As a life long Washingtonian I have witnessed Washington Redskins football and their fans for all 29 years of my life. I will be up front and admit I am not a diehard fan of the Washington Redskins, the Dolphins are my team, but I will cheer for the Redskins. Over the past few years there has been a growing tension/rivalry between two local writers and radio hosts. Tony Kornheiser and Mike Wise simply don’t get along for whatever reason.
Kornheiser, one of the great sport writers of our time, is an egomaniac. He thinks he is always correct about everything, yet he has absolutely no clue about the current sports world. He believes time stopped in the late 80’s and early 90’s and nothing is allowed to change. He went off on his radio show this morning saying:
They won in the way--and I guess you'd have to have lived here, or paid attention for a while and not come to town and start writing columns when you don't know--they won in the way that they won, as David [Aldridge] and Jeanne [McManus] know, every year for the last 25 years with the exception of 1991, when Mark Rypien was throwing it 60 yards in the air. They won by running the ball. Am I right on this?
He continued on:
It just sounded so great. Look, I'm not a homer, I don't think they're gonna win five....Dallas is gonna kill 'em....[But] the notion that people who have written columns in this city saying they're not gonna win any more games. THE NEXT GAME THEY WON. Now what is your position? Now you write a column saying optimism is unbridled and we can go all the way? Is that what you're gonna tell people, because you have no idea what you're talking about?
For Tony to take shots at Wise is beyond belief. Wise had every justification for writing his article following the Falcons game. If you sat back and looked at the remaining schedule for the Redskins you figured they could beat the Raiders, but everything else was doubtful. They went and beat the Broncos in large part to Kyle Orton getting hurt and from there on it looked as if the Broncos just gave up because they knew they weren’t moving the football with Chris Simms.
And here is a memo to Tony, first from the football standpoint since you have no clue, as evident by MNF wanting to get you the hell out of the booth because you were absolutely miserable. You do not win football games by running the ball anymore in the NFL. Times have changed. Look at the standings. You must throw the ball to be able to win and if you can throw it, you don’t even need a running game. Indianapolis, New England, New Orleans, San Diego, Cincinnati, Minnesota, Dallas, Pittsburgh, and Philly you could argue are the league’s best teams. Of all those teams, Cincinnati, Minnesota and Dallas are the only teams that truly run the ball. Yet the reason they are winning this year is due to Brett Favre, Carson Palmer and Tony Romo having awesome seasons.
Second point, Mr. TK. Saying that he can’t write an OPINION article about the Washington Redskins because he hasn’t lived here long enough is perhaps the dumbest thing you have ever said. You are out of touch with reality buddy. Tony, you do a TV show called PTI where you give your opinion on everything but no one else can do the same, I forgot it’s your world and we are all just peasants.
My guess is Tony is a little jealous that Wise is following in his footsteps and now has his own radio show. Tony, no need to be jealous. Wise’s radio show is NOT THAT GOOD. The show is at its best when he is on for the first few minutes with the Junkies. Wise doesn’t have the on-air personality to kill it in radio, but he will do well here in DC due to the lack of options and having a different viewpoint. His interviews are often very awkward, but I’ll let it slide as he is still very new to the radio.
So this will basically sum it up. Tony Kornheiser has no relevance to the sports world anymore. He is just an egotistical loudmouth collecting a paycheck because he found two people dumb enough to hire him. Mike Wise is somewhat knowledgeable to the current sports world. He is much better when talking basketball. Bottom line is both of them are very good writers, but neither should have their own “Sports Talk” radio show, if it means talking about more than one league.
Thanks to Dan Steinberg at the DC Sports Bog for the TK quotes.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Friday, November 6, 2009
Caps Playing Average Hockey and Ovi Out
Through 15 games the Caps have a record of 8-3-4 and are currently in a good position in the standings but that doesn't mean much. If you break it down even more the Caps are essentially 1 game over .500 and are simply put playing average hockey. The team is one of the most talented in the league yet they have a huge problem putting forth consistent effort.
The Capitals have some of the best talent in the league, have key veteran leadership and a good coaching staff. Within the first 15 games, the Caps have played three complete games. The opening night against Boston, and home games against San Jose and Philadelphia. They gave 100% effort for 60 minutes in those games and came away with victories. However when they face lesser competition, they play the game with the clap on clap off mentality.
