All good things...

Those of you who read this space know that we have been dealing with some health issues for a while.  Those issues have led me to the decision to retire this space, at least for the foreseeable future.  For almost 18 years we have been scribbling in this space and loved every moment of it (Cheerless and Fearless enjoyed the attention, too).  It was not a decision made lightly, although we knew that eventually this day would come.

We cannot take our leave without an expression of thanks.  Frankly, there are simply too many people who deserve our thanks, but a few do stand out. First and foremost, there are those who have stopped by over the years to read our scribbles, either as regular readers or those just passing through.  What we do would have no meaning without those of you taking the time to read our work.  We appreciate each and every one of you.

Then there are those responsible for the product about which we, and others, write.  Although there have been disappointments along the way, this is the golden era of Washington Capitals hockey.  They have been among the most successful teams in the league for the last 15 years, topped by their Stanley Cup victory in 2018.  It would not have been possible without the work of the front office, from Ted Leonsis to Brian MacLellan to the staff of scouts, analysts, and support staff, not to mention those in the media covering the Capitals,  who have provided and brought us the games that Capitals Nation could root for and one it has been a joy to write about. 

We would like to give a special nod to the folks at Japers’ Rink.  Jon Press, in what might have been a rare lapse in judgment, invited us to be a participant in the Rink’s work, and the experience was a revelation of how hockey blogs should work.  Quality, devotion to detail, clear-eyed analysis, and a single-minded focus on informing readers.  And, the staff and writers are great people, too!  We could not have asked for a better place to contribute to the Capitals narrative over the past few years.  We are privileged to have been a part of it.

I cannot say that this is “the end” of our blog, although it certainly is a possibility.  Not that we are either special or irreplaceable.  Capitals Nation is truly blessed to have as broad a community of blogs and writers, filling all sorts of niches that appeal to this fan or that one.  We will continue to read them with interest.

And so, it is time to go.  Being of Irish ancestry (with its broad streak of sentimentality), we cannot help but use word and song to take our leave…”And all I've done for want of wit to memory now I can't recall so fill to me the parting glass good night and joy be to you all..”

 

Frank Corrigan, "The Peerless Prognosticator." is off the air...