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.

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

Capitals Vs Senators January 29, 2013 Game Review

Senators' Anderson makes save on Capitals' Backstrom - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada January 29, 2013.
Photo © Sean Kilpatrick / AP Photo / The Canadian Press.

Washington Capitals 2 Vs Ottawa Senators 3 = Road Game Loss

Tuesday night's game sent the Washington Capitals back to the losing column, when they were beaten by the Ottawa Senators, after finally winning one in the previous game. Well that didn't take long, did it?

The aggressive style of play from the last time they skated on the ice carried over, at least for the first half or so. The good forecheckjng, hustle, driving to the net, territorial control, it was all still there. But, by the time of second intermission, those things went away.

This was one of those games full of questionable officiating. Several of the penalty calls left fans and players bewildered. Most of those bad calls seemed to go against the Capitals during the first period, yet that's when they scored their two goals. So, can't use that as an excuse then, can they?

Things looked good for the Caps, after Troy Brouwer (RW) and Matt Hendricks (F) put them ahead 2 - 0 in the first period. Both goals were scored on Sens goalie Craig Anderson from down low, at the edge of the crease. Wojtek Wolski (LW) and Nicklas Backstrom (C) assisted on Brouwer's goal, while John Erskine (D) and Jay Beagle (F) supplied the helpers for Hendricks.

In the second period, both teams battled more evenly. After Washington leading 15 - 9 in shots for the first frame, the gap then narrowed in both directions. Eventually, the Senators gained some moxie and Jim O'Brien (C) drove to the net, launching a wrister that made it's way past Caps netminder Michal Neuvirth. This seemed to dampen the spirits of the Capitals, setting up a change in command for the third period.

The last 20 minutes belonged to Ottawa. Washington wilted, and just laid back. Two minutes elapsed before the Capitals presented them with a gift. Backstrom essentially won a draw in the Caps end, but our guys were off in a daze. While the Caps were puck watching, Sens' Milan Michalek (LW) grabbed the biscuit and swatted it on through, to tie things up. Late in the game, after a follow-through was wrongly called high-sticking, offensive defenseman Sergei Gonchar (D) sent a long range slap shot past everybody for a power-play goal, finishing off the Caps.

Michal Neuvirth's 30 save effort completely went to waste. He now has a 1 - 2 - 1 record on the -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season (his other stats took a hit too), though Michal performed well enough to win all four.

I'm sure none of the players, staff or owners feel satisfied at this moment. With 12 1/2% of the season gone, we fans are starting to feel a bit upset as well.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Ottawa Senators January 29, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 01/29/13: Caps players Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer, Alex Ovechkin, Matt Hendricks, Michal Neuvirth and Mike Ribeiro address the media after a 3-2 loss against the Senators.

Adam Oates Postgame 01/29/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 loss against the Ottawa Senators.

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.

Capitals Vs Devils January 25, 2013 Game Review

Caps goalie Michal Neuvirth run over in second period, stayed sharp - Newark, NJ January 25, 2013.
Photo © Mel Evans / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 2 Vs New Jersey Devils 3 = Road Game OT Loss

Friday night - January 25, 2013, the Washington Capitals were on the road, visiting the New Jersey Devils. It was the fourth game of the season, and the Washington was still looking for their first point. With an overtime loss, that's all they brought back home.

The road trip was the second of the season for the Capitals. It was the first return to New Jersey for former Devils assistant coach, and now current Capitals head coach, Adam Oates.

Michal Neuvirth started his second game in net for the Caps. While he was sharp in his first game, he was magnificent in this one. Though all the guys played better this time, Neuvirth was the player that kept them in the game most of all. His positioning was solid, and he moved very quickly, when he needed to. With Washington's current propensity for committing penalties, his performance would turn out to be very important.

After striking first in period one, New Jersey scored their only power-play goal late in the second. That Patrik Elias (LW) PPG came during a five-on-three situation, something the Capitals have had a lot of trouble with so far this season.

Washington scored twice in the third period. The first time was a power-play goal by Mike Ribeiro (C), with Joel Ward (RW) and Mike Green (D) assisting. The second, came unassisted from Mike Green (D), with both teams at full strength. It also tied the game, sending it into overtime.

It was great, because we finally had a few minutes were it looked like the Caps actually had a chance at winning a game. However, with less than thirty seconds left, Ilya Kovalchuk (RW) sent a wrister into the net.

What changes will we see in the Capitals' next game? The lines will probably be shaken up even more than we've seen so far. Is the Alex Ovechkin on right-wing experiment over? He always ended up drifting back over to the left side anyway.

The worst part about the Capitals having a bad start in this short season, is that they don't have much time to turn things around. The good part is that it will make the season seem much longer, if they keep doing so poorly.

Washington Capitals At New Jersey Devils January 25, 2013 Game Highlights

Caps Postgame Locker Room 01/25/13: Caps players Mike Ribeiro, Michal Neuvirth and Karl Alzner address the media after a 3-2 OT/loss against the New Jersey Devils.

