The Debut of a Superstar

I strongly recommend clicking through and reading the articles linked in the post. Good times (though eff the Washington Times for pulling the author’s name in their archived bylines).

The most striking aspect of that first goal? The fact that there wasn’t a Blue Jacket within two stick lengths of him in the slot. Today he can’t touch the puck in the neutral zone without two guys converging on him. And yet he still scores 50+ goals a season.

My stub from that one:

Also, quick trivia – name the three players (other than AO) that dressed for the Caps that night that are currently with the organization. [Answer here]

Not only was this game Alex Ovechkin’s first game in DC, but it was the first time I took my daughter (then 17, now 22 and a mom!) to a hockey game. She had never been and wanted to see why I liked it. It was a great night all around. Anyway I wrote somewhere that after seeing Ovechkin in the first game of the regular season, that he was the best player to ever put on a Caps uniform. That has certainly been demonstrated, since he is the only Cap to lead the league in points, win an MVP, win the NHLPA award, etc.

What amazed me more was how he went on to get 100 points despite being the target of every team’s best defenders at the time…

Didn’t they come out skating around in the dark with glow sticks?

I hated the eagle and black jerseys. Most of my Caps’ gear had the old logo. But when Ovie had that first game, I immediately ordered an Ovechkin white jersey. I knew the Caps had a superstar.

Remember the GMC-Buick Ovech-cam?

Wow. I’m used to seeing video of games from 5 years ago and immediately knowing it was older because of all the HD and the new quality of the doo-dads and scoreboards on CSN. But seeing the picture of the Phone Booth 5 long years ago gave me chills. Its crazy how much has changed in that building since then. Just crazy. To think how often I lose my patience with this team; something like this piece puts it all in perspective. We have a wonderful thing going here, and I plan to drink the kool-aid for a long time.

I feel very good, too. Here’s to Becca content (Rink’s on a roll)!

And all the contributors. I continue to marvel at the JR team. Thanks to all.

I recall that Ovi had many opportunities for the hat trick that game. He would have been only the third player in NHL history to record a hatter in his first NHL game.

The birth of our superstar not withstanding, it was a bittersweet night personally. Only because I got the night off from work, had carry out chicken fajitas and salsa from Uncle Julio’s (best food ever), a cooooold 6 pack of Molson Canadian, kids and wife at the parent’s place, the TV and remote were mine….

No Comcast feed on DirectTV.

I was crushed. Still not over it.

I’m in Denver now so be prepared: if you come this way I’ll need you to grab a quart of Uncle Julio’s salsa, freeze it, then pack it in your carry on.

Anyone have the video of his hit on Suchy?