The coaches and the veteran players notice this and speak out about it. The team plays hard and makes sure they play well enough to get a point. Then comes the stupid penalties, the lazy forecheck, the even lazier backcheck, the bad line changes and the defense which can't clear the puck. Many people like to pick on Semin but he is not the only problem, however I wouldn't mind if management could see what they get in a trade for him. Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison have taken bad penalties, Green took a number of them early in the season, and so have others. The issue here is Knuble and Morrison talk about their mistakes and realize their stupidity.
Other players won't talk about it and or won't admit they have done something wrong. The most talented players on the team: Ovi, Backstrom, Semin, Green, Flash and Laich need to step up and start to call each other out when things aren't done the right way. To be winners and compete for the Stanley Cup, all 23 members of the team have to be on the same page. Right now, despite the Caps record it seems certain players are on different pages.
When this team is on the same page they are probably the best team in the league. The problem is that is not happening very often right now. Hopefully over the next couple of games with Ovi out the team steps up and fills the void and learns from things they have been doing through the first 15 games. If the team can get on a little bit of a run with Ovi out that could really help everyone's confidence.
Speaking of Ovi being out, my guess is he is out till at least next weekend. To me it is a very similar situation to Mike Green from last year. I suspect he strained his AC joint and is out for about another week and then it becomes an issue of if he can play with the pain and we all know he can.
The Capitals have some of the best talent in the league, have key veteran leadership and a good coaching staff. Within the first 15 games, the Caps have played three complete games. The opening night against Boston, and home games against San Jose and Philadelphia. They gave 100% effort for 60 minutes in those games and came away with victories. However when they face lesser competition, they play the game with the clap on clap off mentality.
The coaches and the veteran players notice this and speak out about it. The team plays hard and makes sure they play well enough to get a point. Then comes the stupid penalties, the lazy forecheck, the even lazier backcheck, the bad line changes and the defense which can't clear the puck. Many people like to pick on Semin but he is not the only problem, however I wouldn't mind if management could see what they get in a trade for him. Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison have taken bad penalties, Green took a number of them early in the season, and so have others. The issue here is Knuble and Morrison talk about their mistakes and realize their stupidity.
Other players won't talk about it and or won't admit they have done something wrong. The most talented players on the team: Ovi, Backstrom, Semin, Green, Flash and Laich need to step up and start to call each other out when things aren't done the right way. To be winners and compete for the Stanley Cup, all 23 members of the team have to be on the same page. Right now, despite the Caps record it seems certain players are on different pages.
When this team is on the same page they are probably the best team in the league. The problem is that is not happening very often right now. Hopefully over the next couple of games with Ovi out the team steps up and fills the void and learns from things they have been doing through the first 15 games. If the team can get on a little bit of a run with Ovi out that could really help everyone's confidence.
Speaking of Ovi being out, my guess is he is out till at least next weekend. To me it is a very similar situation to Mike Green from last year. I suspect he strained his AC joint and is out for about another week and then it becomes an issue of if he can play with the pain and we all know he can.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Good Home Stand, To the Road and Nyls Update
The Capitals completed their three game home stand with a record of 2-0-1 with the lone loss coming in a shootout to Brodeur and the Devils. The second game of the homestand saw the Caps play their second best game of the season as they completely dominated the San Jose Sharks for a 4-1 victory. In the last game of the home stand, the Nashville Predators came back from a 2-0 deficit to take the game to a shootout. Varly held his own in the shootout and Ovi netted the clinching goal.
Now its off to the road, where the Caps will take on the Trashers and the Islanders. The Thrashers are off to a good start to the season and as I mentioned in my preview, remind me a lot of our Caps from two seasons ago. Play the same uptemp system but have some holes on D. Right now they are getting great goaltending to win them games. The Islanders are a very very young team. The Caps should handle them pretty easily, but the Caps also tend to play to the level of competition which could cause trouble.
Nylander who has yet to play this season and has been held out in favor of playing minor league lifers has been sent to Grand Rapids of the AHL. This is Detroits minor league affiliate and it is being said it is just a conditioning stint. He did not have to pass through waivers to do so. So essentially this completely awkward, weird situation keeps on getting weirder. Hopefully the real story comes out, otherwise GMGM and Bruce have come off like complete a-holes.
