24 hours to the start of the Caps' best season EVER | Alex The "8"...Simply Sensational!!!

Even though the NHL regular season started a little earlier this week, I'm looking forward to Friday night. That's when the Capitals' 2008-09 season gets under way in Atlanta against the Thrashers.

But to be truthful, Saturday night is what I want to see. The home opener against Chicago, is when the banner signifying the Southeast Division title gets raised to the rafters @ the Verizon Center. Fun time, indeed.

I believe the last blog I wrote here, I said this is the year the Caps make it to the Stanley Cup finals. I ain't backing off from that, either. But at the same time, I'm not kidding myself about the competition we'll face. Hell, everyone in the Southeast is talent-laden...and believe me, Barry Melrose will have the Lightning back on an even keel after the season they had last year.

Now, for you Penguin fans, circle next Thursday night (the 16th). That's when the latest chapter in the "Sid vs. Alex" war resumes @ Mellon Arena. I keep reading these two don't like one another; OK, there's mutual respect. I'll admit that.

But here's the deal: Sid had his shot at a Stanley Cup. Now, it's Alex's turn...and I'm here to tell you he'll help hoist the Cup when it's all said and done. This Caps team is set up for a run to the finals. Anything less, and (to me) the season's a major disappointment.

It's SO much fun firing up this blog again, after the summer hiatus. GO CAPS!!!

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October 9, 2008 11:10 PM ET

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Hey DC, I'm finally excited about hockey again, too. With the death of Bill Wirtz and the transfer of power to his sons, the Blackhawks might actually begin to look like a major league hockey team again. These guys have made an effort to bring fans back into the fold and hopefully Chicago will have a team to cheer for after so many years of playing second fiddle tot the minor league team in town-the Wolves!!

budman59

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October 10, 2008 05:26 PM ET

I actually used to root for the Blackhawks back BEFORE we got hockey here in DC, so I'm familiar with that tradition there.
Anyway, here's to the start of the season.