A Big Loss in a Season of Wins

by J.P. on Dec 29, 2009 6:00 PM EST

Corey Masisak, courtesy The Washington Times

The Washington Capitals may be the most talked and written about hockey team on the planet. Everywhere they go, fans flock to try to catch a glimpse of the team's scruffy superstar. (Did I say "fans"? I meant members of the media, though the line between the two often blurs.)

Countless billions of pixels - from the team's award-winning public relations staff and its owner, its never-quite-saturated blogosphere, and, of course, the mainstream media - have been spilled promoting, covering and analyzing this club, fueled by the hope and/or assumption that the team's on-ice success isn't too far behind the multimedia deluge.

It seems unfair, then, that we should have to talk about "loss" along the way. But it's all part of "the business" - whether it's phasing out a franchise icon, saying goodbye to a hockey legend, trading a captain... or changing the way you read about all of it. Which brings us to the news of the day.

A good man, it seems, is likely losing his job. Many good men (and women), in fact. And while that's certainly sad news for the individuals involved and their families, on a purely selfish level it's awful news for D.C. sports fans generally, and Caps fans specifically, because Corey Masisak will no longer be on the Caps beat.

It's hard to overstate how big a hole this leaves in Caps coverage. Corey doesn't just report the news, he analyzes it (deftly, I might add), and packages it with an awareness of his audience and the ever-changing world of new media that, frankly, is painfully lacking in his profession. He asks the right questions, sees the right things and keeps the right distances, no doubt all traits learned under the tutelage of his late Hall of Fame mentor. As I noted following a game back in February, 2008:

The point is not to bash anyone - everyone's on deadlines, editors hack articles to pieces, etc. - but to commend a subtle, but not unnoticed, extra effort on Corey's part to bring more than just a straight play-by-play recap to a deserving fan base. Dave Fay, no doubt, would be proud.

Efforts like that are the norm for Corey, and they carry on Fay's fine tradition of challenging readers and trying to keep "the other guys" honest and on their toes when it's all too easy to pander to the conventional wisdom of the vocal and ill-informed.

This isn't an obituary (I'm careful not to use the past tense), and I'm sure Corey will resurface before we know it - a CSN Washington, for example, would be wise to snatch him up. But given the impact he's made in his time "with us" it certainly feels like a few parting words are needed, so here they are. You'll be missed, Corey... but hopefully not for long. As Bruce Boudreau said at the end of his presser last night following a stomach-turning loss, "Corey, if this is your last game, I’d like to thank you for all you’ve done covering our team for the last couple of years." Thanks indeed.

Tweet Comment 65 comments | 38 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Well said. Can’t get rec’d enough. And Corey, God’s speed on finding work (hopefully within this area) post haste.

"I didn't mind a diminished role because we were winning so much and we're such a great team and had a chance to do something in the playoffs...I would have taken any role on this team to do that.

by Bald Pollack on Dec 29, 2009 6:04 PM EST reply actions

Rec’d. And best of luck to Mr. Masisak in his future endeavors.

by Wheeler on Dec 29, 2009 6:05 PM EST reply actions

It hurts losing Corey. He’s yet another casualty of media stupidity. If we had even a halfway healthy local newspaper in town, he’d have a job darned near into perpetuity.

by jimmiebjr on Dec 29, 2009 6:05 PM EST reply actions

Corey, many thanks and best wishes.

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 29, 2009 6:07 PM EST reply actions

ALEX, FЯEE

by EmilyB on Dec 29, 2009 6:12 PM EST up reply actions

That’s a shame. We’re all losing a great source for all-things Capitals. Best of luck, Corey.

Left Wing Lock - Free and accurate starting goalies

by leftwinglock on Dec 29, 2009 6:09 PM EST reply actions

This really sucks. Corey’s tweets kept me more up to date on the Caps than anything else, and he managed to inject a measure of humor and perspective into them as well.

"Oh, the usual. I bowl. Drive around. The occasional acid flashback."

by The Ghost of Bebop on Dec 29, 2009 6:10 PM EST reply actions

Exactly!
Pls GOD let CSN Washington have an opening for someone that actually pays attention to the games!

