Capitals Vs Panthers 03/29/2008 Review

Photo - AP

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Capitals 3 - Panthers 0

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With 32 saves from Cristobal Huet, the Washington Capitals shutout the Florida Panthers. The convincing win by the Cap's eliminates the Panthers from the playoff race. Netminder Huet has now won six straight starts. Viktor Kozlov (3), Alexander Ovechkin (2) and Tom Poti (2), all three had a multi point game in Washington's 40th victory of the season.

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The Capitals came out buzzing right away in the first period. Washington outshot Florida 10-6 in the first 20 minutes. That sixth shot on goal by the Panthers, was the only one they could manage in the last ten minutes of the period. So, both the offense and the defense were working pretty well for Washington. However, Florida's goalie Tomas Vokoun kept the Cap's out of the net, while Huet was doing the same against the Panthers in the Caps' end, during the first.

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Photo - Hans Deryk / AP

The second period started off with a Panthers' breakaway. But, Huet came up with the big save on Jozef Stumpel. On a little give and go play with Brooks Laich, it was Viktor Kozlov who put the Cap's on the board first at 2:48. Tom Poti got the first of his two helpers on this play, as he was the one who got the puck deep into the zone for Kozlov. Big bad John Erskine and the other defenseman cleared the crease in front of Washington's goal, and Nicklas Backstrom, Matt Cooke and Brooks Laich were getting their shots on Panthers' net. Then it was Caps' defenseman Mike Green who put Washington ahead by two with just over five minutes left in the second. From the right side of the net, Alex Ovechkin passed the puck to Green on the left side. Green put it past Vokoun for his 18th goal of the season. Mike continues to lead all real NHL defenseman in goals. The Panthers' Jassen Cullimore was called for hooking Boyd Gordon right before the horn. Gordon was at the right post, about to tip in number three.

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In the third period Erskine and Cooke continued to put big hits on the Panthers, and Huet continued to make the big saves. The Capitals' third goal came at 11:32. Poti cleared the puck from the Caps' zone to Kozlov, who skated the puck across the top of the Panthers' crease while being hooked. Ovechkin collected the puck, and his wrister went in for his 62nd goal of this season. Later in the period, the Panthers did make a little bit of a push. But, Washington clogged up the slot, making it impossible to get through to the net.

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Photo - Steve Nesius / AP

Including this last road game of the season, the Capitals have won eight of their last nine games. This is only the third time this season that Washington has won four straight. The last two times coming in these last nine games. They have yet to get five straight. They may have to win all of their remaining games to make the playoffs. All three of the Capitals' remaining games will be played at home, next week. They seem to be pretty hot right now. So, we still have hope.

Capitals Vs Hurricanes 03/25/2008 Review

Capitals 3 - Hurricanes 2 SO

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The Washington Capitals are now even (4W-4L) with shootouts on the season. The shootout win against the Carolina Hurricanes also moves them up to 4 points behind Carolina in the Southeast Division standings. Since the Boston Bruins also won their game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Cap's are still 2 points out of the eighth spot in the Eastern Conference.

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At the start of the first period, you could tell that Washington was determined to take this game. Their hunger for the win showed as they peppered their prey with shots on goal in preparation for the feast that was ultimately to come in the end. However, Carolina caught up with the Cap's shots wise later in the first. Both, Washington's Cristobal Huet and Carolina's Cam Ward would have to be sharp in net, and both were. The first to strike was the Hurricanes. After Alexander Semin was awarded two minutes in the penalty box for hooking, the 'canes got their first lucky bounce with just 13.3 seconds left in the opening period. Jeff Hamilton sent a pass toward Joe Corvo, but the puck deflected off of the back of a skate of Washington's Boyd Gordon. The puck went about 40 feet, zipping past Huet, who was being screened by Erik Cole.

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The first goal for the Capitals was also on the power play. With the referees deciding to call a couple of the infractions that took place a third of the way through the second period, Washington had a 5 on 3 situation. One second after Trevor Letowski got out of the box, the Cap's evened the score during 5 on 4. While Washington was cycling the puck deep in the offensive zone, the 'canes found themselves frozen. With their opponents "puck watching" instead of defending, our boys struck. From the slot, Nicklas Backstrom fed Sergei Fedorov at the right side of the net. He then slid the biscuit through the top of the crease to Alexander Semin on the other side. Semin snapped it home, to make the score even. Later on, Carolina's Scott Walker - who had already missed 17 games earlier in the season due to a torso injury, slammed into the boards while trying to make a big hit on Milan Jurcina. Jurcina, skating out of the corner with the puck, saw Walker coming and hit the brakes to avoid the impact. Walker left the ice, but returned later in the game. Shortly after, Victor Kozlov had control of the puck in the offensive zone. He left a drop pass for Backstrom. Nicklas sent the puck to Alex Ovechkin, as he drove straight through the slot. Alex rang the inside of the right post with his 61st goal of the season, surpassing the Capitals' single season record formerly held by Dennis Maruk. Maruk had called Ovechkin earlier in the day to wish him luck in breaking the 26 year old club record.

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Still in the second period, possession of the puck rapidly pin balled back and forth for a while, and Ovie crushed a couple 'canes before another adjustment was made to the score. Cole was driving to Washington's net when Shaone Morrisonn tried to clear him with a hit that helped send him into netminder Huet, which drove them (and the puck?) into the goal. The referee at the net, lost sight of the puck. Apparently, the judges in Toronto had a video that they didn't care to share with anyone else. While neither Comcast SportsNet or the Washington Capitals had a video conclusively showing the puck completely cross the goal line, somebody supposedly coughed one up. So, the higher ups counted the goal anyway. Oh well? It wouldn't matter in the end. So, it was 2-2 after two.

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The third period held plenty of good hockey action. Both goalies were great. Mike Green made a wonderful play, containing Erik Cole while without a stick. His efforts helping to thwart Cole's scoring attempt. Morrisonn poked the puck away from Cole on another drive, with 11 seconds left in regulation. To me, Mo probably saved the game on that one.

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Five minutes of overtime wasn't enough to finish off the game. Washington had a couple chances, but there was no getting through Cam Ward. He even made an odd looking standing save on Ovechkin, squeezing the puck between his catching glove and his blocker. Don't see that happen very often, these days. Actually, both Huet and Ward have that same rare hybrid style - half butterfly, half old time stand up. Thankfully, the shootout didn't go on and on, the way it sometimes does. The first five guys didn't have any luck. But, our specialist Viktor Kozlov effortlessly sent the puck past Ward top shelf.

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The win puts the Capitals within one game of an even season series with the Hurricanes. They will get their last chance to make it 4-4, when Carolina pays their last regular season visit to Washington, DC on Tuesday, April 1st. This victory gives Cristobal Huet his fourth straight win. Of course, Alex Ovechkin broke another club record with his 61st goal of the season. But, he does that record breaking thing on a fairly regular bassis. So, thanks to both Alex's for their regulation goals. Thanks to Mo for the nice defensive play at the end of the third. Finally, thank you Kozzy for hitting the back of the net in the shootout!

All Photos - Karl DeBlaker / AP

Elvis Has Missed The Building?

Photo - Bumpershine.com

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Just a real quick mention of Elvis Costello going on tour with his old mates, The Imposters. They don't seem to be hitting Baltimore, MD or Washington, DC with this tour. So, if you missed him on one of his other recent tours (Orchestral, Bob Dylan, etc.), you could always head to Columbus, Ohio or Burgettstown, PA or maybe Philadelphia, PA. Is the Chance to see Elvis with The Imposters worth the trip? OK, now for the really bad news about these gigs. For most of them, the other half of the bill is The Police. Yeah, at least for now. You know how well those guys get along these days. Check out the Elvis Costello MySpace for all the dates and venues, as the regular web site is currently under reconstruction.

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Anyway, how about a video or two to mull over that musical road trip?

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Carbon/Silicon Or The Clash Meets Gen X Tour

Another tour is on. This one's for all you Punks out there! Carbon/Silicon have hit the States (1 gig in Canada) to promote their first full length album, titled The Last Post.

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Founding members include former lead guitarist and singer for The Clash - Mick Jones, as well as former Generation X bassist Tony James. You might recall that singer Billy Idol came from Gen X. The bassist for this band is Leo "Eazykill" Williams, who worked together with Jones in another successful band, Big Audio Dynamite. Behind the drum kit is former Reef member Dominic Greensmith. James has now switched to playing guitar. Mick, who has some experience playing many different instruments, also plays guitar and shares vocals with Tony in this latest collaboration.

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These guys have been mates for years, and played together in bands of various genres and degrees of success. Carbon/Silicon started off in 2002 with a fairly techno sound, with lots of rock samples and dance music in the mix. By the time they started doing live gigs in 2004, they started shifting more toward the organic soul or "Carbon" (Mick Jones) end of the music spectrum. This has brought a contrasting balance to the techno pop or "Silicon" (Tony James) part of the bargain. There are still definitely elements of The Clash and Generation X in this music. It's just a bit more upbeat. They are an internet friendly band. James is a former computer programmer. Carbon/Silicon still continue to release their new material for free via their web site, as they've always done.

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Here's a couple videos from the current tour.

. "Really The Blues" 03/14/2008 @ SXSW Festival Austin, TX

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. "Caesar's Palace" 03/15/2008 @ Waterloo Records Austin, TX

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More Tour Dates On The Schedule: .

Seattle, WA - Chop Suey - 03/23/2008 .

Portland, OR - Lola's Room/Crystal Ballroom - 03/24/2008 .

Denver, CO - Bluebird Theatre - 03/27/2008 .

Kansas City, MO - Record Bar - 03/29/2008 .

Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theatre - 03/30/2008 .

Chicago, IL - Double Door - 03/31/2008 .

Toronto, Canada - Lee's Place - 04/02/2008 .

New York, NY - Fillmore/Irving Plaza - 04/04/2008 .

Cambridge, MA - T.T. The Bears - 04/05/2008 .

Washington, DC - The 9:30 Club - 04/06/2008 .

Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live - 04/07/2008 .

Cincinnati, OH - 20th Century Theatre - 04/09/2008 .

Atlanta, GA - The Loft - 04/14/2008 .

Orlando, FL - The Social - 04/15/2008 .

Indio, CA - Coachella Festival - 04/26/2008

Capitals Vs Thrashers 03/21/2008 Review

Capitals 5 - Thrashers 3

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After getting behind by two in the second period, the Washington Capitals roared back in the second half of the third, to beat the Atlanta Thrashers. Washington's superstar left wing forward Alex Ovechkin netted goals number 59 and 60 for the season, during his four point game. His linemate, center Nicklas Backstrom had a three point night, including the tying and game winning goals.

