The UnWise
by Becca H on Jan 13, 2010 2:30 PM EST
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PrintOn radio, I said, "Because it's hockey." Flippant, quick, good for polarizing people either way. In truth, we have neglected a very good hockey team -- perhaps a Stanley-Cup winning hockey team in five months -- in this town. Tomorrow on the Mike Wise Show, it's all Ovie, all the time. Promise.
Okay, for at least an hour.
On Monday afternoon, the Washington Post's Mike Wise participated in an online chat about the Gilbert Arenas situation, fielding questions about everything from guns to contracts to shoes filled with...stuff - and this question, from an interested reader: "[W]ith the most exciting hockey player in the world and the top notch Capitals in town, far too much attention is spent on the dysfunctional Gil Arenas. Is it because only bad behavior sells?"
Wise's response outlined the "equal" coverage given to Arenas' good deeds in the past, noting his off court generosity. All well and good...until he decided to wrap it up with a flippant but pointed bit of snark, adding "and with all due respect, it's hockey."
It was an offhand remark; a blind stab at edgy humor tossed into the crowd with the simple aim of either garnering a laugh or pissing someone off. And while it's doubtful that such a response was planned by Wise, the inherent meaning behind it was troubling.
Over the last few years, Washington has undergone a transformation - following the lead of its exuberant new captain and a cast of equally mesmerizing cohorts, the city has embraced hockey and covered itself in red. It's been a rebirth, one that has been chronicled and acknowledged by everyone who comes into contact with it.
Everyone, that is, except for the media whose job it is to cover it.
I'm not talking about those on the hockey beat. If anything the hockey folks at the Post, and until recently the Times, have actually stepped up their coverage to meet the rising demand. We've been treated to huge full page spreads on the return of hockey to the District after a summer that was far too long, to blog posts on development camp and intersquad scrimmages, to lengthy pieces on lesser-known heroes, the works. Those assigned to the task have done their job and, for the most part, done it fairly well.
No, the media I'm referring to is your general, all-sports media, the people whose job it is to report on anything from NFL football to high school lacrosse - and everything that falls in between. Guys like Mike Wise, Michael Wilbon, and some sportscasters on local news teams. They break down the news of the day into digestible tidbits and report on things that matter - and yet the fact that the local hockey team is currently tearing it up, and doing so scandal-free, seems to have more or less eluded them somehow.
And with all due respect, it's hockey: Last time I listen to your show buster. I used to like you.
Mike Wise: Figures a hockey fan would take everything so personal.
There just remains a general lack of respect for the Capitals and for the sport of hockey itself that goes deep in this town, and it's puzzling to say the least. Gone are the days when the Capitals were a team to be mocked, when empty seats yawned up around the ice and the losses piled up at a disturbing pace. This is now a first rate team, led by a first rate player and providing a first rate piece of entertainment to all who wish to watch - an option 18,277 people elect to take every time the boys are in town.
So why is it that this team is still a punchline to some so-called sports journalists? Why is it that names of players on our team are butchered nightly by the people who supposedly cover them? Why are comments like "with all due respect, it's hockey" allowed to be used by people who cover DC sports - and when they're called out on it, why does it then become an excuse to bash both Caps fans and the sport of hockey?
"My job isn't to build up the Capitals fan base."
- Mike Wise, The Mike Wise Show
No one's saying that the Caps should get equal coverage alongside the Redskins. That's a losing battle right there, and it's a battle that Mike Wise and friends seem to think we're fighting. We're not. And no one's insisting these reporters memorize Dave Steckel's faceoff percentage this season or know what Varlamov's GAA was in last year's playoffs or even particularly like hockey, for that matter.
But in a time when the only bright spot in DC sports is a bunch of guys on skates - you know, the ones who actually win games - to ignore hockey is to turn a blind eye to what's really newsworthy; to disrespect and mock it, an affront to legitimate journalism.
Right now there is only one major sport in DC whose local representatives are legitimate contenders. Right now there is only one major sport whose DC affiliate can claim to be just about scandal-free, save for the occasional goaltending controversy. Right now there is only one major sport in DC whose season will likely extend well beyond the regular slate of games.
With all due respect, Mike, that sport is hockey. And as "warped" fans, you're damn right we take it personally.
[By the way, if you're unsure whether or not you're among the "warped," we've got a checklist of possible indicators after the jump...]
Top 10 Ways To Tell You're a "Warped" Caps Fan
10. You've heard of "old timers" like Peter Bondra, and never forget to put the accent on Joé.
9. You know that "icing" doesn't just refer to frosting a cake.
8. You're not afraid of Flyer fans (...okay, that might mean you're legitimately warped).
7. You're willing to read pretty much the same article from the same paper two days in a row.
6. You think that multiple sources covering the team is actually a good thing.
5. You believe that every day #needsmoreBradley (and some more than others).
4. You know that there have been more than two playoff series (Rangers/Canucks in '94 and Caps/Flyers in '08) in hockey history.
3. You appreciate Jeff Schultz's value as a hockey player.
2. You truly love the Caps, recognize their faults and embrace their strengths, and proudly defend both them and the sport of hockey - no matter when you became a fan. Because after all, "fan" is short for "fanatic".
1. You're reading this blog.
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Mike Wise is to his readers what the Swedish Chef was to chicken.
by TylerG on Jan 13, 2010 2:33 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
bork bork bork
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
by Scotty Hockey on Jan 13, 2010 2:48 PM EST up reply actions
Bork bork Bourque?
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 13, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 5 recs
Gotta Rec any reference to the Swedish Chef and the chicken…
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 13, 2010 3:06 PM EST up reply actions
Mike Wise is to his readers what the Swedish Chef was to chicken.
Again.. I reiterate that this clip should be played on the jumbotron every time backstrom scores a goal
by Brainumbc on Jan 13, 2010 5:02 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Great piece, Becca!
What kind of “icing” are we talking about when we say #needsmorebeefcakewithicing?
I’m high-jacking this thread because I think this is an appropriate place to point out that the glamor shots of Brooksie toweling off in the penalty box las night took a tiny bit of the edge off the subsequent goals. It was like throat-numbing spray for your brain.
