Why Caps fans hate Pens fans who hate Caps fans (part 1)

Two words: Mario Lemieux. Lately I've heard many Pens fans on blogs say that the reason they hate Caps fans is because Caps fans are "fair weather" fans, who don't cheer for their team properly, if at all, and in many cases just bash other teams and their players, a la "Crosby Sucks!".  Now, assuming this was correct, I would agree. Bashing other players and being fair weather (i.e. Bandwagon) are the two carnal sins of fan-hood. But lets take a quick look at history to see why this is merely an illusion in the Caps/Pens case.

I mentioned Mario Lemieux to demonstrate this one solitary point (history).  The very reason Pens fans hate Caps fans is the also the exact same reason Pens fans hatred of Caps fans is both ironic and hypocritical.  Pens fans are established because they have something to be established about.  Its not like one day the Pens arrived on the NHL scene and from day 1 they had the largest most loyal fanbase in the NHL.  The Pens had to earn it behind the hard work and cancer conquering "most dominate player in history".  Pens have a reason to be proud, they had the privilege of sporting one of the best athletes of all time, with one of the most amazing sports stories ever.  They've won two three cups, set all kinds of records and have forever been a powerhouse in the NHL.

Caps history is not so bright.  The Washington Capitals own 3 of the worst team records (most goals against, fewest wins, fewest points) in history, no other team holds more than 1 of these "worst" distinction.  The Caps have NO cups, and have only made it to the Finals once, where they were SWEPT.  With over 35 years as a team, the Caps have had nothing whatsoever to be happy about and a whole lot to be ashamed of.  They are one of the worst teams in history, across any sport.

And lets not forget the contribution of other sports on fan-hood.  Don't too quickly forget that Pittsburgh also has, arguably, the best football team in the history of the NFL.  More superbowls than any other team, with several back-to-backs in their history.  The Skins only have 3 superbowls, nevermind several back-to-backs and are currently such a laughing stock they make T.O. look like a team player.  You could also throw in the SES, cultural and whatever arguments you want as well, all signs lead to the same conclusion: STFU Pens fans, we get it, you have history to be proud of.

So now that the CAPS have the best player in the sport, let us cheer a little, I think we've suffered enough.


P.S. As a personal defense for my credibility in writing this article I'd like to say a few words about my own history with the Caps.  For those who believe that I am a "new" Caps fan, part of the "Ovie Era" you'll be surprised at how poorly you know me and how much you've assumed about me.  I've been a Caps fan for a long time.  Way back before the Jaromir Jagr days.  I went to several games in high school, which holds a special place in my heart as two of my best friends started their 6-year hs/college relationship with a first date at a Caps game.  One of my best friends growing up was a peewee hockey player, and despite that I could not skate or play, I'd go to his games to hang out and attend Blackhawk games when I lived in Chicago.  Hockey has always been a part of my life, from peewee leagues to professional level fanatic.


P.S.  Lets not forget Crosby's (the "savoir" of hockey... what a laugh) rookie year in Pittsburgh when the Pens had one of the lowest attendance rates of any team that year.  But now that hes "awesome" people are showing up? Fair Weather much!?

2010 Playoffs: Responsibility

I titled my Game 1 summary "Responsibility" and I do the same here because this is the defining characteristic that the Capitals lacked this post-season.  I'd like to take a look at what we've learned over the past couple years to see what needs to be done for the Capitals to re-earn the respect of its fans.

1. Semin needs to be traded.  Now.  2-straight 7-game series in the post-season and Semin has yet to pot a goal in 14 games.  Surprisingly, Semin led the league in SOG this first round, but this only shows me he can't deal with personal adversity.  For $6mil, he needs to go.
2. Bruce Boudreau needs to do one of two things.  He either needs to be fired, or he needs to lose weight.  I'm not kidding.  Most people won't agree with me, but as a person who used to play varsity sports, leading by example meant everything in coaching and its time for the entire organization to show its serious about winning a Cup, from the top down.  Ted did it by buying the Wizards (and thus the Verizon Center) to make the phonebooth more Caps friendly.  GMGM did it by making smart trades at the deadline.  Time for BB to step up.  How can the man change our PK and PP if he can't even change himself?
3. Mike Green's leash is pretty much just a collar at this point.  For how much I've defended him during the regular season (similar to Semin) its now 2-straight post seasons where Green has been almost harmful to the Caps.  I also suggested a while ago that trading someone like Mike Green would be the wake-up call the Caps needed to break through in the playoffs.  I'm starting to think that just might be right.

1. John Carlson needs to be signed.  Now.  He needs a long term contract and he needs to be put in pressure situations to grow.  Hes played wonderfully during this post-season, and hes the type of player this team needs.
2. Mathieu Perreault needs Brendon Morrison's job.  MP is a young and often streaky center, but he plays with heart.  Miles and miles of heart.  Thats something this team lacks.  He makes everyone around him better.
3. Varly needs better coaching.  Hes a solid goaltender, but hes got weaknesses.  Fortunately, they can be fixed, but this two-headed monster of a goalie rotation between Theo and Varly only hurts them both.  He needs to get healthy and he needs to play, day in and day out.

This team has all sorts of problems.  Not just statistical problems like the PK and goalie stats but real problems.  Heart problems.  I can tell you there is no one who hates Sidney Crosby more than I, but history is written by the winners and right now the NHL textbook is being edited by Sid.

Series 1, Game 1: Responsibility

What to make of the Caps last night?  Sure, Wednesday night was filled with 4 straight upsets as well, so the Caps losing only fit the bill, but did it?

Lets be honest, in Game 1 against the Canadiens that Caps played absolutely terrible.  Looking at the numbers (out shooting, out hitting, out blocking, out face-offing(?)) you might think the Caps played a great game, but they didn't.  They played horrendously.  Just take a look at the 3-1 during OT, with Nicky as the head man, bring the puck down ice and ... doing NOTHING.  Didn't pass, didn't shoot.  Just kept skating till he was past the goal and then flung it in desperation into the back of the netting.  WTF!  Maddening!  I could see this from some scared AHL call up, but Nick Backstrom?!  Supposedly one of the best centers in the entire game second to only Crosby himself?  Or how about Ovechkin, the leagues leading goal scorer and leading shot attempter for the past 3 years, not have a single SOG in a game that lasted 74 minutes?!

Before you begin all the "all hope isn't lost", "dude, its just game 1 and the Canadiens needed help just to barely win" or even "the Caps always win if they lose the first game and lose if they win the first game" crap, this type of game last night is exactly what will fuel every other team we face this post season.  Seeing that the Caps can play weak, that they can be beat gives other teams purpose, reason and drive.  It shows them it can be done, that the Caps can be frustrated and fail to adjust and that all you have to do is watch tape and exploit.  This wasn't just a loss, it was a message.  If the Caps don't receive it, this is going to be a painful post-season.

As for Ovechkin, things need to change.  He had a great year this year, we already know that.  But this post-olympic/suspension "slump" hes going through has a cause.  That cause needs to be identified, whether its injury, depression from losing the olympics or fear of suspension, and it needs to be fixed.  Now.  This is the playoffs.  This is why he is paid 10 million dollars a year, because he is the best player in the league.  Time to start acting like it.  Crosby did his job (3 assists) and Malkin has really done his (2 goals, assist).  Time for Ovechkin to do his.

Its one thing to lose when Lord Stanley is sitting in your garage, its another when you've never even met him.

Season End Workings

As we hit the final long stride at the end of the season, every team, player and coach is gearing up for their final push.  What this means for each team takes on a different personality, but the usual suspects are always present.  Battling for division/conference leads, getting a full and healthy lineup and fixing any and all issues on the ice before the playoffs begin.  Lets take a look at what the Caps will need to focus on:

1. Battling for standings.  The Caps have a 1-game lead in the standings for the presidents trophy.  Just being in the running for this award is already an accomplishment for this franchise but what it brings the Caps is very important for two reasons.  First, everyone knows the Caps have to get through the Pens this post-season.  They failed to do this at home last year, but putting themselves in the Igloo this year will not help.  It will also give them a chance to face a few lesser opponents, hopefully defeating them quickly, and giving them rest before the inevitable conference championship (most likely) with the second seed (most likely) Pens.  Second, assuming they make it to the finals, they will likely face either the Blackhawks or the Sharks.  Both teams are deeply talented, consistent and very difficult to beat at home.  I don't see the Caps winning in the Sharktank, meaning 4 home games over a 7-game stretch will be invaluable.
2. The Caps have an overfull roster, so health should not be an issue.  The real issue the Caps will have is playing their roster correctly.  They are going to have to finalize 3+1 issues before these playoffs start.  The first and most discussed is goaltending.  JT has played himself into the top seed right now for the goalie spot.  But so had he last year and came out giving the Rangers a 4 spot and a win.  Varly no longer has beginners luck on his side and is in a deep slump right now.  Hes been injured, out of shape, and poor in most recent games.  The Caps can only hope this resolves before the playoffs begins.  The second issue is defense.  With newly acquired Corvo and Juice back in the lineup the Caps have options.  But the playoffs are not about options, they are about winning.  This has contributed to piss poor penalty killing which will absolutely destroy them come playoff time.  The third issue is offensive depth.  They've moved players around through the year trying to find their #2 and #3 centers.  Players need to step up and earn those spots.  The +1 issue is chemistry.  With so many moving parts and positions not rightfully claimed, when the top three issues shake out, this is the one that cannot be harmed in the process.
3. Live by the sword, die by the sword.  The Caps are the highest scoring team in the NHL right now, by a staggering margin.  They are 16th in GA/G and while teams like the Pens might be even worse, the teams that make it to the finals are the ones that clean this number up come playoff time.  Time for the Caps to win games 6-1 and not 6-5.  Like above, the Caps have the best PP in the NHL, and again, by a staggering margin.  They are 25th in the PK.  This is an area that no playoff team is worse or even close to.  Along these lines, puck control is absolutely crucial.  So many Caps are called out for their fancy moves that result in odd man rushes (Semin, Ovie, Green, I'm looking at you).  I don't care what sport you play, any coach will tell you the 3 keys to winning any game are Turnovers, Penalties and Special Teams.

I'm excited for the playoffs, but more than anything, I want to see the Caps play disciplined, emotional well-rounded hockey.  I want a cup, not highlight reels.  Thoughts?

Keys to the Game

Why the Redskins will beat the undefeated Saints this coming Sunday:

1. "Its a trap!"  I'm NOT a fan of this concept of a "trap game".  I think its BS.  The Redskins, though, are a highly predictable team, and thats whats going to make them scary against the Saints.  Let me put it another way: Jack : Me? I'm dishonest. And a dishonest man you can always trust to be dishonest. Honestly. It's the honest ones you want to watch out for, because you can never predict when they're going to do something incredibly stupid.
2. Santana Moss.  Its his game.  Hes an amazing receiver who has never had a QB to throw to him.  This is the type of game for him.  A game he can be recognized for, and its the big games where big players come up big.
3. Zorn.  He's fired anyway right?  Might as well take everyone down with him along the way.  This game will be the Skins last win of the season.
4. Alexander Ovechkin.  He's so good he makes other sports better.

Time

Games are 60-minutes long.  Someone should tell the Caps.

Ovie's First Game Back/Skins

This post is not new to the NHL community.  Avery should be given a lifetime ban from the NHL.  His presence on the ice is not becoming of a professional hockey player.  He serves no skill purpose and his act tonight only goes to show that he lowers the game of hockey.  Its "players" like him that keep the NHL from becoming a top 3 sport in the USA.  Tonight, Avery's punch to Varly's face that drew the penalty, that drew the second penalty that unfolded a solid 3 minutes of hockey that should never have been played and the PP goal really disgusts me.  It makes me want to not watch, not attend and not be a fan of the sport of hockey.  Its no surprise that the Rangers play a dirty game, which I honestly disrespect in any sport, but this man takes it to another level, dropping the NHL to a lower level.

As for the game itself, it was pretty intense throughout, thoughts:

• Mathieu Perreault.  I LOVE this guy.  I liked him the second he stepped onto the ice in his first game with the Caps.  He's got that joy in him that I love to see, and I couldn't be happier that our Hershey Farm boy is making a case for a permanent spot.  This is the kind of player we've been looking for from below and its such a joy to see it.  Heres hoping we see more of him, a lot more.  Did you see the passes he made tonight?!!?
• Ovie back, Ovie goal.  Smile.
• Scrappy D.  The Rangers are tough on the Caps when they're at home, but that last beating Varly took at the end was a little more than one would like to see.  The finish was what was needed though, a flip up, an empty net goal.

Skins win.  Not even sure what to say here other than its nice to see Hunter the Punter get another one.  He now has a perfect passer rating of 158.3.  This also makes me smile.  Maybe someone can help me on this, what do you see the skins accomplishing the rest of this season?