Caps defeat the Rangers, 2-1 in OT ~ Caps lead the series 1-0

Mike Green was back in action, as the Washington Capitals took a 1-0 lead in the 1st round playoff series v the New York Rangers.  The Caps goals were scored by Alex Ovechkin and Alexander Semin.  ****  Matt Gilroy had the goal for the Rangers.  It took overtime, but the Caps were victorious at the Verizon Center.

Incidentally, I watched the game on TV and saw Wheel of Fortune's own, Pat Sajak, at the game.  A Tweep told me that Sajak is from Maryland and might even be a season ticket holder.  That's semi-correct.  I checked his bio, and he was born and raised in Chicago, IL.  He splits time between Maryland and California.  Who knew?

Game 2 of the series is in Washington, DC on Friday at 7:30.


THE WIRK

I spied Alex Ovechkin when I ran out to meet a friend on Sunday

I went out for a little bit on Sunday to meet a friend, and guess who I saw having lunch.  Alex Ovechkin from the Washington Capitals.  I've seen numerous Caps players when I'm out and about, but I've never been that close to Ovie.  He walked by my friends and I.  I said, "What's up, Ovie."  He smiled.  He frequents the same place I go to, because of the close proximity to the Kettler Capitals Iceplex.  Plus, no one really bothers him when he comes in.

Incidentally, he's a hockey player, but I expected him to be bigger.  He's not much taller than me, and I'm 5'7"-5'8".

If you want a picture of the two of us, too bad.  I don't bother people when they're eating, and when he left, he didn't want to take a picture.  

All good though ~ I've seen him play a number of times and at a bunch of basketball games, so I'm sure I'll run into him again, eventually...

I think this is a sign that I need to start keeping up with hockey again... 

Go Caps!

THE WIRK

Eric Fehr's 2 goals propel the Capitals over Penguins ~ Winter Classic

The Winter Classic, from Pittsburgh is in the books and the Washington Capitals have emerged victorious.  The Caps defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-1.  The hero of the game was Eric Fehr.  Fehrzy had 2 goals and

70,000 fans sat in the rain and "cold" at Heinz Field.  Penguins' Evgeni Malkin scored first.  ****  Here's one of my better pictures of Malkin from May 2009. 

Mike Knuble scored for the Caps to tie the game at 1.  Fehrzy handled the rest.

If you're not a Caps fan, you may not have known Eric Fehr's name.  Well, hopefully now ~ you won't forget it.  Living in the DC area, I run into a lot of the Washington Capitals.  The ones I've met have been friendly and appreciate their fans.  ****  Here's a pic I dug up from 2007, with Eric Fehr.  Nice guy.

Capitals and Penguins meet again on February 6, 2011 at the Verizon Center.

By the way, I had no idea Caps coach, Bruce Boudreau, went to my high school...  At least he looked like he did with his "varsity" jacket...  Just kidding!

C---A--P-S!!!  CAPS! CAPS! CAPS!


THE WIRK

Washington Capitals defeat the Philadelphia Flyers, 3-2 in OT

Today the Philadelphia Flyers were in town to take on the Washington Capitals at the Verizon Center, and guess who was sitting pretty 2 rows behind the Caps bench...  Yep, this girl.  My friend (i.e. who my brother and I have known since we were maybe 6 years old and moved to the DC area about a year ago), Scott, told me (i.e. and another childhood friend who was in town) at dinner last night, that he had never been to a Caps game before.  I couldn't believe it.  It's been about a year since he moved to the DC area and he hadn't seen the Caps in action?!?!  Well, that's just unacceptable, so I took it upon myself to rectify the situation.

Before the game, I told him that I thought the final score would be 3-2, and that the Caps would win.  YES, I was right.  Don't believe me?  Why would I lie?!?!  I told you I was somewhat psychic...

I decided that for this game, I wanted to sit at center ice near the Capitals bench.  Normally I like to sit towards the side that the Caps shoot twice, but since this was my first game of the season I just wanted to focus on taking some good shots of the players.  Plus, since it was my friend's first time at the game, I wanted to make sure he got a good look at Alexander Ovechkin.  Ovechkin was relatively quiet during the game, but I managed to get some great shots.

Ovechkin up close

 Eric Fehr scord a goal in the 1st period to tie the game at 1.  It was Fehr's third goal for the season. 

