Capitals Vs Penguins 05/11/2009 EC Semifinal Game 6 Review

Capitals celebrate Game 6 winning goal with David Steckel on May 11, 2009.
Photo by Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo.

Capitals 5 - Penguins 4 OT

The Washington Capitals overtime win versus the Penguins in Pittsburgh last night took Caps fans on an emotional roller coaster ride, before ending with incredible relief. This was a must win game for Washington, who were behind in the series, three games to two.

After not playing at their potential for most of their time on the ice this series, the Capitals had improved significantly in Saturday night's loss in Washington, DC. In the first period of this one, it wasn't looking so good. They were playing in a panicky style that didn't exactly fill one with confidence. Penguins forward Bill Guerin got the puck by netminder Simeon Varlamov about six minutes into the game. Luckily, the Caps' goalie had a much better game than the score shows. Washington only mustered 5 shots on goal, while Varlamov was very busy stopping 17 of the 18 shots Pittsburgh got on goal in the first frame.

The Capitals smoothed out their play by the second period. It's hard to imagine that the shots on goal totals for this period were only 6 for Washington and 7 for Pittsburgh. Both teams were apparently more accurate. Mike Green should get an assist on the Caps' first goal, because he fired a shot that hit Sidney Crosby. Crosby was able to clear the puck from the Penguins' end before heading for the bench to recover. Shaone Morrisonn dumped it right back in though, and Alex Ovechkin sent a rink wide pass to Viktor Kozlov, who snapped it by goalie Marc-Andre Fleury at 6:27. About eight minutes later, Alexander Semin was hauled down to the ice in the offensive zone, but the delayed penalty call wasn't needed. Semin quickly got back up and skated the puck around the back of the net. He passed it to Sergei Fedorov, and the rebound from Fedorov's shot was popped in by Tomas Fleischmann. Less than a minute before the end of the period, Mark Eaton scored the tying goal.

Kris Letang put the Pens on top at 4:40 into the third period, with a power play goal. About one minute later, Washington got their lone power play goal. Ovechkin passed the puck to Semin. Somehow Brooks Laich got a something on it, deflecting it in from the top of the crease, while under pressure from a defender and with his back to the net. Then at 6:07, Nicklas Backstrom and Ovechkin combined with Viktor Kozlov, for Kozlov's second goal of the game. The officiating, while still not terribly consistent, had evened out considerably over the last couple games. By about halfway through the third period, it had started to get a bit one sided again, in the Penguins favor. But it was Mike Green's failure to clear the puck from the Capitals' end late in regulation, that led to Sidney Crosby's tying goal. The hopes of Caps fans had been threatened yet again.

The referees put away their whistles in the overtime period. Both goalies made a few good saves before the sudden death ending. Right off a draw in Pittsburgh's end, Matt Bradley sent the puck to Brooks Laich. David Steckel redirected Laich's shot into the net at 6:22, giving Washington the win and evening the series at three games each. This line has worked very well for the Capitals, and at very critical times.

The Caps won the game with only 24 shots, compared to the Pens' 42 shots on goal. It's a good thing Varlamov was having a good night. Washington may not have been at their best at the start of the game, but they ramped it up as it went along. They never gave up hope, and they gave it their all, right to the very end. Determination and unyielding effort is key in winning playoff games. The Caps will need to show that again tomorrow night, when they play Game 7 of their semifinal series at home. Whoever wins that game, moves on to the Eastern Conference Finals.

Penguins Vs Capitals 05/04/2009 EC Semifinal Game 2 Review

Alex Ovechkin celebrates hat trick goal May 4, 2009.
Photo by Nick Wass / AP Photo.

Penguins 3 - Capitals 4

Rookie goalie Simeon Varlamov and the Washington Capitals won their fifth straight playoff game last night. It was the second straight win in the Eastern Conference Semifinal series between the Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins, a game that included first ever playoff hat tricks by both Washington's Alex Ovechkin and Pittsburgh's Sidney Crosby.

As in Game 1 of the series, Sidney Crosby scored the first goal of the game, in the first period. This goal came with one Pen and two Caps in the penalty boxes. Brooks Orpik got two minutes for roughing, or possibly more acurately, spearing Alexander Semin in the nuts. Semin retaliated (sort of) and got two minutes for roughing, while Alex Ovechkin joined him, with a redundent two minutes for Semin's supposed high sticking. This situation helped Crosby make his way closer to the net. Brooks Laich also lost his stick, which had mysteriously exploded just before Crosby's strike. What slashing? Right, Mr. referee? I'd also like to ask the refs why David Steckel didn't get a penalty shot, when he was taken down from behind as he tried to take a shot later on.

