Capitals 2008-2009 Regular Season Schedule

For the Washington Capitals, the 2008-2009 regular season starts in Atlanta on Friday October 10th. They will raise the 2007-2008 Southeast Division Championship banner before their home opener the following night, when they play against Cristobal Huet's new team, the Chicago Blackhawks. This season's 82 game schedule has every team facing each other at least once.

Each team will play their division rivals six times and the other teams in their conference four times each. Washington will have two games each against Columbus, Los Angeles and Nashville. They face the rest of the Western Conference teams at least once.

Most of the games versus Western Conference teams will occur in the first half of the season, which means the Capitals will see a lot of their Eastern Conference foes in the second half. Washington will play 22 of their 41 home games during weekends. Click here for the full schedule.

Say Goodbye To Olie Kolzig

It looks like goaltender Olie Kolzig will not be playing for the Washington Capitals anymore. After 19 years of mostly excellent service to the organization that drafted him, it appears he will be playing elsewhere if at all next season. The Washington Post's Tarik El-Bashir was first to break the news. Comcast SportsNet's Jill Sorenson has since interviewed Kolzig as well. You can watch the video on Washington Post Live tonight. Also, Mike Vogel's article on the end of the fantastic Kolzig era is a must read.

The news is a little hard to take for many of us, although we all probably knew it was coming. You can't carry three goalies forever, even if all three are good. Kolzig wasn't at his best for much of the season, but don't forget that his teammates weren't much help early on. Around the time of the trade deadline, when the Cap's picked up netminder Cristobal Huet, Olie's play really picked up. Huet played as well as he has ever played in his entire career, though some of his wins came with a good bit of help from his teammates, especially in the playoffs. I'm being serious when I say that Kolzig was just as good as Huet down the stretch. However, I agree that Kolzig's effectiveness is never going to be as consistent as it used to be. At 38 years of age, you've got to expect that.

It's heartbreaking to think about how Olie stuck around through the hard times, and when the Capitals finally raise the Stanley Cup sometime within the next couple seasons, he won't be around to share in what he has rightfully earned. There have been many other great hockey players who never won the cup, and there will be plenty more. When Huet faltered in the playoffs and Kolzig wasn't even given the chance to play in one game, it became very clear that his time in Washington was over. Sad that it had to end this way, but it's "Time To Say Goodbye".

Andrea Bocelli and Sarah Brightman - "Time To Say Goodbye"

Skid Row - "I Remember You"

Thank You Olie!

Flyers Vs Capitals 04/22/2008 EC Quarterfinal Game 7 Review

Flyers 3 - Capitals 2 OT

The Washington Capitals, who went further this season than anyone other than their organization and fans ever believed possible, lost to the Philadelphia Flyers in Game 7 of their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals of the NHL's 2008 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

This was an exciting event, right from the start. The first period began with Washington's hero Alex Ovechkin putting a tasty crunching hit on Kimmo Timonen. The typically unimaginably horrible officiating started soon after with countless missed calls. In the middle of all that some good things were taking place, though. The Capitals were first to get on the scoreboard. After the officials made one of their intermittent penalty calls on Philadelphia, Washington went on the power play. Just after a faceoff in the offensive zone, Sergei Fedorov passed the puck to Ovechkin. Alex sent in a slapshot and Nicklas Backstrom was there to poke in the rebound at 5:42. It was Backstrom's fourth goal in four games. Later on however, the Flyers got a PP goal of their own, when Scottie Upshall's slapshot trickled through Cristobal Huet's pads. After watching Washington's Boyd Gordon repeatedly getting knocked down to the ice without a penalty called, the period mercifully ended in a 1-1 tie.

With the first half of the second period full of even more undetected violations by the Flyers, it became clear that the Capitals were going to have to be exceptionally amazing to come out of this battle with a win. There were some calls on Washington that were missed as well. However, there wasn't going to be any balance here. The injustice that was dealt to the Capitals next, will be talked about for decades. On a drive to Washington's net just after the midpoint of the game, Philadelphia's Patrick Thoresen pushed defender Shaone Morrisonn directly into netminder Cristobal Huet. Huet went down hard and away from the net during the collision which Morrisonn couldn't possibly avoid. With the goal mouth wide open, Sami Kapanen scored what clearly should have been a disallowed goal. Yet, referee Paul Devorski immediately signaled that it was a goal. The goal was allowed to stand.

With about four and a half minutes left in the second period, Ovechkin came to the rescue. Viktor Kozlov sent a long range pass out of the Cap's end to Brooks Laich, near the blue line. Laich dished it to Alex, who snapped it into the net so hard and so fast that Martin Biron didn't have time to flinch. Biron never moved, as he only had the breeze caused by the puck zipping by, to let him know what just happened. The second period ended with the score even at 2-2.


