Holy Smokes, Caps

So the Washington Capitals have won 11 in a row. They have lost just two games in 2009 2010. They now have the most points in all of the NHL. 

This is arguably the most exciting thing to happen to the Washington sports scene since baseball returned to the city. And in terms of on-the-field accomplishments, it's the best thing since the Redskins won the Super Bowl. (One could make an argument that George Mason making the Final Four was right up there. But I refuse to believe that really happened.)

These types of streaks are immensely exciting, because the enthusiasm and interest just builds and builds to a point where even the most oblivious people in society start to take notice. 

Dan Steinberg of the Post noted today that Tuesday night's game garnered a 3.4 rating in the D.C. area, representing about 76,000 households. It was the second highest-rated game ever, behind the Pittsburgh game a couple weeks ago. Three of the four highest-rated Caps games on Comcast SportsNet have been in the last two weeks.

The local ratings record will surely be shattered this Sunday. Rather than watch a bunch of meatheads analyze the living heck out the Super Bowl, how about tuning in to NBC at noon to watch the Caps take on the Penguins? It's a game that, under normal circumstances, would warrant great interest. But the Caps could be going for their 14th straight win. And who holds the NHL record for the most wins in a row? The Pittsburgh Penguins.Factor in the fact that it's on national television, on Super Bowl Sunday, and when most people in the D.C. area will be snowed in, and you're looking at the potential for huge numbers. (And what a great way for NBC to pump it's coverage of the Olympics, which start the following Friday.)

The Olympics, of course, could create something of a speedbump in the Capitals' story. If the Capitals keep winning, they will tie the Penguins record of 17 straight wins by beating the St. Louis Blues on Feb. 13. But then the NHL will break for the Olympics, and the Caps aren't scheduled to play again until March. 3. 

In theory, that Olympics break could help build the buzz for the potential record-breaking game. But it most likely will cause the enthusiasm to diminish a bit. 

Comments

[Kraw]

"lost twice in 2010"... it would be real nice if we only lost twice in 2009.

[TIm]

Good catch, thanks.

[Jim]

wishful thinking for 17 but I like it.