A couple minutes into the second period, Ovechkin got his first tally on goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. Sergei Fedorov entered the offensive zone and spun around before his centering pass to Viktor Kozlov. Kozlov immediately relayed the puck to Ovechkin, who let it rip from his favorite spot, in the face off circle. Just after the mid point of the game, Crosby put the Penguins back ahead by one, when he snuck his way over to the crease for a back door goal. Caps' defender Mike Green didn't notice Sid was behind him until it was too late. About five minutes later, David Steckel evened the score again. Brian Pothier took a shot from the point that bounced all the way back to the AHL call-up Tyler Sloan at the opposite side. Sloan's shot deflected off a player, and Steckel was there to pop in his second goal of the playoffs.

The Capitals finally got the lead in the third period. With Evgeni Malkin in the penalty box for tripping, it took Washington only four seconds to score the power play goal. Nicklas Backstrom won the face off. When the puck went to Green, he quickly passed it to Ovechkin for a beautiful one time slap shot. A couple minutes later, Ovechkin scored the hat trick goal at even strength, with the help of Kozlov and Fedorov. Apparently, Sidney Crosby took strong exception to the fans celebrating with the long standing tradition of tossing hats onto the ice. Don't allow a hat trick, and you won't have to put up with people being happy, Sid. Crosby got his own bogus hat trick a few minutes later, while on a power play. With six attackers in the Caps' end, and an intentional two handed cross check to the throat of Varlamov by some jerk named Chris Kunitz, Crosby batted in the puck from mid air. The ref looking right at Kunitz while he tried to injure the unflappable Simeon Varlamov, must have been suffering from steamed up eyes, caused by all the friendly play right in front of his fat face.

Anyway, the Caps had better figure out a way to keep Crosby from getting so close to the net. His goals weren't pretty, but they count at least as much as anyone else's. And sorry, but consistent officiating isn't going to happen in this league. You've got to close off those passing lanes, and clear the front of your net.

Otherwise, well done Caps. Great to see them in control of most aspects of their game. Outstanding play by Ovechkin and Varlamov, but don't forget about David Steckel. His faceoff dominance, fine defensive play when needed and now goal scoring, are very helpful as well.

Capitals Vs Rangers 04/26/2009 EC Quarterfinal Game 6 Review

Tom Poti celebrates goal with David Steckel on April 26, 2009.
Photo by Getty Images

Capitals 5 - Rangers 3

The Eastern Conference Quarterfinal Playoff series between the Washington Capitals and the New York Rangers was evened up 3-3 yesterday, when the Capitals beat the Rangers in New York, after having been down by three games to one.

The Rangers' temporary bench boss was Assistant GM and interim coach Jim Schoenfeld. Schoenfeld took over the position for this game while Head Coach John Tortorella had a seat upstairs. Tortorella had been suspended for one game for throwing a water bottle at an unruly spectater in Washington at Game 5. The decision to suspend Torts was followed up by Rangers GM Glen Sather asking NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman to punish the Capitals for what he thought was a lack of action by their security personnel. His request, which was full of fantasy about how well behaved the fans are in their arena, is just another desperate move by an organization that will stop at nothing to gain any advantage they can.

As far as the game itself, it was another display of the Capitals superiority over the Rangers. Simeon Varlamov didn't have to make very many spectacular saves in net for the Caps, but he was good when he needed to be. Washington's first three goals were all scored by defensemen. Milan Jurcina was first to light the lamp, putting the puck past goalie Henrik Lundqvist at 7:09 in the first period. Matt Bradley had blocked a clearing attempt and the puck ended up with David Steckel. Steckel's centering pass reached Brooks Laich, who dished it to Jurcina for the well screened shot. Uncharacteristically for the Rangers, they answered back with a power play goal by Scott Gomez about a minute later. The next power play opportunity belonged to the Capitals, and Mike Green banged in a rebound off of an Alexander Semin shot that was set up by defenseman Tom Poti. A few minutes later, Poti just got out of the penalty box for a puck over the glass delay of game call, when he found himself joining David Steckel and Boyd Gordon for a three on one odd man rush going into New York's end. It was a beautiful play that ended with Poti tipping in a cross ice pass from Steckel.

