Powerplay Point Podcast

Show #9: Playoff Push

Happy Spring to all...and springtime naturally makes us all think of....HOCKEY!  Okay well maybe not.  But it is almost time for the playoffs, where the NHL's best will shine.  Hopefully the Caps will be among them.  We also go over the current standings and discuss the major trades that took place in last week's trade deadline.  We'll also talk about what the Caps have done right so far...and what they haven't done so well.  Finally in the third period we will go over the history of the Hart Memorial Trophy.

Show #8

OK, let's try this again....We are back.  So it's been a rough road so far, but we're getting there.  In the first period we will discuss why the need to getting off to a fast start has turned out to  be a myth for most teams. (Except Chicago)  In the second period, we discuss the Caps' situation and why, despite how the standings currently look, there are brighter days ahead for both the team and its Captain.  Finally in the third period, the WABAC machine is brought out of moth balls as we travel back to talk about a goalie with an unusual distinction who just happens to have a connection to my hometown of Baltimore.  BTW, that would be the home of the CURRENT Super Bowl Champs, baby!

Show #7

It's Memorial Day weekend so we remember the season (and playoffs) that was for the Caps. We'll also recap the first three rounds of the playoffs and see how the predictions turned out. In our second period, we go over what changes await our Capitals this coming offseason. And finally in our third period, we go back in time to one of the greatest games in Washington Capitals history. That's right--Game 7 of the 1988 Patrick Division Semifinal against the Flyers. You know the story, and if you don't...well, it features a certain former Caps coach as the hero.

Show #6

Happy Easter!  We start the show with a special message on behalf of a worthy cause for the month of April.  In our first period, we go over why it is lately that a certain team has created such hatred.  We'll also cover the first round playoff matchups in both the East and West and give predictions.  In our second period we'll talk about the Capitals' drive to the playoffs and give an honest assessment of their chances in their Conference Quarterfinal matchup against the Bruins. Finally in our third period we go back 25 years to one of the most exciting (and longest) games ever played--the Easter Epic.  If you've never heard about it or seen the game or even if you have,  don't miss this retelling of the story.

Show #5

Our fifth show will ReCap the (ahem) doings at the Trade Deadline.   The we go into the Caps struggles and how they can still get into the playoffs despite their recent lackluster play.  Finally, we jump back in time to celebrate the contributions of Blacks in ice hockey.  Our focus is on Willie O'Ree, but discuss the rich tradition and history of other players of color that have contributed. Stay tuned for a bit of OT on this subject after the end of the third--my thoughts on what it truly means to overcome racism.  Special thanks once again to Dr. Garth Vaughan, Mike Walsh, and Joe Pelletier for their awesome websites which helped a lot.

Show #4

Sorry this one's a bit late...in this month's show we go over the recent goings-on at this year's All-Star game, including a self imposed snub by our very own Captain.  Also, there's some discussion of a snub of a different kind--the Tim Thomas White House snub.  There's also a Caps' mid-season report including a rating of the best forward and defenseman on the Caps so far this season.  To close, we have our version of the WABAC machine.  This show we go back in time to the very first All Star game ever, which was created out of tragedy.  But don't worry, we end the show a much lighter note--my favorite All Star game story.  Special thanks and much love to Walter Stewart III of Walteeze productions for lending his music to the show.  The track is called No Matter What (Imma Push to the Limit) and is featured in the 2nd period.

Show# 3

In the third show, we'll discuss all the changes behind the bench--both around the league and with our Capitals.  We will also take a look at the new realignment plan for next year.  Finally, our historical segment will take us all the way back to the game's outdoor origins in light of the upcoming Winter Classic in Philadelphia.

Show #2

In my second show we'll talk about Sidney Crosby's long-awaited return to action.  There's also some strong words about a controversial hit that went unpunished last week.  In related news, the NHLPA has decided to be more proactive in concussion prevention and treatment and I mention how courtesy of an article I saw in the Hockey News, the Bible of hockey. The second period--what's wrong with the Capitals?  I'll tell you what and give my thoughts on possible solutions.  You might be surprised. Finally there's our history period and for this show I discuss another goalie, Johnny Bower.  He just celebrated his 87th birthday and still has a lot to teach us about the game.  It might just help Alex Ovechkin improve his game! Thanks for listening!

Show #1