Alexander Semin scored in the 2nd period to tie the game at 2. 

 Fehr and Semin sitting on the bench, taking a breather.

Up close, near the action

Sure enough, Mike Green came to the rescue in overtime and scored to give the Caps the win. 

My first hockey game for the season is now "in the books".  The Caps now have a record of 10-4, and continue to lead the Southeast Division.  GO CAPS!!!!

THE WIRK

Unathorized comments on NBA hard salary cap cost Ted Leonsis $100,000

Welcome to the NBA ownership, Ted Leonsis!  It looks like David Stern threw down the hammer when he fined Ted Leonsis $100,000 for his unauthorized comments regarding the NBA's collective bargaining negotiations and allusion to the adoption of a hard salary cap (i.e. similar to the NHL).  For those of you that don't know, Ted Leonsis is a new majority owner for the Washington Wizards, but he has been majority owner of the Washington Capitals for years.  Therefore, he's familiar with the "benefits" of a hard salary cap.

According to Wikipedia, "In June 2005, the NBA's 1999 CBA expired, meaning the League and the players' union had to negotiate a new agreement; in light of the fiasco that was the 2004–05 NHL lockout, the two sides quickly came to an agreement, and ratified a new CBA in July 2005. The new agreement will expire following the 2010–11 season, but the league has the option to extend it through the 2011–12 season if it wishes. If so, the League must exercise its option to extend the agreement by December 15, 2010."

For any of you that can't sleep and want to read the current CBA (i.e. collective bargaining agreement), here's the link:  http://www.nbpa.org/cba/2005

Personally, I have very fond memories of the 1998-1999 NBA season and the associated NBA Lockout...  Ahhhh, yes.  Those were the days :-P

THE WIRK

Fight, Overtime, Hat Trick ~ Capitals defeat the Canadiens in Game 2

On Thursday night, I watched an exciting Montreal Canadiens v Washington Capitals game, that ended with the Caps losing in overtime.  I watched the game on TV and regretted not being in attendance at the Verizon Center.

Determined to not make the same mistake twice, I hustled my way over to the phone booth and sat pretty in section 104 for Game 2 of the series.  If you're a Caps fan and you missed last night's game, you should be ashamed of yourself.  Plain and simple.  You probably even hate yourself right now...

Last night's game in one word, can be summarized with, "UNBELIEVABLE".  Thanks to Metro's delays, I was about 5 mins late to the game.  Yes, I took public transportation.  It's ridiculously convenient to the arena, and the prudent thing to do.  Just my luck due to service delays, by the time my ticket was scanned, Montreal had scored.  The scoreboard read 1-0, and the bad were guys up.  Next thing you knew it was 2-0.  Great.  Jose Theodore was yanked out of the game, and Varlamov was placed in goal.  New goalie, new game...  Finally, still in the 1st period, we got on the board thanks to Eric Fehr, who scored his first goal in the Playoffs.

Time elapsed, the Canadiens caught fire and next thing you knew the Habs were up 4-1. 

With a 3-goal deficit, things weren't looking good for Caps fans, but unlike in basketball games where it appears there's going to be a blowout ~ Caps fans stay.  The entire arena was "Rockin the Red" and no one was going anywhere.

During the game, I was texting scoring updates to my friend in Canada, who couldn't watch the game, since he was at a business dinner.  Each time I'd text him that his Habs had scored, I'd receive the same response, "OMG".  Even he couldn't believe it! 

If you can't beat them, why not fight them, right?!?!  I mean, this is hockey...  So, in the 3rd period, Caps fans were treated to a fight when Tom Poti and Scott Gomez decided to mix it up.  Told you this game had everything for a hockey fan..

Fight ~ the Habs, Scott Gomez and the Caps, Tom Poti

Sure enough, the Caps were able to find their offense and John Carlson scored his first goal of the Playoffs.  Carlson's goal tied the game at 5, and we were heading into OT.

So many stories can be told about Saturday night at the Verizon Center, but the hero of the game was Nicklas Backstrom who notched a hat trick and led the Caps to victory in OT!

Hat Trick!!!

On the way home from the game, I ran into someone I knew on the train.  Actually, the minute I got on the Metro I heard someone yelling my name.  Imagine my surprise to see that it was a guy wearing a mask.  "Mask guy" was creeping people out on the train and drunk from the DC United soccer game.  He couldn't tell me if DC United had won, but needless to say no one bothered me on the train, while he was next to me.  Yes, I have strange friends.

Go Caps!  Game 3 is on Monday in Montreal, at 7PM.

THE WIRK

NBA and NHL Playoffs ~ Go Cavs, Win Game 1! Go Caps ~ Win Game 2!

I am watching the Cleveland Cavs whip up on the Chicago Bulls on TV, and trying to resist the urge to take a nap this gorgeous Saturday afternoon.  Somewhere admidst my boredom, I started to think about my plans for tonight and remembered that Game 2 of the Washington Capitals v Montreal Canadiens series is tonight at 7 at the Verizon Center.  The Caps dropped game 1 in overtime, so tonight's match-up is expected to be a good one.  Soooooo, began the hunt for the perfect ticket.

After looking at Ticketmaster and striking out, I went to my favorite ticket broker site.  I wanted to see where those sharks priced the tickets in their inventory, since they're usually the highest once you add fees, etc.  Then I went to Craigs list to see where those folks had priced tickets, but they didn't have a lot of inventory available and the idea of meeting a complete freak, who knew I was carrying cash, this afternoon wasn't appealing.  Ebay is always fun to look at, but there was one guy out in Springfield who wanted a price, that I could get outside the arena tonight ~ so a trip to Springfield was out of the question.  My last and final stop was the Capitals Ticket Exchange, where season ticket holders list their "extras", and I found a ticket listed for a more than reasonable price.

I have a friend who's a Habs fan, and as soon as the game went into overtime we bet about the outcome of Game 1.  The loser owed the winner a trip to Vegas.  Unfortunately the Caps and I lost.  Fortunately, my friend couldn't accept the bet and offered me the trip to Vegas anyway!  Woohoo ~ I won after all!!!  Told you I was lucky.  We'll see if the trip actually pans out, but regardless at least I'm off the hook without having to weasel my way out (i.e. I'll never explicitly renege on a bet).

Anyway, I'm all set for tonight's hockey game, so I'll see you at the phone booth.  Oh ~ and I'll be sporting my "new"  Ovechkin jersey.  This is going to be a good one!

By the way, if I had to guess about the scalper prices to night, here's what I think.  A pair of lowers will run about $250/$300 and you'll be able to score a pair of uppers for $150/$200.  Those are just my guesses, based on what I've seen.  It is the playoffs after all.  ****  As a rule, I'd never agree to paly a price that's not a multiple of $20.  Why?  Everyone knows that ATMs don't give out $10s, so it's pointless.  Therefore, why stress about finding $10, when the scalper may even be pressed to give you change?  Do everything in increments of $20. 

Let's go Caps!!!

Ugh - in the amount of time it took me to type this, the Bulls have cut the Cavs lead to 7 points.  Time to re-focus my energy towards Cleveland.  Don't get me wrong.  I'm not scared, but seriously...


THE WIRK

The NBA Playoff schedule is out and NHL Playoffs are underway ~ Let's go Cavs and Caps!!!

Basketball:

The NBA playoff schedule has been released, and I've been looking at my frequent flier mile balances and proposing multi-city trips trying to make the most out of each and every trip (i.e. trying to combine baseball and basketball).  If I'm heading West, I want the trip to be worth it.  The only issue, is that I'm not sure when I have to start traveling for work.  Soooooooooo, West coast friends should expect to hear from me in the next couple of days as I attempt to hash out a schedule that makes sense, physically and financially. 

Plus, let's put this into perspective ~ this is only the first round.

I took a quick look and here are my predictions for the NBA playoff 1st round match-ups :

Lets's start with the East:

(1) Cleveland Cavaliers (61-21)  <--- Advances (i.e Go Cavs!!!)
(8) Chicago Bulls (41-41)

(2) Orlando Magic (59-23) <--- Advances (i.e.  I predict a Magic sweep)
(7) Charlotte Bobcats (44-38)

(3) Atlanta Hawks (53-29)  <--- Advances (i.e. Coach Woodson's Hawks are exciting to watch)
(6) Milwaukee Bucks (46-36)

(4) Boston Celtics (50-32)
(5) Miami Heat (47-35) <--- Advances (i.e. I can't in good conscience pick the Celtics and even Doc doesn't want to think about the future)

And, now for the West:

(1) Los Angeles Lakers (57-25)  <--- Advances (i.e. going to be exciting with Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant)
(8) Oklahoma City Thunder (50-32)

(2) Dallas Mavericks (55-27) <--- Advances (i.e. I'm so tired of watching the Spurs play sleepy basketball)
(7) San Antonio Spurs (50-32)

(3) Phoenix Suns (54-28) <--- Advances (i.e. Portland isn't healthy enough squad to compete with the hot Suns)
(6) Portland Trailblazers (50-32)

(4) Denver Nuggets (53-29) <--- Advances (i.e. going to be a fight, might even go to 7)
(5) Utah Jazz (53-29)

The road to the NBA Finals should go through Cleveland.  Check out the following video, to get a taste for what to expect if you want to come out and see the Cavs play in the finals.



****  On another note, what in the world is going on in Chicago with John Paxson and Vinny Del Negro?!?!http://sports.espn.go.com/chicago/nba/news/story?id=5086856

Hockey:

The Caps are kicking off the NHL playoffs.  Game 1 is tonight at the Verizon Center today @ 7PM.  Game 2 is on Saturday (i.e. same time, same place).  They're taking on the Montreal Canadiens.  I have a few friends that are Habs fans, but I think those guys are going to be disappointed.  I've been to the Bell Centre and seen how passionate the Habs fans are about their winning team, but I look for the Washington Capitals to advance.

Nice, but the Caps are going to advance

Incidentally, I just took a poll on the Caps website and it looks like I'm not the only one.  Here is the question and the poll results.

Question:  Who will win the series between the Capitals and the Canadiens?

Caps in 4 or 5 = 56.67%
Habs in 4 or 5 = 5.67%
Caps in 6 or 7 - 24.6%
Habs in 6 or 7 = 13.06%

A while ago, I was watching Washington Post Live and listening to Mike Wise talk about Washington Capitals' fans and their expectations with regard to the postseason.  If I remember correctly, his point was that Caps fans are expecting too much by "expecting" to see the Caps win the Stanley Cup.  I respect his opinion, but disagree.  I believe, that when you are so close to the championship and it appears you're stronger than the previous year, winning it ALL is not an unrealistic expectation.  Let's go Caps!  Go get that Stanley Cup and bring it back to DC.


THE WIRK

My cousin's wedding kept me away, but it's Game ON now for hockey and basketball

OK - so it's been a while since I posted, but it's only because I've been completely consumed with family stuff.  My cousin, Nick, got maried in NJ over the weekend, and between the rehearsal dinner, wedding, and travel time ~ I've basically managed to miss EVERYTHING in the world of sports.

Welcome to the family, Ging

Friday, I was invited to San Antonio to go see the Cleveland Cavaliers v San Antonio Spurs game with friends as part of one of my best friend's birthday festivities.  I couldn't make the trip because I wanted to attend a rehearsal dinner in NJ.  I've seen the Spurs play at home back in Jan 2009 (i.e. work had brought me out there for meetings).  I hope my friends had a blast on Friday. Unfortunately, the Cavs lost to the Spurs 102-97.  HAPPY BIRTHDAY, CHUBS!

Silvia and Doug (aka Chubs), San Antonio ~ Jan 2009

 Spurs game w/a fellow sportsfan, while in San Antonio ~ Jan 2009

One of the decorated "outhouses" on display in front of the Spurs' arena ~ Jan 2009

Saturday there were college basketball games, and I think I saw about 2 minutes of the last one ~ but I cannot tell you what I saw because I was so disinterested. 

No sports this Saturday, I'm watching a wedding

On Sunday afternoon when I was driving home from Jersey, I learned that Duke had beaten Baylor (i.e. thanks to a text message from my brother).  Other than that, I have no idea what happened in the world of sports.  I do know, that the  Duke v WVU game is the 2nd game of Saturday's final four match-up, and I want to go to Indianapolis to see it.  I looked at flights and right now, that's my only "hiccup".  I've been to the Final Four and seen Lucas Oil Stadium, so I can't figure out if I'm really interested or just being restless.  It would be fun to see some of my family friends though, and I do like Indy, so...

