Thursday, September 2, 2010

The Color Man

Yesterday's announcement that Rob Dibble would no longer be broadcasting Washington Nationals games didn't come as much of a surprise to most MASN viewers. Dibble's often style as an analyst was home-team slanted and often abrasive or controversial. As an experienced ex-player, his knowledge of the game often got in the way of being an unbiased commentator.

Dibble's short run for the Nats lies in stark contrast to the extended engagement of another Washington, DC sports color analyst: the Washington Capitals' own Craig Laughlin. Laughlin has now presided over the telestrator for Caps games for 20 years and managed to do so under several play-by-play men. He has survived despite being a frequent home-team sympathizer, possessing quite possibly the worst voice in broadcasting (sorry Craig, but it's a bit piercing), and frequently pimping his own business interests on-air.

Unlike Dibble, Laughlin is likable. His slang hockey terms are endearing to Caps fans, as are his cutesy nicknames for certain players (usually just shortening or adding a 'y' to the player's last name). His use of the telestrator has become proficient and his style is certainly that of a hockey coach; thoughtful and instructional. Laughlin seems to want his viewers to love the game of hockey as much as he does. His banter with play-by-play man Joe Beninati keeps the game interesting, even during the middle of a boring or blow-out game. Oh, and he was once a Cap, which goes a long way in connecting him to Caps teams of old (and the fans of those teams).

Once upon a time, Caps fans weren't the hockey-educated, statistics-minded group they are today. They were occasional viewers who needed someone to educate them on what they were seeing on the screen. They needed entertainment in the form of a goofy, munchkin voice with some hockey savvy. They needed Craig Laughlin.

Dibble didn't have to go far to find a good sports color man to emulate. By simply watching a few Caps games, he might have extended his stay in DC and endeared himself to Nats fans the way Laughlin has to us.

7 comments:

  1. It may have helped if he didn't say that the Nationals prize prospect should "Suck it up and pitch." Too bad about his elbow.

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  2. Laughlin and Beninati drive me crazy when they continue their irrelevant banter even as a hockey game goes on in front of them. I often wish Laughlin would be a little more serious - and pay attention to the game!

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  3. I can't wait for the day that Joe B and Laughlin leave the Caps booth. I'm not watching the game to hear them talk about fashion like they often do, or to hear Laughlin refer to just about each player in the league as his 'buddy'. Joe B is disliked by many people outside of DC, and I feel like Laughlin took a few too many shots to the head during his playing days.

    The only thing I like about them is the fact that they're not the Pens broadcasters. Steigerwald and Errey are the WORST.

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  4. I remember muting the TV and listening to Ron Weber's radio broadcast of the game. Laughlin isn't the worst in the league any more... he's close, but he's gotten a little better.

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  5. Laughlin and Joe B are a good team. They make watching the games fun, even if they do occasionally get lost in their own conversation instead of the game. I can't imagine the Caps without them.

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  6. What are you guys talking about? Joe B and the "Locker" are great! I dread the day when they leave. Because you can't tell me you don't dread that games that Al Koken has to do for Joe B. Talk about boring..

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  7. Speaking of Laugher lingo: Does anyone know the derivation of the expression "a 10 bell save" to describe a great save by a goalie? I've heard both Joe B and Laugher use the expression, but can't figure out where the slang came from...

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