Caps’ Defense Shutout Canadiens 3-0

Dec 29

Written By Thom

Semyon Varlamov 1 (1).jpg By Rodger M. WoodStill smarting from playoff elimination by them last spring, the Washington Capitals showed their nemesis Montreal Canadiens they had learned how to play playoff hockey again in their 3 – 0 shutout of them last night at the Verizon Center.Working Coach Boudreau’s new mid ice checking patterns, and better keeping the puck In the opponents end of the ice, while supported by Semyon Varlamov’s 25-shot shutout goaltending, the Capitals displayed a defensive style of hockey, which they can practice in the Winter Classic against the Penguins New Year Day and perfect before Stanley Cup playoffs begin again in mid - April.Hershey call up, and Caps 10th center in 2010, Jay Beagle scored the lead goal, assisted by Eric Fehr and Matt Hendricks at 16.20 of the first period.Coach Boudreau was impressed with Beagle’s play since call up, “There’s a guy that’s making a bid to stay here. It’s his 4th year pro and his work ethic is second to none.”Continuing 2-game goal scoring streaks, Mike Green put the Caps up 2-0 with 38 seconds remaining in the first period, and Alex the Great netted an empty netter at the game’s end.Hats off to right winger Eric Fehr whose energy and hard grinding play with line mates Jay Beagle and Matt Hendricks lit up the ice against Montreal.Out 9 games with a fractured thumb, it was good to see defenseman Jeff Schultz back protecting the Caps blue line.