I ended up meeting some friends Sunday night and a few of the Capitals were out (i.e. Green, Knuble, Perrault, and Backstrom).  Unfortunately, they'd lost to Calgary earlier in the day.  The Caps posed for pictures and may have been out to support a fundraiser to support The Arlington Food Assistance Center.

In a perfect world, this will be my sports schedule for the week:
Tuesday - Ottawa Senators v Washington Caps, in DC or Oklahoma City Thunder v Philadelphia Sixers, in Philly
Wednesday - Milwaukee Bucks v Cleveland Cavs, in Cleveland
Saturday - NCAA Final Four games, in Indianapolis

How much of this schedule will actually be realized is still up in the air.  Then again, anything is possible. Everything will most likely be a last minute decision.  I'm exhausted from last week's adventures and I'm trying to pick and choose my adventures carefully since I'm not sure yet, how much I owe the tax man this year.  ****Mental note, I must call my accountant tomorrow. 

I'm racking my brain for sports topics that are relevant and interesting and I'm drawing a complete blank, so until next time...

I don't want to put up wedding pics, since that's not really the function of this blog, so here's a pic of me with Penny Hardaway (i.e. Anfernee Hardaway, a Memphis alumnus) at the Final Four in 2008.  Part of the fun of being at events like the Final Four is running into NBA players who are out there supporting their alma maters.  With Duke, Michigan State, Butler, and WVU in the running this year ~ there should be a good number of former players in the crowd, so if you're a basketball fan, keep your eyes open.

Penny Hardaway was in San Antonio rooting for his Tigers ~ Feb 2008

****  Updated November 23, 2010:  Someone keeps doing a Google search on "Penny Hardaway girlfriend" and this post and image come up in the search.  For the record ~ No, I am not and was never his girlfriend.  I just ran into the guy in San Antonio.

THE WIRK

Monday night was a bad night to mess with Texas ~ Caps lose in a shootout

Monday night, I went to watch the Dallas Stars take on the Washington Capitals.  Perched nicely in a seat in front of the Jonny Walker suites, I watched most of the beginning of the game.  During the National Anthem, some folks in the crowd sheepishly yelled "Stars" at the point of "broad stripes and bright stars", but it was no where near as forceful as the "Red" in the "rockets red glare".  This is DC after all, and Caps' fans rock the red in the phone booth to support their team.

I watched the first 2 periods of the game and sipped pinot grigio, while I took in the scene.  It was a warmer day, and I wanted something crisp to relax.  The game started off like it usually does ~ Caps in the lead and by the end of the 2nd period the Caps were up on the Stars 2-0.  Ovechkin had two of the goals to end his 6 game scoring slump.

The Mites took the ice, and I started talking with the guy next to me about the kid "Hunter" on the ice who abused the smaller, goalie at Saturday's game.  That poor lil goalie (#1) gave up 3 goals that Saturday...  The guy I was talking about made a comment that I may be going to too many games.  Ummm ~ I think he may be correct...  I know the names of the Mites?!?!  I night need a break...

Anyway, the 3rd period started and my friend wanted to introduce me to someone.  So there I was chatting it up and networking and before you knew it, the Stars scored.  Ok - no biggie...  Caps were still up 2-1.  I continued to yap.  Blah blah this, blah blah that...  Wait - the Stars scored AGAIN?!?!  Um, ok...  I thought to myself and told my friend that overtime could be fun and shootouts are even more fun!  He'd never seen a shootout before.  ***I was fortunate enough to witness a shootout at my very first hockey game about 2 years ago, and the Caps were victorious that night.

So there we were, tied at 2 in the 3rd period.  Next thing you knew Dallas scored and took the lead.  What?!?!  That wasn't supposed to happen.  Late in the 3rd period, Ovechkin netted his 2nd goal of the night and we were tied.  I look at the clock and prayed that we go into overtime, tied at 3.  I hate when good games end.  There wasn't much time left and I watched the clock go to zero.

Overtime.  Nothing happened, sooooooo ~ we moved to a shootout.  Conversation more or less ceased in our suite.  Everyone had their eyes on the ice.  It was our 5 guys verses their 5 guys.  Backstrom was the 2nd Cap to shoot and he scored!  The crowd went wild.  Unfortunately, 2 of their guys scored, and the Stars claimed the victory.

Richards' response to Backstrom's goal was to score his own

Exciting game, but with an undesirable outcome for Caps fans!  Stars beat the Caps, and the final score was 4-3.  Last night was not the night to "Mess with Texas"...