The third period was a total disgrace to the NHL and any fan of hockey, as well as anyone who gives a damn about right and wrong. In other words the ref's swallowed their whistles and it was anything goes. They even let play continue after the puck left the rink, bounced off the safety meshing and returned to the ice surface.

After letting everything go in the third period and the beginning of overtime, Washington's Tom Poti was sent to the penalty box for hooking at 4:15. It was at this point that I finally started experiencing the nervousness that a lot of other Cap's fans had been complaining about before games. For the last few weeks, I had remained almost unyieldingly confident. Now, with the Flyers hanging out in the Capital's end during sudden death OT, all of a sudden I was consumed with complete and total panic. At 6:06 my fears were realized as Joffrey Lupul scored the deciding PP goal, ending what seemed like everything in existence.

All Photos - Nick Wass / AP

Capitals Vs Flyers 04/22/2008 EC Quarterfinal Game 6 Review

Capitals 4 - Flyers 2

The Washington Capitals evened up their first round playoff series against the Philadelphia Flyers with another win last night. They had to come back after getting behind by two, but they've been there before. They seem to have a strong need for the dramatic. None of the players more so than Alex Ovechkin, who scored the game winner and an extra insurance goal.

The Capitals looked just a touch out of sinc in the first period. They kept the pressure on. But, they committed turnover after turnover. Eventually, the Flyers were able to take advantage and went ahead on power play goal by Mike Richards, with Matt Bradley in the penalty box for hooking. Washington had their share of scoring chances, seven to the Flyers five. Brooks Laich had three shots on goal in the first. Another bright spot in the period was a massive open ice hit on a Flyers defender by Mike Green.

The second period didn't start off to well either. Philadelphia got their second PP goal at 1:18, on a strike by their hottest hand, Danny Briere. That's Briere's sixth goal and tenth point in the series. However, the Cap's took over from that point. Cristobal Huet made 16 saves for Washington in the period. Martin Biron had 15 saves of his own, but he was looking a bit shaky. Capitals' defenseman Tom Poti made a couple nice saves also. He's been very alert by the net lately, making kick saves and diving poke checks. While Washington was increasing the pressure on Philadelphia, the Flyers increased their physical play. That aggressive "physical" play included some dirty tricks as usual, some of which was detected by the officials.

Drawing toward the mid point of the game, Nicklas Backstrom got his second goal of the playoffs. It started with a long range outlet pass by Steve Eminger, who's played very well, even with limited ice time. Brooks Laich received the puck and sent it on to Alexander Semin. Semin and Backstrom seemed to be casually passing the puck back and forth uncontested, before Nick snapped it by Biron at 9:34. The Cap's didn't make good on any of their power play chances in this frame, but they did have success at even strength. After Laich loosened up the puck with a nice hit on Briere, they struck again at 18:03. John Erskine sent in a hard shot. Semin followed it up and popped in the rebound for the tying goal. That was Semin's third goal of the playoffs. He now has a four game point streak.

Less than three minutes into the third period, Alex Ovechkin ended his four game goalless streak. The Flyers turned over the puck, and Viktor Kozlov fed a pass to Ovechkin. Alex accelerated up the ice, leaving everyone behind. One leg pump, and then he sent the game winner into the net. At 10:19, Philadelphia got caught with too many men on the ice. A problem the Cap's have been suffering from. It only took 22 seconds for Washington to take advantage of the opportunity. Sergei Fedorov tipped the puck into the offensive zone. After he recaptured the puck, he sent it over to Brooks Laich. Laich fed it to Ovechkin, who slapped in his second goal of the game. The Flyers seemed to ease up a little bit at this point. They didn't give up completely, but some of their fans did. The rest of the crowd started booing their team, with two minutes left on the clock. The Capitals didn't show a lot of excitement at this point. They remained calm as time ran out, knowing that they aren't done yet.

Philadelphia didn't want a Game 7, but they're going to get one. Don't expect them to lay down and let the Cap's roll over them. They're most likely going to give it all they've got tonight. Let's hope the Washington does the same.

Photo of Alex Ovechkin - Tom Mihalek / AP
Other Photos - Bruce Bennett / Getty Images

Flyers Vs Capitals 04/19/2008 EC Quarterfinal Game 5 Review

Flyers 2 - Capitals 3

Before today's first round playoffs Game 5, the Washington Capitals' head coach Bruce Boudreau said "I'm not ready to go home yet". Thanks to their win today against the Philadelphia Flyers, there will be at least one more game. Every player on the Capitals' team chipped in and made a difference in this match.

