The Washington Capitals made themselves a better team

  You've got to love the Washington Capitals signing of Mike Knuble.
   He is just what the Capitals need -- a presence in front of the net who is tough, can score, and has a reputation as a stand up guy. Kudos to general manager George McPhee, who made his team better on the ice, even with the departure of Viktor Kozlov and Sergei Fedorov.
    This is one of the reasons the Capitals are ranked so high -- sixth -- in the latest ESPN The Mag 2009 franchise rankings, based on ownership, fan relations, and the quality of play by the respective teams, among other measures. The Redskins were listed at 92, followed by the Nationals at 97 and the Wizards at 98, out of 122 franchises.
    On another note, I can't wait until the New York Rangers play the Capitals next year to see what kind of punishment new New York Ranger -- and former Capital -- Donald Brashear dishes out to his old buddy and fighting student, Alex Ovechin. That ought to be interesting.

     Radio

     I will be on The Sports Reporters on ESPN 980 AM Washington today (Thursday) from 4 to 7 p.m.

     To learn more about Thom Loverro, go to www.thomloverro.com