Back to Business

by Becca H on Sep 21, 2010 1:30 PM EDT

It’s been almost six months since the Capitals last played a meaningful hockey game. It’s been almost a year since they opened the 2009-10 season, 373 days since training camp last got underway.

In that time the team has seen new faces arrive (and familiar ones leave). They’ve traded away a captain and anointed a new one. They’ve raised expectations and eyebrows, shattered records, stirred controversy and let a spectacular season peter out in a most unpredictable – and yet somehow familiar – way. The motto has gone from "Get Ready" to "Stay Angry", a noticeable shift embracing the frustration caused by a too-long summer…that ended with another team in red hoisting the Cup.

And while the players and coaches have spent the hot summer months trying to forget, to erase the pain of losing in such a disastrous way, we have spent that time debating what went wrong and how (or if) it can be fixed. We’ve focused on needs at center, deficiencies on defense and potential risks of a young goaltending tandem, on the inability of the team to adjust in the playoffs and the notion that somehow the regular season has lost some of its luster. It’s just the way it goes – those who lived it try to forget it, those who watched it try to make sense of it.

But as hockey makes its long-awaited return to the District this week, I, for one, am putting it all on the back burner.

Because as nice as some of the hockey fixes of the past summer have been, there’s nothing quite like the start of training camp to cure what ails you. Stepping into Kettler on a beautiful Sunday morning I found it nearly impossible to keep the ridiculously goofy smile off my face, because everything was so familiar – like a home away from home for the hockey-obsessed. It’s the little things that you learn to appreciate and hate to miss. It's the smell of the rink, the sound of skates and sticks and pucks, the sight of friendly faces on and off the ice, all welcome signs that hockey is indeed back.

Watching the drills and then the scrimmage that followed, I was reminded not only of the things I loved about hockey but the things we as Caps fans have to look forward to – regardless of how much and how often we pick them apart, it’s hard to deny that we still have one of the most exciting teams in the NHL and much to be excited about. While the regular season no longer means a quest for individual numbers and franchise records, it will definitely be a platform for emerging young talents and a team that seems just inches away from the ultimate goal.

Over the next eight, nine, ten months we’ll have a front row seat to the development of two up-and-coming young defensemen in John Carlson and Karl Alzner and the ongoing duel between Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth for dominance in net. We’ll have a view of potential new Caps like Marcus Johansson and Mathieu Perreault and more time to spend with guys like Andrew Gordon. And we’ll once again be treated to the playmaking skills and vision of Nicklas Backstrom, the speed of Jason Chimera, the finesse of Alexander Semin and Mike Green, the grit of Mike Knuble and Matt Bradley and the pure excellence that is Alex Ovechkin.

We’ll get to see how this team "stays angry" and how they funnel the pain of an early playoff exit into what will hopefully be a much longer run in the postseason. It'll be a rollercoaster ride for sure, as it always seems to be, and perhaps peppered with a few more obstacles to insure the team is truly battle-tested and playoff-ready - but it'll be a ride no one will want to miss.

So there will be time for debating those issues that still plague the team and any new ones that will crop up over the course of the long season. There will be time to dissect every game and every roster move, to break down every quote given by or about the team, the coach, the GM, the fans or the arena food. There are 82 games and hopefully many more playoff matches ahead, and we as fans/critics/analysts/writers/devoted lunatics will take every opportunity to discuss this team and their actions at lengths. It’s what we do.

But for now I choose to set all of that aside, if only for a little while, and embrace the start of camp - the beginning of a new season and a new chance at redemption. Hockey’s back.

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Oh, hockey

How I’ve missed you so.

بله ، امضای من است به زبان فارسی

by Steck It Out on Sep 21, 2010 1:33 PM EDT reply actions

Absence makes the heart grow fonder

And hungrier. I want the Caps hungry and angry as a grizzly bear coming out of hibernation. The regular season is important to set yourself up to make the playoffs. Then it’s a matter of staying hungry and angry to make a deep playoff run. If the Caps can manage and channel their hunger and anger, they will be in great position to get it done this season.

by Ovietracker on Sep 21, 2010 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions

The angry Russian bears have come out of hibernation!

Rocking the Red since 1975

by CapsFan75 on Sep 21, 2010 7:53 PM EDT up reply actions

The Five Stages of Anger (Capitals Version):

1. Irritation… goober writes a book about star, gets bloggers and The Boss responding. Response — pfft…who reads Damien Cox, anyway?

