Yesterday, Tony Kornheiser had Washington Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau on his radio show from 10:15 am - 10:25 am, just before the coach took the ice for his team's 10:30 am practice at Kettler Capitals Iceplex for their last serious practice before Game One of their first round match against the New York Rangers.
Mr. Tony talked to Boudreau about everything -- and anything -- but hockey. And he prefaced the interview that way.
Both sports talk radio stations had crews out at Kettler yesterday, as they do most days. And there are a couple of folks in there that really know their stuff. I've appeared with Sky Kerstein on The Fan's HD channel to talk pucks and he has a weekly show Sunday mornings as well, just as one fine example.
But ESPN980 and 106.7 The Fan also sent their "sports" talk personalities out there and from one observer's recount, the jokes and questions being lobbed at the Caps players and coaches were of the variety that were more appropriate for Super Bowl media day, a media created and driven circus so everyone can get their cut of the pie.
But ESPN980 and 106.7 The Fan also sent their "sports" talk personalities out there and from one observer's recount, the jokes and questions being lobbed at the Caps players and coaches were of the variety that were more appropriate for Super Bowl media day, a media created and driven circus so everyone can get their cut of the pie.
Mike Wise, who actually wrote a pretty good column today on the Caps acquisition of Jason Arnott (even if independent media beat him to it several weeks ago), started his interview with Boudreau by asking if the Caps don't advance past the first round is his job on the line? The first freaking question!
Not to pick on The Washington Post, because beat writer Katie Carrera and former beat writer-turned-sometimes opinion writer Tarik El-Bashir do a good job with their responsibilities. But the Post columnists, the ones that are supposed to add context and critique to the local world of sports, have written a grand total of eight Caps columns since the Winter Classic, compared to 28 about the Redskins and the NFL, 23 about the Nationals and over 30 about college sports (local and national). Shoot, they've written 13 columns about the lousy Wizards!
How's that for depth of coverage?
Talk of the Caps has driven the local sports broadcasts the last couple of nights. And why not, since no one is paying attention to the NFL draft because of the lockout? Might as well latch on to the next best story.
Not to pick on The Washington Post, because beat writer Katie Carrera and former beat writer-turned-sometimes opinion writer Tarik El-Bashir do a good job with their responsibilities. But the Post columnists, the ones that are supposed to add context and critique to the local world of sports, have written a grand total of eight Caps columns since the Winter Classic, compared to 28 about the Redskins and the NFL, 23 about the Nationals and over 30 about college sports (local and national). Shoot, they've written 13 columns about the lousy Wizards!
How's that for depth of coverage?
Talk of the Caps has driven the local sports broadcasts the last couple of nights. And why not, since no one is paying attention to the NFL draft because of the lockout? Might as well latch on to the next best story.
It just so happens that next best story is the best team in town. You know, the one with the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference, the four-time consecutive Southeast Division Champion banners, the best active player on the planet and the winningest regular season record since their head coach took over in the league?
The very same.
All these people know about is choking, goalie controversies (hey, it works for backup quarterbacks!), job security, and funny commercials. They wouldn't know Matt Hendricks if he walked down the street and kicked their dog. Not that Hendy would kick anyone's dog.
But they're all here, latching on to the only perennial playoff team in town, at the only time of the year they bother covering them. Choking? That's all they know of the Caps cause it's the only time they pay attention to them.
And they'll all be up in the press box, jamming up the locker room post-game, and asking more silly questions out at Kettler the rest of the week.
And they'll all be up in the press box, jamming up the locker room post-game, and asking more silly questions out at Kettler the rest of the week.
Am I bitter? I suppose. In the interest of full disclosure, I was denied a press credential for the playoffs, as were many of the independent media (or given drastically reduced access) that cover this team on a daily basis, not just during the playoffs or even regular season, but year 'round. They produce quality, professional, responsible and very often insightful, informative and philanthropic, and yes, sometimes funny copy.
I never assume access. I understand the limit of granting access to independent media. The press box is only so big and if the "pros" need the space, it's perfectly understandable.
I never assume access. I understand the limit of granting access to independent media. The press box is only so big and if the "pros" need the space, it's perfectly understandable.
But am I disappointed that the access I've had for three-plus seasons, including previous playoffs, was taken away so that media that aren't involved with this team on a daily basis can be part of the party?
Hell yes, I'm disappointed.
They ignore this team all season long and jump on the bandwagon when it suits them. And they'll jump off as soon as the next news cycle comes along. They don't respect their audience because they don't respect or understand the game. It's just a story to them.
But we'll still be here. Win or lose. Triumph or disaster.
But we'll still be here. Win or lose. Triumph or disaster.
I understand them jumping on the bandwagon. Playoffs sell. Controversy sells even more. And until the Caps win the Stanley Cup, they will be the biggest playoff controversy: regular season winners and playoff chokers. The coach -- and franchise -- that can't win the big one. That sells copy and drives ratings, maybe even more than winning.
Let's just hope they don't get to write that story this season.
