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Washington Capitals
With Rod Langway
Capitals Defenseman
Friday, Nov. 22, 2002; Noon ET

Langway will be online to talk about the honor, his time with the team and hockey in general.

Born in Maaq, Taiwan (Formosa), in 1957, Langway was raised in Massachusetts and attended the University of New Hampshire where he was a teammate of Bobby Gould, another long-time fan favorite in Washington. He left college to turn pro as a 20-year-old, signing a deal with the Birmingham Bulls of the World Hockey Association. Montreal, which drafted Langway with its third pick (36th overall) in the 1977 Amateur Draft, reclaimed his rights after the absorption of the WHA in the summer of 1979. After four years and a Stanley Cup championship in Montreal, Langway was traded to Washington.

Revered more for his defensive prowess, Langway did author one of the biggest goals in the club's history when he netted an overtime game-winner in Game 4 of the Patrick Division finals against the New York Rangers on April 25, 1990. That goal helped propel the team to its first conference finals appearance against the Boston Bruins.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Rod Langway: It is great being back in D.C. I am looking forward to tomorrow night. It should be a super event. I would like to thank the Caps and everyone that is involved.

Silver Spring, Md.: Mr. Langway, congratulations on your well-deserved award. When you were developing as a player, as a kid, in the minors, early on in your years in the NHL, what defensemen did you look up to and what qualities in them did you wish to emulate?

Rod Langway: I think I was very fortunate to play four years in Montreal and I think the chance to play with that team helped my development and gave me the experience and confidence to last so long in the league and play so well. Larry Robinson, Guy Lapoint and Serge Sevard - at that time they were the three best defensivemen in the league. Just watching them play was incredible.

New York, N.Y.: Rod,
Just wanted to say thanks for all the pride you instilled in longtime Caps fans and ask a quick question: How involved are former Caps in the current organization -- I saw that Dale was down here a few weeks ago giving instructions on face-offs -- is this something Caps alums are doing fairly regularly?

Rod Langway: I would say no, but it seems that it is increasing. I think the alumni just got in the door with the new Cap's managements. We are fortunate to have a manager who has given season tickets to old alumni and in return we have given some instructions. I think it keeps the alumni happy and keeps hockey alive in the Northern Virginia/D.C./Maryland area.

Springfield, Va.: Congrats, Rod you truly deserve to be in the Hall. What would you say was your top memory of being a Cap? A lot of people remember the OT goal vs the Rangers but I remember the numerous plays you made clearing the puck and bodies away from the crease.

Rod Langway: The goal itself was a great moment but the one that sticks in my mind was in 86 or 87 when Dale Hunter scored against Phili to win the series. I wasn't on the ice but I had one of the best seats in the house. It was always nice to beat the Flyers.

Washington, D.C.: What do you think of the current team?

Rod Langway: I think it is going to take a while for the new coaching staff and players to gel and become a real team. To make all those changes - with a new system and a new way of doing things - it take a while to buy into new coach's program. I wouldn't be surprised if there are some changes soon if people aren't on the same page. The players that are on the ice, after 20 games it is time to put the foot down on some of the experienced players. Bruce seems to be on the right page on how to go about it. He has always been a winner and he knows what buttons to push.

Rod Langway: I like the nucleus of the team - the superstars and workhorses on the team - they just aren't firing on all cylinders at this time. I like some of the leadership that is on the club.

Arlington, Va.: Rod, congratulations on your induction. What to you are the diferences in the game today versus when you played? Thanks.

Rod Langway: First would be the mixtuire opf players from other countries. There used to be 2 or 3 European players on a team, now it is close to 50 - 60 percent. The rule changes are different, especially the obstruction rules. And also the two referee system they use today. You could get away with more dirty stuff. A little more of the intimidation factor was there compared to now.

Washington, D.C.: Hi Rod! Any up-and-coming players we should keep our eyes on? Who do you like?

Rod Langway: Really I haven't looked at the young studs coming up. I am not around the Capitals that often to follow the player development. Overall I am just a big fan of the Washington Capitals. I am still a huge fan, but I can't answer the question that well not being around the club.