Promote the game, it's the NHL, not SCHL

by kurlNdrag on Dec 29, 2009 6:35 PM EST up reply actions

This. :(

(is it official? I live under an icy rock.)

Best of luck Corey :) Too few are as good as you, and hopefully you’ll resurface somewhere Caps-centric very, very soon (and people would be stupid not to snatch you up :))

by Vinn on Dec 29, 2009 7:19 PM EST up reply actions

I’m hoping CSNWashington grabs him.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 30, 2009 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

I wouldn’t mind if radio picked him up, either, although I have no idea if he’d actually be any good there. While WJFK at least has some guys who actually like and understand the sport (not at Rink level, though), no one really has the ability to give it what it deserves.

"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."

by gfcaps fan on Dec 30, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions

That sucks.

I’ve had jobs go “poof” before, and it’s no fun.

Seems like a very decent guy. Good luck to you, Mr Masisak.

I do hope he surfaces quickly at another Caps-centric position.

"You're gonna eat that g**d**n Koho, three!"

by fat_daddyo on Dec 29, 2009 6:12 PM EST reply actions

Good luck Corey! You’re a good man and a good writer in a profession (and a world) with too few of either one.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Dec 29, 2009 6:13 PM EST reply actions

Good luck, Corey. I hope you get another job soon. I may disagree with certain things you say at times but overall, you’ve done a good job of covering the team.

Rocking the Red since 1975

by CapsFan75 on Dec 29, 2009 6:18 PM EST reply actions

I’m so glad you wrote this and I know a lot of Washington Capitals fans around the world feel the same way. This isn’t just a local thing Corey will be greatly missed in a lot of other city’s and country’s. Give the man a new job!
/signed I-W chairman of the Swedish section of the Corey Masisak fanclub.

by Malin A on Dec 29, 2009 6:18 PM EST reply actions

Well said. I hope he finds a soft landing soon.

Based on what Bruce said, I assume Corey isn’t out in California.

"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."

by gfcaps fan on Dec 29, 2009 6:22 PM EST reply actions

So is it official? I heard Bruce’s quote, but haven’t seen mention of it elsewhere (other than the speculation about a month ago). If so, my best wishes to Corey. He did excellent work.

by Ginga on Dec 29, 2009 6:28 PM EST reply actions

(psssst. ixnay on the ast-pay ense-tay)

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Dec 29, 2009 6:29 PM EST up reply actions

….for the Times, and will no doubt continue to do so elsewhere.

by Ginga on Dec 29, 2009 6:45 PM EST up reply actions

Hopefully he stays around the area.

I also like jumping out of tall buildings.

http://twitter.com/sasanmousavi <-- My two cents.

by Steck It Out on Dec 29, 2009 7:02 PM EST up reply actions

He’s only been around a short time, but the man impressed. I really hope that he lands on his feet somewhere in the area, still covering the Caps. I’d hate to lose him…

by Forsch31 on Dec 29, 2009 6:32 PM EST reply actions

Reccing this before I even read it.

"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."

by CapitalCentre on Dec 29, 2009 6:34 PM EST reply actions

I also like jumping out of tall buildings.

by Steck It Out on Dec 29, 2009 6:51 PM EST reply actions

Corey was the most reliable beat writer we’ve followed. We’re gonna miss ya :(

I also like jumping out of tall buildings.

by Steck It Out on Dec 29, 2009 7:00 PM EST up reply actions

I was critical of Corey when he first took over for Fay. However, over the past year and a half his writing style has emerged and is great. As good as his articles are, his tweets are even better. Hope he lands on his feet and that those feet stay in DC.

A man gotta have a code

by Carl Putnam on Dec 29, 2009 6:51 PM EST reply actions

Well said J.P.