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There wasn't much to cheer about in the first period, for either team. But, Washington's defenseman Steve Eminger did alright in another rare appearance. He managed a couple shots, including one long range slapper that was on goal. Emmy also got a hit on Atlanta's Jim Slater. Caps' Viktor Kozlov got off a few good shots, as well as winning a few draws in the faceoff circle. It was Ovechkin that got the scoring started at 15:18. Kozlov sent an outlet pass to Backstrom. Nicklas carried the puck out of Washington's end and all the way up ice before dropping it off to Alex, after entering the offensive zone. Ovie headed across the ice, then sent a wrister in five hole for his 59th goal of the season. He let out a big yell of excitement and probably relief, as his mates joined him in celebration.

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There would be no celebration or even relief for the Cap's in the second period. Sergei Fedorov and the boys did pretty well in the faceoff circle. They outshot the Thrashers 14-10. But, somehow it was Atlanta that ended up doing all the celebrating in the middle period. At 4:11, rookie Tobias Enstrom's snapshot power play goal got things rolling for the Thrash. Less than four minutes later, with the Capitals on the PP, Atlanta's Jim Slater got his first ever shorthanded goal. His breakaway opportunity came about when Eric Perrin picked off a pass from Ovechkin, and sent the puck to Slater. Goalie Cristobal Huet and the Washington defense were able to hold them off for a little while after that. But, Huet wasn't exactly playing at his best. In the Cap's end, it was Perrin getting the puck to Slater again. He bobbled the puck for a moment, but still easily managed to put it past Cris. The multi goal game was another first for Slater. Washington's best chance was a seriously hard and somewhat screened long range slapshot from Mike Green. But, a backward rolling Kari Lehtonen made the glove save.

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Early in the third period, the Cap's still weren't getting it past Lehtonen. However, a couple shots by Sergei Fedorov and Matt Cooke did hit a goal post. By the midpoint of the third period, Washington started putting a fair amount of pressure on Lehtonen and the Thrashers. They kept a good bit of traffic in front of the net, and sent a lot of shots toward the goal. With about 8 1/2 minutes left in the period, Alex Ovechkin tipped in a Mike Green rebound for goal number 60 on the season. It's been 12 years since anyone has been able to hit that mark. The goal seemed to fire up the Cap's even more. Less than three minutes later, Ovie came very close to getting a hat trick. Kari Lehtonen ended up on his back while making the save. Shortly after, Green brought the puck coast to coast, and casually sent it over to Backstrom. Nickie then roofed a wrister far side, tying up the game with his 13th goal of the season at 16:00. Exactly 32 seconds later, Backstrom tipped in a pass from Alex Ovechkin for his 14th and the game winner. A very pissed off Kari Lehtonen sent equipment flying. Capitals' netminder Olie Kolzig sure knows exactly how frustrated Lehtonen was feeling, with the inconsistent effort by his teammates. With Lehtonen pulled for the extra skater and 7.8 seconds left on the clock, Washington forward Boyd Gordon popped in an empty netter to well and truly put it away.

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What an exciting comeback finish. The Cap's haven't managed such a feat since beating this same team after being behind coming into the third period on January 6, 2007. It's a lot to take in really. A four goal third period, a multi point game by Ovechkin (2 goals - #59 and #60, 2 assists) and Backstrom (2 goals, 1 assist). Alex becomes only the second Washington Capital to get 60 goals in a single season. The other being Dennis Maruk, way back in the 1981-1982 season. Of course, nobody in the entire NHL has done it since the 1995-1996 season. Washington outshot Atlanta 45-18 overall, 23-2 in the third period alone. With the victory, they have won one of those "must win" games. At least we can all be in a good mood for a few days before the Cap's road trip lands them in Raleigh, North Carolina to face the Hurricanes on Tuesday, March 25th.

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All Game Photos - John Amis / AP

#60 Puck Photo - Getty Images, #60 Graphic - Washington Capitals

Queen + Paul Rodgers 2008 European Tour Press Release

In case you haven't heard yet, Queen + Paul Rodgers are to release their first studio album together. According to today's BBC News article, they plan to call it The Cosmos Rocks, and release the album on September 1, 2008. Here's the official Tour Press Release posted yesterday, March 19, 2008. It includes the currently scheduled European Tour dates. It also has some historical information for people who might be a little behind the rest of us serious fans. With the tour being announced before the album is even out yet, you can tell these guys are anxious to hit the boards again.


Queen + Paul Rodgers Rock The Cosmos 2008 Concert Tour

Well, at least UK, Northern Eurasia, Central, Southern and Eastern Europe

With highly anticipated return to Latin America expected to follow


Tour heralds in first new Queen studio album in 13 Years

With a new album in the pipeline - the first new studio album to carry the Queen name since the Freddie Mercury sessions – Queen is heading back on the road for a four-month tour, once again in the company of musician/singer/songwriter Paul Rodgers who joined the band for the highly successful 2005/2006 world tour, the European leg of which ended with the band’s spectacular London Hyde Park open air concert before going on to play the US and Japan. In all, the band’s tour was attended by more than a million people.

Together Brian May, Roger Taylor and Paul Rodgers have recorded their first album’s worth of material, jointly written and produced. With the title yet to be disclosed, the album is being readied for release September 1, two weeks ahead of the start of the tour.