Washington got 5 on 3 power play in the first period, after Philadelphia's Jeff Carter was called for interference on Mike Green, and then Kimmo Timonen joined him in the penalty box after hooking Alex Ovechkin. The Capitals kept play in the offensive zone. After grabbing his own rebound, Brooks Laich shuttled the puck to Alex Semin. Semin fired a pass to the net, where Nicklas Backstrom sent the back door wrist shot past Martin Biron for the first goal of the game at 7:31. The Capitals held the Flyers to only four shots in the first. They more than matched Philadelphia's physical play. Just before the period ended, Ovechkin hit Jim Dowd so hard, Dowd nearly ended up on the players' bench.

Just 1:25 into the second period, the Capitals increased the lead to two goals. Viktor Kozlov pushed Scottie Upshall away from the puck, behind the Flyers' net. He skated it toward the corner, drawing two defenders away from the front of the goal. He passed the puck to a wide open Sergei Fedorov, who backhanded in his 51st career playoff goal. Mike Green also got his first of two assists in the game on the play. It took 11:10 and a couple really lame penalty calls on the Cap's for the Fly's to answer back. Mike Richards sent the puck to Danny Briere on the left side of the goal, drawing over netminder Cristobal Huet. After Huet was committed, he slide the puck to the other side, where Vinny Prospal sent it to the back of the net. Washington was able to keep Philadelphia's shots down to seven in this middle period.

Around five minutes into the third period, Philadelphia's R.J. Umberger had me laughing pretty hard. He tried to draw a penalty by starting something with Donald Brashear. To me, the inevitable pounding of a lifetime just wouldn't be worth it. Donald wasn't falling for that trick. With the Cap's ahead, it just wasn't the right time. About a minute after the Flys' Scott Hartnell went to the box for hooking at 13:38, I got another good chuckle. The score sheet shows assists by Green and Fedorov. But, when Semin sent in his net seeking missile at 14:33, it had to make it's way through no less than seven bodies before reaching the back of the net. I stopped laughing for a little bit, when Philadelphia's Derian Hatcher scored less than a minute later, with the help of Prospal and Briere. But, by the time the Fly's iced the puck with minute and a half left in the game, I was smiling pretty big again.

This was a great game on so many levels. The Capitals played very hard and very smart. They didn't let themselves get rattled by the energetic and often dirty play of the Flyers, or the inconsistent officiating. Washington finished their checks, blocked shots and kept their sticks in the lanes. Tom Poti had what may have been two goal saving poke checks, deep within the Caps' end during the second and third periods. John Erskine was excellent in his role again, putting a fair amount of fear into any Flyers who might want to hang out in Washington's crease or take liberties with his teammates. Donald Brashear had seven hits in his 6:52 of ice time, six within the first period alone. Alexander Semin seems to be maturing, playing more physically and smarter than ever before. Ovechkin went goalless again, but he's starting to get open more often. With his increasing chances, it's only a matter of time. He and his Capitals mates will get more time Monday, during their EC Quarterfinals Playoff Game 6.

All Photos - Len Redkoles / Getty images

Capitals Vs Flyers 04/17/2008 EC Quarterfinal Game 4 Review

Photo - Mike Stobe / Getty Images

Capitals 3 - Flyers 4 2OT

Unlike the previous two playoff games, the Washington Capitals definitely played well enough to win this double overtime thriller versus the Philadelphia Flyers. They showed no fear as they heavily forechecked, backchecked and aggressively drove to the net.

It only took 42 seconds for Philadelphia to get on the scoreboard. Jeff Carter backhanded a shot past Cristobal Huet. Huet was cleaned out by Scottie Upshaw after the puck got by him, no penalty called as usual. At the other end a few seconds later, Alexander Semin took exception to being high sticked by Scott Hartnell. Everybody gathered in the corner and exchanged pleasantries. As is his typical wussey way, Danny Briere quickly got himself out of harms way and circled around looking for a defenseless victim. Briere figured the least scary opponent would be Washington's rookie center Nicklas Backstrom, so he sucker punched him in the back of the head before putting him in a headlock. Both Semin and Briere got two minutes in the penalty box for roughing. Briere also got called for holding. As Briere was escorted to the box, he was allowed to go over to bark at Backstrom some more. After another incident, where Alex Ovechkin's visor was mysteriously broken off his helmet, the Capitals answered back with the power play goal. Backstom got a perfect pass from Ovechkin and snapped the puck past Martin Biron for his first NHL playoff goal.

Photo - Tom Mihalek / AP

The next tally was also a Capitals' PP goal. This time Backstrom sent the beautiful cross ice pass through the crease to Semin, who banged in his first NHL playoff goal at 12:59. It was the first time since the end of the third period in Game 1 that Washington had been in the lead. After a lot more rough stuff, bitchin', whinnin', complainin' and missed penalty calls, Carter snapped in his second goal of the game.