Best of luck Corey. Here’s hoping we get to enjoy your work via another employer very soon.

www.wiseadvertising.com

Because now I can justify browsing and commenting during the work day with the argument that I am promoting my business.

by Sombrero Guy on Dec 29, 2009 6:52 PM EST reply actions

Crap! That’s a shame; his tweets have been the most informative and analytical of any on the Caps’ beat. He’ll be missed and I hope he finds a soft landing soon.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 29, 2009 7:08 PM EST reply actions

I realize the newspapers are having a tough time; I have many friends in the business or recently ejected from it. What puzzles me is that Corey did a great job supplying content that is in high demand; I would think that TWT would have been wiser to harness that resource. I am sad for Corey, but I expect some other media outlet is going to recognize this fact and that he’ll be on his feet if not moving up after the dust settles. Best of luck to Corey.

by false_cause on Dec 29, 2009 7:20 PM EST reply actions

Count me among those who want to know whether this is official. I assumed it was a bad sign when Corey tweeted that he is not in SJ.

Thanks for your excellent work, Corey. The constant tweets are both interesting and informative.

by Caps_Chick on Dec 29, 2009 7:44 PM EST reply actions

Corey – thanks for all you did for the fans. You are appreciated.

by DrinkingPartner on Dec 29, 2009 8:08 PM EST reply actions

Corey, you’re voice in Caps nation will be missed. You did the Caps and the fans a great service in your tenure. Best wishes in your future endeavors… unless, of course, you find a job in Pittsburgh! :-)

by marks4java on Dec 29, 2009 8:19 PM EST reply actions

So an excellent professional with experience in the Washington system just became a free agent?
Paging GMGM!

Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com

by winterion on Dec 29, 2009 9:01 PM EST reply actions

I’m really going to miss his live-tweeting of games the most.

by Ninjak on Dec 29, 2009 9:36 PM EST reply actions

I wonder to what extent sites like Japers’ contribute to the end of jobs like this?

An unknowable question… but as someone in the newspaper and blogging industries, it’d be nice to know. :-)

Blogging on hockey at fromtherink.com

by James Mirtle on Dec 29, 2009 9:43 PM EST reply actions

If they do it is because newspapers have failed to do their jobs for a long time and someone replaced them. It is unfortunate in Corey’s case because he actually did his job and got his readers the information they wanted and needed. The people around him, however, clearly failed.

by renstar on Dec 29, 2009 9:55 PM EST up reply actions

and examining the peculiar situation that is The Washington Times would probably take a PhD dissertation.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 29, 2009 9:58 PM EST up reply actions

Well, the real problem is that nobody’s really replacing Corey. What bloggers do and what beat reporters do ain’t the same.

by Forsch31 on Dec 30, 2009 12:41 AM EST up reply actions

You heard it here first, kids – Mirtle just blamed us for the loss of Corey. Commence throwing tomatoes at me and the boys in 3…2… ;)

But seriously…I’d like to think that sites like this help push mainstream media to be more creative, to embrace new technology and to really be held accountable for what they report. We’re not going to replace traditional media and we don’t have the journalistic knowledge – or resources – at our disposal, but we can help keep them honest. Do Corey, and Tarik at the Post, have blogs if sites like this don’t exist? Don’t the fans then lose out?

Frankly I think you’d be hard pressed to find many of our readers that also aren’t regular visitors to the sports sections of the local papers. If the Times can’t figure out how to keep their paper afloat and maintain their best asset, the sports section, that’s on them.

by Becca H on Dec 29, 2009 9:59 PM EST up reply actions

This reader still has a full 7-days-a-week subscription to the Post! (not the Times, on grounds that I loathe their politics, but I read Corey online)

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 29, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions

This one, too. I read a ton online, but you really can’t read the computer at the breakfast table. Well, actually, with the netbook I can now, but it’s not convenient.

"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."

by gfcaps fan on Dec 30, 2009 7:38 AM EST up reply actions

No, no, it’s not a matter of assessing blame. It just is what it is (and I’m really just musing out loud a little). Online content is going to just evolve whether it’s the newspapers producing the material or not.

If you think about it, this site is (a) an incredibly good resource for the Capitals and (b) many, many times less expensive than a full-time beat writer at a newspaper. The hit count here has also risen astronomically the past two years, too, and probably exceeds that of any other Caps news site.