The Queen + Paul Rodgers 28-date arena tour will take in 14 countries in just seven weeks, and take the band to Northern Eurasia, Central and Southern Europe, and the UK, and is expected to wind up at the end of the year with the band’s highly anticipated return to South America, the setting of some of its most historic tours in the early 80’s.

Queen’s historic Latin America dates set new world records for the numbers of the audiences it attracted. At the 1985 Rock in Rio concert the band played to an unheard of audience of 300,000 and was watched on television by nearly 200 million people throughout the South American continent.

The 2008 tour kicks off mid-September in Russia with two dates at Moscow’s SCO Olympic Arena, moves on into Poland for a massive free concert at the historic Gdansk Shipyard, and then follows a path through Germany, Belgium, France, Italy, Switzerland and the Netherlands before arriving in the UK early October for 6 dates including London’s 02 Arena on October 13.

The UK dates see the band additionally play Nottingham, Glasgow, Cardiff and Birmingham with a final UK date at Liverpool Arena on October 18 before continuing on to Spain, Hungary, Serbia, Czech Republic and Austria for seven further dates.

Tracks on the new Queen + Paul Rodgers album are all newly written by May, Taylor and Rodgers during the late 2007/ early 2008 recording sessions. ‘Say It’s Not True’, previously released at the end of last year by Queen + Paul Rodgers as a special World Aids Day download for Nelson Mandela’s 46664 HIV AIDS charity will be included, plus a ‘first’ for a Queen album – a cover version.

One of these tracks, C-lebrity, will receive a sneak preview when the band make a by-demand return to the UK’s ITV Al Murray’s Happy Hour for the final show on April 4.

Queen’s last studio album release was “Made In Heaven” released in November 1995 containing the last recordings with Freddie. The album became the band’s biggest selling studio album, with world sales in excess of 20 million.

Queen’s “Greatest Hits 1” album has achieved the distinction of being the UK’s biggest selling album of all time, having sold a staggering 5,407,587 copies in Britain alone (source: VH1/The Official UK Charts Company. November 2006).

Paul Rodgers is and has been one of the most sought after and recognizable vocalists in rock music. Celebrating his 40th anniversary as a recording artist, Rodgers is known for his work as a founding member of bands Free, Bad Company, The Firm and as a Grammy nominated solo artist. He has written, produced and recorded some of radios biggest hits including “All Right Now,” “Feel Like Making Love,” and “Radioactive.” Rodgers’ latest CD/DVD release, “Live in Glasgow,” charted internationally and was recently certified Gold.

Between them, Queen and Paul Rodgers have released more than 50 albums during their long careers and sold in excess of a staggering 300 million records.

Tickets for all UK dates will go on sale at venue box offices and usual ticket agents from Saturday April 5.

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Official UK tour hotline: 08700 11 26 26

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http://www.ticketzone.co.uk/

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Pre-registration is available from Wednesday April 2 at:

http://www.queenonline.com/

http://www.queenpluspaulrodgers.com/

http://www.paulrodgers.com/

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UK ticket prices: £49.40, £39.50 (check venues).

A Phil McIntyre Entertainment Tour.

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The Cosmos Rocks over Europe at:

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EUROPE LEG 1:

Tuesday 16 September Moscow SCO Olympic Arena RUSSIA

Wednesday 17 September Moscow SCO Olympic Arena RUSSIA

Saturday 20 September Gdansk Shipyard POLAND

Sunday 21 September Berlin Velodrom GERMANY

Tuesday 23 September Antwerp Sportspaleis BELGIUM

Wednesday 24 September Paris Bercy FRANCE

Friday 26 September Rome Palalottomatica ITALY

Sunday 28 September Verona Arena ITALY

Monday 29 September Zurich Hallenstadion SWITZERLAND

Wednesday 1 October Munich Olympiahalle GERMANY

Thursday 2 October Mannheim SAP Arena GERMANY

Saturday 4 October Hannover TUI Arena GERMANY

Sunday 5 October Hamburg Color Line Arena GERMANY

Tuesday 7 October Rotterdam Ahoy NETHERLANDS

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UK:

Friday 10 October Nottingham Arena

Saturday 11 October Glasgow SE&CC

Monday 13 October London 02

Tuesday 14 October Cardiff Arena

Thursday 16 October Birmingham NIA

Saturday 18 October Liverpool Arena

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EUROPE LEG 2:

Wednesday 22 October Barcelona Palau Sant Jordi SPAIN

Friday 24 October Murcia Estadio Municipal SPAIN

Saturday 25 October Madrid Palacio de Deportes SPAIN

Tuesday 28 October Budapest Sportarena, HUNGARY

Wednesday 29 October Belgrade Arena SERBIA

Friday 31 October Prague 02 Arena CZECH REPUBLIC

Saturday 1 November Vienna Stadthalle AUSTRIA

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2005-2006 World Tour Photos, Album Graphic - Queen + Paul Rodgers

Capitals Vs Blackhawks 03/19/2008 Review

Capitals 0 - Blackhawks 5

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After winning four straight games, the Washington Capitals fell to the Chicago Blackhawks. I guess Washington being shutout last night was payback for when Olie Kolzig and the Capitals shutout the Blackhawks 4-0 the last time they were in Chicago, almost four years ago. I have to agree with CapsChick at A View From The Cheap Seats, it's better that they lost this game against a team in the West than one of the last seven games, which are all against their own Southeast Division. Best thing to do is to just "fo'ged aboud it".

