Congratulations All Around

I admit it. I was wrong. Not only did the Capitals make the playoffs, but they won the first round. It was a bit iffy there at times, not because of Braden Holtby- that man is still rocking, but a steady lack of urgency, which gave a sense of dread in overtimes where a determination to score is kind of the point. There didn't seem to be a change of pace or confidence in Game 1 of Round 2 which took place earlier today against the NY Rangers. I have to wonder if someone has told them there's a 3-second rule in the offensive zone, as eager as they are to swipe a single shot and scurry back to defend. They also haven't gotten the memo about there being no back-door on the net. Too much time standing behind the goal and not enough in front. Their minor league affiliate, the Hershey Bears have also come back from a 0-2 deficit to tie their best of 5 series against Wilkes-Barre Scranton (if I spelled that right, I'll be amazed) Penguins. Game 3 included DJ King's first Bears goal. That was enough to make me happy; still a fangirl for ole DJ. Congrats to the Washington Wizards for their end-of-season six game winning streak. Too many people are quick to dump on them for not being very good, but as professional athletes, they should go out every night expecting to win if they do their best and they did. I hope to see more of the same next season. I'm not going to act surprised about the excellent play of the Washington Nationals. I knew they had it in them, even with the continuing domino fall of injuries (pluswhatisupwTylerClippard?). Tonight is Bryce Harper's debut. I am saddened that it had to come at the expense of Ryan Zimmerman being injured enough to sit on the DL, but now we can see if this is his time.

Caps Playoffs, pre Game 4

The Caps play Game 4 tonight of the opening round of playoffs versus the Boston Bruins. They participated in a light skate this morning.

On the near goal, Holtby and Dany Sabourin were switching out fairly regularly facing shots.

Close-ups of Braden Holtby and his mask:

At the far end of the rink, Michal Neuvirth was taking shots as well.

Caps television announcer Joe Beninati was mixing in with the little people (not a short joke, I swear)outside the plexiglass, taking notes and interacting with fans.

Myself included.

The Swedes:

Dennis Wideman stretching out:

After the starters left the ice, Neuvy moved down to take some shots from the scratches.

OK, maybe he's not taking shots in these but I was so glad to see him out there, I just kept taking pictures.

Standing by me happened to be one of my dad's favorite players, Dennis Maruk. I didn't take any pictures so you're just going to have to take my word for it that he chatted with Joe B and some fans then went shopping in the team store including buying out their remaining stock of his player shirt. Seemed like a nice guy and smelled really good, by the way. Unfortunately I didn't know he was one of my dad's favorite players until I told him about it on my way home. I would have tried harder on the photo front then.

And we will close out with a shot of the most dangerous man in Washington. Do you feel menaced?

Opening Day, Revisited

It's been a week since the home opener, so these photos are past their relevance maybe, but since the shots from my new fancy camera came out like this-

there aren't that many of a decent quality to share.

The day was beautiful, if not a bit chilly, but compared to the drizzly damp 50s that graced last years home opener, it felt like a near paradise, at least while in the sun.

James Brown of Fox/CBS football fame emceed the affair- the first pitches, the Gary Cater memorial, and the lineups.

There was a delay in getting the massive flag in proper alignment.

But finally the anthem was played

and Old Glory was unfurled

The game was exciting, especially seeing Wilson Ramos and watching Gio Gonzalez make his first hit. Gio is a ray of sunshine and looks like he's going to be a great addition to the team in terms of talent and just joie de vivre.

Disappointed that the team shop was closed for renovations. Things like that need to be timed better. Wilson the stuffed buffalo ended up with a hat from the Build a Bear workshop.

My next game is May 5th vs. the Phillies. I've never been to a Philly series. Hopefully it won't be as bad as I'm imagining. I don't think us doing well and them doing poorly is going to create a sense of shame and deference in any of the visitors.