I had the opportunity to read this article last night on a train coming back from NYC. It is really well thought out and well written. And it is just spot on.
Hockey is hockey.
Anything can happen and it almost always will.
Bob McKenzie is a wise man and this article shows empathy and grace and gives credit to the team and to all of the competitors.
Sometimes we always look at why did one team lose instead of why did another team win?
But we also have to remember the state of the game. It is played on ice at a high speed by world class athletes. The puck is there for the taking. Inches separate success and failure. Luck and bounces play such a pivotal role in success. Momentum swings are breath-taking in their implementation. Effort matters. The goaltender has the toughest job in sports.
And sometimes stuff happens that you can’t explain.
Last week, Caps play Tampa. We lose 1 to 0 in OT. We pick up a point. Both teams look like they will never surrender a goal against. Neither team looks like it can score a goal. Neither team can score on its power play.
Tampa plays Pittsburgh next night. They lose to Pens 8 to 1. We just beat the Pens 3 to 1 in Winter Classic. What does it all mean? Hockey is hockey. It doesn’t mean anything.
Caps lose games this season 7-0. Hello New York Rangers.
We win games 6-0. Tampa.
Atlanta lost last night 9-3. They are one of the best teams in the league getting scary good. Go figure.
Hockey is hockey.
Play each game. Each period. Each shift matters.
Best, most exciting game in the world.
Don’t leave your seats. No lead is safe.
Never quit. You are never out of a game.
But the sun always comes up next day. The world won’t end. There is always the next game.
Well, that’s hockey.
I was also pleased to read that some folks consider us a winner at this tournament because of the number of fine young prospects that played for us. Two fine young players for Russia and two for Canada. I am proud of our scouts and look forward to an ongoing cycle of improvement by us adding young dynamic players to our roster in the out years.
We are still loaded with talent to come into the lineup. We have upside still.
Ted,
You forgot about Wey for USA and Grubauer for Germany.
Jeff
Teddy My husband watched the games and really enjoyed them!
He was cheering for the Russians all the way. He’s a happy man for the moment. And by the way, he said your organization and the Washington Capitals has generated more interest for the game of hockey then he has seen in years. Hey, take a look at the sea of red at the Verizon Center. Its an awesome site! Way To Go Caps! Happy Birthday BRUCEEEEE!
Happy birthday Mr.Leonsis!
Uncle Ted,
I read that article as well and I was so moved by how it captured the essence of hockey that I emailed it to all my non hockey friends to show them what our sport is all about. They don’t understand why I play pick up hockey at the Fairfax Arena but I’m hoping they know now. They don’t understand the energy (even in pick up hockey) that players endure. Thank you for putting this on your twitter so even the casual fan can hopefully understand that everything matters in hockey. Even the 1-0 OT loses. That point will help in the long run I just know it.
~Paul from Chantilly
the more i watch HBO’s 24/7,the more i see how the pens are the biggest cry babies in the league.Crosby has got to be the worst whiner there is on any ice.not shaking hands at the end just shows how much they pout if they don’t get their way.