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Thrashers Vs Capitals 03/14/2008 Review

Thrashers 1 - Capitals 4

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With the win against the Atlanta Thrashers, the Washington Capitals moved up one notch in the Eastern Conference standings. They're now just three points behind the eighth place Philadelphia Flyers, and five points behind the Southeast Division leading Carolina Hurricanes. The Thrashers are currently the 14th place team in the East, and looked like they're about ready to give up. The Capitals however, looked like they are determined to make the playoffs.

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The Capitals started putting the pressure on early in the first, and they kept it up all night long. That's a pretty good sign that they've learned how to win, and what it's going to take to stay in the running. But, it was Atlanta's Slava Kozlov that scored first. The Thrashers' only goal of the game came right after a hooking penalty on Caps' defenseman Shaone Morrisonn expired. About three minutes later, Washington answered back with a goal that came right after a hooking penalty by Thrashers' forward Mark Recchi expired. Capitals' Viktor Kozlov gained control of the puck behind Atlanta's net. He sent a pass to Alex Ovechkin, who deflected the puck to Brooks Laich. With goalie Kari Lehtonen already down on the ice, Laich sent his wrist shot over Lehtonen's left shoulder for his 18th goal of the season. As usual, the officiating could've been better in this game. But, it wasn't so bad that you would say it even came close to changing the outcome. Late in the first, there was an offside that seemed to be called before any Capitals' skate hit the blue line. With 5.1 seconds left in period one, Ovechkin was called for interference. He had raised both arms to give the referees a clear view of Jim Slater's arm that was wrapped around him. I guess the ref who made the call was confused by Ovie's arm raising, and thought he was trying to confess something. "There...there now, young man. Just step into the box 'n tell me everythin'."

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Just over two minutes into the second period, Brooks Laich got his second goal of the game. Atlanta's rookie defenseman Tobias Enstrom slid toward the goal mouth, strattled the right post and dislodged the net with his crotch (ouwie!). After a totally unnecessary eternity, the video review judge agreed with the official that had immediately signaled that it was in fact a goal. I think the guys reviewing the goal are probably a little sadistic, and they just kept rewinding, so that they could see Enstrom bang into the post over and over again. For his part in the play, Sami Lepisto got his first NHL assist. The Cap's kept up the pressure through the second. Lepisto almost got his first NHL goal, as he rang goal pipe. I sure thought it went in, at first. The goal horn was even sounded for a second. Well, he can save it for a time when it's needed. It was around this point in the game that the ref's missed a few more calls on Atlanta. Mike Green had taken a stick to the face a couple times, and was knocked down without the puck at this point in the game. No whistles on those plays. But, at 14:08 Washington's Donald Brashear got two minutes for interference. Not fare, but it didn't matter. Just 33 seconds after play resumed, the puck was in the back of Atlanta's net, anyway. Sergei Fedorov stripped the puck from a Thrasher and fed it to Matt Cooke. The speedy Cooke zipped down the ice and sent in the shorthanded goal between the pads of Lehtonen, putting the Capitals ahead by two. About a minute later, the Cap's almost got another goal while still on the penalty kill. Sergei Fedorov and Matt Bradley ended up with a 2 on 1 breakaway, but Bradley's wrist shot from 17 feet out didn't get through Lehtonen. Right at the end of the second period, Atlanta's Ilia Kovalchuck tried to get his team fired up by trying to pick a fight. Turns out, he was just wasting his time.

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At 1:03 into the third period, former Cap Ken Klee put Washington back on the power play with a hooking call. At 1:07, Alex Ovechkin scored the Caps' fourth goal of the game, right off the draw. Fedorov won the faceoff, sending the puck to Green. Mike got the puck to Ovechkin, who immediately put it in net for his 57th goal of the season. A very pissed off Kari Lehtonen, slammed both his fists into his pads. A little while later, Ovie rang one off the post with a very hard shot. Washington was leading by three goals, but it's a bad idea to be satisfied with that. In the end, it was plenty this time.

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Washington outshot Atlanta 37 to 12 in this game. Olie Kolzig had to feel pretty lonely in front of his net. If the Thrashers didn't have such an amazing goalie as Lehtonen guarding their net, they could easily have lost by twice as much. Between Eric Perrin's wrister at 6:44 in the first and Joel Kwiatkowski's wrist shot at 4:55 in the second period, Atlanta went 18:11 without recording a shot on goal. That's not going to put you on the road to the Stanley Cup. Both, Atlanta's offense and defense let them down in this game. The Capitals however, got a very good performance from their entire team. We've every reason to believe that Washington is a serious contender.

All Photos - Nick Wass / AP

Cake Time For Godzilla

The Washington Capitals beat the Calgary Flames last night, giving Olie Kolzig (a.k.a. Godzilla) his 300th career NHL win in net for the Cap's. With that in mind, I thought I'd post an E-Mail I sent Mike Vogel and the guys over at Washingtoncaps.com's Capitals Report Podcast three weeks before this (2007-2008) season started. The idea was that there were people within the Capitals organization that deserved some kind of special reward or acknowledgement, and that it would be good marketing for it to end up on national television.