Still not worth the goals, but they were definitely fullfilling #needsmorebeefcakewithicing quotas. ;)
Smells like mean spirit.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 2:38 PM EST via mobile reply actions 3 recs
.
So great. Someone needs to photoshop the site name in for the band name and “mean” for “teen” here:
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I like this…i’m not gonna crack.
Everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is... maybe he didn't?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 13, 2010 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Full o’ win.
Please feel free to use that whenever I’m being “mean-spirited.” Help me help myself, so that the nice guys don’t feel the need to take cheap shots at me on the air when I’m unable to defend myself hurt.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
So for whoever that was that said they’ve got seats near the press box and were looking for sign ideas when Wise comes to the Red Wings game…you’ve got your mission.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 3:28 PM EST up reply actions
Not sure I follow. You referring to that album cover? If I don’t get it, will he?
"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."
I don’t want this sign shown in public. Only going to perpetuate the “caps fans are whiners” stereotype.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Disagree, I think it uses his own description of here and lets him know that we roll with the punches like everyone else.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Besides, if he said the same things about the other sports teams in town, the LEAST he’d get is a sign mocking his position.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 3:35 PM EST up reply actions
Would it be mean-spirited to point out the egregious use of clone stamp? ;) j/k
If it makes any difference, I rec’d it.
Pick SPG for your chance to win probably nothing.
Not at all. Using a crap shit work computer, can barely run Ubuntu / Gimp. And I’m supposed to be working …
Company too cheap to buy photoshop? I’m right there with you.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I am on Dreamweaver 3.
Beat that.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 13, 2010 4:52 PM EST up reply actions
Got me there, they actually squeezed me into a group license of CS3.. and they got me photoshop elements for $99!
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Big spender! I’ve been meaning to just friggin torrent a newer version of DW… I bet I could pick one up at 7/11 for like 10 bucks.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 13, 2010 5:03 PM EST up reply actions
I still say he’s winning when you write an entire big article about him, even if it’s well-reasoned and deflates his arguments and statements.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
To a degree, sure – he wants attention, he gets it.
Still, this stuff deserves a reasoned rebuttal.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
I think the guy is trying a little to hard to be Jim Rome. Which brings up the question, why would anyone want to be like Jim Rome?
by Garyland1177 on Jan 13, 2010 4:23 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Despite his obvious disrespect of anything and everything hockey, I can’t get enough of Sports Nation. It might be because I see it almost every time I work. It’s gotten much better since it’s inception. (I’m currently watching it right now)
If Wise is trying to be like Jim Rome, can Ovie be his Jim Everett? Watch the video!
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
Actually, on second thought, wouldn’t mind unleashing Brads too!
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
Steckel’s FO% is 61.8%.
Come on. I live in Minnesota and follow the Wild and I know that. OK, OK, I had to look it up, but still, at least I knew where to look.
Excellent article. We deal with the same thing here in Minnesota, the supposed “State of Hockey.” Hell, the Timberwolves, who have won around seven games total in the past three seasons get more coverage than the Wild. The only time the columnists poke their head in to make a quip about hockey, they make themselves look like buffoons.
I wish we had a team like the Caps to follow. The media folks in DC should be thanking their stars they are there where they are. They should be paying attention. It is sad for them that they aren’t.
http://www.hockeywilderness.com
by BReynolds on Jan 13, 2010 2:40 PM EST reply actions 3 recs
Interesting. And I thought that Minne-snow-ta was one of the few places in the country where pro hockey would be prominent.
by Stephen Pepper on Jan 13, 2010 2:43 PM EST up reply actions
To be fair, hockey coverage has increased significantly here in the DC area (the Caps actually make the front page of the Sports section for pretty much every game now), but like Becca said, it’s mainly from the hockey beat writers.
"My face is my mask."
by Jake Shapiro on Jan 13, 2010 2:45 PM EST up reply actions
yes, and whatever shortcomings various beatwriters have, they have busted their asses since the lockout, pre-season, regular season, post-season, or mid-summer development camp.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Yes, and I was very happy to see this article defend them while it was attacking the ‘kitchen sink’ types. We’ve been really blessed with the effort that we get from the Caps’ beat writers, and some of that credit, I have to believe, goes to the Caps organization as well. I have to imagine, at some level, it’s a team effort.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Really? I thought they only did the bare minimum…
/ducks
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 13, 2010 4:57 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
nice job here, Becca
it’s a shame that we still have to defend our allegiance after all this time.
by CAPS NEWS NETWORK on Jan 13, 2010 2:40 PM EST reply actions
folks, mike wise has written two of the best local hockey columns in recent memory. on donald brashear and gabby. in fact, i will go on record saying i think he article on brash was one of the best i have read in the post in LONG time. lets not forget that. the post sent him to montreal to do that story. mike spent that time w/ brash and his mom. all for a story about an aging player.
he also was i believe the first guy to have that hack from SI on the radio after he dragged OV through the mud for his hit on gleason.
so lets cut mike a bit of slack. he’s obviously milking this for all its worth and thats a good sign. it means its working. the efforts to get the caps to the forefront of of the local sports media is working.
lets continue to support the effort the only way that makes any real difference. page clicks on post blogs about the caps. eyeballs on CSN during games, even ones on unwatchable CSN minus. posts on japers, OFB, etc.
show the local media that those who pay attention to us now are the ones who will benefit when the caps are the one and only sports story in town in april-may and hopefully june.
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 13, 2010 2:42 PM EST reply actions 4 recs
Also agreed. At some point I find myself wondering if Wise isn’t trying to play the role of Don Cherry here. Perhaps he isn’t so one-dimensional that he isn’t acutely aware of what the response to his comments would be. He riled up a fanbase and the end result is that a lot of publicity is being garnered because of it. Or he could be an asshat-wearing yambag. The results are the same.
