Comments on: Wearing the Nation's Colors Next February 22

By: Michael

Michael — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 13:21:13 +0000

I made my way over here from The Pensblog, and they bring up a great point (which was mentioned earlier in the comments). Why not wait until the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver? It would be an appropriate anniversary (30th) and ALL of the hockey players could wear old-school 80s throwbacks to celebrate the event. I just can’t see Ovie wearing Team USA colors/unis anyway. Good idea, just not 2009.

By: Stephen

Stephen — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 02:26:44 +0000

There are 6 Americans on the Capitals and 4 Russians on the team, that is a horrible idea. Most of the Washington Capitals are Canadians, are we really considering doing this?
Why doesn’t the US Olympic ice hockey team do that in Vancouver in the next olympics? Maybe they’ll actually win a few games if they do that.
Bottom line, Capitals have had very little success against the Penguins in recent years. Pittsburgh would look like the bad guys if they won this game. Both of these teams are good. There is no David and Goliath battle going on. Let’s leave it at that,
Don’t put Ovechkin in a USA jersey…

By: NS2NOVA

NS2NOVA — Sat, 02 Aug 2008 00:01:25 +0000

One thing that may have been overlooked with regard to the 30th anniversary is that there may not been any NHL games, as there will almost certainly be a break in the schedule for the Olympics.

By: Muddapucker

Muddapucker — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 17:51:51 +0000

I am okay with a reunion of sorts… but make it about sportsmanship and respect rather than of Americans beating their chests and speakers with a lot of puffery about how great we are.
In my way of thinking, greatness does not need to be stated. On the contrary, the truly great events don’t need to be gone on about… Understatement is, in my opinion, the ultimate in confidence and sportsmanship. A few words to set the stage is fine.
Lets focus on sportsmanship and continue to build the bridge between Russia and the Washington Capitals. Lets honor our opponents and our own team by bringing both teams back for introductions and gifts.
No honor to an athlete is ever as significant as being remembered…
Forget all the fantasy stuff and replica jerseys etc… You want to sell em on the concourse, fine, but leave them off the ice.

By: billd

billd — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:28:37 +0000

OK,
How about a reunion of the players this year then. Maybe a hint to Ted L and the gang would start something. Couldn’t hurt eh?

By: pucksandbooks

pucksandbooks — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 14:18:09 +0000

There’s novelty just in the Caps playing on February 22. They didn’t this past. This season’s date is at home, on a weekend, against perhaps their greatest rival. It adds up, potentially, to a special day. Wishes to wait to do something notable for the 30th anniversary don’t take into account VC’s availability then, or how the NHLers will allot it (home or road or not to be played upon at all). And of course, that’s an Olympic year.
I for one don’t see any difference in significance between # 29 and #30; every anniversary of it is remarkable.

By: billd

billd — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 13:54:46 +0000

No to the team jersey/ game idea, but how about this for year #30.
Invite all the players from that team to come to Washington for an evening of celebration.
film clip of the Russian victory, followed by the gold medal clip and of course a “Do you believe in Miricles” clip with all the players on at center ice. I think I saw a comment on a documentary that they had never all been together again since that time.

By: nadir

nadir — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 22:39:13 +0000

By: Lee (PTO)

Lee (PTO) — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:49:28 +0000

What if our team wore the Hammer & Sickle CCCP jerseys (given our plethora of Russians) and the Pens wore the USA jerseys? Before you cry “HERESY”, consider that Herb Brooks DID coach the Pens later on in his career. We may have inadvertently started something that can’t be stopped. Nice job. :p

By: muddapucker

muddapucker — Thu, 31 Jul 2008 20:10:11 +0000

By the way, Keef mentioned Slapshot… The Caps did have the Hanson Brothers one year during intermission at a game in Cap Center. They brought down the house. Just seeing them skating all out around the rink in their blue Chiefs jersies, straggly blonde hair catching the breeze and horned rim glasses… It was enough to psych anyone up.
You had to love em!!! Stinkin rut beer…