Caps Beat Rangers in Overtime!
By Rodger M. Wood
Remembering last year’s first game loss against 8th seeded Montreal, the Caps came out strong, hitting everything in sight, and doing all the little things necessary to beat the New York Rangers 2-1 in overtime of the first game of the 2011 quarterfinals Stanley Cup playoffs.They played good defense, blocked opponent shots and waited for the right opportunity tocome back from a 1-0 deficit late in the third period.Ovie set the tone, crunching Rangers all over the ice, and his teammates soon followed suit with 17 hits in the first period and a total 35 hits for the game.Although the Rangers are notorious for keeping their offensive zone clean, Caps were the better of the two teams, blocking 32 shots to the Rangers’ game total of 28.The game was scoreless until Rangers Matt Gilroy scored on a slap shot from the slot at 1:56 mark of the third period.Sticking to the game plan, Alex Ovechkin crashed the nets to even the score up 1-1 with his first goal against the Rangers this season at the 13.44 mark of the third period.Both teams played cautiously until Alexander Semin broke into the open in front of the Rangers net to take a perfect pass from line mate, Jason Arnott and score the game winner at 18.53 of overtime.Throughout the game, Rangers veteran goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist dueled Capitals rookie goaltender Michal Neuvirth, who in his first NHL playoff game, matched the old pro stopping 24 of 25 shots, many of which were taken from point blank range. The Caps 23-year old net minder made several unbelievable stops.Coming back from a concussion, defenseman Mike Green played 24:45 minutes and assisted on Alex O’s goal in the third period.The Caps take on the Rangers in the second game in 7:30 PM game at the Verizon Center Friday night.See you there!
Capitalpowerplay.com images by woodsportsphotography.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Do The Caps Have Enough Heart To Win The Stanley Cup
By Rodger M. Wood
With the playoffs this week, the acid test is about to begin for the Washington Capitals.Embarrassed by a first round loss to the Canadians last season after finishing #1 overall In league standings, they have to win the Cup or face a rough summer.Going 15-3-1 since March 1st, they showed they have the tools.Bruce Boudreau is a good coach who taught them defense and how to win again after a horrendous 8 – game losing streak in December.They have strong goaltending in Michal Neuvirth (2.49 GAA, 27-11-4) and Semyon Varlamov (2.23 GAA, 11-9-5), and a sensational backup in rookie goalie Braden Holtby (1.79, 10-2-2), waiting in reserve at Hershey, if either falters or is injured.They’re blessed with healthy 30 - goal scorer in Alex Ovechkin, who could turn into a 50-goal scorer in the playoffs, 28 –goal scorer Alexander Semin, and a clutch 24 goal scorer in rejuvenated 38-year old Mike Knuble.They have 18-goal scorer Niklaus Backstrom, 16 goal scorer Brooks Laich, 17 goal scorer Jason Arnott, 13 goal scorer Marcus Johanssen, and 10 goal scorers in Jason Chimera, Dennis Widemann, and Eric Fehr.They have a new leader, Jason Arnott, who has won a Stanley Cup.They have two high scoring lines, a speed line that can score, a checking line, and tough guy line in Matt Bradley, Matt Hendricks and Boyd Gordon.While Tom Poti and Dennis Widemann are still on the injured list, they’ll have seven healthy defenseman available for the playoffs when Mike Green returns to the lineup.They’ve learned to play good defense, dump the puck in the opposing offensive zone and won many low scoring games with an late opportunistic goal.Rookie defensemen, Karl Alzner and John Carlson are shutting down opposing scorers, and Scott Hannan is the stay at home defenseman they’ve always needed.The power play scored five goals in the last three games and was working without Mike Green or newly acquired Dennis Wideman, who will be out the first playoff round with a leg injury.Having won eight of nine in overtime in March, including wins against Philadelphia, Tampa, and last year’s cup winning Chicago Black Hawks, they can withstand heavy duty pressure, similar to that experienced in the playoffs.The penalty killers, Boyd Gordon, John Carlson, Scott Hannan, and others have been superb all season.The Caps have the talent, but it takes more to win a Stanley Cup. If we could only inject Matt Hendricks or Matt Bradley or John Erskine’s mental and physical toughness into our star players, we’d have sure winners.All our guys would play tough, block shots, give and take bone crushing checks shots, win the battles in the corners, and do the little thing needed to win hockey games. And then, with a little luck and some dirty goals, we’d be sure winners.The Caps have all the pieces to the puzzle, but need heart to bring home the Stanley Cup.
