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.

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 Maple Leafs January 31, 2013 Game Review

Michal Neuvirth makes one of 37 saves (.925 Sv%) in loss to Maple Leafs - Toronto, CA January 29, 2013.
Photo © Nathan Denette / AP Photo / The Canadian Press.

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

The Washington Capitals found themselves in another losing streak on Thursday - January 31, 2013, when they yielded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was their second straight loss. When it comes to the Capitals, right now, a winning streak seems like a fantasy, as they've only managed one win so far this season.

Washington's bad habits keep leading them to acquiring penalties by the bushel load. For the most part, as expected, this leads to strong efforts and early leads or late comebacks being wasted. Any apparent immunity to misfortune whilst committing these mistakes is usually very much temporary.

The Capitals struck early. Just 1:36 into the game, Joel Ward (RW) scored his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Mike Ribeiro (C) and Jason Chimera (LW). The rest of the first period went by a bit more slowly than one might like, as seven penalties were doled out. Washington received the first five in succession. The Capitals who were very well shielded by that previously mentioned short lived immunity, as their penalty killers and goaltender Michal Neuvirth kept Toronto from scoring more than one goal. That power-play goal came at 8:19, when James Van Riemsdyk (LW) scored his fourth of the season.

The Caps only other goal was a second period PPG by Alex Ovechkin (LW / RW). Nicklas Backstrom (C) started the play from behind the Leafs' net, with a pass to Ribeiro, who immediately sent the puck across ice to Ovechkin. Toronto goalie James Reimer was powerless to stop the blazing wrist shot from Ovie.

Nikolai Kulemin (LW) and Matt Frattin (RW) added two more goals for Toronto in the third period. All Washington could manage were three more players spending time in the "sin bin".

Once again, the Capitals failed to gain any standings points. The only things gained were more disappointment and frustration. It's a damn shame that when people look back at the -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season, they will fail to remember how netminder Michal Neuvirth's stats don't fairly represent his performance. He, and others on the team, are to be cheated by someone else's mistakes and missed opportunities.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Toronto Maple Leafs January 31, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 01/31/13: Caps players Matt Hendricks, Joey Crabb, Michal Neuvirth, Alex Ovechkin, Mike Ribeiro and Joel Ward address the media after a 3-2 loss against the Maple Leafs.

Adam Oates Postgame 01/31/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre

Sabres Vs Capitals January 27, 2013 Game Review

Washington Capitals celebrate first win of season - Washington, DC January 27, 2013.
Photo © Nick Wass / AP Photo.

Buffalo Sabres 2 Vs Washington Capitals 3 = Home Game Win!

The Washington Capitals finally won themselves a game on Sunday - January 27, 2013, after having lost their first four (first time since 1993-1994), to start the -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season. Washington's victory came at home, and at the expense of the Buffalo Sabres, giving Adam Oates his first win as an NHL head coach.

Goaltender Michal Neuvirth had played very well in the two previous hockey games for the Capitals, earning the confidence of coach Oates, and a third consecutive start in net. He was, once again, his consistently brilliant self.

Most of the Caps players have shown improvement from game to game, and particularly in the third period of the last game, when they gained an overtime point against the New Jersey Devils. There are some who were ready before the first puck drop.

Yet a few, like defenseman John Carlson seem to be annual "slow-starters". Marcus Johansson was one of the healthy scratches for this game. I don't remember either of the previous head coaches ever sitting Johansson out. Perhaps this is a hint to the young forward, as he hasn't shown the urgency that he should be showing on the ice.

As usual with Washington so far this saeson, the other team scored first. Halfway through the first period, after a turnover by Carlson, Buffalo's Tyler Ennis sent a backhand shot into the net. However, the next three goals were all by Washington Capitals. The first of those came at 16:02, when right-winger Joel Ward scored his third goal of the season, on a play that started when Sabres goalie Ryan Miller turned over the puck with a bad clearing pass. Miller didn't get awarded with an assist, but Capitals forwards Jason Chimera and Mike Ribeiro did.

Both Ward and Chimera gained assists about three minutes into the second period, when Caps defenseman John Erskine eluded Drew Stafford (RW) at the point, and scored his first goal since 2011.

For the first time this season, Washington did not get into a high penalty count. There were only five penalties in the entire game, and the Capitals only received two of those. They did capitalize in a big way on one of Buffalo's three called infractions.

