Canadiens Vs Capitals January 24, 2013 Game Review

Capitals looking on, (and up at clock) from bench - Washington, DC January 24, 2013.
Photo © Rob Carr / Getty Images.

Montréal Canadiens 4 Vs Washington Capitals 1 = Home Game Loss

Michal Neuvirth got his first chance in net for the Washington Capitals, against the Montréal Canadiens on January 24, 2013, after goaltender Braden Holtby wasn't able to secure a win in either game one or game two of this -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season. Neuvirth proved to be ready for the assignment, but his teammates proved they weren't quite ready to back him up with the proper support needed to win.

Both teams showed they had some pep in the first period, but neither team dented the twine. With only two penalties doled out (one apiece), the opening frame went by rather quickly. That was to change, in a big way, at the start of the second.

Four infractions were called in period number two. The Canadiens capitalized on two of three Capitals' misdeeds, within the first five minutes, via power-play goals by Tomas Plekanec (C) and Andrei Markov (D). Brian Gionta (RW) scored an even-strength goal before the halfway mark, and then Josh Gorges (D) added another shortly before the horn sounded, to make it four to nothing.

Finally, with less than three minutes left in the third period (and the game), Joey Crabb (RW) scored his first goal as a Cap. Assisting on Crabb's goal, were forwards Jason Chimera and Jay Beagle.

While the Capitals were playing this game, there was a noticeable increase in energy, except for a bit of a lull in the second period. They were just skating around, fairly out of sync, like they just hadn't quite gotten used to new systems. A little more practice and game time could perhaps lead to better and more stable line chemistry, hopefully. One thing that's for sure, is the bad fans booing in the stands need to shut up!

Montréal Canadiens At Washington Capitals January 24, 2013 Game Highlights

01/24/13 Caps Postgame Locker Room: Caps players Troy Brouwer, Michal Neuvirth, Joey Crabb and Karl Alzner address the media after a 4-1 loss against the Montreal Canadiens.

01/24/13 Adam Oates Postgame: Adam Oates speaks with the media following the 4-1 loss to the Canadiens.

Devils Vs Capitals 12/10/2007 Review

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Devils 2 - Capitals 3

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That makes two wins in a row for the Washington Capitals. How many times has that happened this season? Yeah, I know. Sorry I brought that up. It also happens to be their first time with back to back wins at home. So, they officially have a win streak going for only the third time this season. With only one of those being for more than two games. And, after winning nine straight, the New Jersey Devils now also have a new streak of two losses. Washington's Brian Pothier has a two game streak of his own, as a healthy scratch. That's what those little flip it into direct danger passes get you, I guess.

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The first period scoring started off with the Devil's Brian Gionta passing from behind the net to John Madden, who shot the puck into the net while using Caps' John Erskine as a screen. A few minutes later, Nicklas Backstom answered back by taking the puck around two defenders & scoring a PP goal. Right at the end of the period, Tomas Fleischmann thought he had another goal for the Capitals, but it was waived off. The puck did cross the goal line, but the official apparently had already blown the whistle. To be honest, I think Kevin Weekes might have had a good case for goalie interference anyway. Period ends with the game tied at 1-1.

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Just 53 seconds into the second period, Jeff Schultz sent a wrist shot from just inside the blue line past two Devils & into the net. It was his second consecutive game with a goal. At 8:08, Quintin Laing banged home a rebound for his first NHL goal during his eighth game played. It turned out to be the game winner. Caps ahead by two at the end of period two.

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At 52 seconds into the third, another non goal. This time it was the Devils' Mike Mottau who was denied. The puck definitely went in off his skate. Although, I'm not so sure there was any kicking motion. As a Cap fan though, I'm not going to complain. Less than two minutes later New Jersey's David Clarkson snuck one past Olie Kolzig with a wrap around. So, after a game with a couple non goals & several non calls on Devils tripping & crosschecking Caps, final score Devils 2 - Capitals 3.