Holtby or Varlamov?
By Rodger M. Wood
Whether they realize it or not, the Capitals are blessed with an unusual goalie dilemma.They have three good young goalies but still need to decide which, Braden Holtby or Semyon Varlamov, they will keep up with the big club to share goaltending with Michal Neuvirth in the playoffs?Called up to the Bell Centre in emergency last Sunday, rookie goalie Braden Holtby, looking like a pit bull guarding his turf, stopped 18 shots to shutout Montreal 2-0.At the Verizon Center Tuesday, with veteran superstars Alex Ovechkin and Jason Arnott back in the lineup, Semyon Varlamov stopped 24 of 26 shots in regulation and overtime, but missing Hurricanes Jeff Skinner and Tuomu Ruutu’s shots lost 3-2 to Carolina in the overtime shootout.He looked bad on Jeff Skinner’s goal which tied the game 2-2 at the 1:46 mark of the third period.A free agent at the end at the end this season, Varlamov has indicated he is open to both Kontinental League and Caps offers this Summer.In his first 14 NHL games this season, Holtby has a goal against average of 1.79, 10 wins, 2 losses, 2 shutouts, and 934 save %.He was named the NHL First Star of the Week ending March 13th for his 4-0-0 W-L record, 1.05 GAA, 965 SV %, and shutout against Edmonton.In 26 GPI, Varlamov has a GAA of 2.24, 10 wins, 9 losses, 2 shutouts, and a 923 Save %.Injury prone, Varlie missed 15 games between October 21st and November 24th, and 14 games, between February 20 to March 25th.Holtby is durable, playing in 23 games at Hershey and 14 for the Caps, a total of 37 this season.So far the Caps are sticking with Varlamov, having sent Holtby back to Hershey March 27th, but if Varlamov falters, the jury’s still out. Hershey is only about two hours from Washington. DC, and the rookie goaltender can always be called back.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by PhotoByThom.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Knuble’s Playing Like A Youngster
By Rodger M. Wood
Watching the way veteran Mike Knuble has played hockey the past ten games makes you think the 39-year old forward is drinking from the proverbial fountain of youth.With Alex Ovechkin, Jason Arnott, and Mike Green out of the lineup, he’s picked up additional ice time and made a strong mark on offense.Against the Flyers Tuesday at the hostile Wells Fargo Center, he and rookie line mate, Marcus Johanssen engineered two goals and three assists between them.In the fight for Eastern Conference first place, Knuble scored a goal in the first period, set up Dennis Wideman’s power play goal in the second, and Marcus Johanssen’s tying goal late in the third to help the Capitals comeback to tie the Flyers 4-4 and meet their arch enemy in overtime.The goal in the first was his 20th of the season, and his 8th consecutive 20 goalseason.The Caps went ahead 3-0 at the 1:12 mark of the second period, but then forgot how to clear the puck from their zone.Playing great hockey down low, and creating several turnovers, the Flyers scored four unanswered goals to go ahead 4-3 and certainly looked like sure winners in regulation.But then Knuble again saved the day, streaking down the ice to set up line mate Marcus Johanssen for the tying goal at the 16:41 mark of the third period.Both teams played a stalemate in overtime.It came down to a shootout in which Caps shooters, Matt Hendricks, Niklaus Backstrom, and Alexander Semin put three straight shots past goalie Brian Boucher to make the Caps 5-4 winners.The win marked the fourth consecutive season the Caps has clinched a playoff position.Capitals rookie defense pair, Karl Alzner and John Carlson, continued to eatup monstrous 26:15 and 27:19 ice time.
We Want the First Big Prize This Year!
By Rodger M. Wood
Winning two of three road games and ten of eleven games with as many as five injured starters on the sidelines, the Caps proved they were still winners, who could win all the marbles once their whole team is back on the ice in April.They faced Montreal, Detroit, and New Jersey on the road last week without key performers, recently acquired center and new dressing room leader, Jason Arnott, first line center Niklaus Backstrom, forward Eric Fehr, defenseman Mike Green, and goalieSemyon Varlamov.Starting with the Flyers game tonight, they also face the prospect of not having all star forward Alex O in the lineup the next seven – ten days.But so far with the extra ice time, rookies and other veteran players are filling the void.At the Bell Centre against Montreal, rookie center, Marcus Johansson scored two goals, and goalie Braden Holtby stopped 24 of 26 shots as the Caps set a record with their 6th straight road win 4-2.Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble scored the other two goals in the Montreal win.Forward Matt Bradley challenged veteran Habs defenseman Paul Mara to a fight the shift after he bloodied rookie Jay Beagle with an elbow to the face.Holtby was named “NHL First Star of the Week” for a 4-0 record, 1.05 GAA, and stopping 110 of 114 shots (96.5%).The Caps came close to beating Detroit Red Wings with a light lineup Wednesday night. The teams were tied 2-2 midway through the third period on rookie defenseman John Carlson 6th and Alex O’s 29th goals of the season, when Red Wings superstar Henrik Zetterling fine tuned a power play shot past goalie Michal Neuvirth left shoulder for a 3-2 lead which carried on to the final game result.The following Friday, Neuvirth made up for missing Zettlering’s goal, stopping all 33 shots and shutting down the New Jersey Devils 3-0. It was Neuvirth’s 4th shutout and 23rd win of the season.Johansson tallied another goal and Knuble his 18th and 19th goals of the season. Jeff Schultz tallied his first goal of the season to give the Caps a first period lead.It helps that Varlamov, Fehr, Backstrom, and maybe Arnott will return to the ice tonight at Philadelphia. Behind the Flyers by only a point, the extra firepower could help win a tough battle for first place in the Eastern Conference.But the Caps have been there before. They won the Patrick Trophy and every other trophy, except the big one on which they all want their name.So be it then tonight. The rest and rehabilitation of Ovie, Green and the rest of our injured warriors is more important. Healthy, the Caps have the defense, leadership, toughness, and goal scoring offense to win the Big Prize, and that is what we want standing on our mantel at the end of the playoffs this year!
Capitalpowerplay.com images by woodsportsphotography.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Caps Beat Blackhawks in Overtime 4-3
By Rodger M. Wood
After last year’s Stanley Cup winners, Chicago Blackhawks, tied the game up at 3-3 on Jonathan Toew’s 6 on 4 power play goal with less than a minute to go in the regulation,Caps rookie center, Marcus Johanssen, doubled up his effort, flew down the ice and set up Mike Knuble’s winning goal in overtime.The win was the Caps eighth in a row, put them one point behind Eastern Conference first place Philadelphia Flyers, and gave them an undertone of confidence for the April playoffs.Both teams played hockey today like it is supposed to be played. The Caps gave 100% effort to get the capacity Verizon Center crowd a win today.Checking line center, Boyd Gordon tied the game up at 1-1 with a shorthanded goal at the 06:11 mark of the first period.With less than a minute to go in the first period, Jason Arnott scored his second goal as a Cap since coming over from New Jersey at the trade deadline and fifteenth of the season, to put the Caps ahead 2-1.On a fluke goal from a bad angle, Blackhawks Tomas Kopecky tied the game up 2-2 of the second period.The game was stalemated until 6:23 of the third period, when Brooks Laich, assisted by Matt Hendricks and Eric Fehr, put the Caps ahead 3-2.In his fourth straight start, rookie Braden Holtby looked sharp, stopping 27 of 30 shots. His only lapse was on Tomas Kopecky fluke goal in the second period.Unsung heroes of the game were Caps rookie defense tandem of John Carlson and Karl Alzner, who stopped Blackhawks young superstars, Patrick Kane and Jonathan Toews, all afternoon, except on Toews power play goal at the end of third period.Carlson did all of the work on Knuble’s overtime goal but got none of the credit.The Caps play last year’s playoff nemesis Montreal Canadiens at Montreal Tuesday.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by woodsportsphotography.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Win One Easy, Win One Hard, Result, 7-Game Winning Streak