Halfway through the second period, Poti was involved in another Washington goal. Sergei Fedorov got the puck to Poti from behind the Caps net, and he sent an outlet pass to Viktor Kozlov. Kozlov skated the puck the rest of the way and ended up following the puck into the Rangers' net after his game winning shot. Poti would also be a part of a power play goal by Alex Ovechkin at 16:44. Nicklas Backstrom had control of the puck high in the slot. Under pressure, he sent it back to Poti at the point. Ovechkin purposefully deflected in Poti's slap shot.

As in Game 5, Steven Valiquette replaced Lundqvist to start the third period. At least one of the Rangers' two goals in the third shouldn't have happened, but they didn't change the outcome of the game anyway. After a couple really weak calls that sent defenseman John Erskine to the penalty box for holding and Backstrom for hooking, the Rangers scored their second goal during the 5 on 3. Shortly after getting back to even strength from a couple more bad calls, New York got their final meaningless goal just before time ran out.

Just as they did last season, Washington has come from seeming to be hopelessly behind in the series, to forcing a Game 7. Their talent and relentless determination has gotten them far, and should carry them past the Rangers in the final game of the series.

Super Weekend For Ovechkin And The Capitals

Alex Ovechkin celebrates 3rd period goal vs Red Wings with Jeff Schultz.
January 31, 2009 Photo by Nick Wass / Associated Press

This past weekend went very well for Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals. The Caps are flying high. Maybe not not as high as Michael Phelps, but in a better way, after winning both Saturday's and Sunday's games.

On Saturday, Washington hosted the Detroit Red Wings for a 12:30 PM game and handed last year's Stanley Cup Champions their fifth straight loss. Alex Ovechkin scored two third period goals in the span of 1:16, the second while on a power play. Ovechkin now leads the NHL with 18 third period goals and is tied for second place with 7 game winners. Viktor Kozlov also scored in the first period, and defenseman Mike Green got his 14th of the season in the second, giving the Capitals a 4-2 victory. Washington showed no signs of letting up in the final two minutes of the game, even after being called for three straight penalties and facing a 6 on 3 Detroit power play for part of that time. Jose Theodore stopped 27 of the Red Wings 29 shots on goal, making his record in goal 18-9-2. Tom Poti skated for 20:38 and blocked five shots in a much welcomed return. He had missed 15 games due to a groin problem.

After Saturday's win versus the Red Wings, the Caps kept their foot on the gas and mowed down the Ottawa Senators by a score of 7-4 on Sunday in another 12:30 PM game. Brent Johnson made 34 saves in net, giving him a 12-6-2 record, with a 2.81 GAA and .908 Sv% in 21 games this season. Johnny is now 9-0-1 at home. Mike Green started the Capitals scoring in the first period, getting his 15th goal of the season while on the power play, just three seconds off the draw. He also had three assists on the day and leads the league's defenseman in scoring. Less than a minute after Green's goal, the Capitals got another quick PPG, when Ovechkin buried one just four seconds of the draw. Ovechkin would go on to score two more goals (35 and 36) in the second period for a hat trick. Ovie now has seven career hat tricks. Also scoring in the second, Eric Fehr got his 4th goal and Alexander Semin his 19th of the season. Nicklas Backstrom capped off the win with a 155+ ft shot on an empty net from the slot in front of Washington's goal, giving him his 13th.

A review of this past weekend is a pleasure for Washington Capitals fans. The Capitals (68 points) moved back ahead of the New Jersey Devils (67 points) in the standings with the four point weekend. Guess who the Caps face next? Yeah, they head to Jersey, where they'll try to hang on to second place in the Eastern Conference on Tuesday night.

Capitals Vs Penguins 01/14/2009 Review

Washington's John Erskine checks Sidney Crosby into the boards.
January 14, 2009 Photo by Gene J. Puskar / Assiociated Press.

Capitals 6 - Penguins 3

The Washington Capitals stopped their recent losing streak at three games by beating the Penguins in a great momentum building effort last night in Pittsburgh. The Capitals kept their focus on winning and left all the media's semi-fabricated bickering hype behind them, off the ice.

