Ted Leonsis

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The Capitals
With Ted Leonsis
Majority Owner
Thursday, March 8, 2001; Noon EST

What happened to the Capitals' 12-game winning streak? D.C.'s hometown hockey team may be in the midst of a comeback. Last night's second victory against the Penguins comes on the heels of Saturday's win, despite legengary Penguins player Mario Lemieux.

Ted Leonsis, majority owner of the Capitals, will be online Thursday, March 8 at noon to talk about all aspects of the team and Washington's chance for the Stanley Cup this year.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

To read the most recent responses, click "Get New Responses" or select "Automatically Update Page."

Hershey, Pa.: Ted,
Going into the playoffs this year, how do you think that this team is different than last year's team?

Ted Leonsis: I think the team is more psychologically tough - as we saw last night and we have higher skill levels with the addition of some key players as well as more confidence being exuded by players like Zednik and Halpern and Gonchar.

Rockville, Md.: First, it's about time the Post talked to the most successful owner in Washington! Now that we've beaten Pittsburgh twice in a row, and at their place, would you rather face Pittsburgh in the first round of the playoffs now?

Ted Leonsis: I think you get in trouble when you over analyze who you are going to play in the playoffs. As they say in golf, hit it where it lies. It does feel good though to have beaten Pittsburgh - with Mario - and us missing six starters - in their house.

Vancouver, B.C.: Hey Ted,

Longtime Caps fan! Go Caps!!!! 1 comment, 1 question. We have given Bulis enough of a chance. Time for him to move on. Please commend McPhee for not drafting any more soft finesse player (ala David Poile)
When are we going to see a bigger more physical Caps team? To emulate a team like the Devils or Flyers. Those teams win games AND provide a fun product on the ice to watch. Its fun to watch your team kick the other team's butt literally and on the scoreboard. also it seems every good team is upgrading their size and toughness except us?

Ted Leonsis: Glad you can play couch General Manager. In the Playoffs, the officiating is much tighter and brawn sometimes works against you. We are a tough team and we play as a unit. Trust me, no one wants to meet us in the playoffs because you can't concentrate on just one player but you have to concentrate on multiple lines. We have the most players and double figures in the league as you must know.

Fairfax, Va.: Mr. Leonsis,

Congratulations to you and the team this year. Coach Wilson is doing a superb job setting up the offensive lines.

Do you have any plans to move the practice facility to Northern Virginia?

Ted Leonsis: Sixty six percent of our season ticket base comes from Northern Virginia and I happen to live there too. So when the right opportunity presents itself, I will have to consider it very strongly, however, the team is well served today at Piney Orchard and I don't foresee a move next season.

Great Falls, Va.: Ted
Now I know that the team is doing unbelievable right, but I have two important points to bring up. First, Olie is playing like he never has before, but I feel this is going to lead to fatigue. With the playoffs only 3 weeks away, don't you feel that he should be getting some rest and relaxation instead of starting every game. I mean I would figure by playoff time when games are being played every other day, he's going to physically burn out?

Second, granted we are getting scoring from some not usual sources, why haven't you made any moves to acquire a proven playoff leader, i.e. Claude Lemuix? Surely a veteran who's won cups would provide hard nose leadership?

Lastly, who do you plan to get in the offseason and now that Chris Simon is back to his old ways of not scoring, are you planning on trading him?

Ted Leonsis: Olie loves the work and is in great shape. Billington is injured so it looks like Olie will have to play a little bit more than we want over the next couple of weeks. However, last year, New Jersey's goalie won the Cup and played even more games than Olie did.

We are looking to improve the team and the trade deadline is still six days away.

Burke, Va.: Ted, can you please address the fact that even though we are on a roll winning all these games, we still don't have the size or strength to compete with the elite teams over a grueling playoff stretch. The Capitals only have one or two guys on D that play physically. Traditionally, you need more guys to step up and play the body. Not only does that contribute to fan excitement, it also helps win playoff games!

Ted Leonsis: I don't know why you would say that. We have lots of depth and just need to get healthy for the playoffs.

In regards to trades, we are always looking to improve the team, however, let's be blunt, in order for us to get a great player -- we are being asked for two starters and our best prospect in return. That is a very tough call especially when I look at many superstars - like Bure and Karia who won't even be in the playoffs. Further many players who the media deem "superstars" in reality have five to ten more goals then players on our third line. I think if you ask around the league, GM's view us as loaded with stars like Kolzig, Bondra, Gonchar, and Oates. Plus we have great young talent in Witt, Zednik, Halpern etc. al. and we are loaded in the juniors too. So don't despair :)

Mechanicsville, Md.: Mr. Leonsis,

When the CAPS make it to the Stanley Cup Finals this year, will the dispersion of tickets be handled with better care? There were rumors that more tickets than required were sold to Detroit fans a few years ago in the finals. If we want this town to finally become a "Hockey Town" we need to fill as many of our seats as possible with our fans when we are in the national spotlight. We can't have a home game in the finals and see a sea of red in the stands again.

