Remy Is A “Caps Fan,” Literally And Figuratively

You grew up and attended school in McLean and have returned to Fairfax County after attending college in West Virginia. When did your love for the Capitals really blossom and how has it grown as you’ve gotten older?

In third grade my best friend was (and still is) really into hockey and loved the Caps.  He introduced me to the sport, the Capitals, and street hockey.  The only way it has grown is that eventually I was old enough to get season tickets.

This isn’t your first Caps-related video, with your version of the “Hockey Song” coming out in late 2007. Describe the process of how CSN Washington approached you to do the video (and from what it sounds like, Michael Jenkins was quite honored to be name-checked in the rap).

Well, we had worked on a video before, a ‘Skins song two seasons ago.  It was so much fun, mainly because I got to wear a football helmet.  The CSN folks are incredibly nice and supportive, so when this idea came up, it was a no-brainer.

In the video, you’re wearing a Jeff Schultz jersey, which many Caps fans might consider a rarity of sorts. Why Schultz? With that said, who are your favorite Caps of present and past?

I like his style–he just gets the job done.  Interestingly enough, just moments after I first put the jersey on my back, he won the Norris Trophy.

He’s so incredibly talented you can’t help but think he could do more.  Now I know what my parents must feel like.

You dreamed about playing chess with Ted Leonsis and it actually happened. How did you get him on board?

Simple answer: he’s really cool.  I’m not sure if there’s another way to answer the question.  I had met him once before and he was incredibly kind and generous.  It’s staggering to think of the amount of time and energy he devotes to philanthropic endeavors–definitely an inspirational guy!

Japers’ Rink, On Frozen Blog and Russian Machine Never Breaks all got cameos in the video. I’d be remiss if I didn’t ask you what your favorite hockey sites and other Caps-centric blogs are.

I’m a fan of them all, which is why I wanted to give them shout-outs.  Twitter is a great way to keep up with all the content too.

To say this season has been a roller coaster ride would be an understatement. It’s not very often that a team will lose eight straight and win nine straight in the same season. What’s your opinion on this year’s Caps team? Also, how are you feeling about the playoff push? Any teams that you’d like to see the Caps face or not face?

Playoff hockey is so inherently different than regular season hockey that I hesitate to make a prediction based on their play since October.  They’re undeniably one of the most talented teams in the league and I don’t think there is a team they couldn’t beat in a seven game series.

Time to put you on the spot. Who’s the No. 1 goalie in the playoffs? Michal Neuvirth, Semyon Varlamov or Braden Holtby?

Neuvith probably deserves it.  Holtby has looked as composed as can be.  Varlamov has a losing record on the season, but certainly has a high level of play in him.  If I had to bet, I’d say Varlamov.  But I wouldn’t put it past Boudreau to find a way to get Lawrence Nycholat to do it.