Alex Ovechkin Has Russia On His Back
July 31, 2008
So our boy Alex Ovechkin has been taking it easy in Russia since the end of the NHL season. Russia Today caught up with their native son, and asked him about what its like to be a Russian whom American hockey fans adore. Since, you know, we tend to be exclusive towards American players with our man-crushes.
“I feel good when people recognise me on the street, and when fans say we love you - I’m proud of myself, my country and for my family that I’m from Russia and the Americans are supporting a Russian so strongly,” he said.
Damn. Are we that arrogant of a country? Does AO’s feelings about American fanhood really ring true? Is it that surprising to the rest of the world that we can cheer for a player that’s not American-born?
Curse you, Sylvester Stallone. Thanks to you, we’ll never live down Ivan Drago.
Curse you, 1972 Olympic Games. Thanks to you, USA Basketball will always have a chip on its shoulder.
And curse you, James Bond. If you weren’t so damned cunning against the forces of SMERSH, the world would have a greater respect for Russian villains.
Laich, Fedorov Re-Sign With Washington Capitals
July 9, 2008
Brooks Laich originally wanted to go the salary arbitration route, but the Washington Capitals countered with a three-year deal good for more than $6 million.
Needless to say, the deal got done.
The Caps are taking great care to sustain the unit that pushed towards the playoffs and gave this town a Red-Out for the ages. With the exception of Olie Kolzig, there have been no significant threats for defection from the team. Sergei Fedorov, who might still have two good years left in him, also signed a $4 million one-year contract with the team.
Alex Ovechkin Breaks the Bizzank
January 10, 2008
13 years, $124 million. That’s the extension that Alex Ovechkin negotiated for himself.
Damn fine job, Alex.
As the lifeblood of a Capitals franchise that is showing signs of turning the corner and returning to the form that propelled the team to it’s first Stanley Cup Finals nearly 10 years ago. With a new coach, Ovechkin has led the team from the worst record in the league to the cusp of the playoffs, standing two games out of first place in the Southeast division.
This is a great move, as it shows Caps fans in a less than hockey town that they are serious about keeping one of hockey’s biggest talents in town. Ovechkin is tied for second in the league with 32 goals, and is a big draw on the road.
Gilbert, in his “get the money you think you deserve” wisdom, couldn’t be prouder, and will probably make it known on his next blog. Let’s hope the Washington Wizards follow suit with him and Jamison, and give Washington sports fans something to break their banks for in ticket purchases.
Washington Capitals Make Power Play
November 26, 2007
There’s been a lot of buzz around the blogsphere about the Washington Capitals firing coach Glen Hanlon last week and replacing him with minor league coach and hockey-cinema legend Bruce Boudreau . Most of it has been because of his acting career, but its also resulted in a resurgent Caps team that has won its last two contests since his hiring.
Part of the reason for the winning streak that the Caps haven’t seen the likes of since the beginning of October? A charged up power play that gave the Caps a 5-2 victory against the Carolina Hurricanes on Saturday, and the team’s biggest offensive output of the season.
Cory Masisak of the Washington Times gives a good look on the Caps bringing new energy to the extra-man shift, and how it should bode well for them in the near future. While it may take a while for the Caps to climb the ladder of the Southeast division, a big win over the leading Hurricanes is sure to get a little power surging through the Slap Shot gang’s locker room.
Revenge of the Baltimore-Washington Area Family
October 29, 2007
Continuing my ongoing coverage of the death of the Washington Redskins, we turn our attention to how the Baltimore-Washington sports family is going to properly avenge this massacre. This is on some Godfather stuff now, and hoods from the Charm and Chocolate cities aren’t going to take this lightly.
Here’s a look at some upcoming games where the area will have opportunities to give the New England region its comeuppance.
Wizards vs. Celtics (11/02) - To hell with the Big Three. The Wizards have been getting their big three on for a couple of seasons now. They might as well call this game Hoop-It-Up, because it’s going to be three on three all night. If anyone can avenge the unjust demise of the Redskins, it’s Agent Zero.