Adam Oates Postgame 01/25/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 OT/loss against the New Jersey Devils.

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.

Washington Capitals 2012-2013 NHL Season Preview - Part 2

Happiness returns, when the puck finally drops on Saturday - January 19, 2013.
Photo via a tweet from Capitals' Twitter -> @washcaps .

The hollow existence, the seemingly eternal void of so-called life without NHL hockey, it's finally over. We get just over half a season of our beloved sport, but at least we don't have to wait any longer.

For those team owners and players thinking the negative connotations should go away, now that -2012--2013 is under way, it's not going to happen. If you didn't want any reminders included in conversations about this season, you should have gotten the deal done last summer.

In Part 1 of my season preview, I summarized the challenges of the shortened preseason situation. Links to important and informative blog posts from local independent new media legends and mainstream media outlets were also included.

In Part 2 of my season preview, I'll concentrate on the offerings from the talented media members within the Washington Capitals organization itself.

Caps senior writer and media host Mike Vogel, along with radio voice John Walton, watched camp and conducted lots of interviews. Tons of videos (Thanks to James Heuser and Chris Liotta) have been posted at the Washington Capitals website since training camp started (video) last Sunday morning - January 13, 2013. Those conversations and observations are well documented in video, blog and twitter posts. Here is a small sampling.

01-13-13 Adam Oates: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after the first day of training camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

01-13-13 George McPhee: Caps vice president and general manager George McPhee addresses the media after the first day of training camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.

01-13-13 Rinkside Update: John Walton and Mike Vogel with the Sunday Rinkside Update after the first day of Caps training camp at Kettler Capitals Iceplex.


Of Curves And Lies
By Mike Vogel at Dump 'N Chase

There were many attributes that made Adam Oates an attractive hire as the Capitals’ next head coach last summer. During a 19-year Hall of Fame career as a player, Oates was known as a cerebral player who made his linemates better. He was a top-notch offensive player throughout his career, but he also became a noted defensive specialist, penalty-killer and face-off man during his latter years. Oates’ broad based knowledge of the game and experience in it as well as his thinking man’s approach enabled him to stand out among other candidates...

01-15-13 Rinkside Update: John Walton and Mike Vogel with the Tuesday Rinkside Update after the Caps scrimmaged against the Reading Royals on the third day of training camp at KCI.

01-16-13 Capitals Report: Check out this week's Capitals Report with John Walton and Mike Vogel answering your fan questions.

01-18-13 Rinkside Update: Mike Vogel with the Friday Rinkside Update after the Caps final day of training camp before opening up the 2012-13 season tomorrow in Tampa Bay.


Well, I think that will do it, for now. There is so much more that could be added, but I suggest you go to the Capitals web site and the blogs linked above for more. Otherwise, catch me on Twitter, where I may add a couple more links.

Washington Capitals 2012-2013 NHL Season Preview - Part 1

Alex Ovechkin and other Capitals players at training camp on January 15, 2013.
Photo by Kevin Lamarque / Reuters via The Washington Post.

After enduring months of anxiety, frustration, anger and unfairness, relief is on it's way for hockey fans. The 2012-2013 NHL Season is finally about to start, well after it's originally scheduled premier date of October 11, 2012.

Due to a lengthy CBA negotiation period, which included a lockout that wiped the entire 2012 part, we get just over half a season of our beloved sport. With a new agreement in place, it will be several years before we worry about that situation happening again.

Happiness returns when the puck finally drops on Saturday - January 19, 2013. It's hard to say what a 48 game season will bring. Teams organized incredibly short training camps, for players of widely varied readiness. Some played in other leagues, and some skated in informal practices, while a few others might be far less prepared.

For a large portion of their shortened season, many players will be learning new systems, possibly from new coaches. The Washington Capitals will be one of the teams dealing with these challenges. Former Caps superstar center Adam Oates was hired as the new head coach in the off-season, and he selected new assistant coaches Calle Johansson and Tim Hunter. They got some practice helping to guide the AHL affiliate Hershey Bears for the first several games of their season, but now they have to quickly force-feed new systems and new plays into the minds and bodies of all the Capitals players.

Thankfully, we have some elite writers and media talent covering the Washington, DC based Capitals. These people have stacked up a bunch of detailed previews and overviews to send us into the season well informed.

The Peerless, at The Peerless Prognosticator, broke things down on goalies, defensemen, and a few forwards in this past September. In October, he continued on with the balance of forwards. If you're pressed for time, he has posted updated summaries over the past couple weeks. Check out Just Get In...It's Not Just a Tag Line This Year, Questions, Questions...Then and Now: The Forwards, and Questions, Questions... Then and Now: The Defense and Goaltenders.

The folks at Japers' Rink published their third annual preseason look at individual expectations and job security assesments for players and management, Capitals On the Hot Seat: 2012-13 Edition, in September. More recently, with Caps Questions: Does the Short Season Hurt or Help?, they pondered whether or not the abbreviated season could be beneficial to the Caps.