GO CAPS !!!!

Thanks
DieHardFan

Ted Leonsis: We now have more than 10,000 Season Ticket Holders - they will get their playoff tickets first. We then will try and sell tickets only to DC, Virginia and Maryland based fans and we will not sell groups from competing teams. I will do my part but the fans have to do their part as well. It is a two way street.

Alexandria, Va.: I still can't believe that a high powered scorer like Selanne was traded within his own division to the contending Sharks for a backup goaltender, a former prospect winger with just 12 goals, and a conditional draft pick. How could you let such an opportunity go by when such an offer could've been easily bested by the Caps and finally netted us the high powered scorer/distributor to compliment Bondra that would enable better offense when things tighten up in the playoffs, as they have in Washington for 20 years now?

Ted Leonsis: Friesen and Sheilds are young and talented players and San Jose will give up a first round draft choice. Time will tell whether this is a good trade or not. We had discussions but we cannot afford to give up two starters and our first round draft choice for anyone. And the starters they wanted would have made you very unhappy. So this isn't fantasy hockey - to get someone great, you often have to give up an awful lot in return.

Springfield, Va.: Every year we hear the same thing: "the Caps are going to go after free agents and price is no object," and come away with a defenseman. Are the Caps in the free agent pool? And if so how involved are they?

Ted Leonsis: The free agent pool doesn't start until the summer - so I guess no one is in it now however, let's look at the teams that have been big players in the free agent market. -- notably the Rangers. No playoffs in four seasons and twice the average league payroll. And look at our local football team -- free agency is many times not the panacea it is cracked up to be.

Beaufort, S.C.: Every year the Caps either make no trades or a meaningless trade that does not help them going into the playoffs. At some point it would be nice for the caps to make a meaningful trade to bring in someone like Keith Tkachuk. I am tired of seeing the Caps rely on what they have when every year they are eliminated early from the playoffs. And Pittsburgh seems to be the team they will play again. Will you make a trade this year for a goal scorer, because there are some out there?

Ted Leonsis: Ok. Do the research - tell me the last time he was on a team that made it through the second round of the playoffs? Caps fans have seen a lot more winning then Cayote fans and our attendance is better than theirs, too. Not saying he isn't a nice player - but if he is so good, how come they don't win it all?

Kansas City, Mo.: Hi Ted,
Fairfax transplant here, I've heard rave reviews for Elliot in the morning on DC101. Never hearing him myself, I understand that he gives the Capitals plenty of airtime and hype. How much is he appreciated in the Caps organization?

Ted Leonsis: Elliot rules! I love the guy.

Catonsville, Md.: I heard there was a rumor that Jeff Halpern might be on the trading block. Is that true? If it is how could you think of trading a hometown boy who is contributed so much for the team.

Billy

Ted Leonsis: Kill that rumor. It is stupid! Jeff is too good to be true. He is not on the trading block.

Potomac, Md.: Ted,

Why is it that when the Wizards and Caps play on the same night, HTS ALWAYS shows the basketball game?

Last week's home game against Chicago is a perfect example (a road Wizards game was on HTS). Any chance you can lift the local blackout rules so we can at least catch these un-televised games on the NHL Center Ice package?

Ted Leonsis: Yes. I am working hard to get all the games on TV. I have a meeting with Comcast later today on that very subject.

Arlingtton, Va.: Hey Ted,

Why did we have a kiosk, at the MCI center, selling just Pittsburgh merchandise? It's our arena, not theirs!

Ted Leonsis: Thanks for asking this question. The first time we played Pittsburgh, I saw Aramark selling #66 merchandise. I had a fit and told them not to do it again. Then, at the last game, they did it yet again and I was fighting mad. I have called their management and told them under no uncertain terms that this cannot happen again. It is terrible and embarrassing and I apologize.

Severn, Md.: What is the latest on uniform changes?

Ted Leonsis: There is no change in the works.

Toronto, Ontario: Question for Mr. Leonsis.

Is it true that you personally respond to all of the fans who write or e-mail you? And how do you find the time to do so?

Ted Leonsis: Yes - just send email at WashingtonCaps@aol.com. I tend to respond early in the morning or late at night.

Rockville, Md.: Mr. Leonsis:

I'm a frequent attendee of your games at MCI. Congratulations on your success to date, Caps games are a happening and I look forward to witnessing the destruction of the team representing the evil empire (Disney) when Anaheim comes into town next week (grin).

