tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1133369956734445132024-03-12T23:06:14.393-04:00The Blonde Girl's Guide...to Hockey? Sports? Life?...Wait, what was the question again?Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-23111976107664052092014-09-04T15:13:00.000-04:002014-09-04T15:13:43.579-04:00The Horse is Dead. RIP Horse
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Once upon a time, a guy
associated with professional sports media acted like a dick. Multiple times. Total
dick move and he got called out on it. Appropriate response to a dick move. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guy got fired from the
professional sports media organization. Another appropriate response to his dick
move. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Guy tweeted an apology. Once
again, an appropriate response to his dick move. (Who am I to judge an apology?
Whether heartfelt or lackluster, one was made) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">End of subject. Everybody carry
on. The End. The horse is dead. RIP horse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh wait! Lots of “gentlemen”
(note the “air quote” please) are bitchin that the guy should have never been
fired for the dick move.<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"> </i>Srsly? Are
you boneheads seriously thinking that the dick move wasn’t really a dick move? What,
because you would have totally done it yourself if you had the chance to use
whatever professional standing you had to hit up some hottie who liked hockey? “Score!”???
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Did your Mama drop you on your
head or did it happen when you fell off the turnip truck?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now, everybody in the
hockeysphere knows what I’m talking about here. And it’s not like the boss of
the guy is my BFF or nuthin. I’m just sick to death of this freaking dead horse
getting bashed over and over. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Even if the dick move wasn’t
sexist, objectifying, and rude (which it was, among many other things-trust me
on that), now all these “gentlemen” expect to be told the who, what, when,
where and why of the actions against the guy.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Dear “Gentlemen” – it is not a
news story. It is also none of your business. You do not get to object. You
have no horse in this race. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh, you think you DO have a horse
in this race? What, is it some bro code you have to honor? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok, let’s take your horsie for a
ride…let’s suppose you did something in private that was exposed in public
because it was inappropriate and you should be stopped from doing it again. And
let’s say that not only did you seem to use your professional connections to do
this, but you did it in such a way that you insulted many customers of your
business. Then, let’s add that, based on reports, you have done this many times
to multiple customers. Oh, and let’s not forget the fact that by taking that
action, you tarnished the reputation of the company you work for. And, to top
it off, your company has to take just as much heat for it (if not more) as you
do, because your employment with them was their responsibility. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">And that is all just from an HR stand point, nothing
personal. Here’s personal…the dick move was towards your sister, wife or mother.
Go explain to her why the guy shouldn’t have gotten fired. See what she says to
that. You’ll be sleeping in the stable for a long time coming. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Giddy up cowboy; you’re fired.
(Consider yourself lucky you didn’t get gelded before you got put out to
pasture, Mr. Ed.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So, can everybody please just stop with the fucking whining and
bitching over a guy who made a dick move and got fired for it? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The horse is dead. RIP horse.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-16999392788354855232014-09-04T12:44:00.000-04:002014-09-04T12:44:25.764-04:00Episode 13: The Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Year<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 107%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt;">
(This isn’t a hockey post. This
isn’t a sports post. This is a life post. And since it’s my fucking blog, I’m
just gonna leave this here.) <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
First I’d like to say “Hey World,
did ya miss me?” Secondly, a big THANK YOU to everyone who noticed I’d been
pretty much non-existent for quite a while and DM’d, texted, and emailed me
with their concerns. You all rock and you know who you are. <o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
It’s been a pretty bad year for
me, both personally and professionally. I didn’t want to post long diatribes on
FB of all my problems, I kinda cringe when I see those in my timeline, so it
felt hypocritical. But lately, I’ve been tempted to and realized what
significance that was to me. So, here’s the deal…<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
Last summer, my life started into
a downward spiral with some dysfunctional family decisions that were forced
upon me. Autumn arrived with some professional disappointments that seemed
unfair and overwhelming. Then the spiral became a true pit of despair when I
decided to quit smoking on top of all that. Yeah, pile on the misery. The
anxiety of nicotine withdrawal and the weight gain, certain work related
problems that were not improving, throw in some fucked up family shit and the
result was full blown depression. Not as far as suicidal, but pretty fucking
bad. The kind of depression that is so close to self-loathing that mirrors are
in danger of being smashed. The kind of depression that makes you hide from
everything and when forced to interact, you plaster a phony smile on because
resting bitch face has become real bitch face. Not many people realize how
depression can result in so much anger. Anger at the world for putting me in
that position and anger at myself for putting myself in that position. I wasn’t
very nice to people during this last year. I’m truly sorry for that. Baby
steps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
Anyway, I knew I needed to face
my professional disappointments and work towards a new solution. I knew needed
to tackle the fucking weight gain and get back to feeling half-way normal
again. I knew needed to let go of petty family bullshit and not allow the
hurtful behavior of assholes rent space in my head. I knew all of these things
in my brain, but convincing the rest of me was pretty damned tough. Being the ornery
bitch that I am, I found my “fuck it” voice and I started working really hard
to overcome the total blueness of my life. There is no quick solution to
depression, even with medication, it takes time. Baby steps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
Then, Robin Williams committed
suicide and my world crashed down into a reality check of epic proportions.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
Epic proportions? Scoff all you
want, but it felt that way to me. It wasn’t because his death was so personal
to me, it was the aftermath; the reactions to his death that did it. It was
odd- reading all those articles and blogs about depression, but I kinda took
them to heart. That outpouring of support after Robin Williams’ death actually kinda
helped me in a roundabout way. That was when I realized that I wanted to talk
to the world again. That I was an ok person and I could find a way back. And,
that there were people in the world that were ok with me that I had forgotten
about. I didn’t want sympathy for having depression, I was just ready to get
back into life again. I needed to recognize that the work I had been doing to
overcome all my misery was actually paying off; in small degrees but degrees
nonetheless. So being tempted to write posts on FB signaled to me that I was
beginning to see a light at the end of what had seemed like an endless tunnel. Ancient
proverb says: The road to recovery is long, but worn out shoe leather is proof
of the journey (or some such bullshit). Baby steps.<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
So, anyway, that’s it. That’s my
story. Hopefully, ya'll aren't thinking "TMI woman, T. M. I." Actually,
if you are thinking that and got this far, that's really your problem, not
mine. Suffice it to say, I’m not 100% yet, but who is? Carry on and thanks for
reading. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 8pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-size: small;">
</span>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-81290181155989929022013-09-01T18:32:00.001-04:002013-09-01T18:46:38.329-04:00Hockey Towns need Hockey Songs<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Every fan of the NHL has their
favorite goal songs. Everybody knows Chicago’s signature song, but, “Chelsea
Dagger” gets pretty irritating to non-Blackhawks fans. (I guess that’s why it
works and they keep it.) Boston’s use of Zombie Nation’s “Kerncraft 400” is a
win in my book.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Detroit’s “Hockey Town”
is very original. Gotta say, “Rock and Roll Part 2”, which is used by 3 or 4
teams a year, can die a slow and horrible death. Its overuse has made it trite.
Not sure if they still use it, but Phoenix Coyotes use of the Black Keys “Howlin
for You” was certainly different. The LA Kings have used Randy Newman’s “I Love
LA”, but does it really get fans moving in their seats? And the Washington
Capitals have a really great song…. oh yeah, we never decide on a goal song. Many
have been tried, but none seem to stick. They even tried a song written
especially for them once, but when I was at the game where it “premiered”, I
couldn’t even hear it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">We do have some songs that have
been used in intros that will always remind me of the Caps. Remember that video
of the Young Guns “playing” “Hell Yeah” by Rev Theory? I always think of that
video when I hear that song. And for a while they used Foo Fighters “The
Pretender” and just recently “Arlandria”. Anybody who knows me knows I am a
huge FF fan, so using these songs garner two thumbs up from me. So, yes, we’ve
used some cool songs for video intros, but what about a goal song??<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now that the NHL season is about
to begin, and the Washington Capitals will probably be rolling out the “We are
a Hockey Town” mantra again, I think it’s about time we settled on a goal song
and make it stick. That’s what Hockey Towns have. Something that will become
our signature (besides the very long and very loud goal horn w/sirens). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’ve
had a few ideas in the past: the “Hey-a-heyaaaa, Hey-a-heyaaaa” chorus of “Shout”
from “Animal House (which ties in nicely to the video montages). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>And then there is my personal signature goal
tweet of "Click, Click, Boom"…ok, that might be too violent for the kiddies, but
it is a thought. How about “There’s Gonna Be Some Rocking” by ACDC? Hey, we are
rocking the red, right? “We Will Rock You”? I know it's been used in the past, but it's a golden oldie...ok, I'm a golden oldie for suggesting it. I’m figuring it needs to be
something more “classic” for it to not get stale, but you could always use
something more trendy (but still not very new), like Pink’s “Raise your Glass”
refrain. Ok, maybe not. But my point here is IF we are trying to be a “Hockey
Town” we need a signature goal song, something that gets people rocking in
their seats. Not like we are Chicago or Boston or nuthin. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Voice your suggestions in the
comments; they can’t be any worse than the ones I mentioned here. And who
knows, maybe we can find a really cool goal song that everybody can rock to and
convince the Caps to adopt it…I wish (they'd have to be open to suggestions and read the blog, so don't get your hopes up).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">P.S. ANYBODY WHO SUGGESTS GANGNAM STYLE GETS SMACKED REPEATEDLY.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">P.P.S. Yes, I do know that copyrights might be a problem, I'll leave that up to Ted Leonsis to take care of.</span></div>
Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-4709702445345875612013-03-18T16:49:00.000-04:002013-03-18T16:49:43.029-04:00Let’s Make Shit Up<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You all know I do not belong to
the mainstream media, which is a blessing because I can use my blog to make
shit up. So, let’s play a game and make some shit up! And since this is a
hockey blog (at times) mainly devoted to the Washington Capitals (at times), I
am going to use them for inspiration. (It’s not like I’m going to be allowed to
interview any of these guys anyway, or that there is any <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">REAL</i> hockey news that you haven’t read elsewhere.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoBodyText" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Alex Ovechkin once wrestled a bear from the Russian circus.