"I tried to capture the spirit of the thing"
by tuvanhillbilly on Jan 13, 2010 3:16 PM EST up reply actions
oh i think you are on to something. i dont think his initial comment was anything more than an attempt at humor with no alterior motive. however, i believe he’s smart enough to have recognized the resulting storm could be good for ratings. any publicity is good publicity, after all. thats why i say it’s working. he wouldnt keep it up if he didnt think that it got peoples attention and that there were lots and lots of caps fans to enrage.
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 13, 2010 3:20 PM EST up reply actions
I agree. I retract (sorta) my comments below. He still sounds like a massive d-bag, though. At least he’s setting himself up to be exploited. Clinton Portis could still fart and get a full article in the Post, though. I’ve learned to accept that, though.
Wait, so I’m supposed to give dispensation to someone who’s wrote what, 5 columns in two years? Sorry, not going to do it.
When a morning drive DJ on a rock station is the biggest full-time proponent of the team in a market with two fucking sports stations, you walk the walk. All the time.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
and I’d like to note that said morning drive DJ has been a Caps supporter since the moment he came to town back in the late 1990s, through thick, thin, and one very painful lock-out. Can’t tell you how many mornings I skipped school to drive aimlessly around central MoCo because he was going to talk Caps or have Olie on.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
indeed. props to eliot for being on board long ago and through thick and thin. o’meara has also been a caps supporter for a long time although geronimo never let him talk about it. there was the bet they had in the playoff series vs philly when the caps came back from down 3-1 (dale hunter OT v hextall). don had to kiss mikes ass in the middle of the road. good times.
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 13, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions
Agree that Wise has written some thoughtful, thought-provoking and well-researched columns in the past – when he does what he does best, he is second to none.
My issue is with him, and others like him, treating the sport like a punchline when it suits them and then turning around and benefiting from its popularity by writing those fantastic human interest stories about Brashear et al. It shows a tremendous lack of respect for hockey and hockey fans.
Like I asked yesterday in some thread or another – would there have been an outcry had the word “hockey” been replaced by “football” or “basketball”? No. Know why? Because he would never have thought or dared to say something like that. Ever.
by Becca H on Jan 13, 2010 2:51 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
It shows a tremendous lack of respect for hockey and hockey fans.
I think it shows a tremendous lack of respect for Journalist as well. Wilbon came to my high school many years back and spoke about how he followed all sports and was proud that he had the knowledge in order to report on just about anything. He added that he enjoyed investigated other sport stories outside of basketball, football, baseball, because it helped him grow as a journalist and enable him to reach a different audience.
Why Wise would want to take the hockey world for granted is beyond me. At this point I don’t see how any “warped” hockey fan can read his stuff in the same way again. Which is sad because I did enjoy his articles but now I feel like he is just using me.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 13, 2010 4:38 PM EST up reply actions
You really should send Wilbon a note reminding him of this.
I sent him a note regarding responsible journalism a while back after he famously (also) said hockey is not worth his time in covering…was it two years ago? Sure he climbs aboard in spring like everybody else out of the woodwork when things get interesting heading into the playoffs. Wise will join him as you will see.
…and their lack of in-depth knowledge will probably be very apparent.
"I'm not adopted and I'm not an Indian. It's just a coincidence that I have a love of gambling and booze and a knack for catching syphilis." -Jerri Blank
Good counterpoint
Both Becca and dcsportsfan1 make good points here. I think that Dan Steinberg provides the best outline here of the potential method behind Mike Wise’s madness.
In short, while Caps coverage has been sorely lacking at times for the better part of a decade, if not more, we should also recognize where things stand today as well.
yeah but Mike Wise quit being a good “journalist” when some idiot gave him a micrphone. Shortly after he was given a column and now he’s a regular on CSN Washington. He lost his “journalistic skill” once he flipped over to drama-riddled round-table talk. I used to like his writing but now I think he just loves himself too much and his writing gets harder and harder to read.
Agreed. Harsh but very good point. As I mentioned above the guy is DC version of Jim Rome
by Garyland1177 on Jan 13, 2010 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
Nice piece, Becca.
When it comes down to it, we don’t have to defend ourselves. Having a team that is a joy to watch and love is payoff enough for the snark we get in return. Maybe it makes us “warped” but if being a warped hockey fan is a bad thing then the Caps have at least made it a hell of a lot of fun.
Amen.
Wise is, pretty simply, an attention whore. Too bad he’s getting more attention today for being a f!#%wad then he ever has or will for being a sports reporter.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 13, 2010 2:43 PM EST reply actions
He doesn’t believe you and he can drop 20 names that will agree with him.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I don’t follow. I don’t even know who this guy, to be very honest. He doesn’t usually cover sports? He’s not a clown? What 20 names? I didn;t even remember he did the Brash story until someone said it.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 13, 2010 3:52 PM EST up reply actions
My comment refers to the fact that he loves to stroke his own ego by name-dropping and boring his listeners as he talks to his friends from the media about innocuous shit.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Hahahaha. Gotcha. So, this guy has a history of being a tool. It’s all becoming very clear…
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 13, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
For like two weeks on his show he would bring up Shaq every day and the fact that they’re friends and he has his phone number.
Who gives a fuck.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Seems to be in line with his 3rd grade rant.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 13, 2010 4:03 PM EST up reply actions
With all due respect, it’s just Mike Wise
by dgreen on Jan 13, 2010 2:45 PM EST reply actions 7 recs
1. You’re reading this blog.
Haha. Perfect.
I understand that Mike Wise is completely getting off on the attention he’s getting by becoming the Glenn Beck of CSN, but he needs to admit that that’s exactly why he’s doing this. He knows the way DC sports are, and how being a hockey fan anywhere south of Boston means constantly explaining yourself and why your sport is better than, say, NASCAR. Just throwing it out there.
4. You know that there have been more than two playoff series (Rangers/Canucks in ’94 and Caps/Flyers in ’08) in hockey history.
And here I was thinking there were two, both in 94: Rangers/Canucks and Rangers/Devils …
lol
I have a blog too! www.scottyhockey.com
Let's Go Rangers!
If you watch NHL Network, those two series are Pittsburgh/Detroit 2008 and Pittsburgh/Detroit 2009.
HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE!
Everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is... maybe he didn't?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 13, 2010 2:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey…..
