No — Thank you Caps!

Go ahead — jump on the RED ONE!

That’s right, Washington DC IS for hockey, so jump aboard the wagon and enjoy the ride. The Caps are playoff bound!
You know, all the arguments that were made, stories that were told, articles that were written, discussions that were had, about whether or not the Washington DC area could ever be a hockey town, that Washington DC IS Redskins ville and nothing else, well, you could have fooled me last night in the Phone Booth. The enthusiastic crowds on the streets surrounding the Verizon Center waiting in line to get into the arena at 5:30PM were fired up, jubilant, and energetic. Horns were honking the ever famous horn sound and fans were responding loudly — “LET’S GO CAPS!”
Sitting in the third row behind the Florida Panthers bench, looking around the Verizon Center, it was breath taking. A Sea of Red! It was awesome! A fully stacked Verizon Center thundered a terrific outcry of support and for their hometown Capitals as they seized their destiny in style. Deafening chants of “M-V-P”, “Lets go Caps”, “Lets go Capitals” shook the arena as the Caps were embarking on a n improbable quest no other NHL franchise has ever completed. They were seizing the Southeast division crown and a playoff berth after wallowing in the last place in the NHL at the All Star Break. It was an experience and a thrill I and my 10 year old son will never forget. In fact, the only thing that was missing was an appreciation chant of ‘Olie!’ “Olie!’ ‘Olie!’.

But it was an impressive fan experience as well. Walking in, your greeted and given an awesome Alex Ovechkin bobble head. Thanks Ted. No matter where you went, it was hard not to run into a sign that simply read “Thank You Caps Fans.” Hundreds of prizes were given out on this Fan Appreciation night. An entire section winning the number 1 finger thingeys. I must have counted at least (15) 26 inch LCD TVs given away. A brand spanking new Ford Edge. Tens of Papa John pizzas thrown to various fans. Burritos everywhere. It simply was Ted Leonsis’ way of staying thanks to US for cheering on these Caps.
Perhaps it should be the other way around. Perhaps we should be thanking Ted Leonsis and George McPhee. Ted asked for our patience as the franchise began a youthful rebuild, knowing at times, things would get pretty ugly. And they did. For the most part, I think we succeeded in showing patience, although the constant calls for McPhee’s head gets tiring and boring. But onward the rebuild went until it was declared, complete by Mr. Leonsis this off-season. The result — a team built on youth, exuberance and tenacity.
First, the patience shown by the front office in allowing the time for these kids to grow together as a team and finesse their skills as professionals, is most noteworthy. This front office never flinched from their model by panicking and picking up players that never really fit, just to show they were doing something.
Then, this past summer, with the rebuild near completion, Leonsis committed the cash to sign a few veterans that were needed to fill some gaps. Some doubted he would open the wallet and boldly expressed as much, but again, the critics were dead wrong. McPhee brought us Michael Nylander, Tom Poti, and Victor Kozlov.
Although Nylander ultimately had season ending shoulder surgery before the turnaround began, his presence next season will be a boom for this young team. Although Nylander factored little in the 2007/08 success, wait until next season. Adding a veteran like Nylander back into the current mix, will only make this team that much better. We have not even see the really Michael Nylander yet. Nylander played most of the season already injured.
Kozlov took some time to get used to the caps, but came on late and eventually joined what is now one of the most feared lines in hockey, Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom, and Kozlov. Poti gave everything I thought we were going to get, playing excellent defense and providing some good assist numbers. These were players McPhee targ and that McPhee felt fit here. Time to give credit where it is due. If you can hammer on McPhee when things are going well, don’t forget the also makes the decision when thing ARE going well.
Despite the difficulty in making the call, a difficult decision we fans can’t and don’t understand, Leonsis and McPhee decided to part with a friend, Glen Hanlon. Most of us chanted for the move. Most of us wrote about the move. BUT, the one thing we fail to understand is how incredibly difficult and painful that decision is for a GM and owner to make. BUT, it was done. What resulted was a call up of a long overdue, well deserving AHL Coach, Bruce Boudreau. McPhee stayed in house and promoted up the ladder and that call was the right one. No one can question Boudreau’s success in the AHL, the dues he paid, and many of us have wandered over a couple of seasons why Boudreau never got the shot. The shot was given in DC and now we reap the tremendous benefits.
Then Leonsis increased the ante further in his ownership of the Capitals coming 124 million dollars over 13 years to make the most prolific and best player in the NHL, Alexander Ovechkin, a long term Capital. It was a tremendous investment and given the number Ovie putup, an investment reaping huge dividends. Anyone questioning Leonsis’ commitment to hockey in DC after that deal is simply moronic.
The only thing Ted asked in return was fan support. I think we’re on our way. Attendance started inching up after the deal. What Ted really accomplished for Washington DC and Capitals’ fans was to ensure this City became the home of the best damn hockey player in the world, for over a decade! But we still have a paramount role – we must maintain that commitment. Many of us can do that by passing our enthusiasm on to our kids. My part — Done! Your part?
Then the trade deadline. Take an objective look at the deals and maneuvering of George McPhee and how can you not walk away impressed. The moves were nothing short of masterful. Again, if you’re going to take your shots at McPhee, learn to give the props as well, because these moves were brilliant. I really don’t see the Caps sitting where they are today, the day after winning the Southeast, if the Huet deal is not cut. Huet was one of the single most important players in this magical 11 for 12 run that led to the playoff berth. Any analyst out there that gives the trade deadline move of the year to anyone but McPhee for the Huet trade is simply a Cap hater, period. It was THE BEST move of the deadline deals.
Anyone loving Matt Cooke? Is he not effective on the penalty kill? Is he not a threat for a short hand opportunity? Does he not provide pure aggression and and force? And we gave up who? Matt Pettinger? Laughable.
Ummm, Segei Fedorov. Anyone wanna argue what Fedorov has brought and meant to this team in this story book run? I think not. His puck nadling, his sensational passing, and his play making ability has boosted line 2 like we have not seen in sometime.
Now, put effectiveness of these moves aside for one minute. Take a peak at what we gave up for these three critical players. Ted Ruth (a 2007 mid-round pick), a draft pick obtained for Brian Sutherby (meaning not an original team draft selection), and Matt Pettinger. Anyone wanna argue McPhee’s GM abilities?
Leonsis has done a masterful job in promoting the Capitals, whether it be through web advertising, creative promotions, media advertising, and opening the wallet for roster improvement, the fact is, he is getting the job done. You can feel it. The Caps fan base is growing, I have seen it with my own eyes with people around me. Let’s not be fooled, we’re not there yet, but progress is happening.
The Ovechkin long term deal, Ovie’s chase for 60, the magical push to the playoffs, and the culmination of the playoff berth and the Southeast Division title are vital elements in the resurgence of interest, both from a fan and media stand point. The deeper the Caps go, the more gravy is added.
Give the success of this season, the bright outlook for the next 5 to 7 years, and the growing enthusiasm in DC for the Washington Capitals, it’s time we give a collective thank you to Ted Leonsis and George McPhee. They took a ton of criticism at one point and it is only fair to now turn and give them a big thanks. Leonsis spent a ton of money to show his affection and thanks to us, the Caps fans, but remember, this team is where it is because of the patience, the plan, the thought and the execution of what is termed, team building.
Behind the great #8, the young guns, and the Caps as a whole, is a dedicated and committed owner and a General Manager that put this team together. They deserve the credit and the appreciation for what is turning out to be a revitalization of hockey in Washington DC.

So, it’s our turn. Thanks Ted. Thanks George.