He beat him in round 5 with a power slam to the mat. The gold belt is hanging
in his walk-in closet in Moscow. Mama polishes it once a month. Alex and the
bear still exchange emails and photographs on Instagram. If the Russian circus
ever comes to DC, the bear was promised the use of Ovi’s guest suite.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Nick Backstrom enjoys cooking
Italian food, (no, <u>not</u> Swedish). He has a pasta attachment on his Kitchen Aid mixer
and makes a mean sausage ravioli. But the sauce is by Newman’s Own. Nick has
always identified with Butch Cassidy. He also has a “Kiss the Cook” apron
hanging inside the pantry and a complete set of DVD’s of Giada De Laurentiis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eric Fehr loves bird watching.
While growing up in Manitoba, he would spend his summers, binoculars in hand,
combing the shore of <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN;">Lake Agassiz</span>
for the elusive Cinnamon Teal. He once won a medal at summer camp called “The
Feathered Friend” for his heroic life saving techniques when he discovered a
duck sitting quietly on the shore that he felt needed to be returned to the water,
asap.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mathieu Perreault is really 5’ 7”;
his height on record includes skates…and lifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Carlson, known to Caps fans
as Captain America, actually wore a Captain America costume for Halloween in 4<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">th</span></sup>
grade. He also got a tattoo of Captain America’s shield on his right ankle after
the World Juniors, but it’s a bit faded now and needs retouching. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Braden Holtby was going to name
his child Sunshine Lollipop Holtby if it had been a girl, because his father is
such a huge Lesley Gore fan. Here’s hoping he gets his chance with the next
one.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Brooks Laich actually makes his
own yogurt. He uses a special yogurt maker from Williams-Sonoma, purchased with a gift
card that he won in the annual Caps Christmas grab bag. His favorite flavor is
vanilla. He uses whole vanilla beans that he gets at Trader Joe’s and deseeds
them with a French knife. He also has color coded cutting boards for fish,
meat, and vegtables. The man is a cooking fool.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jeff Schultz is just a 6’ 6”
hunka hunka burning love. Or so I’ve heard.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">John Erskine went to school with
my husband’s uncle Joe (who is also from Kingston, Ontario). John once shared a
pack of gum with Joe in the school cafeteria. Joe still needs to pay John back,
but he can’t remember if it was Bazooka or Double Bubble. John, give Joe a call
and take him out of his misery, ok?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tom Poti includes Pilates in his daily
workout. He was inspired to do so by watching Susan Lucci demonstrate the
Malibu Pilates system ($369.95 on HSN), while recovering from hockey injuries.
He credits his return to hockey on his strengthened core and sculpted arms. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Michal Neuvirth chose #30 for his
jersey as a nod to former Capitals goalie Jim Carey, but when asked, will say
it’s because all goalies wear #30 and deny all knowledge of any Capitals goalie
prior to Olie Kolzig, (even though Olie wore #37 and he wishes he could change
it now because Olie is the greatest, but that would piss off too many fans like
that guy Varly did when he switched from #40 to #1). Michal actually speaks in
run-on sentences just like that.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jay Beagle loves the nickname
Snoopy so much; he built a doghouse in his backyard and pretends to chase after
the Red Baron when he takes breaks from mowing the lawn. He also likes to steal
blankets and carry dog bowls in his mouth, but that really is just hearsay
until someone catches it on YouTube.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jason Chimera eats two bowls of
Wheaties with 4 teaspoons of sugar on each bowlful every day. Yeah, that’s how he got so fast. It’s also why
he speaks so fast. Sugar buzz baby.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Karl Alzner is secretly on
Twitter as @KarLznerInc0g0nit0. Don’t tell anyone I told you, he doesn’t want
crazy fans making stupid comments to him. Just let him be, ok?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Aaron Volpatti was so happy to become
a Washington Capital that he promised to cook a special dinner for Ted Leonsis and
his family once a week. But with the diet Ted’s been on, Volpatti has yet to
make good on that promise. He <em>did</em> get a secret recipe for tortellini from
Backstrom when he arrived, but Laich keeps on insisting he use some of his
homemade yogurt in a dish, so it’s a good thing none of this has come to
fruition yet. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joel Ward doesn’t approve of being made fun of. I’m
not risking it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Troy Brouwer once took the L to
the Wilson Red Line stop in Chicago at midnight on a dare from Patrick Kane and thankfully, he was lucky he got back alive. He
says it was the craziest thing he’d ever done. Well, except for believing Kane
that he’d find a Tim Hortons there but he was really jonesing for some Timbits.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Matt Hendricks belonged to Boy Scouts
in school, and even achieved the Eagle Scout rank, but his badges and sash were
stripped from him when he was discovered giving some disrespecting punk a
wedgie at the annual Jamboree. He still sings campfire songs in the shower though.
You can take the boy out of the Scouts, but you can’t take the Scouts out of
the boy, I guess.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Jack Hillen is really 5’ 7”; his
height on record includes skates…and lifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mike Green doesn’t really drink
Muscle Milk, he pours it into the Jacuzzi for its skin softening attributes.
Sadly, it has clogged the jets. But Mike did see that guy waving on the back of
the plumber’s truck driving through Ballston, so he called him and has an appointment to get it fixed later this week.
Well, he doesn’t have anything better to do than wait for plumbers, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Marcus Johansson really doesn’t
shop at Ikea. He prefers Danish Modern furniture. And, <span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Princesstårta. (Oh, just
go Google it. Geesh)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Joey Crabb isn’t a real blonde.
You can tell because his eyebrows don’t match his hair. He obviously bleaches
his eyebrows to create that intimidating blank face look. You know, like when
you forget to use eyebrow pencil and it looks like you’re surprised all day and
people ask you why you look different? Oh, that doesn’t happen to anyone else?
Ok, never mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Steve Oleksy carries a secret
stash of Milk Duds in his luggage, cuz he really really liked his time in
Hershey. Whenever the team travels, he breaks them out and uses them as chips
for the poker game. Well, who the hell carries matchsticks anymore? And the
guys don’t mind winning them off him; it keeps the hunger pangs at bay until
they can soak him for a pricey rookie dinner at The Palm.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Mike Ribeiro was once asked to
play DJ Pauly D’s sidekick on Jersey Shore. Unfortunately, Mike’s bling was at
Zales getting cleaned that week. Now that Jersey Shore is gone, his agent is
calling MTV in hopes of hookin’ him up somewhere else. A man needs a retirement
plan, I’m just sayin’.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Tomas Kundratek thought he had to wear an actual
medicine hat when he went to play in the WHL. It took four weeks before his
road roommate could snatch it away and throw it over the balcony of the Marriott.
It happened to land on a groundskeeper, who promptly stomped it to death,
thinking it was some kind of gigantic bird that had fallen out of the sky. The
groundskeeper has lived off the beers from this story when he tells it in the
Marriott bar.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Wojtek Wolski really doesn’t
speak English that well. He actually uses Al Koken as a ventriloquist dummy
when he is interviewed between periods at games. Next time it happens, look
really close and you’ll see his lips don’t move. Oh, and Al Koken really isn’t
5’ 6”; his height on record includes skates…and lifts.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-30084935521945753102013-02-22T11:11:00.000-05:002013-02-22T11:11:11.630-05:00The Wheels on the Bus
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Ok, I know that the Caps have
made it into the playoffs every year since 2007. It’s been a great run these
past few years. But speaking as a fan from the pre-Ovi era, if the Caps don’t
make it this year, I am not gonna die. Yes, the wheels do seem to be falling
off right now. Yes, I’d love to see them make it to the post-season. But,
sometimes we have to accept the fact that not every team can be playoff
contenders every year. At least we aren’t Blue Jacket fans. But maybe that’s
the lesson that needs to be learned. Imagine being the fan of a team that has
only been to the playoffs once and then not even making it past the first
round. That would require true dedication. (Sorry, Columbus fans, but it’s an
apt example.)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m not gonna make excuses for my
team. No “short season”, no “new system”, no “lazy players”. It is what it is.
