Bruins Vs Capitals March 5, 2013 Game Review

Capitals' Eric Fehr celebrates OT goal with Nick Backstrom, in Washington, DC on Mar. 5, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo

Boston Bruins 3 Vs Washington Capitals 4 = Home Game OT Win

The Washington Capitals returned home from a short two game road trip, which they split, to face the Boston Bruins at home on Tuesday night - March 5, 2013. With a hard fought win at home, the Capitals earned their second straight victory.

The game really didn't start off so well for Washington, as the Bruins scored three straight unanswered goals in the first 18:30 of play. Brad Marchand (LW) - penalty shot, followed by team captain Zdeno Chara (D) and finally Dougie Hamilton (D) were the three that managed what would turn out to be wasted, and short lived success.

In the second period of this game, there were a few firsts, that were very much welcomed by Caps fans. Included in those firsts was a first NHL assist (also first point) for the new guy, Steve Olesky (D). Then, Tomas Kundratek scored his very first NHL goal for Washington.

Olesky's assist came in the first period, when he and winger Alex Ovechkin set up a goal by center Mike Ribeiro. It was also his very first NHL game. Meanwhile, winger Eric Fehr and center Nicklas Backstrom provided the helpers on Kundratek's goal.

Wojtek Wolski (LW), assisted by Fehr and Backstrom, tied up the game at almost three quarters of the way through the third period, sending it into overtime. Fortunately, Capitals goalie Braden Holtby didn't have to block a single shot on goal during OT, which ended in dramatic fashion.

Defenseman Tomas Kundratek gained control of the puck while in the Capitals' end, and passed it to Nicklas Backstrom (C), who carried it up through the neutral zone. Just before entering the Bruins' end, Backstrom passed the puck to winger Eric Fehr, who held off two defenders while driving to the net. Fehr's wrist shot sent the puck by Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask, for the game-winning goal, at only 37 seconds into overtime.

The hometown fans went crazy, and their appreciation was rather noisily expressed, as they haven't seen such a comeback for quite some time. The Capitals have got another winning streak going, and if they want to squeak into the playoff race, they'd better keep it going for a little while.

Game Highlights: Boston Bruins At Washington Capitals On March 5, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 03/05/13: Caps players Steve Oleksy, Tomas Kundratek, Matt Hendricks and Braden Holtby address the media after a 4-3 OT/win against the Bruins.

Adam Oates Postgame 03/05/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 4-3 OT/win against the Boston Bruins.

Capitals Vs Jets March 2, 2013 Game Review

The game got a little physical as the Capitals beat the Jets in Winnipeg, CA on March 2, 2013.
Photo © John Woods / AP Photo / Canadian Press.

Washington Capitals 3 Vs Winnipeg Jets 0 = Road Game Shutout Win

On Saturday - March 2, 2013, the Washington Capitals played the Winnipeg Jets in a mostly high paced and very physical game. Hoping to win, and gain two standings points, Washington ended up doing well against a team that had won five of their last six games.

The Capitals were without their often injured defenseman Mike Green for the fourth time this season. Green has only played all 82 games of a regular season one time, and has missed 100 of the last 183 games.

Gritty 6'0" 215 Lb left-wing forward Aaron Volpatti played in his first game for Washington. The Capitals had just picked him up off of waivers. He came in with four fights so far this season, and quickly added another one. Volpatti found himself in a tussle with Winnipeg tough-guy Anthony Peluso (RW) near the end of period one.

Matt Hendricks has been playing well for the Caps, though it had been several games since he got a goal. Hendricks usually takes on a grinding role on the third or fourth line, but was rewarded with a start at first-line left-wing position for this contest. He showed his thanks for that assignment by scoring the first goal of the game, with the assistance of center Mike Ribeiro and defenseman John Erskine, about eleven minutes through the second period.

During the zone time in which that goal came, Winnipeg right-wing Blake Wheeler went down after blocking a hard shot from Erskine. Many Jets fans loudly voiced their anger that play was allowed to continue. Officials did not stop the action, because Washington was in possession of the puck, and were able to safely play around Wheeler. Had he been more seriously hurt it would've been different, and Wheeler did return to the game shortly after the incident.

Early in the third period, Troy Brouwer put the puck in the net right off the face-off, for his ninth of the season. He did so with the help of second-line center, and draw winner, Nicklas Backstrom. Less than a minute later, flanked by wingers Alex Ovechkin and Eric Fehr, Mike Ribeiro batted in a rebound from an Ovechkin shot for the third Capitals goal.

Although he had made some rather sparkling saves for Winnipeg during the game, the losing goaltender was Ondrej Pavelec, with 17 saves out of 20 shots on goal. Maybe, he didn't get enough action overall to be completely into the game for 60 minutes? I don't think that was the case, myself.

Fortunately for Caps fans, netminder Braden Holtby was solid again, in his ninth straight start, with 35 saves. The 3 - o win is Holtby's third shutout of the -2012-2013- NHL season.

It was also great to see all the energy that Washington brought to the game. The forechecking and production of scoring chances got their offense going. We got strong defensive play, even from some of the players who sometimes don't put in the effort. Overall, the Capitals played as a team, and they need to continue to do so.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Winnipeg Jets On March 2, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 03/02/13: Caps players John Erskine, Eric Fehr, Matt Hendricks, Mike Ribeiro address the media after a 3-0 win against the Winnipeg Jets.

Adam Oates Postgame 03/02/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-0 win against the Winnipeg Jets.

Capitals Vs Flyers February 27, 2013 Game Review

Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals were overstretched in Philadelphia, PA on Feb. 27, 2013.
Photo © Tom Mihalek / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 1 Vs Philadelphia Flyers 4 = Road Game Loss

Things did not go well for the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night - February 27, 2013. While trying to build on their two game win streak, Washington's fortunes took a downward turn, and they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Twenty-three seconds into the game, Philadelphia right-winger Claude Giroux got first strike, when his wrist shot sent the puck by Capitals starting goaltender Braden Holtby. Holtby was looking sharp at this point in the game, but he wasn't getting the best efforts from some of his teammates, in front of him.

Washington's special teams didn't show up for this game. They failed to kill off two of their five penalties, with right wing Wayne Simmonds scoring on the man-advantage in the first period, and left wing Simon Gagné about four minutes into the second. The Capitals were also unable to find success on any of their five power-plays.

Braden Holtby had lost his effectiveness by the midpoint of the game, if not by the time Gagné scored the third Flyers goal. He would later be replaced by 21 year old AHL call-up goaltender Philipp Grubauer, right after Holtby let in a fourth goal. That one came from center Maxime Talbot, about five minutes before the end of period two.

Thankfully, Philadelphia got nothing through Grubauer in his just over twenty-five minutes between the pipes. He stopped fourteen shots, while playing solidly in his first NHL hockey game. However, Washington didn't mount much of a comeback.

The Capitals wrecked any chance of a shutout for Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, when they finally got one in on late in the third period. Centerman Joel Ward was the lone Caps goal scorer, on the night. Ward, whose line had more energy than any other Washington trio, was aided by defenseman Tom Poti and the always hard working forward Jay Beagle.

It sure would help the Capitals, if they could be a little more consistent. Perhaps, they were tired. They didn't seem to have very much edge or grit during this game. What happened to their checking? What happened to their power-play and penalty-killing? Washington has to bring these elements every game, to be consistent, and to win.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Philadelphia Flyers On Feb. 27, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/27/13: Caps players Alex Ovechkin, Philipp Grubauer, Joel Ward and Karl Alzner address the media after a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/27/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Hurricanes Vs Capitals February 26, 2013 Game Review

Nicklas Backstrom scores game winning goal against Cam Ward in Washington, DC on Feb. 26, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo.

Carolina Hurricanes 0 Vs Washington Capitals 3 = Home Game Win

The Washington Capitals picked up a much needed two points on Tuesday - February 26, 2013, when they shutout the Carolina Hurricanes. The win was Washington's second in a row, and made only the second winning streak so far in the -2012--2013 NHL season, for the Capitals.