I have a question/observation. I pains me to see all the empty (but sold) seats at MCI. As I look at them, I see:

(1) Apathy by ticket holders.

(2) Opportunity.

Surely, there must be some way to make those seats available. Maybe something akin to (if you're not in your seat by the beginning of the 2nd quarter, it's gone).

I don't even mean that I'd necessarily want the seats for me to "upgrade". But how about to disadvantaged youth? The Big Brothers/Big Sisters program? Community and church groups? Abused Kids? etc.

Those empty seats seem to be a resource to be leveraged for either the economic good (resale) or community good.

Is this logistically feasible?

Ted Leonsis: Actually, empty seats is not the measure of failure. We now have more than 10,000 season tickets sold. Almost all of downstairs is sold out! If you see an empty seat downstairs it means the ticket holder didn't show up. We have great fans and I am very pleased with the support we are getting. Attendance is up and revenues are up - unfortunately, payroll is up even more :-)

Arlington, Va.: The Caps are playing great hockey right now, as they were last season. One of the things I have noticed that hurts the team the most is when we get into penalty trouble. At even strength or on the power play the Caps dominate, but as we saw in the games against Pittsburgh, we seem to commit some dumb penalties and let teams back in. Is this a coaching thing or a player thing?

Ted Leonsis: Well, not exactly, we are one of only three teams that ranks in the top ten in power play goals and in killing off penalties. So our special teams play is world class. That being said, nothing scares me more than seeing LeMieux and Jaeger when we are short handed.

Washington, D.C.: What is the most important move you've made in your two years as Caps' owner?

Ted Leonsis: Hiring and resigning great people. Wilson, McPhee, Bondra, Gonchar, Witt, Klee, Simon, Zednik, et. al. Without a strong nucleus, you can't tinker and improve. We had to assess the talent on and off the ice and resign them. People now know that this is a great place to play and that is part of the battle in signing free agents.

Washington, D.C.: Who is on your wish list of players, if any?

Ted Leonsis: Orr, Greztsky, Esposito and Hunter :-).

Gaithersburg, Md.: Ted,
Do you think Marios' headlock and attempted pile driver deserves suspension?

Ted Leonsis: I love what he has done for the league but we cannot have two sets of rules. I hope the league reviews the tapes and justice is served!

Princeton, N.J.: Hi Ted,
Thanks so much for taking the time to chat with us fans and kudos to you and the team for the season you're having right now. Deadline deals aside, what's been the most challenging part of owning an NHL team for you? GO CAPS!!!!

Ted Leonsis: The scrutiny is enormous and everyone has an opinion so no matter what you do, someone is unhappy. Make the music louder - turn the volume down. Resign this player - why did you resign "that" player. Increase your payroll - why would you want to raise ticket prices and on and on and on. But as they said in the Godfather, "this is the business that we have chosen". I am not aloof from the fans and I lurk on message boards and answer my email. I also walk around the building so I hear you and most of the input is very constructive! I might add that there are a few of you out there who are totally crazy! :)

Reston, Va.: Great win last night in the Igloo! Up until Halpern got the last goal, the game had an all too familiar ring to it. It's unfortunate that any real discussion about the Caps' chances in the playoffs inevitably means talking about the Pens. When the Redskins and Giants were both competing for the NFC East every year, Gibbs and Casserly built their team and made personnel moves specifically in the pursuit of beating the Giants since the Giants had about a 4 year stretch of undoing the Skins' playoff hopes. Has anything similar happened with you guys trying to build a team for the express purpose of being able to beat the Pens in the playoffs since the Pens seem to be the team that most often knocks the Caps out of the playoffs? Go Caps, and thank you for making yourself accessible to the fans in this forum!

Ted Leonsis: I don't think you can construct a team to beat just one team in the playoffs. The Western Conference plays a much different game than the Eastern Conference. Philadelphia and Pittsburgh play totally different games. All we can do is keep improving. Capitalize on the young talent that we have that will make the team over the next two years and add talent through free agency. If we keep that up, sooner or later we will get the Cup.

Arlington, Va.: Hi Ted

Great job with the team! Last year, the Caps won the division and were entitled to host the first two games at MCI Center. Because of the scheduling problems at our opponent's (Pittsburgh) rink, we lost our valuable advantage of hosting the first two games.

Has anyone looked at our potential opponents this year to determine if a similar situation might occur?

Ted Leonsis: Rookie owner mistake - if we have home ice advantage, we won't ever lose it again.

Alexandria, Va.: What's the story with the empty seats on the club level? Any chance they could be made available for sale on a single-game basis?

Ted Leonsis: The Caps are tenants in MCI arena. We don't own the suites or the Club Seats. The Club Seats are put on sale when we are near sold out.