If, for some reason, the Caps can pull off a post season this year, I’ll be as
happy as I always am. BUT, if they don’t, I’ll be back next season, cheering
the guys on and bitching and moaning about all the bad plays, bad penalties,
optional practices, injuries and every guy who screws up something. After all,
isn’t that what being a fan is all about? Gotta take the bad with the good, even
if it is a hard pill to swallow. And if you can’t…the next stop to jump off the
bus is just around the corner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-19776780572101949962013-01-19T10:01:00.002-05:002013-01-19T11:00:13.030-05:00How I Watch Hockey<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It’s been a long time since we’ve
actually watched live NHL hockey but old habits will be reemerging tonight. I’ve
(thankfully) gained a few new followers since the last time there was a live
NHL game on my TV and now it’s time for me to lose some of them by doing the
following:<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">1.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
live tweet hockey games when I am not at them. Yeah, one of <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">those</i> annoying tweeps. Unaccustomed
followers will bail within the first period. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">2.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
am not a real live media type credentialed blogger so I get to cuss a lot. Most
of my tweeps don’t care. So I cuss a lot. New followers may hate this. If so,
see ya.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">3.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Because
I am not a real live media type credentialed blogger, my tweets may not be the
insightful type. Game time is not time for serious evaluation for me, it’s fan-girl
time, ok? You’ll see more like the F*CK and SH*T and G DAMMIT, HOLY HELL kind
of tweets. Especially if my team is losing or some player makes a really stupid
move. (The blessing of not being a real live media type credentialed blogger)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">4.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Oh,
yeah…I YELL a lot during live games. A LOT! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">5.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
my team scores, I tweet out “CLICK CLICK BOOM!!!!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That’s my version of “He shoots, he scores”.
This is not an advocacy for violence, just something I do. Get used to it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">6.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
drink. I drink beer. I drink beer during hockey games. I drink beer during
hockey games and tweet at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">7.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
do not take any responsibility for typos. If you are a member of the grammar
police, please just ignore me during hockey games.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">8.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m
a big fan of #thatswhatshesaid (or just #TWSS ). You’ll see that from me whenever
I think it fits. Also, refer back to point #6 if you don’t get my timing/jokes.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">9.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
don’t argue online with tweeps who are fans of my team’s opponents. Since I can
appreciate their fandom as much as I hope they appreciate mine, my usual tweeps
don’t give me grief about my team. Mutual understanding and respect kinda
thing. Please don’t bother to try to bait me, I’ll just ignore the tweets and
move on. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-align: justify; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">10.</span><span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">I
get really really wrapped up in the game and miss a lot of @ replies. Please
don’t be insulted if I don’t answer your tweet during a game. Also, refer back
to point #6.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I enjoy live
tweeting games. If it annoys you- mute me, unfollow me, ignore me. I will do
this EVERY game I watch on TV. Also, refer back to point #6.<o:p></o:p></span>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-85165485522927541762013-01-18T20:41:00.000-05:002013-01-18T20:41:01.512-05:00Hockey in BlondeSpeak - Shake That Rust Off, It's Hockey Time Again!
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">NHL
hockey is back tomorrow! Need a little refresher course on the terminology
you'll be hearing? Never fear, BlondeSpeak is here; to simplify all the
gibberish you'll hear. (Yes, I took a poetry course during the lockout, specializing
in dirty limericks; but that's for another post on another day.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you are a little rusty, brush up on
your hockey terms so you know what's going on while you listen to Joe and
Locker (or whoever your particular commentators are for your team if you're not
a Washington Capitals fan. Wait...if you aren't a Caps fan, how the heck did
you end up here?) And remember, BlondeSpeak is not meant to be technical, it's
just the basics in simple language, you know, for blondes and wanna-be blondes.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 6pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway,
here we go:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Attacking zone:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
Ok, this is kinda a no-brainer, but maybe you’re not sure. So, when a team is
on the attack, their attacking zone is between the opponent's blue line and
goal line. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Breakaway</span></u></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">:</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">
A player in control of the puck has a breakaway when the only opponent between
him and the opposition's goal is the goalie and there is a reasonable scoring
opportunity. You’ll hear this often, but sometimes it goes pretty quick and you
miss the actual execution.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Charging</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">:
No, it has nothing to do with a credit card. It’s when the "actions of a
player or goalkeeper who, as a result of distance traveled, shall violently
check an opponent in any manner”. So in this case “distance traveled” is akin
to something like more than three strides before deliberately smashing the
living sh*t out of him. Pretty broad interpretation allowed for the refs here,
no wonder so many coaches argue when it happens. Oh yeah, it can also result in
a game misconduct or a suspension if the infraction is deemed severe enough.
Really broad interpretation allowed, hope there are good ref’s on the ice…Yeah,
right.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Dump and chase</span></u></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">:
“</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">An offensive
strategy used to get the puck over the opposing team's blue line and into the
corners where players can race to get it, thereby moving the play into the
attacking zone”. Basically, they dump the puck down the ice and everybody
chases after it. Simple, right?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Freezing the puck:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> Nope, it is not putting the puck in the icebox
before the game. Well, on second thought, it could be that too. Actually, a
player freezes the puck by holding it against the boards with the stick or
skates. A goalie freezes the puck (when the opposition is threatening to score)
by either holding the puck in the glove or trapping it on the ice. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Half Boards</span></u></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"> (or half walls): The half boards are not the short wall
around the rink. It really is an actual specific location. It’s the areas along
the side boards, half-way between the blue line and the goal line</span><span style="color: blue; font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri; mso-no-proof: yes;">.</span><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">Odd-man
Rush</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">: Sounds like a dance, right? An
odd-man rush happens w</span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">hen the team with
the puck has one more player entering the other team’s zone then the other
team’s defense (i.e. 2 on 1 or 3 on 2)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Offside:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">When
a player crosses the attacking blue line before the puck does, the team is
called for offside. A face-off then takes place just outside that blue line (in
the offending player's defensive zone). The determining factor in most offside
situations is the position of the skates: both skates must be completely over
the blue line ahead of the puck for the play to be offside. That’s why you’ll
sometimes see a player standing on either side of the line waiting for the
puck; he's getting as close as he can get without going over. Yeah, sometimes that plan doesn't exactly pan out.</span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Point:</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The point is the area just inside the opposition's blue line close to the
boards on either side of the rink. Usually a defenseman usually parks himself
there when his team is in control of the puck in the opposition's defensive
zone. Playing the point has some responsibilities. It includes trying to keep
the puck in the offensive zone when the defensive team attempts to clear it;
receiving a pass from the forwards to allow the play to reset, and taking slap
shots at the goal, hoping to create a rebound or a deflection. On the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Power_play_(sport)" title="Power play (sport)"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">power play</span></a>, however, one of the positions is
often played by a forward and he attempts to control where the puck goes
through passing, and also takes lots of shots. LOTS of shots if he can.<o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt; text-align: justify;">
<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><b><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Referee's crease:</span></span></u></b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Yes, there actually is a referee’s crease! It’s the
semi-circular area at the red line, beside the scorekeeper's bench, which a
player may not enter when it’s occupied by a referee during a stoppage of play.
Ever notice how players hang back when refs are conferring about a play or on
the phone for a ruling from Toronto? Yeah, the ref’s in HIS crease and nobody
better enter it. If they do, the player <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">could</i>
get a misconduct penalty, but usually the ref politely asks the player to move
his ass away. (I just threw this in because I thought it was interesting,
you’ll probably never hear any reference to it during a game, ok?)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Shots</span></u></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: There are three
common shots you’ll see and hear about, sometimes it’s hard to tell the
difference and you have to trust the commentator to tell you what you just saw.