***Ovi is on record pace this season and is just absolutely unbelievable to watch. To the fans in DC sit back and enjoy the time you have to watch the guy. He is this generations Gretzky.
Now its off to the road, where the Caps will take on the Trashers and the Islanders. The Thrashers are off to a good start to the season and as I mentioned in my preview, remind me a lot of our Caps from two seasons ago. Play the same uptemp system but have some holes on D. Right now they are getting great goaltending to win them games. The Islanders are a very very young team. The Caps should handle them pretty easily, but the Caps also tend to play to the level of competition which could cause trouble.
Nylander who has yet to play this season and has been held out in favor of playing minor league lifers has been sent to Grand Rapids of the AHL. This is Detroits minor league affiliate and it is being said it is just a conditioning stint. He did not have to pass through waivers to do so. So essentially this completely awkward, weird situation keeps on getting weirder. Hopefully the real story comes out, otherwise GMGM and Bruce have come off like complete a-holes.
***Ovi is on record pace this season and is just absolutely unbelievable to watch. To the fans in DC sit back and enjoy the time you have to watch the guy. He is this generations Gretzky.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Being Contained
After the Caps got off to a great 2-0 start to the season, they have since hit a skid. A combination of stupid penalties, soft goals, and only one line as a scoring threat have made the team very beatable. Two of these things factors can be fixed by simply playing with more focus, the third however can not. The way Bruce is playing the lines currently the Caps are very beatable as the Ovi-Backs-Semin line is the only consistent scoring threat.
Much like the Penguins struggled last year when they played Malkin and Crosby on the same line, the Capitals are doing the same now. The stars are getting their points but the secondary scoring is virtually invisible. With Semin being on the top line he is playing a lot of minutes and by virtue of that is taking stupid costly penalties. Semin is a top line talent with a 3rd line players focus.
Coach BB needs to switch up the lines immediately to not only add secondary scoring but to take a few minutes away from Semin in hopes the penalties disappear. The Caps signed Mike Knuble in the off-season to play on the first line with Ovi and Backstrom and it has yet to happen. With Flash expected back in the next 2 weeks, the Capitals are capable of throwing a lineup on the ice that has gifted centers, a net crasher and a sniper on the first 3 lines. Until then they will have to settle for 2 unless Eric Fehr steps up. The lines should become:
Ovi-Backs-Knuble
Laich-B.Mo-Semin
Flash/Fehr-Steckel-Clark
Laing-Gordon-Bradley
These lines will produce and make the Caps much more effective. BB needs to stop letting the players determine the lines and take control of the team and do what is best for the team and not individual stats. The switch won't happen going into tonight against NJ. The Devils come to Verizon Center in what is essentially a big week for the Caps. The Devils, Sharks and Predators all come into town and this week could determine where the team goes the rest of the way.
Much like the Penguins struggled last year when they played Malkin and Crosby on the same line, the Capitals are doing the same now. The stars are getting their points but the secondary scoring is virtually invisible. With Semin being on the top line he is playing a lot of minutes and by virtue of that is taking stupid costly penalties. Semin is a top line talent with a 3rd line players focus.
Coach BB needs to switch up the lines immediately to not only add secondary scoring but to take a few minutes away from Semin in hopes the penalties disappear. The Caps signed Mike Knuble in the off-season to play on the first line with Ovi and Backstrom and it has yet to happen. With Flash expected back in the next 2 weeks, the Capitals are capable of throwing a lineup on the ice that has gifted centers, a net crasher and a sniper on the first 3 lines. Until then they will have to settle for 2 unless Eric Fehr steps up. The lines should become:
Ovi-Backs-Knuble
Laich-B.Mo-Semin
Flash/Fehr-Steckel-Clark
Laing-Gordon-Bradley
These lines will produce and make the Caps much more effective. BB needs to stop letting the players determine the lines and take control of the team and do what is best for the team and not individual stats. The switch won't happen going into tonight against NJ. The Devils come to Verizon Center in what is essentially a big week for the Caps. The Devils, Sharks and Predators all come into town and this week could determine where the team goes the rest of the way.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
2-0 for the Good Guys
The Washington Capitals have gotten off to a great start to the season. They handled the emotion that is both part of the season opener and then the home opener to essentially play fiver out of 6 perfect periods of hockey. The net result was a 4-1 victory over the Bruins and then a 6-4 victory over Toronto in their home opener.