I can’t speak to the Times’ financial situation at all — all I know is that, especially in the U.S., papers are dropping circulation, almost without exception, at an alarming rate. And the hockey beat is taking a major hit.

Blogging on hockey at fromtherink.com

by James Mirtle on Dec 30, 2009 1:29 AM EST up reply actions

In this instance, I’m putting it at… zero contribution. I mean, the Washington Times is going to shitcan their entire sports section. It ain’t because I can post “Alex Ovechkin is good” 47 different ways in a week.

Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world

by J.P. on Dec 29, 2009 10:03 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs

It ain’t because I can post "Alex Ovechkin is good" 47 different ways in a week.

Well, if that was the extent of your content on what is undoubtedly the finest Caps blog around, then me thinks you wouldn’t be the finest Caps blog.

by renhoak on Dec 29, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions

no, instead we get how Alex is awesome 47 times a week and so much more!

Like Becca’s recaps of really god-awful games!

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 29, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions

I blame the economy more than the Internet. If radio and television didn’t kill newspapers, then how could SBN be at fault? But a bad economy has a way of highlighting the bad business decisions of a company, and some newspaper owners have finally had to face up to their failings. Unfortunate that a great beat reporter is one of the casualties here.

"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."

by CapitalCentre on Dec 29, 2009 10:10 PM EST up reply actions

I wonder to what extent sites like Japers’ contribute to the end of jobs like this?

Throughout my childhood and early adulthood, I believed only what I read in the Washington Post. I would not have picked up a copy of the Times because I was turned off of that paper as a kid by my parents and their political beliefs.

It is one of my great regrets as a fan that I never read Dave Fay.

I started reading Corey occasionally, and then regularly, and then religiously because of Japers’. Other sites contributed, but it was mainly this one. I came across Corey a few weeks before Fay died, and the outpouring for Fay was really striking to me. It was like finding out that all through my childhood there had been a second Ron Weber who I never encountered. It was a shock.

Thanks to sites like this one, that kind of thing is much less likely to happen again. The cream of the content rises around here, and Corey is beloved because (apologies to Tarik and Vogel) he’s the best beat writer covering the team. I know that today, but I never knew that Dave Fay was the best beat writer covering the Caps back then because I never read the Times. So yeah, sites like this are having an impact in at least one way — by aggregating conent and thereby increasing readership of the best articles.

Atta dinnin stick a who!

by Gould Old Days on Dec 30, 2009 12:02 AM EST up reply actions

Well said, sir. For some reason your 1st paragraph evoked memories of Ron Weber for me, and then I read your 3rd paragraph. Listening to Weber on the radio and reading Bob Fachet in the Post….

For all hockey fans, I hope Corey resurfaces immediately if not sooner.

by mechanicsville on Dec 30, 2009 12:53 AM EST up reply actions

Corey, good luck to you, man. I know you will find work soon, Sports journalism professionals like you don’t come around everyday. I just hope your next job is Caps related. If not, you will be missed.

If you don't wanna get hit, KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!

by dlw66 on Dec 29, 2009 10:07 PM EST reply actions

Can’t add much than has already been said other than Dave Fay would have been proud of the work Corey did in his footsteps. The sad part is the Times really had got behind the team and gave them far more coverage than the Post. CSN, are you listening?

by b.orr4 on Dec 29, 2009 10:21 PM EST reply actions

Good Luck Corey… I’m sure you won’t be out of work for long…

Let's go Caps!

by MikeL-Pivonka on Dec 29, 2009 10:24 PM EST reply actions

I would just like to throw this out there to any WaPo sports people reading…..there’s a opening on the Washington Nationals beat…..Corey is an outstanding beat writer……..