…..future starce
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 13, 2010 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
GREAT SAVE!
Everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is... maybe he didn't?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 13, 2010 2:58 PM EST up reply actions
…and you all know…Dustin Byfuglien…and he’s gonna show us a few good pointers…maybe?
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Jan 13, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Byfuglien can teach the kids how to get away with Goaltender Interference, which will certainly help them move forward in their careers.
Let's go Caps!
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 13, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
You been keepin your grades up in school? Workin hard? That’s good.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
Well…in Willie O’Ree’s defense, he is 84 years old.
Everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is... maybe he didn't?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 13, 2010 3:25 PM EST up reply actions
i keep hoping that there’s a unedited version of that commercial where he threatens the kid after this line. meh.
by ns on Jan 13, 2010 4:04 PM EST up reply actions
You’ve got all the lines from the “Hockey is for Everyone” commercial – The number 11 way you can tell you’re a Warped Hockey fan.
When was it that Ted Leonsis estimated there were 14,000 or so “hardcore” Caps fans in the DC area? 2007? While that number has surely grown since then, it’s still >50,000, which means that only a small subset of local sports fans really care about regular season hockey.
So screw them. They don’t know what they’re missing. Let it be our thing. We’re doing just fine with the fans we have and with The Rink.
I have no problem with being a “fringe” sport in the area – I think most of us have long since made our peace with not being the main draw. If you grew up around here…hell, if you’ve ever lived around here…you know that it’s Skins, than everyone else.
But I don’t think it’s unreasonable to ask for a little respect, you know? Cover it, don’t cover it, I’m over caring all that much. It’s the fact that when it IS mentioned in the newspaper or the radio by someone who happens to not be a hockey fan, it’s treated only as a joke.
That would be nice. I’m actually surprised that more fans haven’t come around and started following Caps hockey on a regular basis out of sheer boredom if nothing else. It’s like, are you people seriously content to sit around all winter and discuss Dan Snyder for the tenth season in a row? Seriously? Suit yourselves, I guess.
I’m actually surprised that more fans haven’t come around and started following Caps hockey on a regular basis out of sheer boredom if nothing else.
I think they are. I see caps jerseys all over the place. Sold out every game. Caps signs at Redskins games. Even my friends who have never watched hockey are following, which is not the best example.
With that said it is obvious the fanbase is growing. To make fun of the fastest growing fanbase in the area is just dumb IMO.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 13, 2010 4:47 PM EST up reply actions
I couldn’t care less if Wise doesn’t talk about hockey on his show, or write about it in his column. What pisses me off is his belief that because it is hockey it is not worthy of anyone’s attention, let alone his.
Anyone up for cancelling Post subscriptions (or am I the only one that still has one?)
we're not gonna allow someone like Downie to go after him.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 13, 2010 2:56 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
What’s the equivalent of working 12:05 on this one?
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 3:00 PM EST up reply actions
Like Team Zissou. I’m waiting for my correspondence stock.
by Stephen Pepper on Jan 13, 2010 3:01 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Do all the interns get recs?
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 3:09 PM EST up reply actions
Great article and great rebuttal to everything Wise said. I don’t even know why people take him seriously. He’s a joke of a reporter and I for one will never read an article written by him.
To be fair, he’s not a reporter, he’s a columnist… so he’s supposed to be opinionated. I just wish the Post had someone who had a columnist with a respectable opinion on hockey and the Caps.
As far as “why do we care what Wise thinks” I wrote this back a few years ago, and I think a lot of it stands up (click through if you want all the links):
Speaking of the WaPo, I wonder how Caps beat writer Tarik El-Bashir feels when he busts his tail covering the team for a paper that prints an article entitled “He Shoots, He Scores, America Snores” (web-titled “NHL? Nobody Cares”). Yes, hockey fans, Tony Kornheiser has once again decided to trash our beloved sport for no apparent reason. Eric over at OWO takes him to task on it, but I wanted to make a couple of points myself.
Kornheiser begins beating his dead horse with the bold assertion that “Hockey is dead” (interesting, as attendance is way up league-wide over the 2003-04 season), then backtracks by qualifying his claim with “At least it’s dead right here, right now.” Looking merely at ticket sales, that would be hard to argue, as the Caps have lost the second-most ground at the box office over two years ago of any team in the League. But let’s not forget that two years ago, the Caps had big expectations and big draws Jaromir Jagr, Peter Bondra, Robert Lang, and Sergei Gonchar for more than half the season, whereas this year the team was expected to be awful and, despite exceeding those expectations (and the record of the 2003-04 squad) and boasting arguably the League’s most exciting player, the public perception of this team has been too much to overcome. Kornheiser continues:
“The Caps have played 74 games. They only have eight left, and they’ve been playing since October. And when was the last time they came up at all in conversation? Not just the Caps, any NHL team? For five bucks, name the coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets, I dare you.”
Obviously I’m not a good judge of this, since the Caps come up in nearly every conversation I have, but his “name the coach” example is ridiculous. How many people could name the head coach of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks? Or the manager of the Colorado Rockies (the baseball team)? Or the head coach of the New Orleans Saints of the mighty NFL? Are those sports dead too? For the record, Tony, Gerard Gallant is the head coach of the Blue Jackets. You owe me five bucks.
“Hockey is so dead in America, the players may as well still be locked out.”
See attendance figures, as there are millions of fans who will disagree with you. In fact, more people have already attended NHL games this year (18,954,089) than attended NFL games last season (17,200,324) and ten of the NHL’s 30 teams are playing to capacity (or more) crowds, while 12 of the NFL’s 32 franchise did the same in 2005. The article goes on with gratuitous shots at the local team, its star and the League on the whole, and maybe later I’ll discuss it further. But for now there are two major points I’d like to make.
First, who is Kornheiser’s audience here? Presumably hockey is so dead that the only people who will read this piece are the dozen or so hockey fans out there who read the WaPo. In that case, TK is telling his audience that they’re a bunch of dolts who would be better off waiting for parachute pants to come back than for the NHL to be resurrected. On the other hand, if casual sports fans care enough about hockey to read this drivel, it seems proof positive that there is interest in the sport and that perhaps it simply needs a marketing makeover. So take your pick – either Kornheiser is condescending to and insulting his readers (and colleagues) or he’s dead wrong on the central premise of his article. Journalism at its finest either way.