By Rodger M. Wood
Riding the “karma” of a hot rookie goaltender and the hard work of a rejuvenated team, the Caps are finding different ways to win hockey games again.Showing a lot of offense at home Wednesday, they beat the Edmonton Oilers 5-0.Resorting back to tough defense and playing clutch catch up hockey with two goals in the third period Friday at the Verizon Center, they beat a Carolina Hurricanes team determined to make the last playoff position in the Eastern Conference, 2-1 and went on a seven game winning streak, their longest of the season.The Caps Big Red Machine worked on all cylinders against the Oilers. Returning to the ice after a 22 – game shoulder injury, both Eric Fehr and Ovie scored power play goals. Then at even strength in the second period, they scored another goal each to put the Caps ahead 4-0.Continuing a 3 – game goal scoring streak in the third period, Alexander Semin put the game out of reach at 5-0.Holtby got his first NHL shutout, and extended his shutout streak to 5 periods or 100 minutes.Matt Hendricks' gritty play, Ovie clutch goal and Holtby’s goaltending were the story line in the Carolina game.Blocking a shot on a penalty kill, then skating hard up the ice in time to put Jason Arnott’s rebound behind hot Canes goalie, Cam Ward, Hendricks made the Caps winner at 7:24 of the third period.Ovie had tied the game up 47 seconds into the third period with his 28th goal of the season, after Tuomo Ruutu’s slap shot snuck through traffic at 19:24 of the second period, putting the Canes ahead 1-0 and ending Holtby’s shutout streak at 144 minutes, twenty – four seconds. In his past six NHL games, the 21 year old stopped 170 of 174 shots (97.70% of shots faced).Making the power play alive again, while playing good defense, passing the puck out of danger, and logging the team high 22:13 ice time, defensemen Dennis Widemann was the Caps unsung hero both games.Solid on defense, clearing the front of the net from attackers, jumping up on offense, and logging 19:35 time against the Canes, defenseman, Scott Hannan is also making a big impact.The Caps will be challenged next by defending last year’s Stanley Cup winners, Chicago Black Hawks 12:30 PM Sunday at the Verizon Center.
*Capitalpowerplay.com images by woodsportsphotography.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Game Time: Caps Look To Weather The Hurricane Tonight
With the regular season nearing its end, we might be witnessing our Caps finding their groove. Injuries still plague the Caps, but they are finding a way to win. Following a convincing win against the Oilers, they are showing that they can win in a manner fitting the team that they are playing. Five goals against a team that is last in the West is fitting, wouldn't you say?
A bad team the Hurricanes are not and the Caps will face the challenge of a team fighting for respect in the Southeast division as well as a team fighting to grasp a playoff spot. Adding one to the six game winning streak is nice, but 2 points in the division is the key tonight.
On a side note, if you were wondering what happened to Brian Pothier, he appears to be playing in Europe for Geneve Servette.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by PhotoByThom.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Playoff Hockey Wins Two Games in Florida
By Rodger M. Wood
Displaying a patient, dump the puck, four - line balanced attack and good defensive playoff hockey on the road the past two nights, the Caps beat Florida 3-2 and Tampa Bay 2-1 to take sole possession of first place in the Southeast Division.When the Caps found themselves down a goal early in the first period at Florida, assisted by line mates Alex O and Mike Knuble, Niklaus Backstrom tied the score on a mighty slap shot at 17:16 mark of the first period.Midway through the second period, on a sweet backhanded shot from in front of the net, Boyd Gordon beat Panthers goalie Scott Clemmensen to put the Caps ahead 2-1.The Caps kept the lead until Panthers forward, David Booth, on a 5 on 3 advantage at 17:24 of the third period, scored the 2-2 equalizer.
