During Leonsis' time as owner, he has embraced his fan base and interacted with everyone around the teamGETTY IMAGES
The Capitals winning the Stanley Cup is a "truly just reward" for the team and Owner Ted Leonsis after a "period of sustained excellence" that saw the franchise lead the NHL in points since the start of the '07-08 season, according to James Mirtle of THE ATHLETIC. Leonsis 15 years ago realized that the team "had to rebuild and draft star talent -- a group that included" Alex Ovechkin, Nick Backstrom, John Carlson, Braden Holtby, Dmitri Orlov and Evgeny Kuznetsov. They were all drafted between '04-10, "creating the foundation for a championship" this year. Leonsis during his time as owner has "interacted with everyone around the team" and "embraced his fan base to the extent he opened the press box to those who wanted to write about his team." He was a "champion of hockey’s nascent blogosphere when much of the league was very much against it, realizing that it would become a key way to connect the Capitals and the NHL directly to the die-hard fan." Leonsis saw where the franchise "needed to go and pointed them in that direction" (THEATHLETIC.com, 6/8). Leonsis said, "My goal was to build a franchise as good as the fan base. I think we have the world's best fans and now for this moment, we have the world's best hockey team." He added, "It's such a great feeling and to do this for our fans ... is beyond description." DC had not celebrated a championship by one of its teams since the Redskins in '92, but Leonsis said he "never lost faith." He said, "I'm so grateful that the fans always loved us and patient with us and we've all been rewarded" (Sportsnet, 6/7).
CAPITAL CELEBRATION: Leonsis said that the team's championship parade is "going to be considerably larger than anticipated." He said, "We want to be able to say thank you to people in Virginia and Maryland and Washington DC. My goal is to create something that elevates and unites all of the people in our community." ESPN.com's Greg Wyshynski noted speculation has run from the Capitals "holding the celebration in the streets around Capital One Arena or at RFK Stadium or on the National Mall, which Leonsis wouldn't eliminate as a possibility" (ESPN.com, 6/7).
PROPS FROM THE TOP: POLITICO’s Louis Nelson notes President Trump Friday morning “offered his congratulations” to the Capitals. Trump took to Twitter and wrote, “Congratulations to the Washington Capitals on their GREAT play and winning the Stanley Cup Championship. Alex Ovechkin, the team captain, was spectacular -- a true Superstar!” Whether the Capitals will “accept an invitation to the White House is unknown,” but RW Devante Smith-Pelly “hinted earlier this week that he would not attend" if an invite is extended (POLITICO.com, 6/8).