The second point is more narrowly focused on the Caps. With just eight games remaining in a season that has long been about goals other than those measured by wins and losses, what purpose is served by writing this article now? The Caps are rebuilding and Ted Leonsis, George McPhee et. al. are doing it the right way, and that takes time. Of course they’re not winning right now, and attendance reflects that. But with the team’s best player chasing 50 goals, 100 points and the Calder Trophy, why pen such a mean-spirited piece of garbage? Why not write an article about how this team is headed in the right direction and how people should take notice and get in on the ground floor? Then again, why would I expect Kornheiser to start being positive or constructive now after 20-plus years of pissing in people’s Cheerios?
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Put another way, we’re all already fans and nothing’s changing that. But casual fans can be turned on or off to the sport at this or any point. That’s why it matters whether the game is treated as a punchline or with respect and regard.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 13, 2010 3:12 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
I wonder if Wise would ever take a look at something like this
And realize that no one has EVER said “with all due respect, its basketball”
Everyone knows Custer died at Little Bighorn. What this book presupposes is... maybe he didn't?
Ron and Fez 11 to 3
Deals exclusively in punnery and poop jokes.
by YvonLabresMoustache on Jan 13, 2010 3:14 PM EST up reply actions
Personally, today I would most certainly say “with all due respect, it’s only the NBA”.
I lost most of the respect I had for the NBA about 5 years ago, back when it became terribly obvious (to me at least) that the referees had too much control of the game. The Tim Donaghy incident only emboldened my feelings.
Indeed this is the point.
I mentioned in the Clips thread this morning that I responded to Wise’s challenge to send him a signed e-mail. It went to his WaPo mailbox, so it wasn’t going to get read on the air, and that’s how I wanted it. I suppose etiquette says I shouldn’t paste the entirety of the correspondence here, but I’ll condense it as follows: Essentially I told him he was being a jerk and if this was the best he could do, the Caps should deny him access to the team and he should just stay away from writing/talking about hockey at all and stick to what he does well (non-Caps). (The you can catch more flies with honey routine) His response was short, but he did admit to being not respectful.
"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."
the thing is, columnist get paid to write stories that create buzz and sell papers (or perhaps, try to keep people from cancelling subscriptions) and produce page views. back when TK wrote this article, a postive article about the caps would have produced little buzz. it would have made us feel good, but thats it.
however, write an article about how the NHL sucks with strawman arguements like who the coach of the blue jackets is and you get some buzz. not only from hockey fans but from the casual fan. and, like weathermen and congressmen, columnists typically dont have to defend themselves when they are wrong.
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 13, 2010 3:34 PM EST up reply actions
Ken Hitchcock? Where’s my $5?
"I am ready for his provocations"
by PaintDrinkingPete on Jan 13, 2010 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
“With all due respect” is like “Having said that”. You think that by saying that it excuses you from being tactful, even though the preface actually makes the statement that much more insulting.
It’s like people making fun of you in conversation and then adding “just kidding” No you’re not kidding because if you really liked me you wouldn’t have thought up/said something disparaging to begin with. I went to high school with a girl like that.
Right up there with “I’m sorry you feel that way”. Hallmarks of the Porcupine-eating speckled efftard….
Haven’t been around in a while, but I thought I’d stop by and see the reaction to Wise’s comments. Seems like a fair lot are letting it roll of their backs while a good majority want to raise pitchforks.
When I heard the “With all due respect,” comment, I laughed and then laughed at the can of worms it was about to open. It was a joke, but in reality it’s just a poor answer.
Here’s what he should have said.
Q: Why don’t you cover OV more often, such as his captaincy instead of Arenas?
A: Well Arenas’ gun violations are national news and are damning to his franchise. Ov’s captaincy is a little more suited for Tarik to cover and after some time I can asses the captaincy in a column.
Just a dumb answer by Wise.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:38 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Does this mean you’re back on the grid?
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 3:41 PM EST up reply actions
Maybe. For those that don’t know, I’m the sports editor of the Fairfax, Burke, Springfield and Laurel Hill Connection. So I’m usually busy with local sports, but I’m looking to find more time for blogging in a column-esq format.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:42 PM EST up reply actions
Here’s hoping things shake out well for you my friend.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 3:44 PM EST up reply actions
Is that following in Puck Daddy’s footsteps?
"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."
Yeah I actually have Greg’s old computer, but I wouldn’t say I’m purposefully following Puck Daddy, it’s a bit of coincidence. Although blogging certainly helped me get where I am, so to you young writers out there…
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
Well then, congratulations on the gig. And if you’re using his old computer, you need help. He’s been gone from there for a while, so that means said computer is old.
"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."
Yeah I have an old iMac at work. My laptop is better but I have to turn things in through the iMac…..
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:55 PM EST up reply actions
I interned at the McLean/Great Falls/etc Connection one summer. It was a great opportunity. (unfortunately, I learned that newspapers were not for me, but what can you do?)
Thanks. I miss writing it daily, but I’m proud to say I achieved a goal of mine of making into sports writing. I’m hoping to find time to bring it back in some form.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:43 PM EST up reply actions
Thanks everyone.
Also. I think Caps fans do need to realize a level of priority in this town. Redskins will always be the biggest story in town. Wizards take second, and then it’s Caps/Nats.
I’ve seen the argument that the Wizards suck and thus should fall, but basketball is a bigger sport in this region. Despite how bad the Wiz are, the popularity of basketball won’t die. Perhaps if the Caps continue winning consistently they could take the No. 2 slot, but I just don’t know when that will be.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
I wonder if “it’s just hockey” when he needs a great guest like Brooks Laich for his show.
Wise: “Brooks, great to have you on yet again. What do you think of Arenas? Zorn/Shanahan? Tiger?”
Laich: “Um… can we talk about the Caps?”
