Farewell, Bruce.

And just like that, he's gone. Almost as abruptly as he entered, Bruce Boudreau has left the Capitals, except this time it he didn't have a say in it. There are many who won't be surprised by the firing considering that the Capitals have been in the midst of a miserable month of hockey--losing 7 of their last 10 and falling out of 1st place in the Southeast Division for the first time in a long time. There has also been lots of talk recently about how he has mishandled the superstars of the team (i.e. Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin), and how his reputation as a softy coach has come back to haunt him. With a roster as talented as the Capitals, and considering their futility in the playoffs the last few years, fans (and apparently the front office as well) were fed up with the underachieving that has been synonymous with the Capitals over the past three or four seasons. People were calling for Boudreau's head on a platter.

The Prodigal Son Returns

Sidney Crosby, hockey’s chosen one, returned to NHL action last night after missing almost a full year with a concussion, and immediately reminded us what we were missing without him.  As a Capitals fan, it pains me to admit this, but Crosby is the best hockey player on the planet.  Crosby netted two goals on eight shots on goal, also adding two assists, in his return to the ice.  Despite my hate of the Penguins and Crosby in particular, even I have to admit the NHL has been far less interesting with Crosby off the ice.  The absence of an NBA season looks more and more likely with each passing day, and the NHL needs Crosby to be back in full force to capitalize on the opportunity to be the premier winter sport and expand their fan base.