’s not in vogue anymore. He couldn’t realize that when you’re being forced into low-quality shots, more of the same is not the answer.
Looking at the world of sports, is it mere coincidence that the same day the most-talented hockey team in the world was beaten by superior coaching, the best assemblage of soccer talent in the world (Barcelona) was knocked out of the Champions League by a superior coach (Mourinho)? Soccer management realizes that tactics and discipline beats raw talent 9 times out of 10.
You said on your blog: “I believe our hockey IQ seemed low this series and we didn’t adjust well on the ice to the new schemes coming our way.” Exactly. As a true Capitals fan, I hope this means that we’re going to get a savvy, playoff-tested-and-proven coach who will understand that the first 82 games mean absolutely nothing, and that the Stanley Cup isn’t just everything, it’s the only thing.
Classy post Ted. Disappointing loss for sure, but having a team that matters in this town is worth it.
I’m a Hab fan Ted.
You’ve shown a lot of class with this post you have made. You have a great team a real powerhouse that will have to be contended with for a long time. This past series was a great series and if not for the play of Jaro Halak and the Montreal defence there’s no doubt that I’d be cheering for the Caps as of today.
Congratulations to you and the Caps fans for a hugely successful regular season you all have a very bright future ahead of you.
Well said Ted.
A classy editorial. I have been a Habs fan for half a century and have seen many versions of my beloved team. Some good, some great, some bad and some very bad. In this series, it was hard to point a finger and say “that, right there is why we won/lost”. Suffice to say that while we move on to meet the Penguins, there will be some furrowed brows and some tough questions asked by the Washington management.
To steal the eternal cry of the Toronto Maple Leaf fan, “There’s always next year”
Cheers…..
I am a Canadiens fan from Quebec City and I read all your posts during the playoffs against Montréal. You have really clear toughts and you deserve all my respect. Your have a very powerful team and they played great hockey against us but Montreal came out very strong in this series. This was unexpected considering Montreal’s poor final stretch in the regular season, clinching a playoff spot with an OT loss in the final game. I am stunned by their D play right now as they never came up this good during the season. Coach Martin sold a team D system to the players and they all bought it and it turned out great for us, propelling us in round #2.
I certainly will continue reading about your thoughts on a regular basis.
Good luck in the offseason with the Capitals
Classy and direct as always. Thanks for staying so.
You sir, are a class act unto yourself.
You’ve built a great organization since acquiring the Caps, and a very fun and exciting team to watch. As a fan, it was an honor to see my Habs fight tooth and nail against the Washington Capitals. It has made our team better for it, and hopefully the Caps can regroup and come back from this for a Cup run next year. I want to see Ovechkin raise the Cup, I just didn’t want to see it this year. No offense
After such an exciting and nail biting series, all I can say is bravo to all the Caps and their fans. It’s been an honor to see our teams fight to the bitter end. Thank you for some of the best playoff hockey I’ve seen in my youthful existence.
Good luck with the Wizards, sir. You can make them a championship team as well, I’m sure of it.
respectfully,
-a Habs fan
While many of the others posting here talk about your class, I seem to remember a case a month ago where you seemed a little thin-skinned and petty. In retrospect your team couldn’t even get past the 8th team in the East, much less anybody in the West.
A modified version of your quote:
“I think this owner should be talking to his coaching staff about their rebuild plan to compete for a Stanley Cup NOT to our fan base and player about ours.
And then I think this owner should stand up and communicate to his team’s fan base about the plan to compete for a Cup. And then back it up. It is a simple formula: Outline a plan – communicate it – back it up.”
And Ted, enjoy the slightly less long off season.
“Live by the O and die by the O. We were horrid on the special teams”
Teddy, you mean you LIVED BY THE O, AND DIED WITH YOUR D.
The Caps didnt adjust to the Habs pressure, and couldnt score on special teams. The Caps have no depth and very little role players that step up when the big guns go silent.
Here are my few cents of hockey wisdom. GET RID OF SEMIN. O-FER on goals.
Enjoy the summer golfing season.
LETS GO PENS!!!
Now that George Gillett has sold the Habs, you sir are the classiest owner in the NHL. You’re team is as close to perfect as it can be, by the way. They just ran into one heck of a goaltending performance by Halak. Don’t do anything drastic in the off season. All the ingredients for long term success are there. Patience in the face of such disappointment will serve your franchise well for many years to come.
Good luck.
Thanks for the stand-up comments. All season long, we were told that this team was set up to get The Sixteen Wins That Matter. They volunteered themselves to be judged by that standard.
Throughout the past two playoff runs, we’ve seen key players not willing to pay the heightened price it takes to get those Sixteen Wins — hustling to loose pucks, throwing their bodies in front of shots and in passing lanes, fighting for prime position in front of the net. I call that ‘wanna.’
It really hurts to see the other team have more wanna than yours.
The team also needs to be more flexible and be capable of playing more than one style of hockey. The Caps had no answer to Montreal’s change in tactics.
Very very classy article Ted. I’ve been a Habs fan all of my life and I don’t know too many people who would have predicted this outcome… ok… I don’t know any!
Seems like there are surprises every year. This was a big one.
Anyways, I just wanted to write a short word here to say that your words are impressive. Showing character, humilty, honesty… characteristics the world needs more of!
Best wishes to you Ted!
Hello sir,
Great post on your part, I’m a die hard Habs fan but also follow closely the Caps, Pens and Hawks. I know we shouldn’t have won but that’s why we love sports, you never know what’s going to happen. I had the privilege to go see the Caps play at the Verizon Center 2 years in a row and the atmosphere over ther is unbelivable. Keep up the good work and best of luck for next year.
I echo the sentiment of many of the other comments left. Ted, you are a classy man. You truly get it.
Incredibly classy post sir. Knowing this team, and its fans, means this much to you makes me a fan of yours and the team. I wish the Caps good luck in the future (except againt the Habs). Their time will come; their still young and stacked.
You have arrived!
I genuinely love that you’re the owner of this franchise. This is extremely classy on your part, and we’re lucky as fans to have you moving this team forward.
We’ll be back next year.
Montreal’s defense was amazing because the Caps did the same thing every time they had the puck.
Skate to the wing then cut to the middle, wash, rinse, repeat
You guys ever hear of dumping the puck in?
You need a coach and a player who are bigger hockey figures than anyone on the team now. The effort was not there. Compare the play on the Moore goal with the diving play of Gorges to block a shot – both plays at the same time in the game, the winning player’s effort far exceeds the losing player’s effort.
Maybe RJ Umberger can offer some suggestions.
Ted,
Do you think this season was a success? I for one view it as COMPLETE failure. The regular season means NOTHING. NOTHING. Would you rather slip into the playoffs and win, or win the President’s Trophy but bow out early? Easy answer there.
What a disgrace. I’m ashamed.
As a Habs fan I’d like to say how impressed I am by this blog. It takes a lot of class to say that the better team won, particularly in the wake of such a bitter defeat. While I’m delighted at the outcome of the series, I also have a lot of respect for Ted Leonsis and I’m sure his efforts will be crowned with victory down the road.
Well done Ted. Thanks for being a good sport.
Sir, you are a class act. I am a continent away in Victoria, British Columbia still savoring my hometown Montreal Canadiens sweet victory. Good luck in the Basketball business. Pro sports needs more owners like yourself and fewer like the now exposed (and fellow Victorian) Len Barrie. Stay classy sir!
Hi Ted,
Great thoughts about the series… Washington played really well, but it seemed like Montreal wanted it more.
I was living in Baltimore in the 06/07 year, when I believe Ovechkin started playing for Washington… Coming from Ontario, Canada, it was great to be able to attend hockey games and not have to pay an arm and a leg for a nose bleed seat… I really enjoyed those games, and have followed the team since then. The team has grown immensely, and I miss being able to watch it play live.
This was not the year, but hopefully we will see Washington in the final game next year.
alex
Classy and honest as always Ted. Never afraid to mince words and that is a way an owner should be…striving to be better. Good luck in the offseason getting what you need.
Ted, while I am as disappointed as one can be, I must also say congratulations on a very entertaining season. I can’t believe I’m saying that but I think Caps fans need to remain positive because this is still a very young team and they are still learning playoff hockey.
I’m sure we will all get sick and tired of hearing about how they collapsed. However, the Detroit teams of the nineties also had a lot of success in the regular season only to fall short during the playoffs. We all know how that ended up.
I just hope and trust the management to make the necessary changes in the offseason. The Caps WILL win the cup sooner or later. Lets just hope it’s sooner for my health’s sake.
Ted,
Last night is still a daze. Don’t know yet if it’s just disappointment that our team didn’t play up to their ability or just the fact that we went from a 3-1 lead in the series to lose a game 7 on home ice, but I cannot seem shake the feeling that our guys expected to win more than they were playing to win.
Alex was right when he said that “there are two seasons” of play. We’ve got the first part down pat. It’s the second part that we haven’t figured out yet and, as a result, we usually end up beating ourselves in the end. Like Alex, I “don’t know” what direction we should head to change this in future. I can only say, as a loyal fan, that I know that we’ll get there . . . soon!
I’d like to thank you and the entire Caps organization for a great year! It was quite a ride!!
Thanks for letting me sound off.
You are a classy man. Your comments are spot on. I am 42 years old live in NJ. I actually interned in the Caps front office in the late eighties and have always been an avid follower/fan since. I have witnessed most of the collapses firsthand. They all hurt. This one I actually lost sleep over.
Montreal played “rope-a-dope” to perfection. We punched ourselves out. In game 6 I was actually talking to the TV begging Boudreau to sit Ovechkin on the power play. Sounds crazy, but here is the thought. It appears Boudreau, up to that point and after twenty something failures to score, had tried Ovechkin at every possible position on the power play to no success. Montreal’s PK strategy was obviously centered around bottling up 8 no mateer where he was. I felt strongly that if Ovechkin was removed from that unit, it would blow-up the Habs PK plan. It also would force the others to step up and get organized, without forcing everything through number 8. There were seven or eight 20 goal scorers on this team this year, and the power play unit was very good without Ovechkin in the games he missed. It seems we were devastatingly outcoached on special teams- all that talent cannot go 1-33. I really feel they could have had an effective power play by completely changing it up and taking Ovechkin out of it entirely. It would have forced Montreal into PK’ing more traditionally and into a drastic gameplan change.
Do you know if it ws ever considered by the coaching staff to take Ovechkin off the power play units- in hindsight it’s maybe the one thing that wasn’t tried that may have had positive impact?
Yet and still, thanks for a great season and congratulations on your acquisition of the Wizards, et al.
My expectations were set after game 5; especially after watching this happen time and time again over the past 20 years or so. For some reason I thought this group of players would be different, but obviously it isn’t the case. I’m most disappointed in the coaching; its clear that BB’s obtuseness in interviews isn’t just a put-on. He knows one way to play, and is not able to adapt to different looks from the opposition. I don’t see the Caps being successful when it counts with BB at the helm. On the bright side, I’m sure we will continue to post some great regular season stats.
I feel especially bad for Tedd because of the non-stop grief that I’m sure has just begin; anonymity has its advantages
Very classy blog entry. Sorry about the result, just further proof that The Stanley Cup trophy is the most coveted and toughest to win in all of sport. Relax, reassess and reload for next season.
I wonder if Semin still doesn’t get what’s so special about Crosby?