Checking in on the Washington Capitals and the NHL

Heading into tonight's tilt against the [Progress Energy-sponsored] Carolina Hurricanes, the Washington Capitals sit atop the Eastern Conference and are tied with the San Jose Sharks in the race for the Presidents' Trophy. The Caps have posted a franchise-best record through 30 games (19-6-6) and lead the NHL in goals (108) and power play scoring (24.2%). It's been quite a start to this 2009-10 season.

Can't make it out to Verizon Center this evening? Not to worry, the game will be broadcast on Comcast in HD here in DC and FS Carolinas in NC. And WFED, as always, will have the radio call streaming live here. (Be sure to tune in between the second and third periods [approx. 8:15 pm] to hear NEI's VP of Communications, Scott Peterson, talking pucks and energy with Steve Kolbe.)

A few additional notes:

• Through the first 14 home games, attendance has increased 2.7% over last year.
• Local TV ratings for Comcast/Caps broadcasts are up 9% over same time period last year.
• The most-watched game on Comcast to date this season was the NY Islanders @ Washington on Veterans Day. (Special plea to NHL schedule makers: if the biggest TV audience is going to be on a holiday, can we please have more of a marquee match-up?)
• Pond hockey has been at the center of NEI's print, web and radio ad campaigns with the Capitals. And it's the focus of the NHL's TV campaign to promote the 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway Park. Check out the ad released this week by the league:
  

• More pond hockey news! A big thank you to Ted Leonsis and Snag Films, for making the 2008 documentary, Pond Hockey, freely available to the World Wide Web. Two thumbs up. Way up!