Nicklas Backstrom (C), who averages more than a point per game playing against the Hurricanes, scored first. Backstrom was the one who had brought the puck into the offensive zone to begin with. No assist for the guy that starts the play, if he's also the guy that finishes it. Mike Ribeiro (C) took a pass from Alex Ovechkin (LW / RW), and sent the puck to Nick who was on the front doorstep, waiting to bang it in. The goal, which came on a first period power-play, made it the eighth straight game where the Caps have scored first. It also ended the 'Canes penalty-kill streak at fourteen.

Backstrom also had a hand in the play that produced the second goal, relaying the puck from defenseman John Carlson into the mighty slap shot of newly re-signed John Erskine (D). Goaltender Braden Holtby (also newly re-signed) didn't have to work too terribly hard, with Washington taking most of the shots on Cam Ward, at the other end of the ice. Defensively, this turned out to be one of the Caps' better second periods.

Eleven and a half minutes through the third period, John Carlson scored the third goal for the Capitals, with the help of Mathieu Perreault and Joel Ward. Carolina was able to keep Washington's shots and scoring chances down the rest of the way, but they couldn't manage any sort of comeback.

Amongst other offensively talented Carolina forwards, Holtby and Washington were able to keep former teammate Alexander Semin off the scoreboard. That's a good thing. All the jerks in the stands that booed him every time he had the puck? That's a very, very bad, classless and totally embarrassing thing.

In the end, Braden Holtby was perfect in his seventh straight start, in net. The offense was there to back him up, including another power-play for the Capitals, who started the game ranked second (46%) in the league. Overall, they outshot their opponent again, and again beat their opponent. They still need to string together several wins, if they are going to climb out of the basement.

Game Highlights: Carolina Hurricanes At Washington Capitals On Feb. 26, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/26/13: Caps players John Carlson, John Erskine and Joel Ward address the media after a 3-0 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/26/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-0 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Devils Vs Capitals February 23, 2013 Game Review

Capitals players celebrate Alex Ovechkin hat trick against Devils in Washington, DC on February 23, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 5 Vs New Jersey Devils 1 = Home Game Win

The Washington Capitals bounced back into winning form, in a big way, on Saturday afternoon - February 23, 2013. Facing the New Jersey Devils at home, for the second consecutive time, the Capitals' offense came alive.

The offense of superstar winger Alex Ovechkin definitively came alive. Though he had been starting to create scoring chances more often in recent games, he had "only" five goals in the first 16 games of the -2012--2013 NHL season.

Ovechkin scored his sixth goal, the first of this game, five minutes into the second period. He would then go on to score another at the beginning of the third, and then yet another goal about five minutes before the end of the game. The hat trick, the eleventh of Alex's NHL career, is his first since January 22, 2011. It's also the first time he has scored a hat trick on home ice in over three years.

Capitals center Mike Ribeiro and forward Jason Chimera assisted on the first goal of the game, while forward Matt Hendricks and defenseman Jeff Schultz helped out on the next one. Ovechkin's eighth goal of the season came about with the assistance of Ribeiro again, along with fellow centerman Nicklas Backstrom.

Ovie's three goals (on seven shots) would have been enough to beat New Jersey's lone goal, which came from the Devils' own superstar forward Ilya Kovalchuk, but Washington also got a nifty wrap-around short-handed goal from Eric Fehr (RW), early in period three. About three minutes before the end of the game, Alex Ovechkin and young Caps defenseman Tomas Kundratek combined to help Troy Brouwer (F) score the fifth and final goal for the Capitals.

Special-teams came up big for the Caps, at both ends of the ice. Not only did they get a shorty from Eric Fehr (RW), while killing off a penalty, but the last two goals came while on power-plays. In the end, Washington killed off four penalties in all, while scoring on two of their three power-play chances.

