An ugly incident preceded the Capitals--Stars game as JohnnyFlame was assaulted before the game. It was during a brief stop to visit with the Caps Fan Club who had journeyed to Dallas for the game. As Johnny was attempting to put a good spin on the recent housecleaning his voice was drowned out by hecklers. Then Johnny was hit by an object thrown from the crowd. A small riot broke out and thankfully Dallas security managed to get JohnnyFlame out of the crowd though not without some further injuries.
JohnnyFlame was taken to Dallas Methodist Hospital where he was treated for a mild concussion and required some 15 stitches to close a couple of wounds which police speculated could have come from a sharp object.
JohnnyFlame said afterwards "I may have underestimated fan reaction and as a result it's clear a couple of things need to take place. One I will be keeping a low profile for the next couple of games and we will have to start a major marketing campaign to combat what is obviously a very upset fan base."
Various fans were ejected during the game as the boo's from the Caps fan contingent got louder and louder as the game progressed and the new look Caps floundered eventually dropping their third contest in a row. Fighting broke out in the stands and some obviously drunk and unruly Capitals fans were led from the arena by Dallas police. Caps players afterwards were in shock. "Many of the guys are new and that's difficult enough to deal with but this is just not right", said team spokesman Dave Scatchard.
The Atlanta Thrashers security chief was to make a decision sometime before the game on whether the some 500 Capitals fans on this "Follow your Caps" junket would be allowed to attend the game in Atlanta.
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