As many of you know, I'm a HUGE hockey fan and supporter. I was one of the few people happy that Canada won the Gold Medal, b/c it's actually great for the game. Hockey is Canada's sport, much akin to Football now being the United States'. For the past 15 years, they've been treated terribly by Czar Gary Bettman. He's taken teams from hotbeds such as Winnipeg and Quebec, then decided to place teams in Phoenix and TWO in Florida. I'll hold back any further comments about the man until another time.
My point being, I'm a fan of the league and almost all teams (sorry Flyers fans). I'd like to consider that my view is objective, however I've finally reached the tipping point with Caps fans.
I absolutely love how hockey is catching on down in the District. They are an exciting, young, high powered team. Ovechkin plays with the enthusiasm of a kid, but acts at times like the village idiot. Backstrom has been touted as the "best" center in the NHL, much to the chagrin of Pens and Canucks fans.
However, the line is drawn at how disrespectful Caps fans are becoming in regards to this season. Many fans have said this is "their" year or touted it as destiny to win the Stanley Cup. The Caps have made the playoffs twice in the past five years. They play in the WEAKEST division within the NHL, and yes I know they have beaten the Pens 3 times in the regular season. When you play 24 games outta 82 against teams with a .500 record, you can pretty much fall into the playoffs. They're on pace to win the President's Trophy, which is awarded to the team with the most points. Since 1990, 5 teams that won this award, have gone on to win the Stanley Cup. Not exactly the greatest odds. None of this adds up to it being their year.
Their goalie, Jose Theodore, has been playing out of his mind. This season he has been even better than when he was awarded the Hart Trophy (MVP) in 2002. One thing that would worry me is that he's never been able to carry a team past the 2nd round of the playoffs, and Caps fans do not want Varly in net.
Don't get me wrong, the Caps are on fire this season, thanks in large part to Theodore. As I've mentioned before they are similar to many of the Red Wings teams of the 90's and 2000's, as well as the infamous Pens team of 94-95.
The biggest difference is that all past Stanley Cup winners have had several significant veterans on their team. No one on the current roster jumps out to me in that way. Sergei Federov was that presence last year, this year it falls to Scott Walker, who does not have the experience winning a Cup.
Again, I will state that the Caps are an exciting team to watch and definitely a contender. However, in no way do I believe they have set themselves apart from the rest of the league in terms of being "destined" to win this year. Fans need to be careful on how they support the team, or else they are "destined" for the stomach punch of another failure.
Day At The Beach
13 years ago
THOUGHTS:
ReplyDeletePlease blog about Gary Bettman, I dont' know enough about him to do it myself but I know I am developing a stronger and stronger distaste
Varly was ON last night, I wouldn't count him out yet. A few more games like that and I think he'll have regained his own, as well as the fans', confidence. And like you said yourself Theo is looking as good as he ever has.
I think we have a strong vet presence in Mike Knuble too, he's on our first line with Nicky and Ovie and really proved his reliability throughout the season.
I think when we say this is our year, at least when I say it, it's because of the way we've been playing, not because we feel it's our "destiny".
END THOUGHTS