While the Capitals were blasting Devils goaltender Johan Hedberg, they kept the Devils to only one tally, and minimized their opponents scoring chances overall. Washington outshot New Jersey 26 to 22. The Caps had been outshot in 11 of their first 16 games. They had also lost 11 of those games. Maybe there's a connection, well with most of those games, anyway.

Braden Holtby was excellent in net, for the Capitals. He only failed to stop one shot, out of 22, including a penalty shot by Steve Bernier (RW). After a shaky season start, much like last season, he seems to be well settled in now.

Mike Ribeiro may be the current scoring leader in Washington, with (6 G, 15 A) 21 points, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Alex Ovechkin (8 G + 6 A = 14 points) catch up with him real soon. Meanwhile, offensive defenseman Mike Green, who missed his third straight game with a groin injury, would surely like to just get back in play.

This was the last time the Capitals and the Devils were scheduled to meet, for this regular season, anyway. That's really too bad, since this win marks the only time Washington has beaten a top eight, playoff contending team this season.

Game Highlights: New Jersey Devils At Washington Capitals On February 23, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/23/13: Caps players Braden Holtby, Nicklas Backstrom, Troy Brouwer and Joel Ward address the media after a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Alex Ovechkin Postgame 02/23/13: Caps captain Alex Ovechkin addresses the media after scoring a hat trick in the Caps 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/23/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Capitals Vs Panthers February 12, 2013 Game Review

Capitals' Troy Brouwer (F) scores game winning goal against Panthers in Sunrise, FL February 12, 2013.
Photo © Wilfredo Lee / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 6 Vs Florida Panthers 5 = Road Game OT Win

The Washington Capitals jumped to a quick lead in this game, but the Florida Panthers showed they weren't going to be a push-over at home in Florida on Tuesday - February 12, 2013.

With a sparkling shutout performance against the Panthers in the Capitals' previous game, goaltender Braden Holtby earned himself the start versus Florida. The Panthers however, were out to make up for their lackluster effort in that one. Like the Capitals, the Cats have had the better record in their own house, and they were determined to keep it that way.

Washington's best offensive player so far this season, center Mike Ribeiro scored first, four-and-a-half minutes into period one. The Capitals were in the offensive zone, during the first power-play of the game. Ribeiro seemed to show up in front of the net out of nowhere to send the puck, which came to him on an errant cross-ice pass from defenseman Tomas Kundratek, into the goal cage.

Washington had been relatively mistake free until halfway through the first period. Then, a couple breakdowns led to goals by Florida's forwards Tomas Fleischmann and Shawn Matthias. The Fleischmann goal was a deflected shot, and Matthias' shot may have been slightly screened, but could possibly have been stopped by Holtby.

Defenseman Karl Alzner scored his first goal of the season, off a face-off win early into the second period, on a scorching slap shot. Assists by forwards Eric Fehr and Joel Ward helped Alzner tie up the game at two apiece. Jonathan Huberdeau (C) and his line took advantage of missed defensive assignments by the Caps, scoring two fairly easy goals. Luckily, Washington's Matt Hendricks got another goal in between those, on a nice play involving fellow forwards Alex Ovechkin and Mike Ribeiro, keeping the Caps within one goal of the Panthers.

Huberdeau's line was at it again, a third of the way through the third period, when his linemate Drew Shore tipped in (reviewed for stick height on shot) his first of the season. It took eight-and-a-half minutes before Eric Fehr (F) matched that tip-in at the other end of the ice. Mike Green (D) and Joel Ward (F) both earned their fifth assists, for the season, on that one.

Another power-play strike by the Capitals came less than three minutes before the end of regulation. Alex Ovechkin (F) tied up the game with a slap shot goal, right after a face-off win, from the left-wing point. Ribeiro gained his third point of the game (1 G, 2 A), with his assist, while the other helper came from fellow centerman Nicklas Backstrom.

It took just 32 seconds of overtime for Washington to take the win. The play started with a bad Panthers' pass in the Capitals' end. Nicklas Backstrom (C) grabbed the puck and sent a beautiful breakaway pass to Troy Brouwer (F). Florida netminder Scott Clemmensen stopped his first try, but Brouwer tipped in his rebound for the game winner.