Lake Ridge, Va.: Dear Mr. Leonsis,

Will you restrict playoff tickets sales to the opponents' fans again this year?

Ted Leonsis: Yes!

Washington, DC (Former Rangers Fan): Ted,
How "hands on" are you in regard to the players, coaching staff, trainers, etc.? Do you talk to them on a daily basis?

Also, a quick comment. D.C. is a city of transplants, and you've done a great job in winning over the fans who had original home team favorites (Bruins, Pens, Isles, Rangers, Sabres, etc.). I also love (and take advantage of) your Caps Gamma Cheapa tickets--great idea, considering the number of colleges here.

Thank you also for your energy and enthusiasm.

Ted Leonsis: I am not a meddlesome owner. I email and instant message with Dick and George every day. I never talk to Ron except right before the game. I set the strategy and build the culture and our people execute it. I think that is what leaders should do.

Olney, Md.: Ted,
My son and I were at the game last Saturday night, three rows behind the Caps bench. He leaned over the aisle when you came out with your son and told you to keep up the good work. You looked mighty dapper... giving Ron a run, eh? Simple comment... the chemistry on the team now looks great. I don't know that I'd make any moves for that reason. Go Caps!!

Ted Leonsis: Chemistry is a big part of success. As is talent and frankly, luck. Pittsburgh hit the post twice last night
:-). So I believe we can add players to the team and not mess up our chemistry. The bigger issue is what we have to give up in return. The other day, someone suggested that we trade Miranov and Tezikov for Joe Sakic :-).

Mt. Pleasant, D.C.: Tell the truth: was this discussion planned beforehand or did you decide to do it once the team beat the Penguins? I know Wilson said about Saturday's game that it was just another game, but it felt like more than that for those of us that attended at the MCI.

Ted Leonsis: This was planned months ago.

Md.: What do you think needs to be done to draw more media attention to the team? Your team has been pretty consistent in the past years to make the playoffs unlike the other pro teams here in the DC area, and yet they always seem to take a back seat so to speak.

Ted Leonsis: I really don't know and I am very frustrated. I was just listening 980 and they gave a news wrap up and talked about the Wizards victory and the David Wells trade. No mention of the CAPS win over Pittsburgh last night. Can you imagine if the Redskins had beat Dallas two games in a row - the kind of coverage they would get? So, I have decided to be professional and open with the media but take matters into my own hands. Go to the web site for the best coverage around and as broadband comes more into play, I may do my own network broadcasts too. It is a hockey town - it's just not a hockey media town - shame on them!

Evanston, Ill.: What did you think of the L.A. Times article yesterday that said the NHL is outdrawing the NBA for the first time since the late 1980s?

Ted Leonsis: Better team game - more love and attention to the fans.

Arlington, Va.: If one were interested, how would he/she get involved in a career with the NHL or the Washington Capitals?

Ted Leonsis: Do an internship and then apply for a job when you graduate.

Alexandria, Va.: Ted --

My son skated in a "Mites on Ice" scrimmage with his club during the second intermission of a Bruins game and had a great time! We then bought tickets for two more games. You're building the fan base by giving people a great team and a great time at MCI Center. Thanks.

Ted Leonsis: I am very committed to youth hockey and we have made a major investment in people and programs. I want to build the fan base while they are young.

Silver Spring, Md.: Kudos for the "eagle's nest" seats, Mr. Leonsis. They are the favorites of my son and me. I hope similarly priced tickets will be available for the playoffs so we can attend as many games as possible. You'll know my son -- he'll br screaming his head off. Perhaps you hear him from our den in Silver Spring every time the Caps score. By the way, he agrees with the earlier commenter that the Caps games are not aired enough.

Ted Leonsis: My dad was a waiter and my mom was a secretary. I went to a lot of games when I was a kid with my parents. The Eagle's Nest is there so I can look people in the eye and say you can afford to go to a Caps game. It's the best deal in town.

Leesburg, Va.: Ted, I was sorry I missed out on the trip up to Pittsburgh on the Caps plane last year in the playoffs. Do you plan on doing a trip like that this year?

Shawn Patton
10 Game Plan Holder

P.S. Thanks tremendously for signing Bonzai.

Ted Leonsis: Yes.

Washington, D.C.: So what's the deal with Jon Ledecky selling his stake in the team? Do you have a new owner lined up?

Ted Leonsis: Ask Jon :-)

Washington, D.C.: Ted,
Thanks for doing this. How involved were you in the decision to retire Hunter's number? In my opinion Gartner is much more worthy.

Ted Leonsis: Yes, we are looking into this matter. He was a great player. Ok, thanks for your time - I gotta go back to work in my day job! Bye.

washingtonpost.com:

That was our last question today for Ted Leonsis. Thanks to Ted Leonsis, and to everyone who joined us.