Oh well, on a lighter note after the game, I met the Capstronaut.

That's all for now... Oh, and if you want your own costume ~ here you go...


THE WIRK

Optionit.com ~ A "new" player in the ticket game

While on the concourse on Saturday night for the Capitals game, I picked up a business card.  I never started carrying my business cards, but lately I've been going to a lot of events and I need to exchange information about TheWirk.com with people.  I'm not much into flyers etc., but a business card is beautiful because I can just put it in my purse easily.

Last night I was going through my cards and found the card from the hockey game.  The cards is for http://www.optionit.com/ ~ and I decided to check it out.  This site is for people to purchase an option to buy a seat for an event (e.g. playoffs or regular season) and then have the ability to purchase the ticket at face value.  For example, the Penguins are back in town on 3/24 and you want to go to the game.  You can purchase the option to buy 2 upper level seats (i.e. YUCK, EWWWWWW, GROSS) for $34 and then exercise your option to buy the 2 seats for an additional $150. "Aftermarket" transactions on the website will incur a 17% fee; the buyer is charged 7% of the option price, and the seller is charged 10% of the purchase price (i.e. Stubhub.com charges 15%).  If you purchase your option and decide to sell it, you can do so immediately on the OptionIt Aftermarket. However, in order to exercise your option, you can do so when the "exercise window" opens (your ability to do either ends when the "exercise window" closes). The "exercise window" is displayed on the screen when purchasing your option.

One drawback of this site is that it doesn't list the specific section or row that your ticket will be located in.  This can be tricky for picky consumers like me that are determined to sit in a particular section.  I like that you have a chance to get the tickets at face value.  However, for big ticket events, I can see myself trying to take advantage of the market demand and buying numerous options and either selling the options or exercising the options and re-selling the tickets at a higher price to make my money back and profit.  Most people hate the secondary market for tickets, but I love it.  You have to know the value of the ticket you want or that you have in order to get the best price.

Admittedly, Optionit.com might confuse some consumers...  I don't think you need a finance degree to figure it out though.  Personally, I like the idea that I can lock into Stanley Cup tickets (i.e. if/when the Capitals make it).  The question is, whether I'm willing to pay the $1000 option price.  Further, for those people that travel for work, it can be tricky to plan that far out in advance.  In addition, venue, teams, date and TV times change and aren't set usually until the end of the season.  At any rate, gamblers and investors might like the site due to the financial logic behind it and the ability to purchase an option to get your ticket at "face value"... 
Optionit.com works with your major credit card and paypal.

Ugh ~ I wish I'd thought of this myself...  BRILLIANT.  My only question is where they get their inventory...  My guess is through the teams themselves who have to release tickets based on league policies.  I need to snag one of those contracts :-P


THE WIRK

Caps, Caps, Caps! ~ What a great couple of games and nights out!

The Caps are back at the Verizon Center and are perfect since the Olympic break.  Thursday night, I was lucky enough to take in the Caps game v the Tampa Bay Lightning in one of the Lexus suites thanks to my friend with another technology company.  There was an event, and I met a great group of guys.  Caps beat the Lightning and it was a great warm-up for a fun night out with new friends. 

That was Thursday...

----------------

Yesterday, I caught the OT period of the (10) WVU and (9) Villanova game.  Great game and WVU pulled off the upset.

Last night, I had another suite ticket thanks to a friend and took in the Caps v Rangers game.  Who doesn't like a free ticket?  It was the Caps 46th consecutive sell-out game and almost everyone at the Verizon Center was "Rocking the Red".  If you haven't been to a Caps game yet, what are you waiting for?

I'd been in this suite before, thanks to my friend, Amy so I thought I knew what to expect.  Wow,  Was I wrong...

The suite is located near the Dunkin Donuts on the concourse, and my sweet tooth was craving some sugar.  I left the suite to pick up a couple of donuts and a large iced coffee.  Sure enough, within 2 minutes, I was joined by about 7 police officers who told me that, "Cops don't eat donuts," as they patiently waited in line.  They were funny.  I told my friend about it, and she said I should've snapped a picture for the blog.  Shoot ~ she was right?!!?  Oh well.  Opportunity missed, but something tells me I'll have the chance to do it again.