Both teams started off looking a little sloppy at first, but play tightened up as the game moved along. Washington netminder Jose Theodore wasn't looking to be at his best early on, even though he made some good saves in the first period. The referees weren't at there best either, calling a four minute double minor high stick penalty on Washington's Donald Brashear, when his stick was clearly not the one that made contact. The offending stick may even have been one of Kris Letang's teammates, from within traffic in the area. Pittsburgh scored on the power play with a slap shot by Evgeni Malkin at 5:45, for his 18th goal of the season. Malkin managed a couple hits on Alex Ovechkin, which thrilled the Penguins fans. They weren't terribly thrilled when he got whistled for interference at the 16:00 mark, after smacking Ovechkin in the head with his stick. Everyone became concerned shortly after, when Rob Scuderi blocked a hard shot by Mike Green with his face. He did not return to the game.

Things looked a little brighter for Caps fans, when Viktor Kozlov sent the puck through Marc-Andre Fleury's catching glove for his 10th goal of the season about a minute into the second period. At 8:13 however, Miroslav Satan put the Pens back ahead by one goal. A few minutes later, the Capitals answered back with Alexander Semin netting his 17th of the season. Tomas Fleischmann got the puck from the side wall to Sergei Fedorov, who sent a perfect saucer pass over a defender's leg to Semin. As Semin reached the other end of the crease, he batted the flying puck into the net. The two Capitals goals, along with increasingly confident and physical play by Washington, were starting to get to Pittsburgh, including their goaltender.

The Caps went ahead for the first time in the game, when Ovechkin potted his own rebound from the edge of the Pens goal crease. Pittsburgh then scored their third and final goal via a slapper from the point by Ryan Whitney, after Sidney Crosby sent the puck to him on a nice rink wide pass. Just after that, a temporarily rattled Theodore got nicked with a delay of game penalty. He misplayed the puck, then unfortunately swatted the biscuit out of the playing area. Luckily, he straightened out afterwards. Pittsburgh's Petr Sykora lost his cool right after a draw, and smacked Fedorov on the helmet with his stick (seems to be a common behavior by the Pens). Washington's Tomas Fleischmann scored his 15th goal of the season on the PP opportunity. He sent Ovechkin's rebound in for the game winner with a wrister, while lunging through the air toward the goal. By this point, Fleury was completely flustered, and his mates were losing it as well. At 11:27, Ovechkin banked the puck off of Whitney's skate, scoring his 29th goal of the season and second of the third period. About a minute before the end of the game, Caps defenseman Jeff Schultz ended his 72 game goalless drought. He cleared the puck from Washington's crease, and it went all the way across the ice surface and into the empty net at the other end. That made it 6-3 for Washington, adding insult to injury. Injury including Pittsburgh's Rob Scuderi, Maxime Talbot and Sidney Crosby.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the Capitals throttle the Penguins. It was just icing on the cake to see Washington's players taking turns crunching both Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby. A totally frustrated and shaky Marc-Andre Fleury is a good sight for Caps fans too. Perhaps the most special moment of the evening was when Crosby tried to check David Steckel into the side wall during the third period and almost completely missed his mark. Unfortunately, that's when he also got hurt. Hopefully, the injured foul get the necessary repairs soon. I don't wish serious injury on any of them, much as I hate them. The first two games versus the Penguins this season have both been wins for the Capitals in Pittsburgh. The last two will be on Washington's home ice. I'm looking forward to the Capitals taking those games as well.

Rangers Vs Capitals 01/03/2009 Review

Alexander Semin heads off after fight with Marc Staal.
Photo from NewYorkRangers.com

Rangers 1 - Capitals 2

The Washington Capitals won their sixth straight game for the first time this season, in this mostly defensive match. The New York Rangers were their latest victim last night, in a game that started off uneventful, but built up momentum as it went along.

There's wasn't much to gloat about as far as the first period was concerned. You could've waited to tune in until the second period, and you wouldn't have missed much. The stats were very even, except in the hits department. The Capitals apparently temporarily forgot that hockey is a contact sport.

Mike Green scores goal on Steve Valiquette.
Photo by Luis M. Alvarez / Associated Press.

Washington's memory cleared up in the second period, and they started forechecking and putting some energy into the game at both ends. It was the Rangers who scored first however, as Petr Prucha deflected a shot past goalie Jose Theodore half way through the period. Theodore was in good form once again though, and didn't allow another puck to find it's way into the net from then on. Less than a minute and a half later, the Capitals answered back while on a power play. From the point, Viktor Kozlov sent the puck to Alexander Semin (just back from injury) at the goal line to the left of the net. Mike Green mosied in toward the net guarded by netminder Steve Valiquette on the right side and banged in a quick pass from Semin.

