Archive for April, 2009

Prior to Tuesday’s big win against New York, I had the occasion to meet Corrie, one of the Red Rockers, as she prepared for the pre-game introductions. Since she is the first I have had an opportunity to meet, she is also the first that I will feature here on Capitals Outsider. The Red Rockers are essentially the spirit squad of the Washington Capitals, or as some would call them, Ice Girls. They lead cheers, give out prizes, greet fans, and help to coordinate activities around the arena. Corrie told me that she grew up playing hockey, and is a [...]

It began with a video featuring the Washington Capitals young stars performing on stage to a throng of passionate fans. The intro video for the Caps this season was a symbol for rocking the red, and a team of young stars. Fast forward to the Game 7 victory this evening, and the scene I encountered when I left the arena. A couple dozen Capitals fans waiting outside the players garage for a glimpse of their favorite stars as they exited in their fancy cars. Photos after the jump.

The Capitals did it. They went down 3-1 in the series, but came back to win Game 7. Sergei Fedorov is the oldest player to ever score a Game 7 Winner, and the Caps get their first playoff series win since Ted Leonsis purchased the team. It has been more than 10 years, and the last time Washington won a series, they went all the way to the Stanley Cup Finals, with Sergei Fedorov playing a major part in that defeat. Caps fans have endured many seasons of disappointment. Ted has endured many years of disappointment as well. All of [...]

The Rangers complained about security behind the bench, and the Caps and their fans apparently heard them loud and clear. Above is the scene from behind the Rangers bench, with added security, plastic inserts between the glass, and Capitals fans decked out in their ponchos in case Tortorella gets ornery again. Puck Daddy has more details on the added security, and D.C. Sports Bog has more details on the fan taunting of Tortorella. A better pregame photo of the Caps fans in ponchos is after the jump.

It’s Game 7, the arena is electric, Caps fans are pumped, and this building is packed. Most difficult ticket to get in town, so much so that I am banished to the basement to cover (no room in the press box). So I took the opportunity to get some nice shots from around the arena, thanks to the friendly ushers.

Mike Green and Donald Brashear will be suspended for Game 7 at the Verizon Center, according to reports from the Washington Post, as reported moments ago on ESPN’s SportsCenter. However I can’t find any information related to this on the Post’s website. I assume they are still working on the report. Brashear was involved in a huge hit of Blair Betts at center ice in Sunday afternoon’s contest. There were also allegations that Shaone Morrisonn bit Rangers center Brandon Dubinsky. Maybe it was really Green? I guess we’ll soon find out. This article will be updated once more details are [...]

During New York’s 4-0 loss to the Capitals on Friday, Rangers coach John Tortorella got into a spat with a fan sitting behind him. He would not comment on the situation after the game, and a member of the Rangers staff threatened to end the press conference if the journalists didn’t stop asking about it (obviously upset, the only thing Tortorella commented on at length was the power play and penalty kill, like anyone really cared about that). Puck Daddy’s Greg Wyshynski did some digging around on this.

(UPDATE : This was posted during the game, higher quality video was made available post game, after the jump)