Haymarket, Va.: Rod, congratulations, you deserve it. The Caps really need you to lace up the skates again. There's been a lot of excuses for the Caps lack of productivity in the last couple of seasons, but no one is mentioning the lack of team leadership. The Cap's haven't had an effective captain since D. Hunter. Your thoughts?

Rod Langway: I somewhat agree. Since Dale retired they have been floating the captaincy to many players. To find a real good leader it takes a special person to take control of 21/22 players and bring them all together. You need someone who everyone listens to when they talk. I do agree thought - they are lacking that one key player that will take control and have the players around him follow.

Arlington, Va.: As one who has followed the team from its very beginning, I can only say congratulations on your Hall of Fame induction. (Our son, a goalie who's a huge fan of yours, is trying to get home from college this weekend to attend the ceremony tomorrow night.)

Can you comment on your style of play and the current enforcement decisions regarding grabbing/hooking? How would you have fared?

Rod Langway: I hope your son has a safe trip. I would say my style is physical and simple. I focused on clearing the puck and quick transitions from defense and offense. I consider myself a proud hockey player. I honor the game and the people who played before me. I like the physical hooking and holding. You made people work to score. If you made the game too easy players would take advantage of you.

I had to hook and hold to survive with two bad knees and a bad back at the end of my career. I think that it has to come back to a point. The bigger players should be able to use hooking and holding to protect their teams and teammates.

Silver Spring, Md.: What do you think is the most neglected skill among d-men and how would you suggest we do to develop it (I am one myself)?

Rod Langway: I would probably say on a one on one situation the defensive men these days look at the puck instead of the body. The way I was taught or brought up was to separate the puck from the puck carrier. If you eliminate the player, hopefully your teammates will retrieve the use puck. A lot of players today swipe at the puck - we call it fishing. To train or bring back that type of theory would help develop that defensemen (or forward) to separate the puck from the carrier. That would also bring a lot of excitement to the game as well, making it a more physical game.

Alexandria, Va.: Congrats Rod, did you wake Paul Torney up with the news that you were elected?

Rod Langway: Yes. He was there in Toronto for the celebration. I also contacted Jack Foley on the news, but he couldn't make the celebration because he was obligated to his college hockey team.

Rockville, Md.: Rod, why don't the Caps of today hit people like past Caps teams? It seems like the team has wandered from its blue-collar workmanlike style that you were part of. Can they win with finesse? Congratulations on your HOF induction!

Rod Langway: Thank you. There has to be a blend of finesse and blue-collar workers on any team. The finesse part - you can win some games - but it doesn't last. It doesn't carry you to the playoffs or the rest of the season. You have to have a blend of players who play different styles of games.

Reston, Va.: Rod,
Congrats on the HOF! Do you like/dislike the current rule changes in the NHL to open up the game? Also, what is the one thing you'd do to change the current Washington Capitals?

Rod Langway: No I don't like the new rule changes. I would like it to come back in the middle to give a little leeway for defensemen hooking and holding.

I can't really think of anything to change. I am waiting for the team to gel. I think they made the coaching changes already. They have talented coaches who know what they are doing. You have to have a little bit of patience to let them come together as a team - though patience is running thin. My gut feeling is that if things don't turn around in the next five games there will be changes.

Silver Spring, Md.: With the recent NHL rule changes, what are the risks/dangers and opportunities for defensemen? -- you mentioned something about it post-game last night on SportsTalk 980 but I did not catch it.

Rod Langway: The bad thing is that I am worried that someone is going to get hurt retrieving the puck. There are no support by other players to stop the floorchecker. In the old days they allowed hooking and holding. Now they can get blindsided and creamed. It comes down to having a league or referee allowing some interference. I have a feeling that someone will get hurt because players will take advantage of the rule changes.

Reston, Va.: Rod,
Who was the guy you least liked playing against, and who was the team/guy you loved to play against?

Rod Langway: Probably the least guy would be Tim Kerr from Philadelphia. The reason is that he was a big strong forward. Between both of us we were equal in strength. He had great hands. It was really hard to move out of the net. It seemed like everything I did he still got a piece of the puck.