Wise: “With all due respect, Brooks, it’s just hockey.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
Which raises the new question — if you’re a Capital, do you go on his show now? There are better outlets on the same station.
"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."
Holden Kushner (sp) is the best Caps talker on that station.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
Dukes does a real good job in pimping the team, too. In fact, Bradley’s coming up on his show at 4:40.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
i think he’s having kolbe on to talk about brads…would love it if brads were on.
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 13, 2010 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
I don’t think he’s very knowledgeable about the team other than playing cheerleader. Such as his reasons for Ovie not being captain and other such comments. But they are great supporters and I’ll love em for that. Got to meet LaVar when I covered the UFC this week. Talked some Caps with him.
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:51 PM EST up reply actions
I’m happy with cheerleaders for now. Enlightenment does not come overnight. Start with the positive outlook to hockey, and the motivation to learn more about it will follow.
Same reason I’m okay with bandwagon fans.. because a percentage of them will get hooked; they will stay, learn, grow, and become loyal fans to the end.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
I can agree with that. 100%
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
Did I say Bradley? I meant Kolbe. Not sure how I screwed that up.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
easy to confuse, the look alike. in fact i think i heard the last night joe b. was about to get in a bar fight in tampa and kolbe swooped in and beat the piss outta that chick. gotta protect your big guns.
by dcsportsfan1 on Jan 13, 2010 3:56 PM EST up reply actions 4 recs
He had Clark on his show and talked about his connections in the newspaper buisiness for like a solid 2 minutes while Clark just sat there saying nothing.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
I’ve never found Wise to be a good interviewer on the radio. It’s odd considering as a journalist you’d think he’d know all the right questions to ask.
Wise: “Was it hard to lose to Pittsburgh?”
Clark: Um….yeah…..
Capitals Kremlin the second line center of the Caps blogosphere.
by CapitalsKremlin on Jan 13, 2010 3:57 PM EST up reply actions
spot on...but...
Becca -
Your analysis here is spot on. DC has two major professional sports franchise that are winners – the Caps and DC United. Unfortunately, both of the sports are ones that appeal to blue-collar fans, a demographic the media in this region has been trying to distance itself from for some time.
The members of the media….ALL media, in this region, want to to belong to the society for the intellectually elite, and neither hockey nor soccer fit into their elitist society. Sad, but true. What’s sadder (for Mike Wise, Andy Pollan, Steve Czaban, et al), is that their intelligence is in no way discernably greater than the average hockey fan, yet they’ve so deluded themselves for so long, they’ve become convinced they’re smarter than the rest of us.
by shotfromthepoint on Jan 13, 2010 4:26 PM EST reply actions
both of the sports are ones that appeal to blue-collar fans, a demographic the media in this region has been trying to distance itself from for some time.
can’t speak for soccer, but I believe research as shown that of the “big 4” sports, hockey fans have the highest income and education levels.
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
Ah, see? And I just showed my own elitist biases! Forgot about the United. I’m not actually a soccer fan but I’d say they have a harder time of it in DC than Caps.
They also give me little hope that the Caps will achieve some kind of respectability “when they win” as some people like to claim – the United have won several championships, am I right?
I think they do get even less respect. I like soccer, and no question they get even less attention than the Caps. And they have a history of winning, last couple of years excepted.
"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."
As a supporter, I can tell you I’m used to our sport getting attention once every four years if your name isn’t Beckham. Having that similar treatment when you have a Beckham-like name for your sport is both bewildering and frustrating.
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 5:10 PM EST up reply actions
There are ways to get quality Futball (soccer) coverage in town…….. if you are Latino.
Guys I work with bring in little mini-papers that are soccer -centric all the time.
The catch is the’re all in Spanish. They are a passionate and knowledgeble fanbase.
that does not sxcuse the lack of support by the mass media around here.
p.s. i’ve been able to convince many of my Latino co-workers to follow Caps hockey.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
They also give me little hope that the Caps will achieve some kind of respectability "when they win"
I don’t entirely buy this, unfortunately. There are teams that have won the Stanley Cup that don’t get respect (I think one of them beat the Caps last night), and there are teams that have never won it that are tops in their cities (Vancouver?) or at least get respect locally. I chalk it up to culture — DC isn’t a place where kids can play hockey on their local pond. (But I remember getting the day off school for one of the Redskins parades.)
We’ll never be #1 here, and that’s OK. What isn’t OK is treating hockey like a redheaded stepchild. It’s just as legitimate a major-league sport.
No offense toward redheads.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 13, 2010 6:08 PM EST up reply actions
You got that one right. There is a lack of oppertunities for youth in the area (outside the beltway) to play hockey, organized or not. That is where the fanbases are truely built up. In short, we need more rinks with affordable prices, so more people can skate and play.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
No offense toward stepchildren either — if only we could edit.
"Camaraderie, that's what the Washington Capitals are all about."
by CapitalCentre on Jan 13, 2010 7:52 PM EST up reply actions
The members of the media….ALL media, in this region, want to to belong to the society for the intellectually elite, and neither hockey nor soccer fit into their elitist society.
Honestly, this just screams “square peg, round hole” to me.
Hockey’s the sport with fans with the highest income and education levels, and soccer is constantly trumpeted by elitists who like it because (1) it’s European, and therefor super fancy and enlightened (2) it’s popular in Latin countries which makes it “more authentic” and (3) it gives a sense of superiority (“oh, well, anyone can like football but it takes a different level of appreciation to love soccer” attitude).
On the flip side baseball’s thought of as the “national pastime”, football is played almost exclusively by Americans and is as blue collar as it gets, and basketball is extraordinarily accessible in this country. Hockey does well on the coasts and in richer, wealthier areas; baseball and football rule all in the South and in generally poorer, less educated areas. I mean, really, it’s sure as hell not the case that all the poor Southern, Midwestern, and heartland kids love soccer and hockey and are having the rich, educated, elite push football and baseball on them from the big cities. The problem with soccer and hockey isn’t that they’re not “elitist”, it’s that they’re too “elitist”.