Capitals vs. Bruins (12/27) - Yeah, all you Boston fans out there. Guess you are a little happy cause you got another World Series under your belt. Great. Now you’re going to have something in your face two days after Christmas, and believe me, Ovechkin don’t give a damn bout’ no Christmas.
Maryland Terrapins vs. Boston College (11/10) - So you got the #2 team in the country in college football up there? So what. Clemson guaranteed a game against the Terps and won? So what. Those are just games. This is war.
Q&A with Washington Capitals Owner Ted Leonsis
October 10, 2007
He’s rich like whoa, he’s one of the most outgoing owners in pro sports, he’s fan and media friendly, and he’s on Facebook. He’s Ted Leonsis, and he was gracious enough to grant SVPS an interview. Check his views on the Capitals’ undefeated start, Sports Talk 980, and blenders.
If I’m lucky, I’ll be able to have a list of 101 things to do that comes half way close to his. One of the things will definitely be making Ted Leonsis’ buddy list.
1. In team history, every time the Capitals have begun the season 3-0, the team has made the playoffs. The Caps are 3-0 this season. Where do you objectively see the Capitals finishing this season?
I wouldn’t get too ahead of ourselves–it is just three games into the season–we need 45 more wins before we can feel safe. We have set this year’s bar to make the playoffs– and then see what happens.
2. Have you ever instant messaged someone from your box in the Verizon Center during a game?
Yes—of course…I carry my Treo everywhere.
3. You are widely regarded as one of the most fan and media friendly owners in pro sports. What motivates you to be so interactive, and has it ever backfired?
I grew up in an interactive industry–I have surrendered the team to the fan base–I am merely a member of the flock. In a web 2.0 world– the new consumer expects authenticity and personal involvement– there is nothing to fear in being too close to customers and fans.
I get flamed via email–a lot of keyboard courage out there –I have been cursed at–and I even had a bad interaction with a fan–but that is such a small percentage of the interactions–literally tens of thousands of good interactions–a small price to pay for all the goodness. On a Myers Briggs exam–I am an ENTJ–extroverted– intuitive– thoughtful and judgmental– I need interaction to make good decisions.
4. Would you ever appear on ‘Dancing With The Stars’ like fan-favorite owner Mark Cuban?
Yes– but I would probably do better on ” America’s got talent”:-).
5. It’s clear that Washington is not the biggest of hockey towns. The Redskins are doing well, the popularity of Gilbert Arenas and the Wizards is ever growing, and the Nationals will open a new stadium next season after exceeding expectations this year. Even if the Caps do well this season, do you think their recognition will be lost in the fervor for the other sports?
I am hopeful that if we build a generational great team that wins a Cup– that we will take our place as a must see event in DC; I am confident the city will embrace a winner. If it doesn’t–then we will deal with it–but I do have faith and confidence in the fan base.
6. If someone wanted to compare you to a cooking appliance, like Gilbert Arenas and a hibachi, what would that appliance be?
A blender–I mashup ideas–and input –I connect dots and I am fast– the output is pretty tasty too.
7. You had a very public feud with Sports Talk 980, and a lot of fans seemed to galvanize behind your stance on their coverage. Any remaining thoughts on that issue?
We left 980 for a competitor– end of story.
8. What’s your favorite way for fans to reach out to you? Facebook, Ted’s Take, or that handy AIM you use in the owner’s box?
Come up and introduce yourself and say hello; that works best. But email is very convenient in that it lets me timeshift. I am using Facebook more and more.
9. Metro you’d least like to catch - Red Line, Blue Line, or Green Line?
All of metro is good– I usually drive– but we want to be eco friendly and the Metro is convenient–safe–inexpensive and green friendly.
10. Fill in the blank. The one thing I really wished you would’ve asked about but now I won’t tell you about is___________________.
The secret to happiness—it is a science– 1..Be an active participant in multiple communities of interest;2..volunteer and give back;3..personally express; 4..show gratitude; 5.. pursue a higher calling.
