Thom Loverro

Thom Loverro has been a professional journalist since 1977, working for a number of newspapers, including eight years as a news editor and reporter for The Baltimore Sun, where he covered government, politics, and crime. He moved into sports writing when he joined The Washington Times in 1992. He moved to The Washington Examiner as a sports columnist in 2009 and returned to The Washington Times in 2013, where he is currently the lead sports columnist.

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Columns by Thom Loverro

LOVERRO: Stephen Strasburg’s deal further validates Mike Rizzo’s shutdown plan

The Nationals gave Strasburg a seven-year, $175 million commitment in another example of the major leagues' trust in pitchers who have recovered from Tommy John surgery. Published May 10, 2016

LOVERRO: To move forward, Capitals must remember how they got here

The Capitals have struggled during this series with focus and determination, but how they measured up against all teams during the regular season should give them a mental edge. Published May 8, 2016

LOVERRO: Energy, belief help fuel Capitals in victory over Penguins

There may have not been much to believe in with the Capitals trailing the Penguins by two games entering Game 5, but it was on full display in the 3-1 win on Saturday. Published May 8, 2016

LOVERRO: Resiliency, desperation traits Capitals seemingly lack in playoffs

That "sudden death" feeling coach Barry Trotz referred to after a Game 4 loss on Wednesday wasn't so sudden. With the Capitals, it's always the same prolonged agony every year. Published May 5, 2016

LOVERRO: Capitals have been searching for key to playoff success for years

For years, the Capitals have continued to harp about something missing from their playoff offense, and its absence has come up again in the series against the Penguins. Published May 3, 2016

LOVERRO: Alex Ovechkin, Sidney Crosby could decide balanced playoff series

The Capitals' and Penguins' stars and captains may end up as the deciding factor in the teams' second-round playoff series, and if so, the edge thus far has to go to Crosby and his group. Published May 1, 2016

LOVERRO: Lack of desperation baffling for Capitals, who know what’s at stake

The Capitals were barely in Game 2 against the Penguins over the first two periods, and they should know better than anyone what happens when a team lets up in a series with the lead. Published May 1, 2016

LOVERRO: By granting T.J. Oshie’s winning goal, Capitals earn something nice

Things haven't always historically gone the Capitals' way, but a video review that permitted Oshie's overtime goal to count was the perfect end to a fantastic start to a second-round playoff series. Published April 29, 2016

LOVERRO: What part of Ted Leonsis’ ‘plan’ did Wizards fans sign up for?

Leonsis said on Wednesday that keeping team management in place has been part of his "plan" since becoming the Wizards' majority owner in 2010. Such a plan, so far, has failed to pay off. Published April 28, 2016

LOVERRO: Beating Penguins would purge many of Capitals’ playoff demons

The Capitals have not advanced past the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in the Alex Ovechkin era, and who would it be better to do that against than the hated Penguins? Published April 26, 2016

LOVERRO: Josh Norman’s history suggests he’ll want to live up to Redskins contract

Norman was a college walk-on who was drafted in the fifth round and was told by the Panthers last week that he wasn't worth his own asking price. The Redskins met it, believing he is. Published April 24, 2016

LOVERRO: The volume is increasing on the sad song of the Capitals’ fans

The Capitals' best game wasn't good enough on Friday night, as their 2-0 loss to the Flyers is starting to resurrect the painful memories of the team's past. Published April 23, 2016

LOVERRO: When it comes to the Capitals, when is it too early to panic?

The Capitals absolutely will not lose their series with the Flyers, but after losing on Wednesday when they could have completed a sweep, those memories are starting to creep back. Published April 21, 2016

LOVERRO: Ready all season, Capitals’ depth about to be put to playoff test

It looks as if the Capitals were clairvoyant when they traded for Ryan Weber in February, understanding that the reserves would likely be needed for a deep playoff run. Published April 19, 2016

LOVERRO: Braden Holtby’s coronation underway after spectacular season

Holtby matched a league record and has again set several team records with his play this season. It's time to think of the Capitals' goaltender as one of the kings of Washington sports. Published April 17, 2016

LOVERRO: Different feel from Capitals after first two games of playoffs

The Capitals have struggled with two-game leads in playoff series fairly recently, but the way they're playing thus far makes it seem like nothing can go wrong. Published April 17, 2016

LOVERRO: Complacency clearly gone from Capitals as postseason begins

Whatever worries the Capitals may have held about their play after the end of the regular season appeared gone on Thursday, when they claimed a 2-0 victory over the Flyers in Game 1 of the playoffs. Published April 14, 2016

LOVERRO: Wizards still waiting on next great era, even after firing Randy Wittman

A number of remarkable players have enthralled the league since the Wizards were last relevant, yet again they sputter, even through their firing of coach Randy Wittman on Wednesday night. Published April 14, 2016

LOVERRO: Capitals’ past playoff failures can be hard to forget

How long will it take to forget about what has happened to the Capitals for the past decade? Will first-round losses or other struggles rekindle thoughts of their inability to make a deep run? Published April 12, 2016

LOVERRO: Emmett Ashford, first black umpire, started in Washington 50 years ago

Ashford's first game was between the Senators and the Indians on April 11, 1966 at what is now RFK Stadium. He ran hard and fast to call plays and made them all with flair. Published April 10, 2016