Finally, the Washington Capitals get a win on the road, even if it was ugly. They, also finally, now have a genuine winning streak. Hey, two in a row is a streak, and we'll take it. It's always good to beat a divisional rival, and to take two in a row from them is so sweet. Hopefully, the Caps are finally turning things around.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Florida Panthers February 12, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/12/13: Caps players Alex Ovechkin, Braden Holtby and Eric Fehr address the media after the Caps 6-5 overtime win against the Panthers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/12/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after the Caps 6-5 overtime win against the Panthers.

Panthers Vs Capitals February 9, 2013 Game Review

Braden Holtby (G) and teammates celebrate win over Panthers - Washington, DC February 9, 2013.
Photo © Nick Wass / AP Photo.

Florida Panthers 0 Vs Washington Capitals 5 = Home Game Shutout Win!

It was like someone flicked a switch, turning on the real Washington Capitals. They did pretty much everything right, shutting out the Florida Panthers on February 9, 2013. Washington has had a history of beating Florida at home in Washington, DC, and they continued with a similar result on Saturday night. Everything was working well for them.

Goaltender Braden Holtby played his best game of the -2012--2013 season. That's not saying much with those outings being mediocre to poor, but it is when you can also say it was Holtby's best performance since last season's playoffs, when he did amazingly well. Braden held the Panthers scorless, with 27 saves.

The Capitals did a better job defensively, keeping the cats from developing a lot of quality scoring chances, than they had been doing against most other teams so far this season. Any shots that did get through to the cage, weren't penetrating the backstop.

At the other end of the ice, Florida netminder Jose Theodore wasn't getting much help from his teammates. Though Washington didn't score until a couple minutes before the end of period one, the goal by forward Troy Brouwer was just the beginning, for him personally and the team as well. Brouwer deflected in a slap shot from defenseman John Carlson. Shortly after, George Parros (RW) tried to get his team going by engaging in a punch-up with Caps big guy, John Erskine (D). This did not work.

Troy was back at the well again three-and-a-half minutes into the second period, for his fifth goal of the season. This time his long and quick feed pass actually came from an alert Braden Holtby (G), on a Caps power-play. A couple minutes after the midpoint of the game, Joel Ward (F) got his fifth of the season, with the help of forwards Mathieu Perreault and Eric Fehr. Ward's goal put Washington ahead by three, for the first time in any game this season.

About a third of the way through the third period, Alex Ovechkin scored goal number four in the game. It was also goal number four of the season for Ovechkin. Assisting this time were winger Jason Chimera (6) and center Mike Ribeiro (10). Finally, halfway through the third period, Perreault scored his first goal. Credited with the helpers were Jeff Schultz (D) and Joel Ward (F). Florida were obviously feeling pretty down and out, and were pretty lackadaisical the rest of the way.

In the end, four Washington Capitals earned their first points of the season. Three Caps had a multiple-point game. It was the first time the team had scored more than three goals in a game this season. It appears that the Capitals' offense has finally been awakened.

This is no time to get too excited though. The Florida Panthers are not a very good team so far this season. This wasn't a really big test of improvement. Still, this commanding win can only boost the Capitals players' confidence, and that can't hurt. It will be far more meaningful if the Caps beat the Panthers again, when they visit their house for a game on Tuesday.

Game Highlights: Florida Panthers At Washington Capitals February 9, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/09/13: Caps players Jason Chimera, Joel Ward and Troy Brouwer addresses the media after a 5-0 win over the Florida Panthers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/09/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 5-0 win over the Florida Panthers.

Capitals Vs Penguins February 7, 2013 Game Review

Capitals' Holtby stops this shot, but Penguins put game out of reach - Pittsburgh, PA February 7, 2013.
Photo © Keith Srakocic / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 2 Vs Pittsburgh Penguins 5 = Road Game Loss

The Washington Capitals continued to struggle while visiting the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday - February 7, 2013. They began the game looking very good, but ended up just as bad as ever.