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Hi guys,

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Have you ever heard of Charm City Cakes in Baltimore? They have a show on the Food TV channel called "Ace Of Cakes" on Thursday nights at 10:00 & 10:30 PM. Owner Duff & his staff make some incredible one of a kind creations. They've made many cakes involving pyrotechnics, including a car engine for Jay Leno. They make lots of cakes shaped like sports stadiums - Camden Yards, Ravens Stadium, etc. It's neat to see how detailed and almost realistic they get on cakes shaped like ships, cars, buildings, some guys head with his brains being eaten by zombies & so on.

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I keep thinking someone in the Caps Organization / Team deserves one. It would be nationwide exposure to possibly new fans as well as current ones. I'd really like to see a giant fire-breathing Godzilla cake for Kolzig's birthday. It could be a game against Pittsburgh with Zilla's fire melting Crosby's uniform exposing his pink Penguins thong panties, as he (Canadian Diving Team Captain) dives into the melting ice to put out the fire. Don't worry, those lips make a good floatation device.

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Thanks,

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Dan, Jr.

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There's no need to wait and order the cake for Kolzig's birthday. With Olie getting number 300, it's time for that cake now. Hopefully, the Capitals, the team's fan club, or somebody else with money, already has the order in at Charm City Cakes. If I had the cash, it would be on the way now!

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The podcast itself is still currently available for free download via iTunes. It was the September 13, 2007 show. Mike read my comments just after "last call" at about 58:23, shortly before the end of the show.

Flames Vs Capitals 03/12/2008 Review

Flames, Ref's 2 - Capitals 3

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Olie Kolzig got his 300th career NHL win for the Washington Capitals, as they beat the Calgary Flames. Olie was amazing in net, while getting plenty of help from Alex Ovechkin and the rest of his mates. Calgary's netminder Miikka Kiprusoff was amazing as well, while getting plenty of help from his teammates and the referees.

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The Capitals flew out of the starting gate, immediately getting a few shots on Kiprusoff. Just 53 seconds into the first period, Viktor Kozlov deflected in a Nicklas Backstrom shot. Shortly after, Kolzig got busy at the other end, making multiple awesome saves. His teammate Alexander Semin made things interesting for a moment, by trying to get the puck out of the zone via the slot in front of his net. But, Olie stayed sharp and quick. Then, it got interesting at the other end. As Kiprusoff came over to one side to guard his net against Cap's forward Matt Bradley. A muffled shot skittered through the crease to the other side, and Kiprusoff ended up getting called for hooking. The Cap's spent most of the power play in the Flames zone, but without any success. Toward the end of the period, Mike Green put a big hit on Calgary's Eric Godard. Green ended up going down to the ice. Since the clueless ref's didn't seem to notice Green was getting punched out while laying flat on his back, John Erskine skated over to rectify the situation. Both, Godard and Erskine were hit with matching five minute majors. Just over a minute later, Bradley went to the penalty box for interference. Exactly one minute after that, Washington's Milan Jurcina high sticked Calgary's Jarome Iginla. The Capitals haven't been doing very well when on the short end of a 5 on 3 power play. With 45 seconds left in the first, Iginla sent a screened slapshot off of Caps' Boyd Gordon. When the puck hit Gordon, it ramped upward and past Kolzig for Iginla's 42nd goal of the season. The period ended tied at 1-1.

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Washington spent a good bit of the second period's first six minutes in the offensive zone. They made some beautiful plays, especially Alex Semin and Sergei Fedorov. But, they didn't get anything by Kiprusoff. Then the referees increased their attempts to help the Flames. Erskine was called for tripping at 6:57, on what looked very much like a dive by Calgary's Craig Conroy. Then another Cap's defenseman, Shaone Morrisonn went to the box for an unbelievable dive by Owen Nolan. Another 5 on 3 situation. So of course, another PP goal by the Flames. This time, it was a snap shot by Kristian Huselius, putting Calgary ahead 2-1. Another overlooked Flames infraction came at about 12:25, when Bradley was clothes lined while reaching for the puck in the neutral zone. It was just impossible to not see this, yet no whistle was blown. I guess we're supposed to believe Brad's body violently flinging upward and backward was due to a rut in the ice. No hit, or anything else showed up on the play by play list. The officials did call four penalties on the Flames during period two, but they let several others go unpunished. Finally, at 17:21 Huselius went to the box for hooking Backstrom. Just 24 seconds later, Alex Ovechkin curled around a defender and sent number 55 on the season into the net. Another bright spot at the end of the period, was a massive hit on Calgary's Dion Phaneuf by Jurcina. Phaneuf was quite shaky as he headed to the Flames' bench.

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The third period was much the same. More inconsistent officiating, and more hard fought scoring chances by the Capitals. Iginla seemed to be offended by Mike Green when he was slashed by Huselius. Was it Green's fault Huselius slammed his stick across Mike's hand? Jarome even took a swipe at Green, while being "held back" by a ref. Owen Nolan was called for a high stick on Brooks Laich at 16:31, the Flames' eighth called penalty of the game. With Laich screening the Kiprusoff, Ovechkin's long range slapper went in for his league leading 20th PP goal of the season. The goal was also brings Ovechkin's goal total to 56 and point total to 97, both also tops in the NHL. After a Flames' time out, there was 1:03 left on the clock and an empty net in the Flames end. With just 24 seconds left in the game, Ovie went down while driving to the net and being covered by Phaneuff. He was about one step away from getting yet another hat trick.