2. Indignation…everybody with a keyboard is bringing up that whole “first round collapse” thing in every preview of the Caps. Response — t-shirts with pithy slogan

3. Wrath… Run-up to Winter Classic features video after video of Sidney Crosby scoring winner in first WC in Buffalo, raising Cup in 2009, receiving gold medal in 2010…Alex Ovechkin’s sullen expression is about all he gets. Response — paste the Penguins 7-2 in WC game, go 10-1-1 in January.

4. Fury… Caps are in first-place in the NHL on February 1. No one puts them on their short list of contenders, citing swiss-cheese defense, questionable fortitude, and goaltenders who aren’t really “playoff ready.” Response — beat Montreal, Pittsburgh, and San Jose in the space of a week. How do you like our $#@%ing fortitude NOW?

5. Rage… Pre-playoff punditocracy talks about Vancouver’s chances, Pittsburgh’s chances, Philly’s chances, Chicago, San Jose, even Marty Brodeur finding that old black playoff magic. Caps? Can they escape the first round is about the only thing folks want to talk about. Response — no more slogans, no more thoughtful responses to media questions, no more t-shirts. Just rip a page from the old Jake Taylor quote book… “Well then, I guess there’s only one thing left to do… win the whole f**kin’ thing…”

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Sep 21, 2010 1:50 PM EDT reply actions 22 recs

Good god I hope you’re right.

"Do you see my fist? It was fists like these that built quaint Canadian cities out of the harsh Canadian wilderness, etc. etc."

by SeattleCapsFan on Sep 21, 2010 1:51 PM EDT up reply actions

So, I guess they also need a cardboard standup of a nude Crosby with 82 pieces of clothing to rip off. And an outboard motor hot tub.

You had me at no problem.

by Ninjak on Sep 21, 2010 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Ferget the deke, Ovie…show ’im the heater-r-r-r-r-r-r…

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Sep 21, 2010 1:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Is this the part where Bruce pisses on Nylander’s contract?

You had me at no problem.

by Ninjak on Sep 21, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

You don’t think Semin has a statuette of Jobu in his locker, do you?

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Sep 21, 2010 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions

I’m just waiting for Locker to get wasted on Jack Daniels during a game 7. Or would we even notice?

OK, now I have to go watch this movie again.

You had me at no problem.

by Ninjak on Sep 21, 2010 2:00 PM EDT up reply actions

I’d like the opportunity to get wasted on Jack Daniels during a Caps game 7, then finish it off when the Caps emerge victorious. As Captain Picard would have said to the Caps: Make it so.

by Ovietracker on Sep 21, 2010 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions

for once, I’d like to get wasted on Jack during/after Game 7 and because I’m trying to dull the pain.

Watching the O’s try to use strategy is like watching Mike Green trying to figure out the difference between "your" and "you’re"--Terpgrrl
Donation info for SAVES FOR KIDS 2010!! Make a difference.

by RedBirdie on Sep 21, 2010 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

wow, typing epic failure. it should read:

for once, I’d like to get wasted on Jack during/after Game 7, and not because I’m trying to dull the pain.

by RedBirdie on Sep 21, 2010 4:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Hopefully he finally realizes Jobu really no help with curl and drag in playoffs: “I’m pissed off now, Jobu. Look, I go to you. I stick up for you. You don’t help me now. I say ‘F**k you,’ Jobu, I do it myself.”

I believe in JC.

by patred48 on Sep 21, 2010 2:12 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm not sure how I should respond to this.

In Major League it was the hot but ignorant Cleveland Owner. Are you saying Crosby is the hot owner of the Penguins?

The wait for 10/7 begins. This man is focused. Are you?

by souldrummer on Sep 21, 2010 9:45 PM EDT up reply actions

Just rip a page from the old Jake Taylor quote book… "Well then, I guess there’s only one thing left to do… win the whole f**kin’ thing…"

Jesus, I had a horrible vision of Ted wearing pasties.

"#DCU is like senior prom. A bunch of people standing around waiting for a 17-year old to score."

by Bald Pollack on Sep 21, 2010 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions

That’s somewhat disturbing…. did you really have to share? Horrible mental image.

Never underrate the power of the hissy-cow.

by timmyv38 on Sep 22, 2010 1:42 AM EDT up reply actions

now I’m imagining Harry Doyle calling the game.

“The wrister was JU-U-U-U-Ust a bit outside…”

If you've read this far...seek help.

by ThePeerless on Sep 21, 2010 1:56 PM EDT up reply actions

Have you been reading my therapist’s notes?

by Wheeler on Sep 21, 2010 2:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I hope the media pundits don’t take the Caps seriously until it’s too late. Let them diss and dismiss this team all they want, then force these “experts” to watch in shock and awe when the Caps claim and hoist the Stanley Cup. It’s true, revenge is a dish that is best served cold.

by Ovietracker on Sep 21, 2010 2:50 PM EDT up reply actions

Best hockey season ever?

Who's your Padre?

by kingzman264 on Sep 21, 2010 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions

Becca:
If my math is right, it’s only been almost FIVE months without a meaningful game, unless your psyche subliminally purges all memory of April 2010 out of your memory, when : the Caps dropped their final 2 games on home ice to become the first top seeded playoff team to lose to an 8th seed; RJ Umberger became the Oracle of Columbus; I swore I would never post anything about or watch the Caps ever ever again UNLESS Boudreau was fired, Green and Semin were traded, and we acquired for Duncan Keith, Chris Pronger, Drew Doughty and Tomas Vokoun.

by S h a g g y on Sep 21, 2010 2:39 PM EDT reply actions

Vows are meant to be broken. I swore off all things hockey when the Caps lost to the Habs, but now the lure of the new season is too strong to ignore. We Caps fans are like members of a Borg hive in this respect:

Resistance is futile.

by Ovietracker on Sep 21, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

…yup, I think you’re right. Feels longer.

If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.

by Becca H on Sep 21, 2010 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions

Gotta say, I can’t remember ever being less excited for the start of a hockey season. Last year was really the culmination of the frustration-hope cycle we’ve become accustomed to as Caps fans. If that team couldn’t do it – and couldn’t even win in the first round, nor close out a 3-1 series lead against the worst team in the playoffs – then it’s just not going to happen, and I’ve come to that realization.

Oh, I’ll be around this year, and I’ll get my hopes up for the playoffs, I’m sure, but the enthusiasm has been dulled. We have to sit through another 6 months of meaningless games again? Who cares? If the Flyers and Habs could get to the conference final after blowing their entire seasons and stumbling in backwards, I can’t figure out where the excitement is to start another long regular season. Sorry, but what’s the point?

by katzistan on Sep 21, 2010 3:23 PM EDT reply actions

If that team couldn’t do it – and couldn’t even win in the first round, nor close out a 3-1 series lead against the worst team in the playoffs – then it’s just not going to happen, and I’ve come to that realization.

See…I take such an exception to that I can’t even say. I know where this kind of thinking comes from and I’ve struggled with it, too, as we all have, but NHL history is littered with teams that look like THE team to do it only to falter in such a catastrophic way. And as I’ve brought up time and time again, it’s also littered with teams who went on to win very shortly after because they needed that last push.

Obviously I can’t make you care, and this is just my opinion, but if you’re only able to generate significant interest in hockey when the playoffs roll around then why be a fan? Seems like a waste to me. I don’t think I’d enjoy the postseason as much without having gone through the trip that takes you there.

If anyone needs me, I'll be at Kettler.

by Becca H on Sep 21, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions 4 recs

This. The journey is what makes the postseason great.

by Adam Banks on Sep 21, 2010 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Simple answer: addiction. Been doing this 30+ years, am an STH, love the sport. Takes a lot to kill the passion, but last year the Caps did their best, and I’m close to spent. How many times can you really genuinely get into it, thinking “this is the year”. Enough already. (No idea how Cubs fans do it .) Hey, I’m just being a Debbie downer here, I know it, but it’s a family here, so I am just being honest.

by katzistan on Sep 21, 2010 5:54 PM EDT via mobile up reply actions

I’ve had some of the same feelings over the summer. I am excited for the start of the season and do want to watch and see how the young players look, but I’m guessing my enthusiasm will take a strong dip a month or two into this regular season. I’ll most likely get it back when I see the Caps live in February and then I’ll be on pins and needles again come April.

"The most important thing - to get to the playoffs and move on." Evgeny Kuznetsov

by Carl Putnam on Sep 21, 2010 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

As I said upthread, I swore off all things hockey after the Caps game 7 loss to the Habs. I stopped watching any more playoffs and didn’t really care who ultimately won the Stanley Cup. I found out by accident, and when I saw the Hawks celebrating, my only thought was IF ONLY…

Now as autumn beckons I’m back in the game. I can’t help it. I’ve been a Caps fan for years, and a new season brings new hope. I can’t help myself. I’m hooked.

by Ovietracker on Sep 21, 2010 11:01 PM EDT up reply actions

Exactly how I feel. The wounds of the playoff collapse are still fresh. I guess there is that sense of “anger”, “vindication”, etc. that spurs us on to cheer for our boys

by S h a g g y on Sep 21, 2010 3:30 PM EDT up reply actions

I understand you are approaching this from a fan perspective, but as a coach/player/anyone involved in the game, you have to take the opposite approach. “Last year we were loaded for bear and we shit the bed. It was frustrating, infuriating, and just pissed us off. We dropped the ball. People wrote us off. And now we are going to come back here, play a full 9 months of hockey, kick the shit out of anyone in our way and not get drawn in by our own greatness until we have the hardware in our hands.”

It’s different from the attitude last year of “A Stanley Cup would be great, that’s the ultimate goal; we think we’re a strong contender for the finals;” now it’s “Don’t talk to me about Presidents Trophies and regular season records. We have one goal and one goal only, and that is a Cup in DC.”

"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules

by Alz Well That Ends Well on Sep 21, 2010 3:37 PM EDT up reply actions

What the Flyers and Habs did is a rarity. I’d still rather have the Caps be the number 1 seed.

I look to the future because that's where I'm going to spend the rest of my life.

by zephyr on Sep 21, 2010 3:40 PM EDT up reply actions

The point is to enjoy the game. The play-offs are the 2nd season.

Enjoy the 1st. Enjoy the 82 games for what they are, hockey. We finally get to see Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Green, Bradley, and the rest rip apart the rest of the NHL. We’ll probably get a few miraculous comebacks, a few ridiculously bad loses, a tight goal title race, some Houdini drama with Semin and Flash, and even a WC.

Last year, the Caps came into the Play-offs as the big-dogs. I feel like the attitude was, “I cant wait to get to the SCF to win it all”
This year, the Caps will be weary going into the play-offs. I think the attitude will be more, “I can’t wait for the play-offs to start so we can absolutely destroy our first round opponent.”

Who's your Padre?

by kingzman264 on Sep 21, 2010 4:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, Green, Bradley

One of these things is not like the others…

by David Getz on Sep 21, 2010 4:29 PM EDT up reply actions 2 recs

Yeah, Semin won’t be here next year.

"Inglewood Jack! Inglewood Jack!" - Coach Jules

by Alz Well That Ends Well on Sep 21, 2010 4:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I always include Bradley when I do a roll call of the Caps’ superstars

Who's your Padre?

by kingzman264 on Sep 21, 2010 6:48 PM EDT up reply actions 1 recs

That’s the Caps’ challenge: staying out of cruise control. It’s well known that from the biggest facets of hockey to very small ones, momentum is a huge factor. When the Caps looked ahead months before almost anyone and saw “home ice through the NHL playoffs” it necessarily led to mental let-ups. If they pull that again, I really start to look at Boudreau and think he can’t get these guys past the hump. Even during the playoffs and after their series loss, I kind of detected anger and defensiveness towards media questions about what was going on. From the coach on down to the personnel, they haven’t seemed to wear big expectations well when it counts. I hope that natural maturity will kick in and that BB stops (I’m gonna get flak about this) coddling the team’s collective bruised ego because they are the most suited team to win the Cup in the league, by a decent margin.

by jhb on Sep 21, 2010 4:38 PM EDT reply actions

It took some time to get over the collapse from last season, but watching the Bears series against the Stars reminded me that I am addicted to hockey, and that this organization has a lot to look forward to in future.

Thanks to a rookie camp scrimmage, getting Brooks Laich to sign my jersey, the analysis in the blogsphere, and watching the scrimmage Sunday – I’m slowly starting to get excited about this season.

I’m hoping to see the team settle into a clear and determined focus while “staying angry”, and there’s certainly a lot to watch for and spend many happy hours debating. I’m looking forward to seeing the storylines play out, into April and hopefully beyond.

by miseenjeu on Sep 21, 2010 11:11 PM EDT reply actions