None of the four Washington, D.C. major professional teams had anything outstanding 2008 seasons.
In hockey, the Capitals had the best season of all of the Washington teams. A late season surge clinched first place in the Southeast Division. In an exciting first round Stanly Cup playoff series with the Philadelphia Fliers, that went into overtime in the last game, with the Fliers winning. Don Brashear, born in 1972, at 6'4" and 240 pounds is the left wing enforcer for the team. He joined the team in 2006 and has received one year extensions since then. He has served as an alternate captain.
The Wizards, are led by Gilbert Arena, nicknamed "Hibachi", who joined the club in 2004, becoming an NBA All-Star in 2005-6-7. he is a "shoot first, pass second" point guard, with slashing drives and a long range jump shot. Cleveland won the NBA playoff series 4-2.
The Redskins through October are 6-2. Sean Taylor, their free safety was murdered in 2007. The NFL placed Taylor's "#21" decal on the back of all players during Week 13 of the season. and the #21 was painted on the field, plus admission to the Redskins' Hall of Fame. Jim Zorn, their rookie coach has done well, despite injuries to a half-dozen starters. He calls the plays for the team.
The Nationals went nowhere in 2008, due in large part to having a bullpen that has to be rebuilt from scratch. New ownership took over the club in 2006. "The Plan" is a long range rebuilding process from the farm system on up. They have hired respected front office staff.
All four of Washington's teams show signs of improving in the future.