Note: I don’t want to sound harsh, I like soccer, but if we’re talking about the sports that people who think they’re more evolved and intellectually elite like, it’s right there.
by David Getz on Jan 13, 2010 5:05 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Chicken dinner.
That’s a great map of the sportscape—and of DC. See a nationwide, multi-gen convention of football fans, with some accessible hoops and apple pie ball thrown in. Hockey’s a natural foil, especially now: There are enough fans to ‘blip’ even shoddy radar; the fans are either fat cat elitists or diamond-wielding wackos; and they’re winning. Which just has to suck if you’re sitting in Raljon and your team has sucked for so long it’s not even fun to mock ‘em anymore.
The HD broadcasts would be nice and all, but: Would you want hockey to be [treated like ] a ’major sport’?
With all due respect, it’s just Mike Wise, after all. Does anybody really care what he says or thinks.
Wait, was this the same guy who did these funny videos on the WaPo’s blog during the playoffs? What happened to HIM?
By the way, Japers, I like your 10 reasons list, and you lost me only on #3 — I’m no Schultz basher (anymore), but why list HIM? Much better off with Brads or Stecks.
All due respect, I’m hearing you’re a season ticket holding, Schultz-for-Norris, porcupine-serving smakedown elitist.
By the way, Japers, I like your 10 reasons list, and you lost me only on #3 — I’m no Schultz basher (anymore), but why list HIM? Much better off with Brads or Stecks.
Because recognizing Schultz’s ability to play mistake free hockey and his gap control is harder to appreciate for a lot of people than leading the league in faceoff percentage or being the team’s most frequent fighter. Which is why Schultz has taken so much flak over the last several seasons.
Who in the hell is Mike Wise? Before this nonsense, I had never heard of him though I did read the Brash piece but didn’t know, or care, who wrote it.
Just some bald asshole.
My ability to post is only surpassed by my ability to pinch pennies.
by jordanDC on Jan 13, 2010 4:50 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Apparently! Also, 106.7 is still broadcasting? Haven’t listened to broadcast radio in many many years, the one in my car stays on XM Home Ice.
by SethB on Jan 13, 2010 4:52 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Hey!
"I must be hallucinating. What's a good thing for a hangover?"
"Drinking heavily the night before."
by Bald Pollack on Jan 13, 2010 5:11 PM EST up reply actions
Would love to fill VC during the next home game with, “With all due respect, it’s just Mike Wise,” signs.
no no no, much better to wait until the Jan. 19th game he told Lindsay he would be covering. I believe that’s a VS. game as well. Might as well get some national TV exposure out of it!
Kung-fu Rink Rabbit
by RedBirdie on Jan 13, 2010 5:03 PM EST up reply actions 8 recs
REC DIS SHIT!
Game-Over Green? Canada-Over Carlson!
by Scott in Shaw on Jan 13, 2010 5:09 PM EST up reply actions
I was thinking this is the way to go. I thing we have a winna!
"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."
Oy. I THINK, not thing.
"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."
The Free Mike Wise Movement!! – From his insanity that is
by Garyland1177 on Jan 13, 2010 5:12 PM EST up reply actions
It is hilarious how he rants about how “these people take themselves too seriously,” and then shows clips of the Spaceman! How can anyone in a space suit be trying to be taken seriously?
RE: Caps in the mainstream media. Just watching “Around the Horn” on ESPN. All 4 of Kevin Blackistone, Woody Paige, Jay Marrioti, and Bob Ryan agreed that Bradley did the right thing by stepping in for Ovie. And when host Tony Reali asked if they thought Ovie instigated with the hit they all scoffed and just said, “it was a clean hit.” I am presently surprised.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:21 PM EST reply actions
Me neither. Hopefully this example bodes well…though I wouldn’t count on it.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:28 PM EST up reply actions
Boy, do I wish I could set my Tivo from work. Can’t some phone do that? I need more technology.
by Bushwood Bushwhacker on Jan 13, 2010 5:24 PM EST up reply actions
Spelling fail. That should read pleasantly surprised. Though the case can be made that presently I am pleasantly surprised.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:27 PM EST up reply actions
Sorry, Around the Horn gets a fail for Reali saying it was knee on knee. No one corrected him.
"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."
Eh, I was dubious about that too, but at the end when Reali brought the hit back up all four scoffed, and both Blackistone and Ryan said the hit was clean. So I gave ’em a pass on that one.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 6:36 PM EST up reply actions
great piece. respect the red.
LETS GO CAPS
by dont toews me bro! on Jan 13, 2010 5:25 PM EST reply actions
PTI not off to a promising start.
In the intro Kornheiser says, “…and Alex Ovechkin lets a bobo do his fighting.”
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:31 PM EST reply actions
Reali didn’t put in their cheat sheet that fighting with a visor is an additional unsportsmanlike penalty
"Ah, dinner. The perfect break between work and drunk." - Homer Simpson
I think it’s just instigating a fight with a visor that’s unsportsmanlike. Regardless, good move by Ovie on dropping the lid.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:44 PM EST up reply actions
Except for the helmet part, PTI gets a passing grade. They supposed Bradley taking the fight, but don’t understand that the helmet was because of the visor.
"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."
It’s a hat trick not a helmet trick, duh ;)
by Garyland1177 on Jan 13, 2010 5:41 PM EST up reply actions
The bobo thing in the open had me worried. I was going to have to boycott Tony if he said Ovie should have fought.
"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."
I’ll say it did. I was on edge waiting on that segment after that bobo line. Fortunately they redeemed themselves.
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:43 PM EST up reply actions
Just like with “Around the Horn” I am pleasantly surprised with PTI. Got a kick out of Kornheiser comparing the situation to a scene from West Side Story. Loved Wilbon’s line that. "Bradley may have saved the Capitals season. What if Ovechkin had broken his hand on this guys face?"
by BradleyFightingVehicle on Jan 13, 2010 5:42 PM EST up reply actions
Wilbon: Saves the Capitals Season???