Amy and I started out watching the game in a great suite.  In the 1st period, Eric Fehr put the Caps up 1-0.  Fantastic.  I'm a fan of Fehrzy so that's great.  Belanger scored the 2nd goal ~ and that's great news for him, since he's a new addition to the team.  Both goals by an "Eric"...

It was a physical game

I never really pay attention to the entertainment between the periods, but this time I watched the Mites play.  The Mites are the little kids that take the ice and play "lil hockey".  They're adorable.  One thing that I couldn't help but notice was that the lil goalie had leg pads that were almost as big as him!  So cute.  Poor lil guy got worked for a hat trick though, by some other kid.  I know the kid's name, but am not going to mention it here because he's a kid.

Just adorable!!!

Right before the 3rd period, I could heard Amy's name being called in the suite.  Next thing you know I was told to grab my purse because we were moving down to right behind the goal on the glass!!!  What?!?!  That's right, our sweet, suite seats were being UPGRADED to RIGHT BEHIND THE GOAL, ON THE GLASS!!!

Check out the view from the new seats. 

Jose Theodore was perfect

The Caps won the game, 2-0.  I was thrilled to have such a great fan experience, I actually bought an Ovechkin jersey, while walking along the concourse.  This is the first jersey I've ever purchased.  Do you have a Caps jersey yet?  I guess I've officially jumped on the Caps' bandwagon now ~ but I have to admit, that the Caps are definitely the best show in town!!!  Thank you, Caps!  What a great night out!!!

Thank you, Amy!

After the hockey game, we went out to see some friends, and I noticed that Duke was killing UNC at home.  The final score was Duke 82, UNC 50.  WOW.  Here's an exchange I had last night, that still makes me laugh today.  What a tough year, for Roy Williams, the Tarheels, Tarheel fans and the ACC...  Ouch.

Me: Wow. Duke is killing UNC?

Friend: Don't watch that. UNC is going to the NIT.

Me: UNC should head to the YMCA instead...

Oh - one more thing... While I was out, I ran into a familiar face.  "You look like a girl I've known since I was 6 years old," I said to her.  As it turns out, she was/is a girl I've known since 2nd grade.  Moral of the story ~ If you're out there, I will find you!  I pay attention to people and I rarely forget a face.  It doesn't matter if I haven't seen you in a year or years, if I consider you a friend or family, I'll find you in a crowd...

Next week, is going to be a great week.  The Dallas Stars take on the Caps on Monday, and it looks like I'm heading to check out that game out also...  There's basketball and another concert on the schedule for me...  Conference tourneys begin...  Gotta keep it moving...


THE WIRK

Quick bullets: Jay-Z's concert, Basketball (Cavs, Maryland, Kansas), and Hockey (Caps)

Music

Last night, Jay-Z rocked!  Hot show...  Seats were fantastic ~ Row F (less than 6 rows from the stage) on the floor!!!

Trey Songz opened ~ say, "Ahh"

Jay-Z

Young Jeezy ~ Rep'd his city, the ATL

Basketball

• Cavs won.  They beat the Nets.  That's 5 wins in a row. 
• Incidentally, I saw that the Cavs are trying to woo Zydrunas by visiting him in NYC.  I think I've neglected to mention that he's sensitive and tends to hold grudges.  I'm not saying that he won't return to Cleveland.  I'm 99.99999% he'll return to Cleveland, because ultimately, I believe he sees the big picture and wants a NBA Championship.  Yes, I'm not 100% ~ so yes, there's always a chance I'm wrong.  I'm just saying, I understand that he didn't appreciate being dealt in the first place.  
• Update, from David Aldridge:  http://www.nba.com/2010/news/03/04/ilgauskas.cavs/index.html?ls=iref:nbahpt2
• Further, with Shaq's thumb injury I only have one word for the Cavs GM, and it's "Karma".
• (23) Maryland beat (4) Duke.  Normally this is a great match-up, and I'd be at the Comcast Center.  This year, I couldn't have cared less.  I've been in College Park when the Terps have upset the Blue Devils.  For those of you in the building, I'm sure you were thrilled.  However, the rest of the college basketball world (i.e. who recognize that the ACC is weak) would have preferred to watch (2) Kansas play (5) Kansas State.  In case you've been living under a rock, I'll tell you that Kansas won by 17. 
• Tip: ESPN 360 has regional programming.  If you're trying to bypass the regional restrictions, you need to Google the codes or try to connect to someone else's feed (e.g. http://www.just.tv/ or http://www/channelsurfing.net).
• Here's a picture from last year's Duke v Maryland game at the Comcast Center.

Duke v Maryland @ Comcast Center, Feb 2009 ~ Zoubek's jersey is ripped so he had to change it

Hockey

• 
  
  Tonight, the Caps return to the Verizon Center in their first home game since the Olympic break.  Should be a great game as they take on the Tampa Bay Lightning.  I can't wait to get there to take in all the action!
• 
  
  Yesterday, the Caps beat the Sabres in Buffalo.  The score was 3-1.  I'm actually a little curious to see what sort of ovation Ryan Miller received from the crowd after his strong Olympic performance.
• 
  
  Here's a story for you...  I was working in Montreal last year and shared the hotel elevator with the a few of the Tampa Bay Lightning players (i.e. who were in town to play the Canadiens).  I recognized the Lightning players from the logo on their travel bags, and I was trying to think of a way to make small talk after I heard them briefly talking.  This is the moronic phrase that came out of my mouth, "Oh - Tampa Bay, so that's why your English is so good."
• 
  
  Seriously?!?!?  How stupid was that?!?!  So much for small talk.  Sure, they didn't have strong Quebecois French accents, but it's not like the guys are from Tampa Bay...  Wow...  Lucky for me, the elevator ride was short and they were kind enough to just politely smile at me.

I have to keep it moving, so that's all I have (for now).

THE WIRK

It's tough to be a Celtics or Hornets fan right now ~ Go Cavs, Go Caps, Go Colts!!!

Basketball

1. Wouldn't be surprised if Paul Pierce sits out a few games.  Might as well rest the foot/ankle, until after All-Star break.

Paul Pierce walking off the court after hitting the deck

2. Ray Allen to be traded?  I think it's a mistake. I like Ray Allen as a Celtic and his 3 point prowess...  He's the Celtics version of John Starks...  I like his 3P%age (about 33 percent) and his 15 PPG.  Admittedly, I'm not a GM so I have no idea what he's making.

What uniform do you see Ray Allen wearing?

3. Would hate to be a Celtics fan right now, with all these headaches and KG back in the game.
4. Celtics don't scare Cavs fans!
5. Boobie Gibson is getting it done in Cleveland!  Cavs won 9 is a row last night as they beat Memphis.  I'm going to have to look for my "Got Boobie" T-shirt...
6. Incidentally I was playing on Twitter and saw NBATVChris (aka Chris Webber) ask if anyone thought Memphis was going to beat the Cavs last night... I tweeted back that there would be no upset in Cleveland and that the Cavs would win.  Chris, I was right!
7.  Chris Paul to have surgery.  That's really unfortunate for him and the NO Hornets, who currently are in the 9th spot in the West.  Sorry Hornets fans...  There's room for you on the Cavs bandwagon...  We'll welcome you with open arms.  Hornets don't scare Cavs fans either!
8.  NBA-All Star next weekend in Dallas ~ I need to start planning my trip!!!

Hockey
1. Capitals have won 11 in a row, but I won't be able to check them out until March.  They're away A LOT this month and I'm headed to the Super Bowl this weekend.
2. The Caps should beat the Rangers easily on Thursday night ~ just a hunch...
3. Whoever is in charge of setting NHL hockey schedule needs to get fired.  Why would you have the Capitals play the Penguins on Super Bowl Sunday?!?!  It makes no sense and at a minimum completely inconveniences ME, since I would've liked to have been there in-person to see the match-up at the Verizon Center!  Seriously, the first time these 2 teams met this year (last month), they were up against the Lakers v the Cavs in Cleveland.  I remember that, because I was in Cleveland watching LeBron et al ball...  I have no idea what cave the NHL schedulers are hanging out in ~ but I hope they get their acts together and position the marquee matchups better next year.

NHL Playoffs, Penguins v Caps, May 2009

Football
1. Dwight Freeney will play.  He has to...  It's the Super Bowl.  GO COLTS!!!

Other
1.  Still looking at logos for TheWirk.com.  I've seen so many mock-ups, that I've got a headache...

Alright, I'm done ~ I need to head to the airport "soon"...  Miami here I come...

THE WIRK