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 29, 2009 10:39 PM EST reply actions

How about assigning Tarik to the Nats beat and hiring Corey for the Caps beat?

by renhoak on Dec 29, 2009 10:42 PM EST up reply actions

Is either Tarik or Corey interested in baseball? After two years of someone wasn’t interested in baseball (or much interested in sports) as the Post beat reporter, it would be great to have a real sports writer covering the Nats.

by miseenjeu on Dec 29, 2009 10:48 PM EST up reply actions

that would work, too. I was just thinking, as much as we would love CSN, the Caps, or the Post to add an additional hockey writer, its probably not going to happen. Journalism jobs are, sadly, in insanely short supply. But then I remembered that the Post has that opening…..besides, the Nationals beat really demands a fine writer like Corey. Svrluga set high standards that only a guy like Corey could meet.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 29, 2009 10:49 PM EST up reply actions

Although if Tarik and Corey are hockey writers at heart, a baseball beat might be a little frustrating from about mid-Feb. through the Stanley Cups playoffs…

by miseenjeu on Dec 29, 2009 10:53 PM EST up reply actions

quite honestly, I’d give damn near anything to be the Nats beat writer this spring. Davey Johnson, back in uniform? Boys and girls, this is going to be AWESOME. I’d give up hockey for a few weeks to watch Davey do his thing in Viera.

but, yeah, I guess potentially missing out on a historic Cup win would suck.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 29, 2009 11:04 PM EST up reply actions

Nicely done, dear moderator.

by mechanicsville on Dec 30, 2009 12:58 AM EST reply actions

just a question about the Caps fame

i am a native Marylander living in Los Angeles. Did i miss the rise of the caps?i see them on Sportscenter a little more, but other than that, I need to listen to DC stations t hear anything at all. I love the Caps and will be there saturday. Sad to say, it is not sold out. No caps hats around, and I am the only one with an Ovie jersey. Anyway. I pray this is our year! GO CAPS!!!!!

by brettpedigo on Dec 30, 2009 1:46 AM EST reply actions

We’re still working on the West Coast.

Unleash the Alex!

by gotsparkly on Dec 30, 2009 9:24 AM EST up reply actions

Joy of the unbalanced schedule the last few years.

by false_cause on Dec 30, 2009 10:21 AM EST up reply actions

i am a native Marylander living in Los Angeles. Did i miss the rise of the caps?i see them on Sportscenter a little more, but other than that, I need to listen to DC stations t hear anything at all.

The thing that reminds me most about “the rise of the Caps” is a phone call the SportsJunkies had o pre-Boudreau. The caller talked about how he saw Alex Ovechkin anonymously standing in line at a Wizards game to get (I’m sure) Coke and nachos. Nobody even noticed him. He can’t do that now. And it’s doubtful others like Backstrom and Green could either.

Oh and good luck, Corey. I rarely read the post-game “official” recaps but regularly read features and the blog and Tweets.

by patred48 on Dec 30, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

Man...

Corey, that sucks. I said it before when the news first broke, and I’ll say it again. I hope CSN Washington picks you up, because you’re damned good at what you do, and for the moment, I’ll totally miss your Tweets, etc., because you’re one of the best out there.

I enjoy the humor you inject into your analysis, and enjoy your analysis as well.

I wish you could keep reporting for the Caps on your own personal blog even if you do have to work someplace else to pay the bills…

by IRockTheRed on Dec 30, 2009 10:07 AM EST reply actions

Best of luck to Corey in the DC area (CSN Washington!) or wherever he winds up. And I too wish that he could keep Twittering about the Caps.

by mercurialwinger on Dec 30, 2009 10:15 AM EST reply actions

Wash Times

Agree 100%. The Times sports section is much better than the Post’s overall in my view, not just hockey. It is a huge loss. Don’t know what the plan is at the Wash Times but if DC becomes a one newpaper town, that would be terrible. And, frankly, the Post may not be that far behind the Times in its troubles.

by Durbano on Dec 30, 2009 12:20 PM EST reply actions

apparently it’s official. Sports is no more.

Fun fact: A popular opinion can still be stupid.

by RedBirdie on Dec 30, 2009 4:53 PM EST reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

FanShots

Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.

Southeast Standings

	GP	W	L	OTL	PT
Florida Litter Box Cats	51	24	16	11	59
Washington Japers' Rink	52	27	21	4	58
Winnipeg Arctic Ice Hockey	54	24	24	6	54
Tampa Bay Raw Charge	51	23	23	5	51
Carolina Canes Country	54	20	25	9	49