I loved to play against the Bruins ('cause I am a Boston boy) and the Montreal Canadians (since I played with them for 4 years.)

Formerly of Gaithersburg, Md.: Hi, Mr. Langway. This isn't a question, just some appreciative words. I had never seen a hockey game until I was in college in 1984 and started dating a hockey fan who took me to a few Caps games. I remember spotting you (since you didn't wear a helmet, you were very easy for a novice to follow), and coming to admire the cool, collected, competent, and often elegant way you defended.

Congratulations on your new Hall of Fame status, and know that you made at least one spectator appreciate some nuances of defending.

Rod Langway: Thank you very much. Those are very kind words. I am very appreciative.

Harrisburg, Pa.: What was it like playing with Bobby Gould?

Rod Langway: Bobby and myself go back to college days. We both went to the University of New Hampshire and it was great to realize when I was traded that Bobby was on the Capitals at the time. Playing with his was great. He was a very responsible player. An old school up and down kind of winger. He scored some big goals for us. He was the assistant captain with myself and Mike.

Washington, D.C.: You mentioned how your sore knees and bad back bothered you in your final seasons. I've heard that lots of NFL players suffer almost crippling injuries that follow them into retirement. I hope that's not the case with you. Do you still skate?

Rod Langway: Yes I do. I wish I could skate a lot more than I do. The game of hockey, like football and other sports, wears your joints. Hopefully down the road it doesn't cripple me.

Lyme, Conn.: Who do you think should be added to the Hall of Fame someday?

Rod Langway: The shoe-ins - Ray Bork, Paul Coffee. The one's I would like to see that went through the Capitals system a bit - Larry Murphy, Scott Stevens, Dino Ciccarelli, and Dale Hunter.

Rockville, Md.: Rod, if given the chance, would you address the current Caps players about their seeming lack of heart, and what would you tell them to do in order to right the ship? Thanks, and can't wait to see you on the ice again tomorrow night.

Rod Langway: I think there is heart there. The games that I have seen showed me that there is no lack of effort. I would tell people to be less selfish and act more like a team. A lot of time when a team hits the skids players try to do too much. It becomes a disease and everyone does it. Then it becomes an individual's game.

Glover Park, DC: Rod, congratulations on your recent honor. I recall in 1989 taking my then-girlfriend to her first hockey game, and instructing her: "To learn this game, keep your eyes on number 5, he will be in the hall of fame one day." I like being right!

Given that you are known as one of the last "old time hockey" greats, I'd be interested in your reaction to the way the game is marketed today. I was at the MCI two weeks ago and, I swear, they have a sports bar in the rink itself, jam-packed with folks playing electronic games and socializing etc. They did not care that a hockey game was being played 100 feet away.

Fans can't discuss the game between plays because of the loud music blasting down on us, which starts within a millisecond of a whistle.

Even cheering is orchestrated -- the audience sits staring at the jumbotron awaiting instructions to "make noise," too stupefied to understand for themselves a momentum change or a critical turning point.

It all has turned me off, and I am wondering just how viable the game will be if the NHL continues to focus on a fake "entertainment experience" instead of simply selling good hockey.

The only time I see NHL hockey any more is if someone comps me corporate tickets. This can't be good for the game. Any thoughts on this?

Rod Langway: I think that the promotion part of it is out of my league. I agree that as a knowledgeable hockey fan you wouldn't need someone to orchestrate cheering for you home team. The loud music and the other entertainment around - I would probably say that they are not interested in the game of hockey, but more social events at the arena itself.

Arlington, Va.: As a family that has followed the Caps for years, we're hoping that all of us can be there tomorrow night (our college-age son, who's a huge fan of yours, is trying desperately to make it home for the game).

After the Olympics last year, several players (including Jagr) expressed interest in widening the NHL rinks about 5 feet to open up the game a bit. Any thoughts?

Rod Langway: It would probably not happen because of the financial situation of taking the seats away for just 5 feet. I would like to see people play more of a college system where they take the redline out of the game. In doing so that would make more room and create more speed.

Rod Langway: Thanks for all your questions.

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