Locally, online mainstream media coverage has been thorough as well. Katie Carrera has kept on top of things at Capitals Insider, for The Washington Post. Chuck Gormley, of CSN Washington (DC), has been amazingly relentless in his online output.

It's a shame CSN didn't give the team, or even the lockout situation, more than a comparatively (vs football, basketball off-season and stoppages) inadequate few seconds of occasional TV time before this week. After all, they are the game carrier for the Capitals.

In the upcoming Part 2 of my season preview, I'll concentrate on the offerings from the media members within the Washington Capitals organization itself.

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...

Washington Capitals Review: March 22 - 31, 2012

Matt Hendricks makes another goalie look stupid with his shootout goal moves. This time, it was Tim Thomas of the Boston Bruins, on March 29, 2012.
Photo by Elsa / Getty Images via WashingtonCaps.com.

With the list of linked game reviews, highlights videos and other Washington Capitals related stories below, Junior's Eyes revisits the last ten days of March 2012.

During this segment of six games, the Capitals once again split it evenly, winning three and losing three. It was damn hard to keep the faith, with Washington floundering toward the end of the regular season at this pace. At the same time, the Eastern Conference teams closest to the Caps in the standings, were not able to widen the gap enough to put them completely out of the running for a NHL playoff spot.

The following list is in reverse chronological order.


March 31, 2012

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

Two The Hard Way – It wasn’t pretty, but on Saturday night against the Montreal Canadiens at Verizon Center, the Caps authored a second straight 3-2 shootout win in a game in which they once held a 2-0 lead...


Nicklas Backstrom to return against Montreal
By Katie Carrera at Washington Post's Capitals Insider

The Washington Capitals received some welcome news on Saturday as Nicklas Backstrom will be back in the lineup after missing nearly three months with a concussion...


March 30, 2012

With Tomas Vokoun injured, Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby
are prepared to step up for Capitals
By Katie Carrera at Washington Post's Capitals Insider

...Based on their comments to reporters on Friday, Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby are preparing to shoulder responsibilities in net down the stretch for Washington...


March 29, 2012

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

Two Goals, Two Points – Going into Thursday night’s game with the Bruins in Boston, the Capitals knew two things. First, they knew they weren’t likely to score many goals. They were facing a hot Boston club that had won five of its previous six and had allowed two or fewer tallies in each of those half-dozen games. Second, the Caps knew they needed a strong goaltending performance of their own, and that’s a corollary of the first...


Capitals Lunchbox, Season 2, Episode 18
Posted by J.P. at Japers' Rink

In which Alan May, Kellie Cowan and I talk discuss the Caps' playoff chances, identity (or lack thereof), Nicklas Backstrom and more. Dig it.

March 28, 2012

Tomas Vokoun says he’s ready to play
By Katie Carrera at Washington Post's Capitals Insider

Tomas Vokoun has been battling a groin muscle strain off and on since late February, but after several consecutive days of practice the veteran netminder has deemed himself ready to play should the Capitals’ coaching staff want to use him on Thursday in Boston...


March 27, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Sabres 5, Capitals 1
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

...Washington was unable to help itself on Tuesday in a significantly important game against the Sabres. Buffalo mustered all the offense it would need in the first frame, scoring twice on Washington mistakes while the Caps were unable to capitalize on some strong chances of their own...


March 25, 2012

That Was The Week That Was -- Week 24 (March 18-24)
By The Peerless at The Peerless Prognosticator

...What was frustrating about this week is that the Caps managed the first goal in three of the four games and lost two of them (both in extra time). What was anger-inducing was that the Caps scored five goals in each of the first and second periods of the four games this week, but only one in the third period and none in overtime. Meanwhile, the four opponents scored six second period, four third period, and an overtime goal among the 13 scored against Washington this week. That is the kind of wandering focus that has plagued this team for more than three games…more like three years...


POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 3, Wild 0
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

...with time running out on the season, the Caps sitting in ninth place to start the day, and the Wild playing their second game in as many nights, Sunday’s game was one that Washington simply had to have. And the Caps got it...


March 24, 2012

Washington Capitals teammates welcome back Nicklas Backstrom
By Katie Carrera at Washington Post's Capitals Insider

When Nicklas Backstrom stepped on to the ice Saturday morning he was greeted by a round of applause and cheers from the fans in the stands at the Capitals’ practice facility...


March 23, 2012

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

...After forging a 3-0 second-period lead over the Jets in a key game for Eastern Conference playoff positioning, Washington gave back two of those goals in a span of just 71 seconds in the second period, then spent virtually the entire third stanza dodging bullets in their own end. The result was a stinging and stunning 4-3 overtime loss to the plucky Jets...


March 22, 2012

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

Missed It By That Much – Tonight’s game against the Flyers in Philly offered the Capitals a huge opportunity. The finale of a five-game road swing, it was also the rubber match of the set as the Caps came in with a 2-2 mark in the previous four games. As the game-in-hand on both seventh-place Ottawa and ninth-place Buffalo, the contest offered Washington a chance to pull to within two points of the Senators and to put two points of distance between itself and the Sabres...