The Caps had to feel pretty good, actually leading (by one goal) in a game. Then, about five minutes into the third period, they added a power-play goal. The goal, which was the first of the season for Alex Ovechkin (LW / RW), turned out to be the game winner. He picked a good time to get his goal scoring started. Marcus Foligno (LW) added another for the Sabres in the middle of the final period, punching in his own rebound, amongst some serious crease area traffic.

This game was a joy to watch, after having to endure the four previous loses, and the lesser quality of play in those disappointments. It was great to finally see a truly good game. Both sides played hard, and there were still few mistakes. Everybody played with high energy all the way through the whole 60 minutes. These were professional NHL hockey players, and they were all playing to win.

Game Highlights: Buffalo Sabres At Washington Capitals January 27, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 01/27/13: Caps players Troy Brouwer, John Erskine, Mike Ribeiro and Joel Ward address the media after a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

Alex Ovechkin Postgame 01/27/13: Caps captain Alex Ovechkin addresses the media after scoring the game-winning PPG in today's 3-2 win against the Buffalo Sabres.

Adam Oates Postgame 01/27/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 win over the Buffalo Sabres.

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.

Capitals Vs Lightning January 19, 2013 Game Review

New Caps coach Adam Oates signals from bench during first game - Tampa, Fla. January 19, 2013.
Photo © Brian Blanco / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 3 Vs Tampa Bay Lightning 6 = Road Game Loss

One of the 13 games played on opening day of the lockout shortened -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season was the Washington Capitals at Tampa Bay Lightning game. Like other games around the league, it sure looked like the first game of the season.

I'm not knocking these guys, these professional hockey players, but it did seem kind of weird watching "early season" sloppiness in mid January. Well that is to be expected, and hey, I was still very much entertained. I wasn't happy with the end result (My team lost.), but yeah, entertained. It will take a few games for their play to get into shape.

It will also take a few games for the on-ice officials to get into shape, as well. They seemed to be making a point straight away, that they were going to be strict this season. Referees were calling penalties on the cheap side, within the first few minutes, of many of the opening day's games. It was penalties, most of them deserved, that ultimately cost the Capitals the game.

Goal scoring went back and forth, for the first two periods, with both teams netting three. As a matter of fact, there were three goals scored in each of the three periods. Unfortunately for Caps fans, the last three were all Bolts'.

Right-winger Joel Ward put two in for Washington, a power-play goal in the first, and one at even-strength in the second period. New teammate, left-wing Wojtek Wolski, got the Caps' last goal at 18:15 of period two. Superstar Martin StLouis (RW) potted the game winner about five minutes into the third period, a PPG. It was his second of the night. Centerman Vincent Lecavalier managed one at full-strength during the first, but like all the Caps' goals, the rest of the Bolts' goals came from secondary type guys.

The Tampa Bay's young goaltender Anders Lindback (24) got the win over Washington's slightly younger Braden Holtby (23), who might not have been at his best on this particular evening. I'm sure Holtby will be fine next game. He will readjust to NHL speed quickly, as will the defense in front of him.

No one was happier than I, to see defenseman Tom Poti return from long-term injury reserve. He looked great, and even picked up an assist on Joel Ward's first goal. He will make DC's defense so much better, if he holds up well.

I was also glad to see the new guys Wojtek Wolski (1 Goal, 1 Assist) and center Mike Ribeiro (1 Assist) get in on the scoring. They should generate a good bit of offense this season. Jason Chimera (F), John Carlson (D) and Roman Hamrlik (D) also got in one assist each.

Don't worry Caps fans, this was just the first game. We've got a long way to go, although nowhere near as long as usual, in this shortened season (48 games instead of 82), Just as the team does, forget about it, and start looking forward to the next game. Certainly, it will take several games to even begin to gauge how good a coach Adam Oates will be.

Capitals-Lightning highlights 1-19-13

01-19-13 Caps Postgame Locker Room: Caps players Mike Green, Braden Holtby, Alex Ovechkin, Tom Poti, Joel Ward, Wojtek Wolski and Mike Ribeiro address the media after a 6-3 loss against Tampa Bay.

01-19-13 Adam Oates Postgame: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 6-3 loss against Tampa Bay.