Michal Neuvirth was the starting netminder for Washington, and made some excellent saves in the first period. His mates skated well, and did a lot of things right. The Caps closed off passing and shooting lanes, stayed focused, and defended well overall. They got on the scoreboard first, with a goal by center Mike Ribeiro (4), four minutes into the game. Assisting on the goal, were defenseman Tomas Kundratek (2) and forward Alex Ovechkin (4).

Pittsburgh wanted goaltender interference called, claiming that Wojtek Wolski (LW) knocked Marc-Andre Fleury down, but the fall was actually an over-embellished dive by the goaltender. It was his own man, Brooks Orpick, who knocked his helmet off with the toe end of his stick. Orpick did this by putting his stick between Wolski's legs, and forcibly jamming it so high up into Wojtek's nut-sack that it clipped Fleury's helmet. No call was made either way, and the goal counted.

The second period has not treated Washington very well this season, and it was no different Thursday night. Penguins center Evgeni Malkin scored a power-play goal about seven minutes in, with a snap shot. Neuvirth couldn't have been expected to stop that one. Six minutes later however, when Pascal Dupuis (RW) bounced one by him while he leaned the other way looking for a pass, he probably should've had that one.

Braden Holtby replaced Michal between the pipes, and made a couple nice saves. Holtby's apparent sharpness only lasted a few minutes. It took only 11 seconds for the Penguins to score goals number three and four. Sidney Crosby (C) added a fifth goal for Pittsburgh less than three minutes after that, a third Pens PPG.

Ovechkin added the only power-play goal for the Capitals toward the middle of the third period. Mike Ribeiro (C) and Mike Green (D) provided the helpers. Washington started playing better in the third, but just didn't have it in them to come back from being so far down.

The Capitals have got to play more disciplined, even if the timing and quantity of the penalties being called is suspect. The only way to do well is to stay focused, and do your best for the whole 60 minutes. Make the other team beat you. Don't beat yourself.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Pittsburgh Penguins February 7, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/07/13: Caps players Alex Ovechkin, Karl Alzner, Troy Brouwer, Mike Ribeiro and Michal Neuvirth address the media after a 5-2 loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/07/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 5-2 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Maple Leafs Vs Capitals February 5, 2013 Game Review

Johansson scores in period one, but Caps drop game to Leafs - Washington, DC February 5, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo.

Toronto Maple Leafs 3 Vs Washington Capitals 2 = Home Game Loss

It was the same old song and dance for the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night - February 5, 2013, when they lost 3 - 2 at home. This time, Washington lost to a probably fairly tired Toronto Maple Leafs, who had been beaten up the night before.

Michal Neuvirth, was back between the pipes for for the Capitals, whom head coach Adam Oates seems to have the most confidence in, and rightfully so. Neuvirth has been performing consistently well, although with the help of other players, that doesn't show up in his personal statistics or team stats.

Ten minutes into the first period however, Neuvirth had a moment of indecision, and / or miscommunication with defenseman Tom Poti. Neither one of them really took charge of the puck, behind the net during a breakout, and Toronto's James Van Riemsdyk made them pay. Van Riemsdyk scooped up the puck and quickly made his way to the front of the net for the stuff. It looked bad for Michal and the Washington two-and-a-half minutes later, when Van Riemsdyk managed to score a second time. He had plenty of time and a couple whacks at the puck, while hanging out by the goal crease, and no one from Washington there to impede him.

The Capitals did answer back, while on a power-play three minutes before the end of the opening period, when forward Marcus Johansson finally scored his first goal of the season. Nicklas Backstrom (C) gained control of the puck behind the Leafs' net, and passed it out to defenseman Tomas Kundratek, who relayed it to Johansson. Similar to Van Riemsdyk's second goal, Marcus lifted the puck over goalie Ben Scrivens unopposed.