Playing like a man possessed, Alexander Semin, assisted by Karl Alzner and Marcus Johanssen, slapped the game winner in at only 43 seconds into overtime.Off a faceoff, Sean Bergenheim put the Lightning ahead 1-0 at the 12:30 mark of the first period at Tampa.The game stayed 1-0 until again Semin, assisted by Ovie and defenseman Dennis Widemann, tied the game at 14:28 mark of the third period.Regulation and overtime ended in a 1-1 tie and it took Alex O’s dramatics to win the overtime shoot out, when he put the sole goal past Lightning net minder Duane Roloson, who had shutout the Caps in two previous outing this season.Replacing Michal Nevirth at the start of the second period, #1 star of the game, Caps backup goaltender Braden Holtby sensationally stopped all 21 Stamkos, Lecavalier, St. Louis, and other Lightning sharpshooters shots in two periods of regulation, overtime, and the shootout.Without a doubt, the 21-year old goaltender played like a #1 NHL goalie, if Varlamov or Neuvirth were out of the lineup for any time.Plus the youngster looked like a pro and was more articulate than most athletes and politicians I’ve seen in the Versus interview after the game.Versus Ed Olyck commented last night, it was the best he has ever seen Caps forward Alexander Semin play. The Caps forward proved his worth, scoring his winning 23rd goal of the season in overtime at Florida, and 24th tying goal in the third period of the Tampa game.Hit in the face-mask by the slap shot, Neuvirth and injuring a finger, Backstrom both left the Tampa game, but Coach Boudreau announced after the game, both players were held out only for precaution and are all right.Forward Eric Fehr’s shoulder is healthy again and is ready for duty.The Caps return home to the Verizon Center Wednesday against the Edmonton Oilers.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by PhotoByThom.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by woodsportsphotography.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Finding His Game, Alex Semin Helps Avert A Lightning Strike
"Semin was the best player on the ice sheet last night, and his game-tying goal late in the final frame seemed in its virtuosity and swagger to assure the Caps of leaving town with two points. The Capitals are a vastly different looking hockey club when Sasha skates with swagger." OnFrozenBlog.com
Capitalpowerplay.com images by PhotoByThom.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Caps Deadline Acquisitions Pay Early Dividends
By Rodger M. Wood
Veteran acquisitions at the trade deadline, Jason Arnott, Dennis Widemann, and Marco Sturm ignited the Caps in home wins against the Islanders and Blues last week and the Caps appeared to be headed in the right direction for the playoffs.The Caps were trailing the Islanders 1-0 at the 19:12 mark of the third period, when Jason Arnott passed the puck out to line mate, Brook Laich, who buried it in the net for the tying 1-1 goal.Two minutes later in the overtime, given a chance to win the game, Alex O.fought past Islanders forward Fran Nielsen to score a highlight game winning 2-1 goal.Starting to take hold as the Caps #1 goalie, Michal Neuvirth kept the Caps in the game, stopping 28 of 29 shots, many from point blank range.While he lost, Islanders goalie Nathan Lawson was also sensational in the nets, stopping 40 of 42 shots and truly deserving better than an overtime loss.Thursday night against the Blues, the Caps battled back from behind twice to win3-2. Scoring his first goal in 118 games, stay at home defenseman, Scott Hannan, tied the score up at 1-1 at the 3:08 mark of the second period.Three minutes later, Niklaus Backstrom tied the game up a second time, 2-2 before, Arnott rifled the game winner past Lawson at the 14:41 mark of the third period.The new players are helping in other ways. Center Arnott has made the second line a potent force. As a role model of disciplined play, he is making line mates Alexander Semin and Brooks Laich better players. Coach Boudeau is starting to station 6-5, 250 Arnott in front of the net with Ovie and Semin in must score situations.He showed veteran leadership on the bench and ice, talking vociferously to teammates. With him on the ice, the Islanders and Blues had trouble shutting down both Caps top lines.Arnott, and Sturm also give the Caps four solid lines. The Johanssen, Chimera, and Sturm line created opportunity after opportunity with their speed in both games. In his first time on the ice for the Capitals against the Islanders, Sturm missed an open net goal opportunity.The fighting line of Matt Bradley, Matt Hendricks, and Boyd Gordon played tough both games. Hendricks checked the puck free for Hannan’s goal in the Islanders game and Bradley beat the pee pee out of Tyson Strachan in the Blues game to open up and spark the Caps’ in the Blues game.Defenseman, Dennis Widemann led the Caps in ice time with 22.12 In the Blues game. He moved the puck well, took three shots, and replacing right handed point man, Mike Green helped to make the power play move the puck and look sharp again.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by woodsportsphotography.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
No Rhyme or Reason This Season!
