Someday, it'll all be worth it. Every bad bounce, every miniscule mistake, every misplaced skate. Someday, it'll all be worth it.
But right now, it's hard to watch. It's hard to watch the Alexes account for 10 of 24 shots on goal and get little support, not from lack of effort, but just a lack of timing and experience. It's hard to watch John Erskine do the things he does well -- punish people (we loved that Darcy Tucker never even looked in his direction when he was planted in the ice by Erskine) -- then end up being on the ice for two of the three goals (including one by Tucker shortly after getting splattered by Erskine). It was hard to watch the Caps kill off a 5-on-3 power play and hold the Leafs off the scoreboard with a man advantage all night, then give up three even strength goals. It was hard to watch Frederic Cassivi's fine performance in the first period wasted when the Caps couldn't seem to find the Maple Leaf net.
It's hard to watch the Caps play as well as they did and never really be in the game.
And that's why The Peerless doesn't give much thought to the scoreboard at this point. We're looking to see if guys are putting forth an effort, that they're winning a shift or winning a battle for the puck, that they're creating opportunities. We're past caring much what the scoreboard says.
Keeping trying guys. Come one day, it will all be worth it.
Don't be so sure of yourself there. Ted won't spend more than allowed by the league minimum for the salary cap. And don't be surprised when that's the case, because it sure as hell will happen and Caps fans around the region will be very disappointed.
ReplyDeleteWell, let's put it this way. If the Caps can't convince a free agent or two to come to DC, even with waving fistfulls of cash at them (more than just about any marquee team can offer, except Pittsburgh, but their needs are different), then hockey's future in DC from a competitive standpoint is in doubt.
ReplyDeleteThe stars are aligned, if you happen to concur with some of the other Caps marketing propaganda -- a high-end star to play with, a world-class training facility, a fine arena, a great town, spare money to give free agents, young guys to grow with, etc., etc. -- to make the big leap they need to make this summer.
It's just garbage that free agents won't come here because of some perceived notion that the Caps aren't a legitimate NHL team. The key is and always will be money. If the Caps offer more, players will come. But beyond that, there are a lot of reasons the Caps would be attractive to a potential FA. First, and foremost, is Ovechkin. What player in their right mind wouldn't want to play on the same team as Alex? Secondly, and despite what the haters will say, this is an up and coming team with a boatload of young talent. Third, Washington is a great place to live and is centrally located on the East coast, minimizing travel. And as for the argument that DC isn't a hockey town, that actually can work in their favor. A lot of players actually like the fact that they and their families can live a normal life without having every move scrutinized by fans. Fourth, their new training facility is world-class and an indication that the organization is doing things the right way. I could go on, but suffice to say that if the Caps are willing to spend the dollars, I don't think they'll have any problem finding willing takers.
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