Unfortunately for Washington, a goal by Korbinian Holzer (D) put the Leafs back to two ahead during the second period, while the teams were at even-strength. This turned out to be the game winner, for Toronto.

Mike Ribeiro (C) scored the Caps' only other goal, which came in the third period. It was another PPG, with assists by forwards Troy Brouwer and Alex Ovechkin. They produced a few scoring chances as the clock wound down, but did not convert.

I was glad to see Johansson get his first goal. Maybe, that will spur him on to get it going. He certainly has had more energy and effort, since being a healthy scratch. Players will respond in different ways, but it seems like it's worked on him.

The power-play is starting to click for Washington, and that is a real good sign. They keep their legs moving, and maintaining a fair amount of puck possession, they will draw more penalties. The Capitals are doing a lot of things well at times. If they string enough good habits together, at the same time, the goals and the wins will come. With 21% of this short season already gone, it needs to happen now.

Game Highlights: Toronto Maple Leafs At Washington Capitals February 5, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/05/13: Caps players Nicklas Backstrom, Marcus Johansson, Tomas Kundratrek, Michal Neuvirth and Tom Poti address the media after a 3-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/03/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 loss to the Toronto Maple Leafs.

Penguins Vs Capitals February 3, 2013 Game Review

Alex Ovechkin and Washington Capitals fall to Pittsburgh Penguins - Washington, DC February 3, 2013.
Photo © Nick Wass / AP Photo.

Pittsburgh Penguins 6 Vs Washington Capitals 3 = Home Game Loss

Super Sunday wasn't so super for the struggling Washington Capitals, whose quality of play dropped, as they dropped a game against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on February 3, 2013.

Braden Holtby, minded the net for Washington, in his second straight start. He clearly wasn't having a good day, but his teammates didn't help him out very well either. They could have done a better job clearing Pittsburgh from the crease area in front of Holtby, and sometimes there were Caps screening him on Pens shots. Other times he was left exposed on wristers coming through wide open spaces.

Penalties usually figure into Capitals losses, and especially against the Penguins, but this time was different. There were a couple cheap calls, but for the first time since I can remember, Pittsburgh actually got penalized more than Washington. Mind you, we're talking 4 - 3, so a difference of one. One might say the only reason for the lack of Caps punishments was because Pittsburgh went ahead and didn't need the help, but "I couldn't possibly comment" on that.

Chris Kunitz (LW) had a good day for the Penguins, as he scored a four goals, with at least one in each period. He was the first to score in the game at three minutes in, and he also got the last goal, with only eight seconds left. Washington's scoring was spread out to three players.

The Capitals' first goal came at even-strength, in the first period. After being knocked down against the end wall, defenseman Mike Green eventually got up, and found himself wide open for a one-timer off a pass from Wojtek Wolski (LW). The play started when Mike Ribeiro (C) sent the puck to Wolski, from a scrum at the side-wall.

Kunitz' first goal was a deflection off of defenseman John Carlson, but he made up for that. Four minutes into the second, Carlson took a pass from Nicklas Backstrom (C) and bounced one in off the glass, while just trying to clear and make time for a line change. Pittsburgh goaltender Tomas Vokoun (former Cap) wasn't half-surprised, as he headed behind the net, where he expected the puck to go.

The last goal for Washington came in the third period, after Alex Ovechkin just barely kept the puck from getting out of the offensive zone, during a Caps' possession. His keep-in sent the puck to Troy Brouwer (RW), who passed it along to Mike Ribeiro. Ribeiro, amongst a huge traffic jam in front of Vokoun, tapped it in.

In the end, it was an ugly game. Made uglier if you watched it on NBC, and were tortured by the patronizing and Capitals hating Doc Emrick, and crew. We really need to get rid of the long radio time-delay, so we can listen to the lovely voice of John Walton, while watching the games only aired on NBC.

Game Highlights: Pittsburgh Penguins At Washington Capitals February 3, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/03/13: Caps players Troy Brouwer, John Carlson, Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin and Braden Holtby address the media after a 6-3 loss to the Penguins.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/03/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 6-3 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins.