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.