Perhaps it was Brads who stepped up and took one for his captain, but for Wilbon to say that it probably “saved the Capitals season”?? I am personally on the other side of the fence on this one….maybe Ovi dominates that punk and makes himself no longer a target in the process….at 6 foot 1 and about 190-200 lbs Ovi can hold his own physically….Brads has assumed his place as the Caps enforcer, but as for now, i say let Ovi handle his own buisness….I can imagine Ovi with a few choice words for Bradley in the locker room after last night…its good to stick up for your star….but its another to upstage your captain…
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
Good chance ovie dominates Dowie. Still not worth the risk, albeit slim.
by Garyland1177 on Jan 13, 2010 5:53 PM EST up reply actions
More Wise coverage on WaPo Live. Not too much, just playing part of his rant this morning. Al sort of slipped by falling into the mantra of in February it will be all Caps all the time, so he’s missing the point. But then they also said if the radio talks Caps we have to call in. But they don’t realize that we pretty much tune it out BECAUSE they don’t talk Caps.
"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."
Saved the season
from, uh…?
makes himself no longer a target
Nothing will make Ovechkin “no longer a target”. Tangling with Downie, if it has/had any impact at all, serves as a reminder to vermin that they can get 8 to sit for 5.
at 6 foot 1 and about 190-200 lbsOff by an inch or three and 30 pounds, but not the point: All three involved did their jobs just fine, and I’ll bet they all know it.
I’m okay with Ovi taking a well-chosen fight at some point, possibly in defense of a heinous hit on Backstrom or something. But players can get knocked out for the season by fighting regardless of the foe. It does happen.
A young guy for the Blues I like for his size and toughness has been out since early October with a dislocated wrist. He’ll be out the majority of 6 months. That comes from laying a successful hit unsquarely as opposed to being hit.
Fighters know how to minimize their risk, or are less valuable, or both.
"I'm not adopted and I'm not an Indian. It's just a coincidence that I have a love of gambling and booze and a knack for catching syphilis." -Jerri Blank
I
Im sorry…but the shear reason why i fell in love with hoekcy – and the Capitals a couple years ago is that there are no players who are beyond taking one for the team….Ovi is the marquee guy for the Caps…but he showed heart and grit the way a hockey player is supposed to do…..by saying that he could injure himself in a fight is saying that we cold care less if Brads does the same…not tha twe would…but the point is that this IS hockey and if our star player wants to drop the gloves let him….let us not be swayed that this is another pansy sport that gives certain players privilage over others…let our captain do as he feels necessary
When my friend Robbie and I played hockey in the driveway on our rollerblades....I was always Peter Bondra
by OviWankenobi on Jan 13, 2010 7:43 PM EST up reply actions
- If Ovi were to have to sit out the rest of the season and the playoffs with a shattered wrist from fighting that night I guarantee you everyone from ‘astronaut guy’ to Ted would think at some point ‘Why did he have to pick That fight/that punch?" whereas if the same thing happened to Bradley as a result of that fight we would admirably say "That’s Brads for ya, get better soon buddy, we need you!"
- I think if people were to actually read what we each wrote, they would say we both wrote we could support Ovi’s decision to fight.
"I'm not adopted and I'm not an Indian. It's just a coincidence that I have a love of gambling and booze and a knack for catching syphilis." -Jerri Blank
Great read, Becca. Thank you. I have nothing more to add to this that hasn’t already been written above except that we were all spoiled by the writting of the late Mr. Fay and we all wish that the coverage of our beloved Capitals could be anywhere as good in all the mainstream media around here as his was.
I’m hoping for it someday, but I’m not holding my breath.
What amazing date in history are we giong back to today, Mr. Peabody?
The last paragraph or two really cover what I think of the media bias. I don’t imagine any kind of world were we cover the Caps more than the Deadskins no matter how poorly they play or who they trade/fire/acquire.
But the last 2 years especially have been pathetic on the media. Playoffs one year, okay maybe take some interest. Best start in franchise history, green sets an NHL record, one of the best teams in the east. Nothing. Playoffs nothing. 2nd round of playoffs…something. Another strong year for the caps…nothing.
And why? Because its hockey. I honestly think half the media thinks of it as a caveman sport and the other half too much a finesse “European” sport like Soccer. Apparently they forgot the Miracle on Ice. I don’t recall to many other olympic miracles other than the Dream Team in the nba(and how recently the nba gets smashed in world competitions)
And your damn right I’m warped. To take my pot-shots at football – its just as full of goons, the play is just as physical, and its got its grand moments of skill. I’m very warped at Basketball atm because of this 00 being a 00 scandal. I get that “scandal” makes for great media, afterall we all remember Clinton, but the Caps still being an afterthought if thought about at all is RIDICULOUS!
People are stupid, a person is smart. This leads me to believe there must be at least one smart hockey fan in Philly.
A little story about Mike Ness
A while back Mike Ness, the frontman for the legendary punk band Social Distortion, was ordering food at an Orange County restaurant when a woman approached him and started asking him about his tattoos. Ness turned to her and politely replied, “Ma’am, I got these tattoos to isolate myself from people like you.”
I really couldn’t care less what Mike Wise, Kornheiser or Wilbon has to say. They don’t like hockey. That’s great; I don’t like their columns or their TV shows. I didn’t get into hockey for any other reason than sheer love of the game and I simply don’t care at all what people who don’t share that love think about our game.
John Buccigross once wrote that hockey is like punk rock, and I tend to agree. It’s not for everyone, but it’s for me. If others don’t like it, or don’t want to discuss it, that just makes it easier for me to ignore them.
Alex Semin likes to drink sake after engaging in hockey bukkake.
by D'ohboy on Jan 13, 2010 7:12 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
are you kidding me? hockey was never dead. funn thing is when i was a little kid the first time i read the WaPo, i read the sports sections and i remember reading the hockey standings/page and seeing the caps near the top of the standings. can’t remember what year it was…
by Area 51 Forever on Jan 14, 2010 2:25 AM EST reply actions
Bruce Boudrea will be on the Mike Wise show today at 12:25pm
Nice work guys!
"It was one of those things where everyone in the building was suddenly excited again," Cerrato said. "And all the women in the building were the most excited. They couldn't believe we were getting the guy from "Dancing With the Stars."
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