By Rodger M. Wood
There’s just no rhyme or reason to Capitals hockey this 2010-2011 campaign. You don’t know which team will show up any given night, especially at home.For proof in the pudding, the Caps took Friday night off at home, losing to the injury plagued New York Rangers 6 – 0, then came back to life late in the second period at Uniondale the next night to beat the youthful New York Islanders 3-2. I may be a little bit slow sometimes, but I just don’t get it, unless our talented crew is dogging it some games or intimidated by the other team.There’s nothing much good ever to say about a lack luster 6-0 loss. It was the 9th time the Caps were shut out this season, and the second time they were devastated by the Rangers. Compared to his Penguins shutout the Monday night before, Caps goalie Michal Neuvirth looked like night and day, stopping only 22 of 28 Rangers shots. Maybe, Rangers coach John Tortorella knows a magic formula for sparking a young team against the big bad Capitals, or the Capitals players just don’t listen to Coach Boudreau exhortations anymore.The Caps also didn’t play much better the first two periods against the Islanders, who jumped off to a 2 - 0 lead by the 0:33 mark of the second period but flying down the ice, crashing in on Islanders’ goalie Al Montoya, like superman to the rescue, Caps right winger Brooks Laich resuscitated his teammates midway through the second period with his 13th goal of the season, assisted by defenseman John Carlson.In the first six minutes of the third period, Mike Knuble tied the game, assisted by Laich, and Marcus Johanssen, and Alexander Semin put the Caps ahead to stay, with his 22nd goal assisted by Ovie.When Caps goalie Semyon Varlomov complained of a sore knee before the morning skate, Neuvirth was put back in the nets a second game in a row and stopped 29 of 31 shots.Apart from last night’s third period comeback, more good news is the Caps added a couple players to the roster.They claimed “guter deutschen Hockeyspeiler” Marco Sturm from waivers. Caps broadcaster, Craig Laughlin described Sturm, 32, as a top six forward, if healthy. Sturm missed the first 34 games this season with a lower body injury, but scored four goals, 5 assists in 17 games played. He has scored 20 or more goals his past seven NHL seasons, and 238 goals, 237 assists, in 872 NHL games with San Jose, Boston, and Los Angeles.Also, 19-year Caps #2 2009 NHL Entry Draft pick, and standout defenseman on the Russian gold medal winning team at the World Championship last month, Dmitri Orlov signed a professional tryout contract with the Hershey Bears. Chances are he’ll sign a contract with the Caps and be available for the big club in the playoffs. He’s described as a big tough skilled defenseman, who can help the team on the blue line and the power play.The Caps return to the ice against the New York Island at the Verizon Center Tuesday night, March 1st.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by PhotoByThom.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Neuvirth Makes Pens Coach Eat His Words
By Rodger M. Wood
Rookie goalie Michal Neuvirth stopped all 39 shots, Ovie scored the game’s only goal, and the fourth line nonstop energized the team, as the Caps played playoff style hockey to beat Eastern Conference archival Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0 on national television Monday night.Although playing a second away game in two nights and the last of a five game West Coast road trip and not getting their first shot until midway through the First Period. the Caps looked in charge of an injury depleted Penguins the entire game.The ferocious rivalry between the teams erupted in the second period when winger Matt Bradley avenged Matt Cooke’s knee to knee check on Alex O in the Feb. 6th game with a hard check on the accomplished cheap shot artist behind the Caps goal.After Bradley served a two minute penalty for what most in the press box thought was a clean hit, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton call up Ryan Craig challenged Bradley. As Cooke cowered on the bench, letting another player fight his battle, Craig paid the price for his teammate’s cowardly indiscretion, taking several hard punches to the head and spending the next five minutes in the penalty box.Fourth liners Boyd Bradley, David Streckel and Bradley sparked the Caps team with their fight, intense play, and hard checks the entire game.While Bradley was off serving the five minute fight penalty, Alex O flew down middle ice, reared back his stick and fired off a rocket shot that the up to that point, impenetrable Pens goalie, Marc-Andre Fleury, barely saw as it passed over his left shoulder into the net to make the score 1-0.In the third period, the Penguins threw everything at the Caps but the kitchen sink, but with five Caps players working on the ice together, collapsing in front of the net, blocking shots, and checking closely, they had trouble even bringing the puck up ice through the neutral zone and getting off a clean shot.Both goaltenders were spectacular, stopping a combined 62 of 63 shots, Fleury stopping 23/24, and Neuvirth 39/39.Last night marked Neuvirth’s second straight shutout of the “Crosby-less Penguins” and 18th win of the season, tying him with Jim Carey’s 1995-96 rookie 18 win - season.After his sad characterization of Neuvirth as a “shaky” goalie in HBO 24/7 series, Penguins coach Dan Bylsma must be eating crow.The Caps return home to face the improved New York Rangers Friday February 25th.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by woodsportsphotography.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Caps Beat Sabres In Tight One
By Rodger M. Wood
The Caps played good defense, rookie centers, Mathieu Perreault and Marcus Johannsen scored goals, and the Capitals beat all star goaltender, Ryan Miller and the Buffalo Sabres away Sunday afternoon 2-1.Both team were scoreless until Perreault, assisted by Matt Hendricks, scored at 6:09 of the second period.Sabres Jason Pomerville evened the score off at 1-1 on a power play goal at the 8:52 mark of the second period.