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The Cap's played another wonderful game. This time, they didn't let the crappy ref's ruin it for them. They didn't let penalties destroy their chance of winning just before time ran out. Olie Kolzig and his Washington Capitals were not to be denied. Hopefully this kind of effort continues for their last 11 games.

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All Photos - Pablo Martinez Monsivais / AP

Penguins Vs Capitals 03/09/2008 Review

Penguins 4 - Capitals 2

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What a disappointing loss for the Washington Capitals. Although there were a few bad calls and a few missed calls, unlike yesterday's game against the Boston Bruins, the game was not literally handed to the opposition by the officials. Rather, it was a few misplays and mental lapses by Cap's who otherwise played extremely well against the Pittsburgh Penguins today.

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You knew, coming into this game, that it would be a very physical one. These two teams obviously hate each other. All the Capitals were hitting Penguins every chance they got in the first period. My personal favorite was the Shaone Morrisonn hit on Sidney Crosby. Washington also outshot Pittsburgh 11-4. They got plenty of time in the offensive zone, especially at the end of the first. However, they did not get the puck past Pittsburgh's netminder Marc-Andre Fleury.

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The Capitals continued to play with a high level of energy in the second period. Early in the period, Viktor Kozlov hit pipe with a hard shot. His reward would be an uncalled slash by a Penguin. Brooks Laich, who has been playing really well lately, gave up the body in front of Caps' goalie Cristobal Huet to block a shot. In the Penguins' end shortly after that, Alexander Semin took the puck across the ice and shot it toward the net. Laich was at the front of the net to deflect it in, putting the Cap's on the scoreboard first. That makes two games in a row that Brooks got the first goal of the game, both on the power play. But, Pitt's Petr Sykora answered back just over a minute later. His shot barely got through Huet, who should've been able to stop it easily. That would be Huet's only real mistake of the game. At 12:19, Washington's Shaone Morrisonn got called for tripping on a Pascal Dupuis dive. But, the Cap's killed off the penalty. Of course, the league doesn't like to see Sidney Crosby get called for penalties. So, when he made sure he bumped into Cristobal Huet while skating through Washington's crease, there was no call.

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If you watched the game on NBC, I hope you remembered to have a bucket or a large barf bag at the ready. Dick Doc Emerick and Eddie Upchuck Olczyk have to be the worst announcers in the business. Toward the end of the second period, an "interesting" question (among other things) was brought up. Edso, as the great Joe Beninati refers to him (though he's probably thinking of a similar sounding term - a$$#0!<) was asked who is better defensively, Sidney Crosby or Alex Ovechkin? Olczyk said that Crosby was slightly better because he's a center, while Ovechkin is a winger. What?....uhhh.....What?

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Getting back to reality and the last few moments of the second period, the game's intensity keep on going. It was exciting when Washington's forward Matt Bradley got a breakaway. It was infuriating when he was hauled down after his shot at the net, with no penalty called. Equally upsetting was Crosby's five hole goal, shot off an Evgeni Malkin rebound. Within the last 1:05 of period two, Capitals' center Nicklas Backstrom drew a crosscheck penalty from Pitt's Hal Gill and a roughing (elbow) penalty from Brooks Orpik. Alex Semin made good use of the 5 on 3 advantage, with a PP goal 13.2 seconds before the end of the period. Semin showed great patience, going back and forth between backhand and forehand. Even though Fleury was waiting for the shot, Alex flicked in the wrister so fast that he could only look behind himself in disbelief. After two periods, the Cap's were still ahead in most stats. However, much like the 2-2 score, the hit totals were about even.

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About six minutes into the third period is when Cap's defenseman Tom Poti did something which looked odd to me. Deep in Washington's end, he basically let Crosby skate by him like he was a teammate. Plehhh!...Phleehhh!....Uuuhhh. Where's that barf bag?! Please excuse that. I'm back now. Luckily, when the puck inevitably got to Sid and he drove to the net, Huet was a brick wall this time. Poti played exceptionally, otherwise. Both goalie Huet and defenseman John Erskine then thwarted scoring attempts from Pitt's Tyler Kennedy, Maxime Talbot and eventually Jordan Staal. Then, Pittsburgh was given a gift by a referee who called a penalty on Washington's Quintin Laing for a supposed knee on knee infraction. It was B.S. when it was called on Matt Cooke yesterday, and it was B.S. when it was called on Laing today! Nothing came of it. But, the continually bad officiating has just kept on showing up around the league since the beginning last season. After blocking another shot with his body, Laich cleared the puck.

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It was a shame the Cap's couldn't score after a Penguins' too many men on the ice penalty. But, the biggest shame of the whole game happened with 28.4 seconds left in the third period. Nicklas Backstom was standing by the net when the puck found it's way to him. He swung his stick in the wrong direction while attempting to clear it, sending the puck right by a surprised Cristobal Huet. Crosby got credit for the goal, since it was decided by the scoring officials that he was the last Penguin to touch the puck. One glaring mistake in an otherwise brilliant game by the Capitals' rookie center. A couple degrees more to the right, and it could have been a game saving play. Down by one and with less than half a minute left in regulation, Huet was pulled from Washington's net for the extra skater. I so desperately hate this move with every last fiber of my soul! It almost never works, especially for the Cap's. Inevitably, Staal scored the empty net goal with 13 seconds left on the clock.

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Another nationally televised loss for the Capitals. Which, almost automatically means another loss to the Penguins. Another loss at a chance for two more standings points. Was it a loss of their final chance at making a run for the playoffs this season? I hope not. But, it sure doesn't help.

