There’s no more football, not even a dumb Pro Bowl. After seven months of Washington Redskins and NFL playoffs, Washingtonians suddenly are left with one thought — now what?
Well, besides our newest sport — snow shoveling. The Winter Olympics is trucking in snow for Friday’s games and we can’t truck it out fast enough. Washington in 2014?
Anyway, there is a team that’s winning nonstop with plenty of physical play and a real superstar who actually earns his money. No, really, there is.
Is it too late to join the Capitals Express? Nobody used to pay attention to hockey until football ended, but Bruce Boudreau’s boys are the NHL’s best. They whacked Boston and then rallied past nemesis Pittsburgh in overtime on Sunday.
Alex Ovechkin is Washington’s most dominating athlete since … Wes Unseld a generation ago? Certainly the most beloved since John Riggins. What a pleasure to see someone earn their money vs. Redskins counterpart Clinton Portis getting into shouting matches on the radio with former and current players.
But wait, the Caps don’t return until March 4 because of a two-week Olympic break. What, football fans are finally ready to watch hockey and it goes on vacation? In years past, the Ice Capades banished the Caps for two weeks and no one cared. Now you’ll have to watch No. 8 play for Russia.
You can always follow the Olympics. Let’s see, there’s something with a broom called curling, ski jumping and cross country skiing. The problem is Washingtonians are sick of anything associated with snow and ice.
College basketball is getting awfully interesting. Georgetown crushed Duke recently and the No. 7 Hoyas are looking like a serious Final Four contender. Maryland faces No. 8 Duke on Saturday and March 3. The Terps might have their best team since 2003 when carryovers of the preceding national title squad reached the Sweet 16.
March Madness will be sweet. Who needs NFL free agency on March 5 when Redskins owner Dan Snyder once more seeks the headlines?
The Wizards have a few good days left before the Feb. 18 trade deadline figures to dismantle the team faster than a Circuit City liquidation sale. Afterwards, crowds will come to see visiting teams.
Meanwhile, Nationals pitchers and catchers report Feb. 19. This has to be their year … to come in fourth.
See, who needs football?
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com and Twitter @Snide_Remarks or e-mail [email protected].