But, here are the <u>very</u> basic descriptions of them. You’ll understand
them better if you watch the replays or rewind your DVR and slow the action
down:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Slap
shot: </span></b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A slap shot occurs
when the player swings the stick back and then quickly forward, slapping <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>the puck ahead with a forehand shot. It’s a
forceful shot, usually with a big wind up, where the player bends his stick on the ice and allows
the energy stored in bending the stick to launch the puck forward.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Wrist shot<u>:</u></span></span></b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">A
wrist shot is when a player shoots the puck off the blade of the stick with a
flicking motion of the wrist. Normally a shot with accuracy and
quick delivery. Wicked Wrister!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span></span></b><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Snap
shot:</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">
</span></b><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">A snap shot is a
like an abbreviated slap shot, and combines the advantages of the wrist <span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">s</span>hot (speed and accuracy) and the slap shot
(force). </span><b><span style="font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">The
Slot</span></u></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-ascii-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-hansi-font-family: Calibri;">: This is the area directly in front of
the goalie’s crease between the face off circles. It is the prime scoring area
up the middle of the ice, between the face-off circles. When a player is said
to <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>"clear the slot," he’s
shoving an opposing player out of the area in front of his goal. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt; text-align: justify;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 12pt; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></span></span></b></div>
Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-87463996537251305512012-12-20T16:56:00.003-05:002012-12-20T16:56:54.354-05:00Merry Christmas from the NHLThe NHL says Merry Christmas to the players and the fans:<br />
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<img border="0" height="308" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3MG6oAP6R_c/UNOJB8YcvgI/AAAAAAAAA3M/242g_lthtLo/s400/NHL+Xmas+2012.jpg" width="400" /><div style="text-align: left;">
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That lump of coal almost looks like a pile of shit...Oh wait, it IS!!!</div>
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Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-42839038528061566922012-09-13T18:11:00.000-04:002012-09-13T18:12:05.820-04:00Opportunity Knocked<div style="text-align: justify;">
I am extremely fortunate to have a job that allows me to "sneak" away to Kettler every once in a while. So, today, the opportunity arose for me to do just that. I figured with the CBA deadline looming just a few days away, I may not get my hockey fix for a while. Kind of glad I did, but it really didn't satisfy my "photographing hockey players" itch all that much when I knew in the back of my mind that it could be a long time before I get this opportunity again.</div>
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<br /></div>
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Lucky for me, I got a chance to see a few new guys today, and it was also the first day back for Mike Green and Brooks Laich. So here are a few shots from today's informal practice. More can be found <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caps_girl/sets/72157631530085771/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GM22fBm_g4/UFJVem0EjXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/8rEs_lbCxN4/s1600/Hendricks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6GM22fBm_g4/UFJVem0EjXI/AAAAAAAAA1c/8rEs_lbCxN4/s400/Hendricks.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Hendy being the coach</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NesEu89Gcog/UFJVh6S0tXI/AAAAAAAAA1k/r5VD8gllAjM/s1600/Jack+Hillen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NesEu89Gcog/UFJVh6S0tXI/AAAAAAAAA1k/r5VD8gllAjM/s400/Jack+Hillen.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Jack Hillen</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b9N9bkJJK7I/UFJVmKojdeI/AAAAAAAAA1s/aIEzCmgIFps/s1600/Joey+Crabb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-b9N9bkJJK7I/UFJVmKojdeI/AAAAAAAAA1s/aIEzCmgIFps/s400/Joey+Crabb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Joey Crabb</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVI5Lg0QwZo/UFJVotzOw9I/AAAAAAAAA10/H5SG2lonsYY/s1600/Johansson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="273" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RVI5Lg0QwZo/UFJVotzOw9I/AAAAAAAAA10/H5SG2lonsYY/s400/Johansson.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Marcus Johansson</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kq3qvQBiUjE/UFJVuH9NIzI/AAAAAAAAA18/Zs5gizrLGRI/s1600/Orlov.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-kq3qvQBiUjE/UFJVuH9NIzI/AAAAAAAAA18/Zs5gizrLGRI/s400/Orlov.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Dmitry Orlov</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gI1zZu-8bME/UFJVv2zEgCI/AAAAAAAAA2E/cl1nyVaK5XE/s1600/Ribeiro.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gI1zZu-8bME/UFJVv2zEgCI/AAAAAAAAA2E/cl1nyVaK5XE/s400/Ribeiro.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Mike Ribeiro</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHGJYcX3cCE/UFJVx-fEycI/AAAAAAAAA2M/02YyUpL0rR4/s1600/Neuvy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MHGJYcX3cCE/UFJVx-fEycI/AAAAAAAAA2M/02YyUpL0rR4/s400/Neuvy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Michal Neuvirth</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R_tia0RaB4/UFJV3gGz6gI/AAAAAAAAA2U/ZPjgu9VzRlI/s1600/Nicky+and+MoJo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6R_tia0RaB4/UFJV3gGz6gI/AAAAAAAAA2U/ZPjgu9VzRlI/s400/Nicky+and+MoJo.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Nicklas Backstrom</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CA49pR-5gs/UFJVZWIFGYI/AAAAAAAAA1E/F5RAn_rBrvQ/s1600/Galiev.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8CA49pR-5gs/UFJVZWIFGYI/AAAAAAAAA1E/F5RAn_rBrvQ/s400/Galiev.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
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Stanislav Galiev</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hVUnyHLW4U/UFJVbP_6DpI/AAAAAAAAA1M/UxWsoFMV3H4/s1600/Backstrom+Ribeiro+Crabb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="265" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1hVUnyHLW4U/UFJVbP_6DpI/AAAAAAAAA1M/UxWsoFMV3H4/s400/Backstrom+Ribeiro+Crabb.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Backstrom, Ribeiro, and Crabb</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I05hiL9w9Ao/UFJVc6zQThI/AAAAAAAAA1U/_yLUd8bnHfc/s1600/Green2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" hea="true" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-I05hiL9w9Ao/UFJVc6zQThI/AAAAAAAAA1U/_yLUd8bnHfc/s400/Green2.jpg" width="340" /></a></div>
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Mike Green</div>
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Hopefully, these can hold us for a while...(Oh, who am I kidding?)Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-23445167444724504902012-07-02T17:04:00.000-04:002012-07-02T17:14:39.276-04:00"Red"-headed Stepchild<div style="text-align: justify;">
I've had a few new followers email me asking how I am affiliated with the Washington Capitals. Short answer is: I am not. I am listed as a "<a href="http://capitals.nhl.com/club/page.htm?id=42399" target="_blank">Hockey Friendly Blog</a>" on the Caps website and a member of the <a href="http://www.tbd.com/community-network/" target="_blank">TBD Community Network</a>, but you will probably never see a link to me on either of those sites. </div>
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I <em>have</em> been fortunate enough to get linked from accredited bloggers such as <a href="http://www.japersrink.com/" target="_blank">Japers' Rink</a> and <a href="http://www.russianmachineneverbreaks.com/" target="_blank">Russian Machine Never Breaks</a> and even <a href="http://www.tedstake.com/" target="_blank">Ted Leonsis</a> himself; but I have not asked for and do not hold credentials. I have never been in the pressbox at Verizon Center and don't expect I ever will.</div>
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Even though I've written a few posts for the <a href="http://scarlet.capitals.nhl.com/" target="_blank">Scarlet Caps</a>, this is done as a favor to the people who run the site and my own desire to educate their readers about the team and hockey in general. It does not include any perks other than occasionally getting free admission to an event to cover it for their blog. It also does not qualify me for accredtation with the team (at least I don't think it does). All photographs taken during Caps practice are done from the public viewing areas of Kettler. (I do sometimes wish I could get over to the press area for a few, but again, I have never asked for this and probably never will.)</div>
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So why haven't I pushed my blog or myself out there to get the credentials? To be completely honest, I don't mind not having any of it. Except for the modified profile picture, I have complete anonymity. Unless you have met me in person, no one knows my name or a complete idea of what I look like so I can fly under the radar as much as I like. All opinions, remarks, thoughts, rants and photographs (unless otherwise accredited to their respective owners) are mine and mine alone, which I consider a good thing. I am my own boss; and with the rare exceptions of deadlines from Scarlet Caps; I can write whatever and whenever I want. <br />
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I am extremely grateful to those of you who have asked, and especially those of you who think I should have credentials. I'm flattered, truly flattered. I am also extremely grateful to everyone who has ever clicked on this site, no matter how you got here. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. You make my "job" of writing worthwhile.</div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-86748582577962245522012-07-01T16:27:00.000-04:002012-07-02T15:41:46.946-04:00Alex Semin: Misty Watercolored MemoriesAll stats and facts aside, Sasha is best remembered as eye candy, goofy antics and awkward faces. Thank goodness I have a huge stockpile of pics to remember him by. <br />
Misty watercolored memories:<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sneaky Sasha</span></div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hF03qMd6bn4/T-x5ez7UCGI/AAAAAAAAAy4/oN4fDwBx4-w/s1600/sneaky-sasha.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hF03qMd6bn4/T-x5ez7UCGI/AAAAAAAAAy4/oN4fDwBx4-w/s1600/sneaky-sasha.gif" vca="true" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">This face...oh, this face</span></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izmUXmUkBL4/T-x5I26Cu2I/AAAAAAAAAyw/2aQ4bSzaYJE/s1600/Sasha6+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-izmUXmUkBL4/T-x5I26Cu2I/AAAAAAAAAyw/2aQ4bSzaYJE/s400/Sasha6+copy.jpg" vca="true" width="395" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Who's Your Daddy?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Epotime of Eye Candy</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Annual Valentines Card just wouldn't be the same without Sasha</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sasha was always good for "Awkard Practice Pics"</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Will I Ever Get the Soul Searching Look from Sasha Again???</span></div>
