Bring on Mr. Posh

Non-soccer fans should probably skip this post.

Just a short note for all the soccer fans out there that Becks has signed with the Galaxy. Of course he did. I'm getting real tired of MLS stacking the deck for LA (like they do almost every year) in order to increase the fan base out there. Hey Galaxy fans (all 3 of you) , can't wait to see you all as you walk out of RFK, tail between your legs once again this year.

And here's a free one for the Barra and the Eagles to start working on: "Chris-tian's Be-tter!"

Takin' Care of Business

Just like Elvis, the Caps took care of business last night against the Philadelphia Fallers, jumping out to a 5-0 lead and going on to win 6-2. Ben Clymer scored on a squeaker that eluded Bob Esche only 15 seconds in, and Alex Ovechkin was, well, Alex Ovechkin, scoring an sniper's goal from a bad angle in early in the first and again in the second to begin the route of Philly. Olie Kolzig provided excellent play early on while the Caps defense was on its heels, and continued his steady play throughout the game.

Big Donnie Brashear netted his first goal as a Capital off what can only be described as a moonshot, but had to delay his celebration for about 5 minutes while the goal was under review. Man, enforcers just can't catch a break.

As for the tone of the game, I can only describe it as Us Vs. The Men Wearing Orange and Black, and I don't just mean Philly. The refs once again made a mockery of the game of hockey, especially on Clymer's "interference" call in the second. The NHL needs to recognize that this is hockey, not figure skating, and that last I checked, a hip check is still legal. There was nothing even remotely illegal about the play. Listen, if the fans wanted to watch no-contact hockey, they'd move to Sweden.

The only good thing about the string of bogus calls was the energy they supplied the crowd. It's good to see the fans finally realizing that they CAN make noise, get rowdy, and support their team at the top of their lungs, especially when said team is getting the shaft. The fans really came together to give it to the refs and, more importantly, to let the penalty killers know their efforts were appreciated. So pat yourselves on the back, Caps fans. Good job. Lets try to keep up that intensity for the rest of the season.

There is, however, one small issue I have to take up. Lets quit all this sweep nonsense. The term sweep should ONLY apply to the playoffs. This wasn't the playoffs. I mean, seriously. These days, if you win ONE GAME against a Western Conference team, you've technically swept the season series. So lets retire the word until we get into some 7 gamers.

Also, Barra Brava and the Screaming Eagles could be heard through the entire arena this time. Gran trabajo, muchachos!

Oh, and Zubrus is starting to look lazy out there again. Don't make me eat my words, Zubie-doobie-doo.

They're coming....

The DC United fans of la Barra Brava and the Screaming Eagles will be in the house tomorrow night in section 414. As a supporter of both the Caps and DCU, I'll be taking a walk over to chant with the boys (and girls). Both groups are VERY vocal and definitely add to the experience, but lets just say you wouldn't want to put them in the family section. Which is fine by me.

The Caps need more passionate, noisemaking fans, and I wouldn't mind seeing the team designate a section to just that type of fan in the future. That would eliminate the complaints that "they won't sit down" and "I don't want my kids near that much drinking." So Caps suits, if you're listening, designate a permanent section in the cheap seats for loud-chanting, beer-drinking, all-energy-all-the-time fans. The games will be more fun for it. And remember, it's hockey, not ballet. A profane chant every once in a while is to be expected. Hey, the Capital Center used to ring with a word that rhyme with cashbowl all the time. And those of us that grew up there turned out OK. Well, for the most part, anyway.

Also, tickets for tomorrow's game are half price in certain sections. Go get 'em.