Just under six minutes into the second period, a loose puck ended up in front of Steve Eminger. Emmy sent in the short side wrister for his first NHL playoff goal. The helpers on this one went to Semin and Brooks Laich. Laich was also instrumental in the other two Capitals' goals, as he was the one clearing the crease to the open shooting lanes. After a lot of exciting play by Washington and both goaltenders, as well as plenty of dirty misbehaving by the Flyers (See Semin's lacerated nose...At least Jim Dowd didn't completely remove his head), the period came to an end.

Photo - Mike Stobe / Getty Images

The Cap's started the third period ahead 3-2, with 1:24 of PP time on the clock. Unfortunately, after a few good scoring chances by Alex Ovechkin and the boys along with a couple amazing saves by Huet, the little pest Briere evened the score 3-3 at 10:01. With Matt Cooke taking a couple punches to the face, and John Erskine clearing the creases like the Flyers were mere bowling pins, Washington held the game to a tie through the end of regulation.

Washington had a few more scoring chances during the two overtime periods that were so close it had to have anyone watching on the edge of their seats yelling "Oooohh!" Just over six minutes into the second OT, Philadelphia's Mike Knuble parked himself by the Washington net. After a couple whacks, he pried Huet's skate from the post and banged in the heart breaking game winner on the next try.

Photo - Tom Mihalek / AP

Washington played so well and so hard, they really did deserve a win. However, the Flyers took their third straight. There are a lot of reasons to remain hopeful. Don't forget, they did win eight straight games before losing the second playoff game. Now, they need to take three straight. The percentages may be against them, but the determination that had disappeared for the last couple games has returned with a "vengeance", to use Philadelphia's favorite new big word.

Flyers Vs Capitals 04/13/2008 EC Quarterfinal Game 2 Review

Flyers 2 - Capitals 0

A very sloppy Washington Capitals team lost to a well playing Philadelphia Flyers team in their Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 2 yesterday. After winning eight straight games, including their last seven regular season games and Game 1 of the playoffs, Washington seemed to have run out of gas.

Unlike the high scoring Game 1, Game 2 was decided on a mere two goals. Both were even strength Flyers' goals scored in the first period. R.J. Umberger got his at 5:53 , and Jeff Carter hit the net at 15:17. The shots were almost even in the first, with the Washington getting 10 and Philadelphia managing 9. Obviously, the Flyers made better use of theirs.

The Capitals' defense improved in the second period. However, Flyers' goalie Martin Biron still only faced half as many shots as Washington's Cristobal Huet. The Cap's forwards spent most of the middle period much like the first. They didn't seem to be able to concentrate on what they were doing, leading to several panicky turnovers.

Washington seemed to have more energy and determination in the third period. They were actually able to cause some Flyers' turnovers. But again, they couldn't capitalize on their chances. Thankfully, Philadelphia couldn't put the puck in the net either, though they had plenty of chances.

Ultimately, Washington was just plain outplayed from beginning to end. Philadelphia successfully clogged up the middle. If they couldn't get up the middle, the Cap's should've chipped the puck up the walls. They only got scoring chances when they played dump and chase. Yet they didn't seem especially interested in going that route. The Cap's had too many bad passes, which led to an awful lot of turnovers. Philadelphia was focused on playing as a team and using their systems. Washington did not play as a team. Each of the Capitals seemed to think they had to do it all by themselves. It just doesn't work like that. Being outshot 41-24, they're lucky Huet was playing as well as he was.

All Photos - Getty Images

Flyers Vs Capitals 04/11/2008 EC Quarterfinal Game 1 Review

Flyers 4 - Capitals 5

While the Philadelphia Flyers' top two forwards scored all their goals, the Washington Capitals' got some help from the fourth line in another typically dramatic come from behind Capitals win. Three of the Capitals ended up with a multi point effort in Washington's first playoff game since 2003.

The Capitals started off pretty well in the first period, with fourth line forward Donald Brashear putting the Cap's on the scoreboard at 3:16. Defenseman Tom Poti took a long range shot that was deflected toward Brashear by linemate Matt Bradley. Donald took the loose puck and made a fine move to the right side of the net before putting it past Philadelphia's netminder Martin Biron. I bet it felt good getting a playoff goal against his former team. Unfortunately, Flyers' RW forward Vinny Prospal evened the score about five minutes later, right off a draw. Washington's goalie Cristobal Huet never saw it coming. He had three guys screening the shot, including Caps' defensemen Milan Jurcina and Mike Green. Philadelphia's Scott Hartnell was the Flyer camping out at the crease, as usual.

The second period started off much like the first, with fourth line center scoring a goal at 4:08. Matt Bradley was in on this one too. He dumped the puck deep into the Flyers end, drawing two defenders along with him as he retrieved the puck. Then, while facing the end wall, Brads sent the puck between his legs and back toward Dave Steckel. Steckel roofed his first NHL level playoff goal, glove side. After that, the Flyers started to get a little nasty. Like when Scottie Upshall took a shot around the middle of the period. While Huet was trying to make the save, Jeff Carter followed up the shot by jamming his stick into Huet's crotch. That went unnoticed by the referees. The slash by Danny Briere behind the net was called at 9:38. But, Washington failed to score with the man advantage. Worse yet, Mike Knuble fed an outlet pass to Briere, as he was released from the penalty box two minutes later. Briere snapped it past Huet to tie the score 2-2. Cristobal seemed a little shaky for the most of the second period. With the Capitals' defense not being quite as aggressive as they should've been at the same time, Washington wasn't looking very good. When Prospal made it 3-2 after a turnover at the end of a Cap's line change, the stunned fans were quiet for the first time in weeks. A flicker of doubt went through my mind, when Briere got his second on a lucky back door chance about three minutes later.

As soon as the third period started, you could tell that the Capitals were back on line. The coaches and the veteren players with Stanley Cup Playoff experience must have straightened out the younger guys during the second intermission. In his first playoff game at the NHL level, Mike Green scored at 1:50 into the third. LW forward Alexander Semin passed the puck from the left sidewall to Sergei Fedorov at the far edge of the faceoff circle. Fedorov dished the puck to Green as he drove in on the other side. Green put it in past Biron, who tripped Mike as he crossed the top of the crease. With the Cap's resurging, Philadelphia took a few more cheap shots. Semin was hooked and Huet was downed in his crease. The ref's finally called a penalty, when Briere high sticked Matt Bradley. It sure looked intentional to me, as there was no reason for him to lift his stick up so high and horizontally. The Capitals made good use of this power play. Nicklas Backstrom passed the puck to Mike Green, who fired a hard slapshot that hit Flyer Patrick Thoresen. Alex Ovechkin grabbed the puck and sent it back to Green. Green's second slapper went in at 6:26 to tie the game at 4-4. The boys did another one of those pile up celebrations, and the crowd's volume went up another notch or two.

During the third period, Washington's defense was doing a much better job of keeping Philadelphia away from the front of the net. The whole team was energized and made more good clean hits. With about 4 1/2 minutes left, Alex Ovechkin got his first playoff goal. Alex poke checked a lazy pass by Lasse Kukkonen. He beat Kukkonen to the puck and snapped it past Biron for the game winner. The crowd leapt to their feet and screamed M-V-P!...M-V-P!...M-V-P!

The middle period was a little rough, but the Capitals got their first playoff win since April 12, 2003. In typical Capitals' fashion, they came from behind scoring three of their five goals in the third period alone. Also typical, it was Alex Ovechkin with the goal that put it away for good. Like you, I can't wait for game two.

All Photos - Getty Images

Bring It On (Flyers)

Graphic - NHL.com

That's right. You heard me. Bring it on, right now. Because, like all Cap's fans, I just can't wait. Let the 2008 NHL Stanley Cup Playoff games begin!

The Washington Capitals may have been waiting a few more years than the Philadelphia Flyers, but they're ready. After missing the playoffs for the first time in twelve seasons for 2006-2007, the Flyers are back in it. After missing the playoffs since the 2002-2003 season, the Capitals are too.

Photo - Getty Images

Both teams ended the 2007-2008 regular season with similar records. Washington was 43-31-8 with a total of 94 points, while Philadelphia managed to go 42-29-11 with 95 points. Both teams also needed an impressive record at the end in order to make it into the playoffs. The Flyers went 7-1-1, while our Capitals took 11 of their last 12. Both won their last regular season game. The Cap's hit their longest winning streak in several years, winning the last seven in a row. These two teams split the regular season against each other 2-2.

The only way to stop Alex Ovechkin.

Like Washington, Philadelphia will be packing some fire power for the post season. Their main offense is spread out over seven players, who scored at least 20 goals this season. Meanwhile, the Capitals have their scoring spread over about four or five. Of course, 65 of Washington's 249 goals were fired off by Hockey God, Alex Ovechkin. The goalie tandem of number one Cristobal Huet and now number two Olie Kolzig will be superior in net. The Cap's defense, which has been much better than in recent years, are also ready for the job at hand. Another weapon the Capitals have is their confidence inspiring head coach, Bruce Boudreau.

No matter what the goonie bird Flyers have in mind, the magnificent Capitals will be ready. So like I said before, bring it on!

"Bring It On" by Lenny Kravitz

I'm gonna walk my faith
Gonna raise my song
I'm gonna fight my battle
Gonna praise my Lord

It's getting heavy
But I'm ready
To take on this world and rock steady
So come on, bring it on

I'm gonna face my demons
Gonna turn them down
I'm gonna keep on moving
Gonna make my sound

It's getting heavy
But I'm ready
To take on this world and rock steady
So come on, bring it on

Bring it on [11x]

Panthers Vs Capitals 04/05/2008 Review

Panthers 1 - Capitals 3

.

The Washington Capitals beat the Florida Panthers, gaining themselves their first NHL Stanley Cup playoff berth since the 2002-2003 season. Along with getting in at the third seed in the Eastern Conference, they are now this season's Southeast Division Champs. The last time they owned the division crown was at the end of the 2000-2001 season. Officially, it was Fan Appreciation Night, which included the "Shirts Off Our Backs" on ice ceremony after the game. Unofficially, it was also Capitals Appreciation Night. The overjoyed sellout crowd was so loud, they might want to check Verizon Center for structural damage.

.

The Capitals started out a little tight in the first period. The Panthers were going all out, hoping to spoil Washington's post season plans. One of the Panthers probably couldn't remember which end of the ice he was heading for, when Donald Brashear knocked him out of the Capitals zone and into the neutral zone. At about six minutes into the game, netminder Cristobal Huet almost helped them out. He seemed to space out for a second. After settling the puck behind the net, he appeared to hand it off to one of the Panthers. Nothing came of it, as he quickly got back in front of the goal. Other than that unfortunate incident, he was very solid. Florida's Craig Anderson was also excellent guarding the net. But, it was the Cap's who got on the scoreboard first. Brooks Laich put some pressure on Brett McLean at the sidewall to the right of the Panthers' net, causing a turnover. Tomas Fleischmann grabbed the puck and headed straight for the net. When he got close, he fanned on his shot while going around a defender. But, he got his own rebound as he skated around the top of the crease. While being intentionally tripped by Anderson, he made his second try count. You better believe that got one hell of a reaction from his team and the rabid fans. The Capitals seemed much looser after that. However, even with two 5 on 3 power play situations, they couldn't get another one past Anderson, in the first.

.

The Panthers got their only goal of the game in the second period. It was a power play goal by Kamil Kreps that went unnoticed at first. Kreps' shot sent the puck behind Huet rolling on edge along the goal line, and then the puck banked in off the far right post. The referee had his hand up, waiting to call the delayed penalty on Washington. Along with a little confusion about Sergei Fedorov's slashing penalty, video review showed the puck crossing the goal line. After that, the Capitals started playing a little more aggressively. At 15:03, Fedorov put them back ahead by one. Mike Green sent an outlet pass to Alexander Semin, who was by the sidewall right on the center stripe. He immediately sent a perfect backhand pass to Fedorov, who he saw waiting at the blue line. Sergei entered the zone and sent a seriously hard slapshot past a completely helpless Anderson.

.

Early in the third period, the Cap's were cycling the puck in the Panthers' end. Steve Montador blocked a Sergei Fedorov shot, but the puck went right back to Fedorov. He sent the puck to Nicklas Backstrom near the end wall. Backstrom passed it to Semin in the high slot. Semin banged the cross bar with a top shelf PP goal, putting Washington ahead by two. While Mike Green was congratulating Alexander Semin, Alex Ovechkin skated over and leaped into the air, bowling over Green and Semin. Then Backstrom piled on, followed by Fedorov. What a fantastically entertaining and joyful sight. I could watch the replay over and over again. As a Cap's fan, you couldn't help but be filled with pride and confidence at that point. But, the silly officials insisted the other 17:39 left in regulation be played out. The Panthers weren't exactly ready to give in yet, either.

.

The rest of the game was also exciting. There were more big hits, including Branislav Mezei sending Tom Poti corkscrewing through the air and Ovie plastering Jay Bouwmeester. John Erskine got decked behind Washington's net, without a penalty being called. Then Erskine made the mistake of getting caught giving Nathan Horton a little shove. This time, the mood for actually calling the penalty struck the ref. Then, the ref's swallowed their whistles for the second half of the period. Just before the thirteen minute mark, Brooks Laich took a shot to the inside of his left leg. He had to hobble through traffic and all the way across the ice before reaching the Cap's bench. Yeah, that's going to leave a mark. The final minutes were full of cheers from the fans. The M-V-P chants for Ovechkin which had also been heard earlier, increased again. Another standing ovation, as Ovie headed to the bench at the end of a shift. About two minutes before the final horn, everyone was on their feet for good. The final seconds ticked off and the biggest celebration you've ever seen erupted, on and off the ice.

.

Eventually, head coach Bruce Boudreau met up with Comcast SportsNet's Lisa Hillary on the ice for a short interview, heard over the PA system. About his players, he said "These guys are the coolest guys in the world, man". The fans think you're pretty cool too, Bruce. Remember, this team was at the bottom of the league when he took over on Thanksgiving Day in November, 2007. They were 14th in the East at the midpoint of the season. To finish on top of the division with 94 points and be headed for the playoffs, is amazing. That is a feat that has never been done before. There are so many great things about this game and the second half of the season, that will leave smiles on Cap's fans for a long time. .

.

All Photos - Nick Wass / AP

Lightning Vs Capitals 04/03/2008 Review

Lightning 1 - Capitals 4

.

The Washington Capitals earned their sixth consecutive win and moved into eighth place in the NHL's Eastern Conference, beating the Tampa Bay Lightning at home in front of yet another sellout crowd. It's the first time the Capitals have managed six straight since January 8-19, 2000. Goalie Cristobal Huet has now won eight straight starts. Alex Ovechkin had another multi goal game. The first one was the game winner, which is something Alex has done 11 times this season.

.

The Lightning got their only goal just 39 seconds into the first period. Huet was having trouble controlling a rebound within traffic, when Filip Kuba popped the puck into the net. About 90 seconds later, Washington thought they had tied the score. No penalty was called, but Brooks Laich's goal was denied because of "incidental contact". Apparently, when heavyweight (yeah, right!) forward Tomas Fleischmann pushed Lightning defender Matt Smaby (went down real easy) in front of the net, he hit goalie Karri Ramo as a result. Ramo certainly didn't suffer any injury, as he made several incredibly quick saves throughout the night. Our guy, Huet was very sharp as well. Ramo was far busier in the first though, as Washington outshot Tampa Bay 20-5. At 12:01, Alex Ovechkin scored his 64th goal of the season. He took a Viktor Kozlov rebound and banked it off a defender into the net. With that, he surpassed "Lucky" Luc Robitaille for the NHL record on goals scored in a season by a left wing.

.

About five minutes into the second period, it looked like Tampa Bay might even up the score. Huet left a juicy rebound in front of Martin StLouis, but Mike Green quickly cleared the puck before Marty could do any harm. Both goalies guarded their goals very well in the second. They didn't see a huge number of shots, but they had to make a couple difficult saves. About a minute before the end of the period, Ovechkin blocked a hard shot with his right knee. He went to the dressing room before the horn, but returned at the start of the third period.

.

Washington outshot Tampa Bay again in the third. But, Huet still had to come up with some good saves, including a big one on Vinny Lecavalier 50 seconds into the period that left Vinny shaking his head. Lecavalier was injured later on, after a collision with Caps' Matt Cooke that sent him into Michel Ouellet before he went down, landing on his left wrist. I was glad to hear the applause from the crowd for Vinny as he went off the ice, holding his wrist. He did not return, and it looked like his injury might be fairly serious. Retaliation was swift, coming in the form of a crosscheck from Jussi Jokinen at 7:26. This stupid move would not be the last in the game from the Lightning. Alex Ovechkin fought back in a much better manner 24 seconds later. Taking a cross ice pass from Green just inside the blue line, Ovie sent a long range shot past Ramo's blocker side for number 65 and the game winning power play goal. It was his 22nd power play goal of the season, tying the team record held by former Capital Peter Bondra. The familiar M-V-P chant once again came from the crowd.

.

About a minute later, celebrations were temporarily put on hold. The Cap's ended up having to kill off a four minute double minor, thanks to a high stick by John Erskine that left blood streaming from Kuba's nose. Washington had very little trouble burning up the Lightning PP, sending several clearings almost the full length of the ice. Sure, the referees didn't exactly call the game perfectly. But, at 14:00 Smaby was sent to the box for holding. He was upset about the crappy way the season was coming to an end for his lousy team. If he needed to be comforted so badly, he could've at least picked one of his own teammates for the hug. For his unfortunate choice, the result was Boyd Gordon sending a Matt Bradley rebound into the back of the net. With Ramo pulled for the extra Lightning skater a couple minutes later, it was time for Tom Poti to send in an empty netter from deep in the Washington end of the ice. With 22.9 seconds left in the game, Tampa Bay went a little crazy. They had too many "men" on the ice completely intentionally. They tried to pick fights all over the ice. It's been suggested that they might be rewarded for their efforts with fines tomorrow, but I doubt it. Junior Lessard did get the fight he thought he wanted from Bradley. Of course, that turned out to be a big mistake. Brads made a complete fool of the witless wonder, with about 16 seconds left on the clock. Brilliant!

.

Right after the game, Comcast SportsNet's Lisa Hillary did a short interview with Alex Ovechkin rinkside. He thanked the fans for all their support. The fans thanked Alex and the Cap's right back with some more loud cheers. Having the NHL's fifth best powerplay didn't help the Lightning in this game. Unfortunately, the Ottawa Senators didn't help Washington tonight either, as they beat the Toronto Maple Leafs 8-2. Don't give up hope Cap's fans. The season's not over yet. Washington's last game is Saturday, against the Florida Panthers. If they win, they still have a couple chances to make the playoffs. What are the chances that both the Boston Bruins and the Philadelphia Flyers will win both of their last two games? Have a little faith!

.

All Photos - Haraz N. Ghanbari / AP

Hurricanes Vs Capitals 04/01/2008 Review

Hurricanes 1 - Capitals 4

.

The Washington Capitals are serious contenders for the playoffs. They hit five straight wins last night, beating the Southeast Division's first place Carolina Hurricanes. It's the first time Washington has managed five straight since March 3 - March 11, 2001. Goalie Cristobal Huet netted his seventh straight win, reaching 30 wins in a season for the first time in his career. The Capitals seem ready to take on anybody, right now.

.

The hitting started early in the game. Showing Carolina that the Capitals were ready to do whatever it was going to take to win this game, Washington delivered six hits in the first 5:47. They seemed to all come in pairs. Chad LaRose probably thought the Cap's were picking on him, with Matt Cooke getting him at 0:43 followed by Viktor Kozlov at 1:14. It was Cooke that got the scoring started fifteen minutes into the first period. Sergei Fedorov fed the puck to Mike Green, who sent a long range shot toward the goal. Cooke was there to put the rebound past Cam Ward. About a minute and a half later, Shaone Morrisonn took a hard shoulder check by Jeff Hamilton. Morrisonn did not return to the game. The Capitals are calling it an upper body injury. I'm guessing it could be a separated shoulder. I hope it's not that serious, because Mo is a major part of the Washington defense. Just before the end of the first period, the Capitals went on the power play. Kozlov passed the puck to Tomas Fleischmann as Washington entered the offensive zone. From the side wall, Flash sent the puck to Brooks Laich in the slot. Laich effortlessly backhanded in his 21st goal of the season, putting the Cap's ahead 2-0.

. Just 2:38 into the second period, Scott Walker got the 'canes only goal of the game. With Laich's stick slashed from his hands and Walker running over top of Huet, defenseman Milan Jurcina actually pushed Walker and the puck into the net while trying to clear the crease. In the end it wouldn't matter. About three minutes later, Huet skated about thirty feet out from the net to put a big hit on Eric Staal, who was on a breakaway. Awesome! It really got rough in the second. Both teams got their power play chances. But, the Capitals were the only ones making those chances count. Around the 13:00 mark, Staal gave Huet a little whack with his stick as he skated by. Alex Ovechkin went after him at the end wall. Staal went down unbelievably easily. Carolina's Niclas Wallin got into the mix. With Ovechkin and Wallin in the penalty boxes, Washington got their second PP goal. Fedorov's shot was blocked, and the puck went over to Green, who's shot was also blocked. Alexander Semin was parked right at the left post. He collected the puck between his skates and somehow roofed the sharp angle shot. Carolina head coach Peter Laviolette erupted in anger over the coincidental minor that put Wallin in the box right before the goal. Wouldn't have made a difference Petie. For his part, Ovechkin got roughed up at the end of the period by Bret Hedican. Real smart 'canes.

.

The Hurricanes were finally able to keep Washington's shots down to match their own eight in the third period. But, it was too little, too late. Carolina kept trying to draw penalties. But, they kept matching their successes with penalties of their own, in the third. With just under four minutes left, Jeff Schultz fed an outlet pass to Nicklas Backstrom. Backstrom skated deep into the Hurricanes' end before dropping it off to Ovechkin. Ovie grabbed the rolling puck, spun around and banked it off the far post for goal number 63 of the season.

. The Capitals spent 50 days in the Southeast's last place earlier this season. They are now tied for first place, as far as points. They are just one point away from being the sole owner of that spot. They are also just one point out of eighth place in the Eastern Conference. They still have a shot at getting into the playoffs via one of those routes.

All Photos - Nick Wass / AP

Capitals Vs Panthers 03/29/2008 Review

Photo - AP

.

Capitals 3 - Panthers 0

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.

.

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.