Washington Capitals Review: April 21 - 30, 2012

Capitals players celebrate EC Semifinal Game 2 win in New York on April 30, 2012.
Photo by Bruce Bennett / Getty Images via WashingtonCaps.com.

As the month of April 2012 came to an end, the Washington Capitals finished up their seven-game Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Boston Bruins. They got two days off following the first round victory before getting into round two of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, their Semifinal series against the first place (regular season) New York Rangers.

Junior's Eyes supplies some game review links for these five playoff games in this post. Also included are highlights videos and one other Capitals related creation below, in reverse chronological order.


April 30, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 3, Rangers 2
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

...Ovechkin made the most of his limited time, firing seven shots on net – the most of any skater on either side – and supplying the game-breaking and game-winning power play strike with 7:27 left in the third period. That goal gave the Caps a 3-2 win and enabled Washington to even the series at 1-1...


April 28, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Rangers 3, Capitals 1
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Familiar Territory – The New York Rangers took Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinal series between themselves and the Washington Capitals today, jumping out to a 1-0 series lead. This is right where Washington was after the first game of the first round, down a game on the road to a higher seed...


April 26, 2012

Most Interesting Cap On The Ice
By Dean Johnson via Twitter at @Dean_J6

@VogsCaps #MostInterestingCapOnTheIce pic.twitter.com/s5qaNinn

April 25, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 2, Bruins 1, OT
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

...Joel Ward’s goal at 2:57 of overtime gave the Caps a 2-1 win in the deciding Game 7 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series between the Capitals and the Bruins on Wednesday night in Boston...


April 22, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Bruins 4, Capitals 3, OT
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

...Tyler Seguin’s goal at 3:17 of overtime gave the Bruins a 4-3 win and evened the series at three games apiece, forcing a deciding Game 7 on the Bruins’ ice Wednesday night...


April 21, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 4, Bruins 3
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

...Troy Brouwer’s power-play goal with 1:27 left in the third gave the Capitals a 4-3 victory over the Bruins in Boston in Saturday’s Game 5...

Washington Capitals Review: April 1 - 10, 2012

Capitals celebrate win against Rangers at MSG April 7, 2012, in New York City. Photo by Scott Levy / Getty Images via WashingtonCaps.com.

The Washington Capitals took two out of three games, to end the 2011-2012 NHL regular season . For their efforts, they landed at the seventh playoff spot out of eight, in the Eastern Conference. The standings remained so close, that they didn't know where they'd end up or who they would face in the playoffs until it was over on the last day.

In the interest of catching up within the available time, and my overall health, this will be a lean list of post links. We have the game reviews from Mike Vogel at the team's website, which include highlights videos. To cap it off, the last week of the season is summarized by The Peerless at The Peerless Prognosticator.

None of the between-game Capitals feature stories that might have normally been in the list are to appear here. This way, we will soon become a little more timely with the playoffs action that is now well under way. We get along now, in reverse chronological order, as usual.


April 8, 2012

That Was The Week That Was -- Week 26 (April 1-7)
By The Peerless at The Peerless Prognosticator

...The Caps finished the regular season with seven consecutive weeks avoiding a losing week – four winning weeks and three .500 weeks (by standings points). Week 26 was a winning week, but it sure did not start as if that seemed likely...


April 7, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 4, Rangers 1
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

One Season Over, Another Just Beginning – Both the Capitals and the New York Rangers had something to play for in Saturday night’s regular season finale for both teams. Washington needed a win to keep hope alive for its dim divisional title hopes, and the Rangers were seeking a win that would have secured the Presidents’ Trophy – awarded annually to the league’s top regular season club – for them...


April 5, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 4, Panthers 2
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Coffee Is For Closers – The Washington Capitals have recently endured some woes related to protecting leads in games, but they got over that hump in fine fashion on Thursday night at Verizon Center. The Caps jumped out to a 3-0 lead, then bent but never broke on their way to a playoff berth-clinching 4-2 win over the Florida Panthers in the 2011-12 regular season home ice finale...


April 2, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Lightning 4, Capitals 2
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Too Much, Too Late – On Monday morning, the Capitals spoke about the need to know where Lightning sniper Steven Stamkos is at all times on the ice and the need to limit his time and space. For the better part of 59 minutes, the Caps did that well enough at limiting Stamkos that they had a chance to take at least a point home with them from their Monday night visit to Tampa Bay...