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All Photos - Linda Spillers / AP

It's A Beautiful Thing!

Karl Alzner Gets Respect From The East

Fan's of Washinton Capitals' prospect Karl Alzner should check this out.

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Per Hitmenhockey.com:

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Several Hitmen named in WHL's "Best of the East" poll .

Hitmen defenceman Karl Alzner tops three categories in a WHL poll conducted by General Managers, Head Coaches and Players.

Ovechkin Stalkers Get Help!

By help, I don't mean therapy. I'm talking about a choice of Alex Ovechkin video tracking device for the Calgary Flames versus the Washington Capitals game, scheduled for 7:00 PM Wednesday night March 12, 2008 at Verizon Center in Washington, DC. Both Comcast SportsNet and NHL Center Ice will give us freaks fans the choice of watching the game normally on or on a channel with a Game/Ovechkin split screen.

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Per ComcastSportsNet.com (Mid Atlantic):

"This unique broadcast, which will be available on CSN+ and replayed on Comcast On Demand, will feature a dedicated view that follows Capitals left wing Alex Ovechkin throughout the entire game, providing viewers with an unprecedented look at the most prolific player in the NHL today."

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Per NHL.com:

"Tune in to NHL Center Ice Wednesday, March 12th for a unique broadcast experience! One channel will air the Calgary @ Washington game in the traditional full-game view, while another channel will use a split screen so viewers can watch the game and a dedicated view that follows Capitals star Alex Ovechkin throughout the entire game. Don't miss the game everyone will be talking about the next day... on NHL Center Ice or Center Ice Online!"

Capitals Vs Sabres 03/05/2008 Review

Photo - Rick Stewart / Getty Images

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Capitals 3 - Sabres 1

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The Washington Capitals stay only three points behind the Southeast Division leading Carolina Hurricanes by beating the Buffalo Sabres last night. The Cap's put in a fine effort. Olie Kolzig was stellar in net for Washington, and Alex Ovechkin scored two more goals. Those two goals make it a career best 54 on the season, two better than in his amazing 2005-2006 rookie season.

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The Capitals' played well defensively, cutting off the Sabres' passing lanes throughout the game. In the first period, that directly led to a few breakaways, including one by forward David Steckel and another by defenseman Jeff Schultz. With about five minutes left in the first, Olie collected a rebound from Buffalo's Derek Roy and dished the puck to Nicklas Backstrom. Backstrom took the puck around the back of the net, and sent a long range pass to Ovechkin. Alex grabbed the bouncing puck in the neutral zone and headed up ice to the Sabres' net. Ovie's wrist shot easily went past netminder Ryan Miller, putting the Cap's up 1-0 at 15:21. Kolzig had no problem keeping Buffalo off the board in the remaining minutes of the period.

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Photo - Don Heupel / AP

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Olie Kolzig also kept his head in the second period. Early in the period, it seemed like Buffalo's Daniel Paille had different plans, though. Olie surged out of the crease to make a last second sprawling poke check, as Paille slammed full force into Kolzig's head while losing his balance at the end of his breakaway. I can just imagine coach Boudreau yelling "Shake it off Olie......shake it off". He did shake it off, and showed no ill effects the rest of the game. About 6 1/2 minutes into the period, there was a mysterious (= b^!! s#:t) delayed offside called on the Cap's. The whistle wasn't blown until Miller had control of the puck behind the Sabres' goal. Yeah.....whatever. Thanks to a hooking penalty on Washington's Jeff Schultz, Buffalo went on the power play. With Olie Kolzig fairly well screened by two Cap's defenders and Sabres' Thomas Vanek, Ales Kotalik's wrist shot made it into the net at 7:23. About a minute later, Washington answered back. Ovechkin grabbed the puck away from Steve Bernier at the edge of the offensive zone. You could almost hear the splash as Bernier dove into went down to the ice. Ovie sent the puck back to Viktor Kozlov. Kozzy shuttled it to Nick Backstrom, who put the puck past Miller for his 11th goal of the season. Nickie now leads all NHL rookies with in points with 58, as well as assists with 47. The period ended with the Capitals ahead 2-1.

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In the third period, Kolzig made a few up close saves, including a deflection off of Washington's own defender Milan Jurcina. Just over 13 minutes into the period, Alex Ovechkin drove to the net from the neutral zone. He scored his second goal of the game with a wrister, bringing his total for the season to a new personal best 54 goals. Even some of the Sabres' fans were applauding after the goal. I think other team's fans really enjoy Ovie's celebrations. With just about 3 minutes left in the game, Buffalo thought they had answered back. The crease was very crowded, as the Sabres' were trying to jam the puck through Kolzig. Olie ended up shoved back into the net. They went to video review, but couldn't come up with conclusive video of the puck being all the way across the goal line. Kolzig and the Cap's held on to their two goal lead, for the win.

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Photo - Don Heupel / AP

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It wasn't all good news after the game. Apparently Cap's forward David Steckel suffered a broken finger. But, there was plenty of good news too. Olie Kolzig notched his 299th NHL win. He made 25 saves on 26 shots, with 13 of the stops in the third period alone. Washington finally got a win in Buffalo, a city that hasn't been very kind to them over the past few years. The Cap's offense and defense were both clicking last night. With 14 more games left, Washington already has two points more than they totaled in each of the previous two seasons.