Midway through the third period, on the Caps 5th power play attempt of the game, one a two man advantage in the first period, Johannsen tipped in a power play goal assisted by Ovie and Perreault to make the score 2-1.Caps Semyon Varlamov and Sabres Ryan Miller were spectacular in the nets, stopping 28/29 and 37/39 shots respectively.Skating hard, checking opponents and playing a strong game at both ends, Ovie resembled the MVP player Caps fans have gotten to know the past five seasons.A good amount of the Caps offensive power, Mike Green and Eric Fehr, were injury scratches.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by woodsportsphotography.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Good Defense, Little Offense and Caps Lose Another Close One
By Rodger M. Wood
One night the Caps play offense and score 7 goals to beat Anaheim. The next night, they’re back to defense, scoring two goals and losing a close game against San Jose 3-2, marking the 11th time in the past 16 games Washington has scored two or fewer goals.I’d be interested In knowing how many games the Caps have lost by a goal this season.The trade deadline is February 28th and gentlemen, we truly need more than two goal scorers a night to win in the regular season or Stanley Cup Playoffs!Alex O’s power play goal less than a minute after Sharks Joe Pawleski’s burnt the Caps with a shorthanded goal at the 18:49 mark of the first period seemed to ignite the Caps for a while, but both teams ended up scoreless in the second period.San Jose opened up the scoring at 4:27 of the third period on Ryane Clowe’s 15th goal of the season, and Dany Heatley followed up with his 20th of the season to make the score 3-1.Niklaus Backstrom scored his 15th of the season at 18:05 of the third period to make the final score 3-2.Our A-team guys, Alex O had a goal and an assist, Semin an assist, and Backstrom a goal, but their production was not enough to beat the high flying San Jose Sharks.George McPhee said he was sticking with our young goaltenders and not looking for a veteran goaltender by the trade deadline.Last night, Michael Neuvirth stopped 25 of 28 shots. The night before at Anaheim, Semyon Varlamov stopped 6 of 9 shots before being benched at the end of the first period, and Neuvirth 9 of 12 in the last two periods for a combined total of 15 saves of 21 shots.The Caps come back east to play Buffalo and the tough goalie Ryan Miller 12:30 Sunday. Buffalo is 2 points behind Carolina in the race for the 8th and last playoff position in the Eastern Conference and will be loaded for bear.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by PhotoByThom.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
I’m Told The Caps Played Better
By Rodger M. Wood
The Caps were playing better, but when the Coyotes executed a perfect two on one goal to go ahead 3-1 at the 4:24 mark of the third period, I turned the television off and went off to bed.With stars, Alexander Semin, Niklaus Backstrom, and yes, Alex O. not earning their mega millions with goals nowadays, I’ve lost confidence in the Caps coming back. I couldn’t bear to see the fourteen other hard working, lower paid players take the gas again.Doesn’t it always seem that when an athlete signs a big contract, they lose their incentive to play hard and suffer a performance let down right afterwards (e.g. Backstrom $67 million, Semin $6.2 million).The Caps had given me false hope going ahead 1-0 on Marcus Johanssen’s fluke goal off opposing defenseman Martin Hanzal midway through the first period. I thought they’d start to get some good breaks and penalties again, but less than a minute later, my hopes were dashed when Hanzal returned the favor, scoring the tying goal.And then the Coyotes went ahead 2-1 on Caps old nemesis, former Carolina Hurricane forward, Ray Whitney’s power play goal at the 17:43 mark of the second period.Less than a minute after the Coyotes breakaway goal in the third, Matt Bradley put the Caps within one with his 4th goal of the season, assisted by Dave Steckel