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<br /></div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-74750713363755770542012-06-07T10:37:00.001-04:002012-07-02T15:42:18.816-04:00You Have Been KnubledSo long @MikeKnuble22<br />
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BTW, <a href="http://capsgirl.blogspot.com/2010/10/grandpa-slippers-hits-900.html" target="_blank">click here to read an Ode to Grandpa Slipper's game #900 post.</a></div>
<br />Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-23137346396493107582012-05-03T13:17:00.000-04:002012-05-23T12:01:04.329-04:00HBH - It Bears Repeating<br />
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On April 30th, I saw an announcement via an article from <a href="http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2012/04/hershey_bears_head_into_offsea_1.html" target="_blank">Tim Leone of The Patriot-News</a> that the affiliation contract between the Hershey Bears and the Washington Capitals had not yet been renewed.</div>
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Bears President-GM Doug Yingst said a deal to extend the highly successful Washington affiliation, which began in 2005-06, beyond 2011-12 is “still in negotiation.”</div>
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This brought several questions to mind and I just had to have these questions answered.</div>
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1. Biggest question: what happens if the affiliation contract isn’t renewed? Brief answer I got was that the Caps would go in search of another affiliation, even share an affiliation with another NHL team if necessary. Yeah, thanks; that just begs for more questions. </div>
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2. Why wouldn’t the Capitals renew their contract with Hershey? As found in past history, many times an NHL changes its affiliation if an AHL team folds or is losing money. Got to think neither of these is an issue with Hershey reporting <a href="http://www.hersheybears.com/news/detail.php?bp=index.php&id=3829" target="_blank">this</a> on 5/1/12: </div>
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The HERSHEY BEARS announced today that the club has once again topped the American Hockey League in attendance, setting new club records in the process. The announcement was made by BEARS President/GM Doug Yingst.</div>
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And the banner on the Bears home page does boast #1 AHL Regular season attendance 06-07,07-08, 08-09, 09- 10, 10-11, 11-12. That’s a lot of seasons of being #1 folks. Yeah, don’t think that is the issue. </div>
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So, could it be a falling out between the two franchises? Could another NHL team be trying to woo the Bears away from the Capitals, or vice versa? While proximity to the parent club is a factor for any affiliation, it isn’t the “be all – end all”, but the convenience of having call-ups close by <em><u>is</u></em> important. Without that proximity, a NHL team might have to carry a couple extra players on their roster to make up for it, which really messes with the salary cap. But in that case, it is what it is. It’s happened before. </div>
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3. What happens to players under NHL contract playing in the AHL if the affiliation contract isn't re-signed? </div>
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Also from <a href="http://blog.pennlive.com/patriotnewssports/2012/04/hershey_bears_player_contract.html" target="_blank">Tim Leone</a> was this: </div>
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<strong>Washington Capitals under contract</strong>: Cody Eakin, Dmitry Orlov, Braden Holtby, Cameron Schilling, Mattias Sjogren, Tomas Kundratek, Philipp Grubauer, Garrett Mitchell, Brett Flemming, Brandon Anderson, Ryan Potulny, Patrick McNeill.</div>
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<strong>Washington Capitals unrestricted free agents</strong>: Keith Aucoin, Dany Sabourin, D.J. King, Joel Rechlicz, Sean Collins, Christian Hanson, Chris Bourque, Zach Miskovic, Jacob Micflikier, Kyle Greentree. </div>
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<strong>Washington Capitals restricted free agents</strong>: Mike Carman, Kevin Marshall. </div>
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That’s quite a few guys who have no clue where they are going to be if the affiliation contract isn’t re-signed.Yes, players still under contract with Washington would be moved to whatever AHL team becomes the new affiliate. Does that bump players from those rosters? Without going into tremendous detail, let’s just say it would have ripple affects all around the league. What a clusterfuck that would be! But again, it's happened before. Usually team affiliations between the NHL and AHL are shortish contracts, usually one or two years at a time. Look at the history of any AHL affiliation and you'll see most of them have "changed hands" several times throughtout their history. Even the Bears have been affiliated with 9 different teams since 1938. </div>
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4. What would happen to the Hershey Bears if the affiliation contract with the Washington Capitals is not renewed? I found one answer from 2009 in a letter from Jason Chaimovitch, Vice President of Communications, American Hockey League the on the <a href="http://hfboards.hockeysfuture.com/showthread.php?t=642247" target="_blank">HFBoards</a> that is probably still applicable:</div>
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As part of the initial AHL membership application a potential owner must have an NHL affiliation in place, but the league’s governing documents do not necessarily prevent an existing franchise from continuing to operate should it lose its affiliation.</div>
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And this:</div>
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The league's constitution, by-laws, regulations or policies do not necessarily prevent an existing franchise from operating independently should it lose its NHL affiliate, but considering (a) there are 30 National Hockey League teams who need an environment in which to develop their top prospects; (b) there is not a surplus of AHL franchises relative to the number of NHL franchises; (c) the additional costs that would be incurred if an AHL owner had to pay all of its players' salaries and other expenses; and (d) it would likely be difficult to ice a competitive product using a talent pool that doesn't include NHL-contracted players while still being guided by the AHL's development rule; I don't think it's likely we would see it happen.</div>
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Does Hershey go looking for another NHL affiliation? With 30 existing affiliations between the NHL and the AHL, this becomes an even scarier proposition for HBH. But it brings me back to the question of the possibility of them being wooed by another NHL franchise. Keep an eye out for candygrams and flower deliveries at Giant Center folks ;)</div>
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As you can see, I actually did a bit of research here (surprise, surprise). The more I ponder this, the more I hope that the delay in re-signing the contract between the Hershey Bears and the Washington Capitals is nothing more than waiting for the Caps post-season to finish before delving into negotiations. But many of my questions are still unanswered. Several times in the past, the contract renewal between our teams wasn’t signed until the summer, so until we get some definitive answers from the organizations, we’ll all just have to wait it out. Yeah, fun times.</div>
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Author's Note: 5/23/2012 The Capitals and the Hershey Bears announce they have extended their affiliation through the 2013-2014 season. Read the HBH press release<a href="http://www.hersheybears.com/news/detail.php?id=3832" target="_blank"> here.</a>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-78806677331832140062012-04-23T10:30:00.001-04:002012-04-23T10:30:37.961-04:00Shortest Blog Post EverPlayoff hockey is like sex; sometimes it's great, sometimes it's good, sometimes it's bad; but it almost always gets your juices flowing and makes you want more. <br />
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<br />Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-79148922178506353072012-03-15T14:20:00.003-04:002012-08-16T11:14:48.251-04:00Sneaky Sasha: Semin vs Backstrom - A Different Kind of BattleAlthough "tragedy" struck at Caps practice today, there were also lots of smiles, shoulder punches, goofy guys and practice battles on the ice. Here's one that caught my attention:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-2xO1Q8Clc/T2IyBjEbevI/AAAAAAAAArs/aBxpX3KqeFM/s1600/sneaky-sasha.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img aea="true" border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-O-2xO1Q8Clc/T2IyBjEbevI/AAAAAAAAArs/aBxpX3KqeFM/s400/sneaky-sasha.gif" width="400" /></a></div>
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The rest of the pictures from practice are <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/caps_girl/sets/72157629594474929/" target="_blank">here</a>. And no, I didn't catch a picture of Ovi and Knuble's ka-boom, got there a few minutes late and didn't have my camera in my hands yet.Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-82146776233222765582012-03-01T12:48:00.001-05:002012-03-22T20:25:54.604-04:00My Rulz<div style="text-align: justify;">
Recently, I’ve gained a bunch of new followers. If you are one of them, let me say: <em>Hi!</em> If you are wondering why I have not followed you back yet, let me explain. You’ll see from my Twitter following count, I am not one of those people that automatically follows everyone back. For some reason that I really don’t get, some people have a hang up about follower counts. Seriously, in my mind, Twitter should not be a popularity contest, its quality over quantity that matters to me. Anyway… after writing multiple social media posts, ranting and bitching about it ad nauseam (just click Social Media in the “Tag, You’re it” column in the sidebar if you want to read some < gratuitous self-promoting plug >), I guess I still need to explain my follow/unfollow “policy” and the rules I play by. Because I actually do have reasons why. </div>
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<em>I </em><strong><em><u>might</u></em></strong> <em>follow you back if:</em></div>
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We have some actual meaningful conversations. I consider Twitter to be the “social” tool that it was created for, not to further some agenda. But that will probably require you to say something to me, since I tend to get distracted easily, sometimes staying off Twitter for a day or three just to keep from being overwhelmed or because my actual job gets in the way. Don’t worry, I try my best to answer as many @’s that come my way as I can, so if we have lots of great discussions, you’ll probably get a follow back in the near future. But if I don't, we are still interacting, right? Isn't that enough?</div>
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We have something in common. Since I’m cautious, I usually check out new followers; their tweets, bios and who is following them back. If you share the same interests as I do (i.e. hockey, beer, photography, travel, etc.), there’s a good chance I may decide then and there to follow you back. If not then and there, at least I'll pay closer attention to when you @ me, so chances are improved for a follow back.</div>
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If you are followed back by some of the same people I interact with on a regular basis. But, you do need to interact with them too (remember, I check tweet streams). I have a lot of people that I’ve followed for a long time, many I’ve even ended up meeting in real life, so I trust their tweets. If you have somehow flown under my radar, I’ll remedy that.</div>
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<em>I might <strong><u>not</u></strong> follow you back if:</em></div>
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Your bio is blank and/or you have very few (if any) @ replies in your tweet stream, I’ll bide my time. </div>
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You tweet negative stuff all the time. (Actually, I’ll probably never follow back).</div>
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<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
You have your account locked. I know that doesn’t seem fair, but if I can’t check you out, I have nothing to go on. It’s ok to have a private account, just go back to my first reason above and that could change from a “might not” to a “might”.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
Your only way to interact with people is to retweet them or brown-nose them. Honestly, false flattery isn’t the way I roll. You need to speak up in your own voice, that’s what I’m going to look for.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
You beg me to follow back. Seriously, go reread this post from the beginning. I follow a lot of people who don’t follow me back because if I send them an @, they reply to me. Whatever their reason for not following me, they still interact with me. Don’t beg, please. Get busy being social and you’ll have tons of followers in no time.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<em>I might <strong><u>stop</u></strong> following you if:</em></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
You’re nuts. I don’t know if you started acting nuts after I began following you or if you were always a nutjob and I just missed it, but once I realize it, I’m history. </div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
You’ve pissed me off. Come on now, would you continue to stand around listening to somebody who makes your blood boil? Since I can’t reach through the screen to smack you upside your head, unfollow is the next best thing.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
You’ve stopped interacting with people and have begun your own personal campaign to further your own cause or political agenda. That’s not what I want from Twitter, sorry.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
You’ve stopped tweeting. It’s ok if you’ve run out of things to say, but since there is nothing left to listen to, I’ll move along. If you’ve stopped tweeting, you probably aren’t even on Twitter anymore, so that should be a moot point. But, if you come back at some time in the future and wonder where I’ve gone, now you know.</div>
</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><div style="text-align: justify;">
You’ve <u>never</u> responded to any of my @’s to you. If you can’t be bothered with me, I can’t be bothered with you. (And if you only tweet to advance your own blog, news articles, website, business or product, shame on you for not replying. If you are going to use Twitter to promote a “product” but don’t respond to your target audience, you have very flawed marketing skills and don’t deserve followers anyway.)</div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Truth be told, I’ve been unfollowed lots of times. Once or twice I even asked the person why, and their answer gave me the clarity needed to accept their decision. Some of them I still follow anyway. I’m quite sure I’ve pissed people off by not agreeing with them, or my incessant live hockey game tweets were flooding their tweet stream and they just couldn’t take it anymore. Once I get over the initial “WTF?” moment, I’m usually ok with it. Even though I may not always understand why they unfollowed me, in the grand scheme of things, it usually works out for the best.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I know there are going to be some people that have a problem with this whole post. I don’t claim to be a social media expert, and these rules are not about how everybody should use Twitter, just how I use Twitter. And, if by reading this, you decide I’m just too high and mighty to be worthy of continuing to follow, may I just say: “Buh Bye”. My game - my rules, that’s how I roll…Any questions? </div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-90769153732955655212012-02-26T17:51:00.001-05:002012-03-01T14:16:49.224-05:00Was It Worth It?<div style="text-align: justify;">
With the trade deadline looming, lots of fans and pundits are quick to speculate on the Capital’s needs for players to support them as they try to get into and through the playoffs for yet another year. This got me to thinking about two trades in previous years that still kinda bug me and make me ask, were they worth it?</div>
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</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
First up, Tomas Fleischmann, who was traded to Colorado for veteran defenseman Scott Hannan on November 30th of 2010. At the time, Flash wasn’t having a great start to the season; he had only scored 4 goals and 6 assists in 23 games and his ice time was down to 14:17 during that same period. But, the previous season, Flash scored a career-high 23 goals, so the skilled forward was certainly trade bait for GMGM. Hannan was to bring grit and experience to the team, especially to help the progress of John Carlson and Karl Alzner. So how did they each finish out their seasons? Flash played 22 games for Colorado, with 8 goals and 13 assists. Hannan played 55 games for Washington, with 1 goal and 4 assists. But, here is where it gets interesting, Fleischmann, now on the Florida Panthers currently has 20 goals and 25 assists, and may be having his best season ever if he continues with this success. Was it worth it? </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The next trade that still sticks in my craw; David Steckel. While I wasn’t Flash’s biggest fan, I really was a fan of Stecks, (aka <a href="http://capsgirl.blogspot.com/2011/02/bidding-adieu-to-ohio-state.html" target="_blank">Ohio State</a>). On February 28th of 2011, the Capitals traded Stecks to New Jersey for veteran center Jason Arnott, just moments before the deadline ended (oh, and a 2nd round draft pick was involved in there as well). Steckel is a skilled center with a great faceoff percentage and is willing and able to crush opponents against the boards whenever necessary. (Not to mention, accidently hitting the Caps fans most hated player; Sidney Crosby.) And, Arnott (aka The Sasha Whisperer); while a good acquisition; really didn’t have as much impact in the stats. With only 11 games for the Caps, Arnott tallied 4 goals and 3 assists, but his leadership in the locker room was well documented. Maybe that in itself was worth it? Anyway, neither Steckel nor Arnott had the best finish to their season in 2011; maybe those trades shook them up a bit. And while Arnott seems to be thriving a bit better on the St Louis Blues with 13 goals & 14 assists so far, Steckel doesn’t seem to be doing as well. Poor Dave has only 7 goals and 1 assist so far with the Toronto Maple Leafs, and that assist stat is really one of his worst in his career. Maybe he misses good old DC? (hmm, I wonder if he would come back?) Overall, yes, we did trade a center for a center, but, since we seem to be in need of a center now, was it really worth it?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The most interesting thing that both Hannan and Arnott said after their trades to Washington? They both were willing to come to a team with the chance to win a Stanley Cup. That worked out well, didn’t it? Another interesting thing? All of these players only lasted on their respective new teams one season. All four of these players were really just rentals. Kinda think that wasn’t what any of them wanted either. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, IF GMGM does do any trades before the deadline ends tomorrow, I really hope they are worth it, because no matter who gets traded, I’m sure there are going to be more than a few Caps fans who will be disappointed, one way or another. And, if it does happen, I really really really hope none of the new guys say they look forward to playing for a team that stands a chance to win the Stanley Cup. I’m kinda tired at laughing at that joke-turned-jinx.</div>
<br />Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-61109206104376776642012-02-15T16:49:00.000-05:002012-02-15T16:49:30.804-05:00Penalties by the Replay and the Rule BookIf you watched the
Caps game against San Jose on Monday, you may have noticed two occurrences that
were a little out of the norm for a regulation NHL game. One that seemed to
take forever and one that happened in the blink of an eye.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The first was the
goalie interference penalty against Joel Ward that was delayed for almost one
minute of play. Here’s how it began: Two minutes into the first period, Joel
Ward crashed into the Sharks goalie Thomas Greiss. (Speculation from Caps fans
was that Ward was actually pushed into Greiss by Sharks center Logan Couture;
at least it looked like that to the Caps faithful watching the replay.) So, at
the 18:00 minute mark on the clock, the ref raises his arm to signal a penalty
will be called. So, why didn’t he just blow the whistle then instead of waiting
until the 17:03 mark? Here’s why.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Per
the NHL rulebook: Should an infraction
of the rules which would call for a minor, major, misconduct, game misconduct
or match penalty be committed by a player of the team not in possession of the
puck, the Referee shall raise his arm to signal the delayed calling of a
penalty. When the team to be penalized gains control of the puck, the Referee
will blow his whistle to stop play and impose the penalty on the offending
player or goalkeeper. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">What this breaks down
to is this; when the penalty against the Caps occurred, San Jose was in
possession of the puck, and upon review of the game footage, kept possession of
the puck for another 57 seconds. It wasn’t until San Jose made an attempt on
goal that was deflected by Braden Holtby and Roman Hamrlik, that the puck was finally
no longer in San Jose’s possession. Yes, it seemed like the delay lasted
forever. I actually rewound the DVR several times just to make sure my eyes
weren’t playing tricks on me. So, while we all may disagree with the penalty
itself, the delay of the penalty for 57 seconds was by the book. The NHL
rulebook, that is.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">The second out of the
norm occurrence was the 10 minute misconduct penalty called on Joel Rechlicz.
How can a guy who only played on the actual ice for 1:30 do something worthy of
a 10-minute penalty? To explain that, you need the replay and a little history.
Joel “The Wrecker” Rechlicz is a right wing on the Hershey Bears and is known
for the enforcer role he plays. (He even dropped the gloves with Donald
Brashear back in 2010 when Wrecker was playing for the Bridgeport Sound
Tigers). Apparently, Coach Hunter brought Rechlicz up from Hershey for this
Sharks game to keep Brad Winchester from being a factor in the game, as he had
previously when he was penalized for charging on Alex Semin in January. Per
Dale Hunter after practice on 2/14, “The Wrecker eliminated any effect from
Winchester”; so, job well done. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">But, as to the misconduct
penalty, we really have to go back to the replay, because if you blinked – you
missed it. At the 16:23 mark in the second period, Ovechkin is skating along
the boards when he comes in contact with Ryan Clowe. “Contact” meaning the
usual forceful body hit from Ovi that sends Clowe flying. A few seconds later,
Clowe tries to return the favor by slamming Ovi into the wall along the Caps
bench. Now, you have to watch really closely to what see happens next. While these
two hits occur, you can see Rechlicz standing up from his seat on the bench.
Just after the hit from Clowe, Rechlicz appears to take offense to Clowe’s hit
and seems to be having words with him. Before you know it, the commentators
announce Rechlicz and been removed from the bench for a 10-minute misconduct
penalty, and nobody seems to know why. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">So, what constitutes a
misconduct penalty?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">Per the NHL rulebook:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">75.4 <b>Misconduct Penalty</b> - <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/page.htm?id=26305"><span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;">Misconduct penalties</span></a> shall be assessed under this rule for the
following infractions:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(i) Any player who persists in using obscene, profane or abusive
language directed towards any person after being assessed a minor or bench
minor penalty under this Rule.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(ii) Any player who deliberately throws any equipment out of the
playing area. At the discretion of the Referee, a game misconduct may be
imposed.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.5in; text-align: justify;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(iii) Any player who, after warning by the Referee, persists in any
course of conduct (including threatening or abusive language or gestures or
similar actions) designed to incite an opponent into incurring a penalty.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">(iv) When
a penalized player challenges or disputes the ruling of an official after he
has already entered the penalty bench and play has resumed. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><i>(v)
In general, participants displaying this type of behavior are assessed a minor
penalty, then a misconduct penalty and then a game misconduct penalty if they
persist.</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-justify: inter-ideograph;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: inherit;">While fans may never
learn the full story of what exactly transpired, we could probably assume (iii)
was the reason why. But what may be more
important here is the affect The Wrecker had on the game. Looking back, ten
minutes in the locker room isn’t too big a price to pay to ensure the
opposition knows who and what they are dealing with.</span><o:p></o:p></div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-77235735375569796482012-02-09T13:07:00.001-05:002012-02-09T15:06:12.213-05:00Ladies, What Do You Want?<div style="text-align: justify;">
As some of you may know, I occasionally write posts for Scarlet Caps. Once again, they have asked me for a post submission. Knowing how a majority of my followers feel about the website and its posts, I thought I'd give y'all a chance to let me know what you would actually <em>like</em> to read on the Scarlet Caps blog. And, if you've never read any of the blog posts there, what would send you there for the first time? </div>
<br />
<br />
So, serious question: Is there a topic you really want to know about? I'd love to hear any and all suggestions. I'd like to write a post for them that you all would actually read and maybe even comment on! If you really couldn't care less about the blog posts on Scarlet Caps, I totally understand, no problem, carry on. Just one thing though, as a writer for Scarlet Caps, I do not get any insider information, personal access to players or private interviews. It has to be about something I can research for you or something you always wondered about in regards to hockey, stuff like that. <br />
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
And if you're thinking I'm being lazy about coming up with a topic myself, all I can say is...maybe.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, since my usual signoff on posts is a sarcastic "Any questions?” this time I would really love some actual questions from you. Hit me with your ideas/suggestions/questions/comments in the comments, or on Twitter at @Caps_Girl or on Facebook (if you came here through there), or by email if you have my address, whatever. If Scarlet Caps is really about hockey from a woman's perspective, let's make it happen. </div>
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<br /></div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-70569249045097706652012-01-24T21:34:00.000-05:002012-01-24T21:34:14.901-05:00R-E-S-P-E-C-T<div style="text-align: justify;">
Can’t a female hockey fan get a little respect? Holy cow, it’s bad enough that the NHL Shop tries to convince us to buy and wear glittery pink hockey jerseys, but we also have to put up with snarky remarks from commentators too?</div>
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</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
I’ve heard the little snarks before, but I just have to say, I’m damn sick and tired of it. What ticked me off tonight? Well, I’ll tell you. Here I am, calmly watching the Caps vs. Bruins game on my TV, when CSN decides to show a group of four female fans talking to each other in their seats at Verizon Center. Joe Beninati describes the scene in this way: “Ladies –chatting - I’m sure about the breakout, I’m sure it has to do with the breakout.” And then he and Craig Laughlin chuckle. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now, some readers who may have seen this might just think “What? That’s nothing”, and you’re entitled to your opinion. But speaking as a woman hockey fan, who also works in a male dominated business, that was snark directed at female fans. Frankly, if I were one of those ladies in that group and knew this was said on television about me, I’d be irate. Just seeing it unfold on my television was bad enough. So, here is an open letter to Joe Beninati, Craig Laughlin and CSN:</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dear Sirs,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While you think it is entertaining to make any kind of comment about female hockey fans attending a game; no matter your intent; you are in fact perpetuating the absurd myth that women cannot be hockey fans. Shame on you, I hope Jill Sorenson, Julie Donaldson, or Kelli Johnson smack you upside the head. All jokes aside, <u>any</u> comment you make regarding <u>any</u> fan attending a professional sporting event should never have the slightest hint of ridicule, regardless of their gender. But, directing these type of comments to female fans in particular, smacks of narrow-mindedness and chauvinism. Your lack of respect towards female fans is not only rude; it is an antiquated view of women. I happen to have a great deal of knowledge about a hockey, and consider myself to be a serious fan of the game, as do many other women. We deserve to be treated with dignity, not derision. Also, these fans are the people you hope to attract to your broadcasts as viewers. You are representing your company, and doing it poorly. Fortunately, fans of professional sports have options when it comes to listening to commentators of a game. From this point forward, I think I’ll be exercising that option. Maybe you should just go back to talking about food? On second thought, how about just talking about the game?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sincerely,</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
C_G</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Any questions?</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-36121112222962458472012-01-19T20:58:00.000-05:002012-01-19T20:58:53.268-05:00Great Expectations – My Reality Check<div style="text-align: justify;">
Upon further review of recent events by the Washington Capitals, I find it necessary to give my great expectations a little reality check. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Caps vs. the New York Islanders</u>: Yes, that was a total stinker game, a shit show if I may be so bold. Caps looked like they either couldn’t care less or couldn’t get their shit together. While it was a train wreck to watch, I especially felt bad for fans at Verizon Center who didn’t even get to see one goal from our boys. Shutouts are even harder to watch then losses; shutouts feel like the team didn’t even show up to play, while a loss, hopefully, usually includes some viable effort. So, while it would have been nice to see at least one goal in that game, maybe the team wasn’t into it because they didn’t feel the need to be into it. My reality check: Maybe the team was thinking “Which is more important; we beat the Islanders or we beat the Habs?” I heard all the interviews after the game. Everybody saying how badly they played, etc., etc., etc. But what if they were just focusing too much on the next game in Montreal? Not fair to the fans but certainly feasable. Dunno for sure, but a little reflection made me change my mind. A stinker is still a stinker though.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Caps vs. Montreal Canadiens</u>: <em>Much</em> better effort here. So much so that the Habs fans were the ones feeling the disappointment of a shutout. But, at least they got to see their team fight and claw to the bitter end. But my reality check here concerns the desire to mete payback for the hit to Nick Backstrom by Rene Bourque on January 3rd. Hubs and I were betting on Erskine to dole out the punishment, but Matt Hendricks answered the call instead. We all knew Bourque would be expecting it and at the end you may say he prevailed, but payback was completed. My reality check: It’s a hockey game, not a 10 round title fight. Additional payback; while desired; is not reasonable. Yes, I have a high regard for Nicky and want to see retribution for those who hurt him, but if another member of the team had tried to punish Bourque again after the “bout” with Hendricks, we would have looked like a bunch of goons. But it does kind of validate my reality check from the previous paragraph.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<u>Nick Backstrom’s injury</u>: I seem to recall Nicky saying that he felt ok after that elbow to the head from Rene Bourque. I did hear that, right? So why is he still out? While concussions are no laughing matter, if he feels great, let him play is the common theme from some fans. Yes, concussions should take precedence, but what if there were more to the story? Could Nick also have an undisclosed injury that needs time for recovery? Many a time we have heard after-the-fact of players playing with an injury during the post-season. Naturally, these injuries would not be disclosed until later since opposing teams would obviously try to take advantage of them when a player does return to the ice. My reality check: <u>IF</u> the aforementioned <u>WERE</u> true, what better time to give Nick a chance to recover from an undisclosed injury while leading everyone to believe that his scratches are concussion related. Furthermore, we all know of Nick’s migraine problems, so let’s add this to the list of possible problems as to why he isn’t back in the game. As much as I miss Nick in the game (and I think the team misses him as well), if he needs to sit, he needs to sit, no matter the reason given. Get well Nicky and come back when you are 100%. (While I was writing this post, an interview from Sweden with Nicky was translated by<a href="http://www.japersrink.com/2012/1/19/2718303/backstrom-its-incredibly-frustrating" target="_blank"> Malin for Japers Rink</a>. Frustration and headaches were mentioned, go read it if you haven’t already.) Have to admit, though, I am grasping at straws just a bit.</div>
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<u>Player scratches and call ups</u>: We’ve all seen it since Dale Hunter has become the coach. Certain players are being scratched game after game after game. Yes, I am talking about Jeff Schultz in particular. I jump to the conclusion that because he was obviously one of Boudreau’s boys from Hershey, he isn’t appreciated the same way now that Hunter has the reins. Ever since Hunter has arrived, we’ve seen the team try to become more physical, which I certainly appreciate. I’ve been asking for bodies against the boards for ages, so it’s great to see this addition to the Caps style of play. But if you’ve watched Jeff Schultz play, he isn’t a huge checker. And without Green to be paired with, he looks like he’s a little lost out there when he does get a chance to play. When Orlov and Kundratek got called up, many fans asked why, since we already had Erskine and Schultz. My reality check: I have absolutely no clue the exact reason why players are getting healthy scratches. Maybe that's ok. It is possible they just aren’t Dale’s or Jim’s cup of tea; it is possible they are having difficulties adjusting to Dale’s system, and it is possible that it’s none of the above. When it comes to Schultz, jump to the conclusion of a possible trade if you must, you could just be right. Since Jeff is technically tied up by contract for a couple more years, I’d bet on a trade by the end of February. (Since I’m terrible at gambling, don’t lay any actual bets on that statement, I’ve been known to be wrong.) This reality check is more of a shoulder shrug/meh/whatever for me.</div>
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<u>Caps must win every game/all the time</u>: Come on, really? Time for you to get a reality check if you really think that.</div>
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Since math really hurts my brain there are no stats to back any of this conjecture up, just a few reminders to myself that a good dose of reality makes watching the Caps a little easier at times. So, that being said; what color is the sky in your world?</div>
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<br /></div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-24174230510663957482011-12-30T16:11:00.000-05:002011-12-30T16:11:52.226-05:00Thank You, Love Caps Girl<div style="text-align: justify;">Feeling grateful; so some shout outs of thanks…</div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">First and foremost: a huge thank you to everyone who has ever clicked a link to this blog. Even though inspiration is sometimes lacking on my part; every reader, follower and comment is truly appreciated. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Secondly, some very nice people who have taken the time to link this little blog and send huge numbers of hits: all the folks at @JapersRink and @TedLeonsis. Just the fact that you took the time to read and decided a post was worthy of a link brings heartfelt gratitude. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Thirdly: all the fellow bloggers who have listed me on their blog rolls, most especially the Washington Capitals and Monumental Sports. I blush every time I see my blog listed on your sites. (Really)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I started this blog over two years ago, with no grand scheme other than to bitch and moan and sometimes share a few laughs along the way. From this, I have been able to further my own hockey education and hopefully further a few reader’s hockey educations as well. So, speaking of educating, I’d like to thank some experts who have helped educate me with their insight and by answering some sometimes stupid questions: @VogsCaps, @JohnKeeley, @ODPllc, @EdFrankovic, @CapsExaminer, @emcerlain , @pckhdsthghts , and @TedStarkey. Even though I’ve only met a few of you in real life, I owe you all at least one beer for sharing your wealth of knowledge with me. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’d also like to thank some of my partners in crime: Leslie (@hockeymomva), for co-blogging on Scarlet Caps and fun shenanigans at brunch along with Liz (@DCSportsChick); and my fellow gchat snarkers: Dana (@YoCalleJo, who also shares Caps tickets cuz she’s just awesome that way), Katelyn (@dorcov), Stephy (@carrotbazooka), Julie (@dimickj), and Beta (@itsabeta), it’s always fun to be around these ladies.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, thank you to everyone who follows and interacts with me on Twitter. I’ve said it before; I have the best Tweeps! Yes, I tend to get a little sappy at the end of the year, so thank you for indulging me, putting up with my blondness and shenanigans, and making 2011 such a great year. I love you all. </div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-82415736696383062352011-12-18T00:16:00.000-05:002011-12-18T00:16:21.356-05:00The Annual Caps JibJab Christmas CardCause we all need a little cheering up after a loss:<br />
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<div style="-moz-border-radius: 10px; background-color: #e9e9e9; border-radius: 10px; width: 567px;"><object data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=vGjeEnI3wMNyjyhi&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays" height="319" id="A64060" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" width="567" wmode="transparent"><param name='wmode' value='transparent'></param><param name='movie' value='http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=vGjeEnI3wMNyjyhi&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays'></param><param name='scaleMode' value='showAll'></param><param name='quality' value='high'></param><param name='allowNetworking' value='all'></param><param name='allowFullScreen' value='true' /><param name='FlashVars' value='cornerRadius=10&external_make_id=vGjeEnI3wMNyjyhi&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays'></param><param name='allowScriptAccess' value='always'></param></object><br />
<div style="margin-top: 6px; text-align: center;">Personalize funny videos and birthday <a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards">eCards</a> at JibJab!</div></div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-16724182507770110472011-12-03T12:15:00.006-05:002011-12-04T13:57:30.762-05:00The Art of the RT<div style="text-align: justify;">Time for another Social Media rant. And it’s about the one thing that puts most Twitter users’ teeth on edge, the “retweet” (or “RT” for those in the know). I briefly covered this in a previous <a href="http://capsgirl.blogspot.com/2010/08/twitter-etiquette-101.html" target="_blank">Social Media post</a>, but I guess nobody paid attention to it or forgot.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Some of this rant will be directed to my tweet stream as a Washington Capitals fan in particular, but I’m sure it can apply to every Twitter user, as the majority of Tweeps usually follow a certain topic/theme/interest. So, let the ranting begin.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dear Tweeps,</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Please use RT’s with care. It is not necessary to RT everything tweeted by the @washcaps account. They are followed by almost 70,000 people, so you can be pretty much guaranteed that everyone who follows you has already seen the news they just tweeted. The same can be said of any tweets or blogs posted by @TedLeonsis (who may only have 20,000+ followers, but that’s enough to ensure that most fans are already seeing the original). Maybe you think you are providing a service to your followers by doing this? Yes, that is so very nice of you. But you aren’t paying attention, are you? I just told you, I can pretty much guarantee that all of your followers have already seen the news. So, as nice as that seems; in truth, it is very annoying to those of us that follow both you and the team. We follow you for your own personal musings, not to see the same information regurgitated over and over and over.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Which brings me to bloggers and media type Twitter users. I know it’s tough to compete. Some of you make your living by being actual sports journalists, and that’s why we follow you; for actual sports news. Bloggers, your job is to put your own spin on that sports news. But how many times have we seen the same thing tweeted by both? Too many. You might as well just RT them, but then you'd piss people off then too. We are on to you; you really want to be professional journalists, don’t you? Well, until such time as you get hired by an actual media outlet and make the big bucks, please stop posing. Put your own spin on your tweets, we’d rather see <em>you</em> than some clone of someone else. That <em>is</em> why we follow you after all. And, this seems to be a good place to thank all of the bloggers who do this correctly; you make me <em>want</em> to click your links. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">And speaking of following, let’s talk about #FF’s while we are at it. A lot of Twitter users like to give shout outs to Tweeps by giving them an #FF every Friday. People who receive these are usually very honored to receive the recommendation, as they should be. But by RTing that #FF recommendation verbatim to your entire follower base makes you come off as either lazy or egotistical. Let me remind you, when you RT a #FF recommendation to your tweet stream, you are sending it to people <strong><em>who already follow you!</em></strong> Yes, it’s possible that someone in the original #FF tweet <u>doesn’t</u> follow you, but those people <strong><em>already saw the recommendation for you when they were @’d in the first place!</em></strong> The correct response to a #FF directed towards you is a simple thank you. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Which brings me to people who ask for RT’s. How many times have you seen people either tweet a blog post, some silly or inane idea/comment or announce it’s their birthday and ask someone else for a RT? Yes, fortunately for them, some people they ask will oblige them. But in essence, what you are doing when you ask for the RT is begging for attention and validation. I feel kind of sorry for people who do this, how sad their meaningless little lives must be. (That is snark, people; don’t get your panties in a wad.) On the flip side, if you have a certain piece of information that you think would be beneficial to have RT’d for the greater good, such as a charity or cause, go right ahead and ask for the RT. This circumstance seems appropriate, and I hope that the celebrity who gets these requests consider actually following through with a RT. Now, that’s the way to use your powers for good!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">So, like the earlier thank you to bloggers, I’d like to say thank you to all my Tweeps who do the RT the right way. You make it a pleasure to follow you all. To those of you who can’t seem to be Social Media savvy, you may have already been unfollowed for the sake of irritation alone, but you probably have no idea why. As for me, I expect to be unfollowed in 5….4….3….2…. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #666666;">Authors Note: Minutes after posting this with no linking to Twitter or Facebook because it really is just a personal rant, I was sorta retweeted by the @CapsBlogsRT. Yes, I <em>am</em> kind of embarrassed right now.</span></div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-113336995673444513.post-10262636583626502052011-11-27T21:19:00.005-05:002011-11-27T21:56:17.462-05:00Stripping Ovi<div style="text-align: justify;">I’m <em>still</em> amazed people want to strip Ovi of the “C”. I’ll grant you that the decision to make Ovechkin the Captain was made by GM George McPhee and Coach Bruce Boudreau, but it <em>was</em> reported that when this was in the works, the team was in on the decision. Let’s take a trip down Reality Road, ok?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">First up; per <a href="http://www.nhl.com/ice/news.htm?id=512478">NHL.com</a> from 1/5/2010:</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><div style="text-align: justify;">Boudreau said he had polled the team in recent days and Ovechkin was the<strong> unanimous choice</strong>.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">"They were really happy when I told them (Tuesday) morning and this doesn't happen too often, but <strong>the group got up and cheered</strong>," Boudreau said. "I had talked to a lot of them in the last couple of days and they said Alex was the only choice, 'He's our leader and he's our guy.”</div></blockquote><div style="text-align: justify;">So, if the team wanted him, and the General Manager wanted him, and the Coach wanted him, how does that result in the idea he isn’t the right guy?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMIUiBPT9jw/TtLvc6fl2YI/AAAAAAAAArI/ts3au6cqkgk/s1600/DSC_0985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" dda="true" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yMIUiBPT9jw/TtLvc6fl2YI/AAAAAAAAArI/ts3au6cqkgk/s640/DSC_0985.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">I’m also amazed that people say he doesn’t show leadership qualities and the job should be given to a more outspoken veteran guy. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Show of hands; how many people have actually been present in the locker room between periods that are NOT members of the Capitals team or staff? …Anyone? I thought so. Assumptions are being made that claim Ovi does not have what it takes to be the team captain. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ok, let’s tackle the argument that he’s too young. How about a little look around the league?</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Out of 30 teams, 13 of the current captains were born between 5/1/1984 and 4/29/1988, with the two youngest being Stanley Cup winners. (And, yes, #3 Andrew Ladd also won 2 Stanley Cups but he was not a captain on either team at the time they won.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Jonathan Toews 4/29/1988</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Sidney Crosby 8/7/1987</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Andrew Ladd 12/12/1985</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Alex Ovechkin 9/17/1985</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Shea Weber 8/14/1985</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ryan Getzlaf 5/10/1985</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dion Phaneuf 4/10/1985</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Ryan Callahan 3/21/1985</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Dustin Brown 11/4/1984</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eric Staal 10/29/1984</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Zach Parise 7/28/1984</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Rick Nash 6/16/1984</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">David Backes 5/1/1984</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">How about the argument that Ovi is Russian and English is his second language? I call bullshit there as well. You and I know that Alex’s English is fine and he works hard to speak it and be understood.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next up; Alex is a selfish player who is out for himself. Come on, <em>really</em>? The guy has tons of heart; one of his greatest wishes is to win a Stanley Cup. Naturally, you have to be selfish to do that and not support your team, because it’s an individual achievement. Yeah, right.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;">Have I covered all the main arguments? I hope so. The biggest issue is what it says about the team if they strip Ovi of the “C”. Like we need a vote of no confidence right now? Let’s get real. We have enough to complain about and it’s only November. Who is or should be Captain is not really an issue, it’s a diversion. As a fan base, we are concerned about our team. I get it, but let’s not get detoured down Reality Road. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Author's Note: Anyone who clicked the link expecting this post to be about something else...sorry, but thanks for reading!</span></div>Caps_Girlhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06163853265973356119noreply@blogger.com3