The physicality of the game increased throughout the second period. But as time was running out, it became clear that Alex Ovechkin couldn't be stopped. He was determined to score and put Washington ahead. With just 31.4 seconds left and the Caps down a man, he did just that. David Steckel hit Ovechkin in the neutral zone with a short outlet pass. Alex turned on the jets and sped his way into the Rangers' end. His only obstacle, Wade Redden was frozen by a pump fake. Ovie got his shot off as he passed Redden, and the puck sailed by Valiquette for the shorthanded game winning goal.

Kettle Drum played in USAF European Band.
April 4, 2005 Photo by USAF.

Neither team scored in the third period, but the entertainment level did not wane by any means. Washington's gritty forward Chis Clark had gotten into a fight with Wade Redden in the first half of the second period. Later in the second, Scott Gomez had sucker punched Michael Nylander. But the fight we'll be talking about (and laughing about) until the end of time, happened early in the third. Marc Staal was probably trying to fire up his team, when he picked a fight with Alexander Semin. Staal was probably very surprised when Semin easily got the best of him. More than 18,000 fans cheered as Staal went down on the ice, and then roared with laughter as Semin beat him like a girl kettle drum. Many others have described the instrument of Semin's pugilistic music as bongos, but clearly it was the kettle drum. The Capitals were able to hold their composure and hang on to their lead for the win.

The game was played in front of yet another sold out crowd, which I've heard gives Washington more sellouts for this season than in the entire previous season. More importantly, the Caps have gone 12-1-2 in their last 15 games. In fact, their record for the season so far is 26-11-3, which is the best ever after the first 40 games in the team's entire history. Now, that should keep the smile on Caps' fans faces for a while.

Sabres Vs Capitals 12/26/2008 Review

Alex Ovechkin scores game winning goal vs Sabres.
December 26, 2008 Photo by Nick Wass / AP Photo.

Sabres 2 - Capitals 3

With a strong performance by netminder Jose Theodore and a highlight reel game winning goal by star forward Alex Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals beat the Buffalo Sabres in front of their home crowd. After losing in the previous three visits by the Sabres, it was especially nice to get the day after Christmas present.

Theodore was tested early on, and he showed he was ready to play well in this game straight away. Ovechkin also chipped in on defense with a nice possibly goal saving poke check during first period Sabres breakaway.

It was Washington who struck first. Viktor Kozlov got the late second period goal at 17:46. It started with defenseman Bryan Helmer gaining control of the puck in the Caps end and getting it to Kozlov. Viktor skated up the ice, and after a little give and go with Nicklas Backstrom, he put the puck past Buffalo goalie Patrick Lalime. With 1:05 left in the second period, Ovechkin's first goal was waived off. It was ruled no good because of goalie interference by Brooks Laich, even though it looked like the puck was already in the net before the contact.

Things really heated up in the third period, starting with a deflection goal by Boyd Gordon at 1:58, off of a blast from the point by Milan Jurcina. Keep those rockets coming Juice, and good things will keep on happening. After a seriously cheap slashing call on Alex Ovechkin, Buffalo scored on the power play via Thomas Vanek. Somebody tell Gordon to play on until the whistle is blown. He was out of position on the play, while unsuccessfully pleading for a hand pass call on the Sabres.

The Sabres' Toni Lydman would get another goal for Buffalo with just under two minutes left, but only after Ovechkin put the Caps ahead for good at 8:27. The play started with another outlet pass by Bryan Helmer. Ovie skated the puck by a few defenders on his journey to the other end of the ice, overcoming a slash and a hook along the way. He released his shot while falling to the ice surface, before following the puck into the net. The game winning goal is his 23rd goal of the season.

With the win, the Capitals home game record improves to 14-1-1, which is the best in the East. It was also great to see Captain Chris Clark return, after missing 14 games with a forearm fracture. They'll need his grit when they host the Toronto Maple Leafs tomorrow. One of the best Capitals, Mike Gartner will have his number 11 jersey retired prior to the game.

Blues Vs Capitals 12/18/2008 Review

Capitals celebrate Viktor Kozlov's second goal of the game.

Blues 2 - Capitals 4

The Washington Capitals won their 20th game of the season at home while facing the St. Louis Blues last night. They managed to hit the mark in just the 33rd match of the current season. Last season, it took until January 17th and their 46th game to get 20 wins. It also gave Washington's goaltender Simeon Varlamov a 2-0 record, after having won in his first NHL game played in Montreal versus the Canadiens this past Saturday.