The best signs from the first two games include secondary scoring, the PP, the PK and goaltending. Ovechkin and Brooks Laich each have 3 goals through the first two games, and Semin also has a pair. Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison have also added their first goals as Capitals.
In net Jose Theodore was outstanding in the season opener in Boston. Starting his first game since being replaced by Varly in game 2 of the playoffs and the first game since the passing of his new born son, Theo stopped 19 of 20 shots on goal. Many have doubted Theo's capabilities, but with the way he was doubted last season and the fact it is a contract year for him, he will be focused all year long. Varly was outstanding in the home opener as well despite giving up 3 goals in the final period due to the whole team basically not giving it 100% effort and hanging him out to dry.
The Caps have a tough stretch coming up with Philly, Rangers, Detroit, NJ and San Jose all coming up, so it is crucial that they continue their play from the first 5 periods of the regular season. You really couldn't have asked for a better start if you are a fan of this team. All things are moving in the right direction.
Go CAPS!!!!
The best signs from the first two games include secondary scoring, the PP, the PK and goaltending. Ovechkin and Brooks Laich each have 3 goals through the first two games, and Semin also has a pair. Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison have also added their first goals as Capitals.
In net Jose Theodore was outstanding in the season opener in Boston. Starting his first game since being replaced by Varly in game 2 of the playoffs and the first game since the passing of his new born son, Theo stopped 19 of 20 shots on goal. Many have doubted Theo's capabilities, but with the way he was doubted last season and the fact it is a contract year for him, he will be focused all year long. Varly was outstanding in the home opener as well despite giving up 3 goals in the final period due to the whole team basically not giving it 100% effort and hanging him out to dry.
The Caps have a tough stretch coming up with Philly, Rangers, Detroit, NJ and San Jose all coming up, so it is crucial that they continue their play from the first 5 periods of the regular season. You really couldn't have asked for a better start if you are a fan of this team. All things are moving in the right direction.
Go CAPS!!!!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
Get Ready. It's Our Time.
With less than 24 hours to go until the puck drops to start the NHL regular season, the Washington Capitals roster is set and they are ready for the march to Lord Stanley's Cup. The Caps are entering the season with the team motto, "Get Ready. It's Our Time." And it is hard to doubt that it is their time as they have the best player in the game and the deepest team in franchise history.
The young guns, Ovie, Backstrom, Semin and Green are joined by supporting cast members Brooks Laich, Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison. The goaltending trio of Theodore, Varlamov and Neuvirth is more than ready for the challenge and should not be considered a weak spot like many experts suggest. The Caps will begin the season carrying 8 D-men and 13 forwards, however Michael Nylander is not expected to see any time. More on that later.
The Caps season begins up North against the Boston Bruins. Rest assured the Bruins will be ready as they have the reigning Vezina and Norris trophy award winners, and had a fantastic 2008-09 season. That is just the beginning of a very tough October for the Caps. Also on tap are the Flyers, Rangers, Sharks, Devils, and Red Wings. So the team has to be ready to play from the very beginning.
I mentioned Michael Nylander before and he is still in the organizations doghouse for whatever reason. Rather than playing him opening night, they recalled Boyd Kane a career minor leaguer to play the 4th line, rather than moving Brooks Laich from 2nd to 3rd line and placing Nylander at a wing on the 2nd line. That has to be a dagger to Nylander's heart and the whole situation makes you wonder what the hell is actually going on that they couldn't resolve this over the summer. It appears barring a major injury Nylander will never skate another game for the Washington Capitals, which is a shame because he is in the best shape of his life and still has a load of talent.
The opening night lineup will look like this:
Ovie-Backstrom-Knuble
Laich-Morrison-Semin
Lange-Steckel-Clark
Kane-Gordon-Bradley
Green-Morisonn
Poti-Jurcina
Erskine-Pothier
Theodore
Varly
Based on the d parings it would appear Shultz and Sloan will be scratched, although it could easily be Erskine-Pothier. I guess we will find out in the morning.
Get Ready. It's Our Time.
