Wednesday, October 03, 2018

Opening Night Mailbag

What, you thought because Washington won the Stanley Cup that I wouldn't have enough material for an Opening Night Mailbag?  Now that the Caps wink in the face of playoff despair, that my readers wouldn't have questions?  Oh, they have questions.  And, as usual, I have something resembling answers.  Let's open up the mailbag so I can answer some questions submitted by actual That's No Moon readers.

Hi Bryan,
Are you still sitting on a giant pile of those "In Trotz We Trust" bumper stickers?
- Red Rocker in Reston

Yeah, Rocker, I've got a bunch left.  Know any good charities that can use irrelevant bumper stickers?  Maybe have a friend on Long Island who would trade me for some "Totally Tavares" t-shirts he no longer needs?  Perhaps I was too hasty in placing my reorder during the euphoria of a Cup victory.  Barry Trotz's departure was part expected, part a shame.  Of course, Todd Reirden can make Trotz's absence an afterthought if the Caps get out of the gate quickly.  He seems to have the ear of the players which has proven difficult at times with this group.  I think Todd is up to the task. According to UPS Tracking, my "Ridin' with Reirden" stickers should be on my doorstep by puck drop tonight.

Good Morning Mr. Moon,
What are we going to do with Tom Wilson?
- Troubled in Tenleytown

Well Troubled, the first thing we are going to do is watch the endless camera shots of him sitting in the press box for at least the first ten games of the season.  Once Tommy Knuckles returns, I hope Reirden assigns an assistant coach to blow a tranquilizer dart in Wilson's neck every time he spies an opponent with his head down.   The bottom line is the Caps need Wilson's edge, but also his burgeoning skill as  the top line wing.  Wilson must figure out the right way to avoid League scrutiny (whether we like where the game is headed or not).  It reminds me of 2010 when Alex Ovechkin got suspended for destroying Brian Campbell.  We wondered then if a neutered Ovi  could succeed.  I think he adjusted alright, don't you?

Hey B,
How do you feel about Sidney Crosby weighing in on Wilson's antics?
-Giddy in Gambrills

Hey Giddy.  Like I feel about anything regarding Crosby, it makes me feel gross and in need of a shower.  That guy delivers more dirty slashes than a horror movie villain yet thinks we care about his opinion on a guy's intent to injure.  But, like it or lump it (Man, I hate when he says that.), he is considered an elder statesman and caretaker of the game.  His opinion, especially regarding head injuries, will always be sought.

Yo Hockey Blogger Guy,
How many times have you watched the replay of Ovi lifting the Cup?
-Cupstanding in Clarksburg

Yo Cupstanding!  A lot. Many. North of a gazillion. But probably fewer times than T.J Oshie has been asked to drink a beer through his shirt.

That's No Moon, 
What was the most unlikely, surprising thing you witnessed in the aftermath of the Cup win?
-Still Drunk in Stevensville

A) Time to sober up, we need you for the new season.
B) Most surprising? Easiest answer of the day:  Emotion from Nicklas Backstrom.

Bryan, will you finally get off my ass now?
-Ted in Ballston

Done and done, sir.

Hello Bryan, 
After reaching the mountaintop, can these guys stay hungry for a title defense?
-Wondering in Warrenton

Good question, Wondering. Looks like DSP stayed hungry all summer, amiright?

Dear Mr. Hailey, 
Did you happen to see that photo of GM Brian MacLellan cutting loose and celebrating this summer? I'll hang up and listen.
-Hyped in Howard County

Hey Hyped. I did see it. It was glorious. That guy can really kick back. I'll post the photo here for those that did not catch it.

Bryan, are you a fan of the growing use of analytics to evaluate players?
-ALLCAPS IN ALEXANDRIA

Yes, ALLCAPS, I am. As long as it is only one aspect used to determine a player's value.  Interesting to see the latest statistical measurement added to Capital score sheets this season: B.A.C.

Hey Beezer,
Please help me. Something strange is happening to me. Hockey season is approaching and I feel...good. My lips are trying to involuntarily curl upward into- oh, what do they call it- a smile.  Looking at my Caps gear fills me not with a feeling of dread, but instead a warm positivity.  WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME?
-Kevin in Indiana

Nothing, brother. Enjoy it.

And that closes up the Opening Night Mailbag.  Enjoy the game, the banner, the beginning of a title defense.

#LetsGoCaps
#RockTheRed
#ALLCAPS



No comments: