Or too low with the lows.
Power rankings. We are #2, a long way from an 8 game losing streak. The sky is falling. The end is near. Fire everyone. Blow the team up. Trade everyone.
I wasn’t too excited then and I am not too excited now.
Try to keep an even keel. Be analytic; be faithful; and be loyal not emotional.
Be patient. Good things come to those that wait.
Thank you. See you all tonight as we play a highly motivated team in the Carolina Hurricanes.
Our coach gives the fans and their reaction to “Unleash the Fury” played in the second period credit for the win. He gives our head of game day presentation a primary assist.
My son gives Mark Rivera, my childhood friend who played the National Anthem on sax, credit because as he said, “Have you ever heard our fans sing the national anthem before at a game? That was amazing dad.” I do agree that hearing our fans sing was a wonderful moment. Do you think we could sing at every game? That is such a great and nice and authentic touch for our nations’ capital.
Mark Rivera is a cool guy. He is Ringo Starr’s musical director and has played with him on tour. He has played with John Lennon and Paul McCartney. He has been in the Billy Joel band for more than 20 years. More importantly, he is 3-0 playing the National Anthem at Caps games. He and I grew up together in Brooklyn.
The announcers give Mike Green credit for the win and credit for keeping the game interesting. Some give Alexander Semin credit for his sublime play and some say Nicklas Backstrom won the game with his playmaking.
Our beat reporter says our goaltender was “unremarkable” but he gets the win. Others credit astronaut man for the win.
Whatever it takes, we got the win. And two points. And we remain in first place in the NHL in terms of points and goals scored.
We can and will play better. We now seem to be almost healthy as a team. Thanks Caps fans. I give you the game puck. You were awesome last night! Go Caps!
Twas great to see that BOTH Alex Ovechkin and Mike Green were named first team All Stars by the Sporting News. Click here to see the voting and lineup. I don’t think the Washington Capitals have ever had two players in the top six first team All Stars in the league in our history as a franchise — so kudos to our young core of players for being recognized by the experts and the league itself.
This vote follows on the news of Alex Ovechkin being voted NHL player of the year in the NHL — which I provided a link to the story last week. Continue reading
Check out this blog post from Japers’ Rink. And now check out the two videos embedded within. And then cringe and go into the fetal position.
So — honestly — what was the right call?
Interference on both calls — with a penalty called or goals allowed on both plays? Or just right the way it was “as is” on both calls – you decide?
It is hard for me to answer people when they ask me — as they have — what was the difference — why was one goal allowed and one goal disallowed — so I wont discuss it — but will let you comment away.
Ouch — this brought up bad and tough memories for me.
I didn’t like last night’s game. I didn’t like the missed calls or the non calls or the strange calls at all. I understand how difficult it is to make decisions at high speed but I do think when stars get cross checked into the boards and hit their head or get smashed in the face with a stick, the calls need to be more definitive.
I didn’t like the calls that didn’t protect our players when they took shots to the head or face. The Mike Green call should have been a tougher one against Carolina or the soft call on Alex Ovechkin at the end of the game looked dangerous to me. We must protect our players and the refs are the main representative of the NHL on the ice. There was a non call on the opening tripping call against Alex Ovechkin as well. And Tomas didn’t dive either on his tripping call. I usually don’t fret about officiating but last night was concerning to me. Make the right protective calls and send the message for all. Protect the players from shots to the face and head. See Japers’ for more information.
…And maddening; and fun; and scary all at the same time.
It was a goofy game. We won 2 points and we didn’t suffer any significant injuries so I am happier than sad.
But we have to tighten up again. I would prefer to see us winning 2 to 1 rather than 5 to 4 in a shootout.
We only have five more home games this season and tonight is a big one.
We play a tough and desperate and fairly hot team in the Hurricanes.
They are focused on the playoffs. We are focused on a division title; our place in the Eastern Conference; and the playoffs as well.
The Southeast Division may place 3 teams in the playoffs this season with the Caps, Carolina and Florida battling for spots.
I look forward to seeing you all tonight and to Rocking the Red. See this game day preview on WashingtonCaps.com.
Are the Hurricanes a 500 team?
They have played 26 games and they have 26 points.
They have won 12 games, lost 12 games and lost two games in OT so they are 12-12-2. Or are they 12-14 and they are under 500 even though they have garnered 26 points in 26 games?
Since we have no ax to grind and it is another team’s stats, have at it with your comments on standing points.