The young guns, Ovie, Backstrom, Semin and Green are joined by supporting cast members Brooks Laich, Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison. The goaltending trio of Theodore, Varlamov and Neuvirth is more than ready for the challenge and should not be considered a weak spot like many experts suggest. The Caps will begin the season carrying 8 D-men and 13 forwards, however Michael Nylander is not expected to see any time. More on that later.
The Caps season begins up North against the Boston Bruins. Rest assured the Bruins will be ready as they have the reigning Vezina and Norris trophy award winners, and had a fantastic 2008-09 season. That is just the beginning of a very tough October for the Caps. Also on tap are the Flyers, Rangers, Sharks, Devils, and Red Wings. So the team has to be ready to play from the very beginning.
I mentioned Michael Nylander before and he is still in the organizations doghouse for whatever reason. Rather than playing him opening night, they recalled Boyd Kane a career minor leaguer to play the 4th line, rather than moving Brooks Laich from 2nd to 3rd line and placing Nylander at a wing on the 2nd line. That has to be a dagger to Nylander's heart and the whole situation makes you wonder what the hell is actually going on that they couldn't resolve this over the summer. It appears barring a major injury Nylander will never skate another game for the Washington Capitals, which is a shame because he is in the best shape of his life and still has a load of talent.
The opening night lineup will look like this:
Ovie-Backstrom-Knuble
Laich-Morrison-Semin
Lange-Steckel-Clark
Kane-Gordon-Bradley
Green-Morisonn
Poti-Jurcina
Erskine-Pothier
Theodore
Varly
Based on the d parings it would appear Shultz and Sloan will be scratched, although it could easily be Erskine-Pothier. I guess we will find out in the morning.
Get Ready. It's Our Time.
Monday, September 28, 2009
NHL Preview Predictions
Western Conference
1. Detroit Redwings vs 8. Edmonton Oilers
2. Anaheim Ducks vs 7. LA Kings
3. Vancouver Canucks vs 6. Calgary Flames
4. Chicago Blackhawks vs 5. San Jose Sharks
Eastern Conference
1. Washington Capitals vs 8. Ottawa Senators
2. Philadelphia Flyers vs 7. Atlanta Thrashers
3. Boston Bruins vs 6. Carolina Hurricanes
4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs 5. NY Rangers
West Conf Semis
1. Detroit vs 5. San Jose Sharks
2. Anaheim Ducks vs 3. Vancouver Canucks
East Conf Semis
1. Washington vs. 6. Carolina
2. Philadelphia vs 4. Pittsburgh
West Conf Finals
1. Detroit vs 2. Anaheim
East Conf Finals
1. Washington vs 4. Pittsburgh
Stanley Cup Finals
1. Washington vs 2. Anaheim
Stanley Cup Champions
Washington Capitals
Yeah I know, you are going to say homer pick. But they have the best player in the league. Are going to have 3 40+ goal scorers, and 2 more at 30+. They will have enough cap space this year at the deadline to make any necessary moves. The parade down Constitution Avenue in June is going to be great.
1. Detroit Redwings vs 8. Edmonton Oilers
2. Anaheim Ducks vs 7. LA Kings
3. Vancouver Canucks vs 6. Calgary Flames
4. Chicago Blackhawks vs 5. San Jose Sharks
Eastern Conference
1. Washington Capitals vs 8. Ottawa Senators
2. Philadelphia Flyers vs 7. Atlanta Thrashers
3. Boston Bruins vs 6. Carolina Hurricanes
4. Pittsburgh Penguins vs 5. NY Rangers
West Conf Semis
1. Detroit vs 5. San Jose Sharks
2. Anaheim Ducks vs 3. Vancouver Canucks
East Conf Semis
1. Washington vs. 6. Carolina
2. Philadelphia vs 4. Pittsburgh
West Conf Finals
1. Detroit vs 2. Anaheim
East Conf Finals
1. Washington vs 4. Pittsburgh
Stanley Cup Finals
1. Washington vs 2. Anaheim
Stanley Cup Champions
Washington Capitals
Yeah I know, you are going to say homer pick. But they have the best player in the league. Are going to have 3 40+ goal scorers, and 2 more at 30+. They will have enough cap space this year at the deadline to make any necessary moves. The parade down Constitution Avenue in June is going to be great.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