and Jeff Schultz.As Bruce Boudreau told the local media, “you can’t win, if your stars are not scoring goals.”Ovie, Backstrom, and Semin were shutout again last night in regular play as well as on the power play. They had plenty of opportunities to score but could not put the puck past Phoenix goaltender Ilya Bryzgalov.George McPhee has to consider getting a top 6 center to shake this team out of its doldrums. As was proven last night, you can’t win games scoring two goals and having your power play shutout in five attempts.I have a suggestion. Maybe you can include defensemen Jeff Schultz and Tom Poti in a deal to Dallas for Brad Richards. If you can pull that deal off, maybe you’ll get this team some much needed goals and spark them on in the playoffs.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by PhotoByThom.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.
Acta Non Verba
By Rodger M. WoodRight after two straight losses to the tough Western Conference San Jose Sharks and Los Angeles Kings, Caps players had a much publicized team meeting, In which they discussed roles, performance consistency, and ice responsibilities.They realized they have one of the most talented teams in the NHL, but must play consistently harder before they’re going to beat the tougher teams in the league.Fans have heard these promises before, which are worthless without follow up, corrective action.“Mea culpa” or “my fault” is nice to hear, but does nothing to resolve the problems.A better model for Caps players would be the one the Marines use, which is “Acta Non Verba,” or “actions not words.”Every time our talented millionaires lose, we hear another excuse and get some promises.I think it’s high time the fans see improved play first, get the wins, and then hear about why.
Caps Sleep In 4-1 Loss
By Rodger M. Wood
18,398 fans at the Verizon Center Saturday afternoon matinee were again shortchanged when the home team stopped playing halfway through game and lost to the harder working Los Angeles Kings 4-1.Scoring an unassisted goal at the 1:06 mark of the first period, Ovie gave fans false hope. Today’s outcome wasn't different than the past six contests against Western Conference teams, in which the Caps were beaten decisively.Back to normal after the goal, the Caps played decent defense for a period and a half, but then gave up again against another tough opponent. Kings forwards swarmed harder and harder on the Caps goaltender, Semyon Varlomov as the game wore on, and whose big tough defensemen knocked Caps forwards on their butts.Perhaps our European stars, Alex O, Niklaus Backstrom, Alexander Semin, Marcus Johanssen, Michael Neuvirth, and Semyon Varlomov can’t cope with the Western Conference’s rugged game.Near the end of the first period, DJ King tried to energize his teammates, taking on Kings Kevin Westgarth in a rugged heavyweight battle, and throughout the game, by hard checking opponents, crashing on net, and shooting the puck, but his good effort did't help.While King’s plus/minus was zero, All Star defenseman Mike Green and Jeff Schultz’ was a -3, indicating they were on the ice for three of the Kings goals, and forwards, Jason Chimera, Brooks Laich, and Mathieu Perreault a -2, indicating they were on the ice for at least two of the Kings goals.Before the Caps go West next week to face the Phoenix Coyotes Monday, Anaheim Ducks Wednesday, and San Jose Sharks Thursday, maybe some of our Caps need to be sent back to Hershey where they will not be traumatized by such tough competition.In summary, the bottom line this afternoon was Kings 4 Caps 1.Ottawa’s Good Center Mike Fisher Traded to Nashville: Needing a good second line center badly, the Caps lost out again, when former Caps GM David Poile traded a 2011 #1 draft and a 2012 conditional pick (third or second, depending on how many rounds Nashville wins) to Ottawa for two way center Mike Fisher.
Capitalpowerplay.com images by PhotoByThom.com are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-Share Alike 3.0 United States License.