The first period went by rather quickly. The stoppages in play during this game were held to a minimum in part by the referees, who only awarded one penalty in the first. You could say they were "economical" with their calls for most of the game. Late in the period, Nicklas Backstrom won a battle for the puck at the sidewall and sent it to nearby Viktor Kozlov. Kozlov put it past Blues' netminder Ben Bishop via five hole, while using a defender as a screen. The Capitals have scored the first goal in 10 of their last 12 games. Nine of those goals came in the first period. Like Varlamov, this is Bishop's first season in the NHL.

Simeon Varlamov makes stick save for Washington.

David Backes put St. Louis on the scoreboard at 9:09 in the second period. Varlamov was set to stop the shot by Jay McClement, but Backes deflected it past a surprised Varlamov. Late in the period, Washington went back ahead for good. Tom Poti sent an outlet pass to Kozlov, who fed the puck to rugged forward Boyd Gordon. Gordon forced his way to the front of the net with a defender all over him. Gordon fired off a shot and Kozlov followed up with his second goal of the game, sending the rebound past Bishop at 17:06. Just 40 seconds later, Tomas Fleischmann put the Caps ahead by two. David Steckel won a draw in the Blues end. After regaining control of the puck, Steckel dropped it to Eric Fehr. Fehr sent a centering pass to Fleischmann, and Flash fired a shot that banked off of both posts before heading to the back of the net. That's 11 goals for Fleischmann this season. He had 10 in all of last season.

Washington started the third period with a full two minutes of power play time because Michael Nylander held onto the puck at the end of the second, during a delayed penalty call. The Caps only needed 13 seconds of it though. After Alexander Semin got a shot off and the big rebound sent the puck all the way out to Kozlov at the point, Viktor passed rink wide to Alex Ovechkin. When Ovechkin got to the faceoff circle, he snapped the puck into the net for his 20th goal of the season.

Tomas Fleischmann scores goal versus Ben Bishop of the St. Louis Blues.

Unfortunately, the referees were suffering from temporary blindness (again) around nine minutes into the third period. It didn't cost Washington the game, but they lost Semin to injury again as a direct result of the refs economizing on calling penalties. I don't understand how all of the officials missed it when Backes intentionally tripped Semin, and then seconds later cross checked him in his recently injured back, sending him awkwardly down to the ice in pain. Semin was helped off the ice and eventually back to the dressing room, but no penalties called on Backes. Sure enough though, when Coach Bruce Boudreau complained from the bench, an official gave Washington a two minute unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for "abuse of officials". Of course, the Blues scored during their ill gotten power play. The goal was awarded to Brad Winchester, but after the puck happened to hit his stick, it actually deflected in off of Alex Ovechkin's. Washington held on to their two goal lead for the rest of the game.

Alexander Semin wasn't the only player taken out of the game due to injury. Apparently, Mike Green has also been injured again, as he didn't play in the third period. Both players are listed as "day to day".

The win is Washington's fifth straight. They are now 13-1-1 at home. The Caps don't face the Western Conference team St. Louis very often, and this was the first time since December 1997 that Washington beat them within regulation. Viktor Kozlov had a three point night, with two goals and an assist. Brent Johnson may get the next start in net if he's healthy enough, when the Caps play the Flyers in Philadelphia on Saturday afternoon.

December 18, 2008 Photos by Luis M. Alvarez / Associated Press

Bruins Vs Capitals 12/10/2008 Review

Brent Johnson blocks shot by Bruins' Chuck Kobasew.
Photo by Lawrence Jackson / Associated Press.

Bruins 1 - Capitals 3

The Capitals improved their home game record to 11-1-1 last night, beating the top team in the NHL's Eastern Conference. They overpowered the Boston Bruins, with the return of three players from the injured list. The obvious hero of the game for the Capitals was goaltender Brent Johnson, who fought through an aggravated hip injury during his 33 save triumph.

Although the guys who've come up from the AHL to replace injured players have done a great job, it is good to have regulars Tom Poti and Alexander Semin back on the job. Yesterday's callup, Oskar Osala also did well in his first NHL game.

The presence of defenseman Poti was immediately noticeable, as he got right to work, keeping the Bruin's scoring chances down compared to what they would've been without him in the first period. Overall though, Boston did manage 14 shots on goal in the first, but nothing was getting through Johnson. Johnny made some amazing stops, even after having his old hip injury re-aggravated during a couple of particularly dazzling saves. The lone goal of the first period, scored at 3:53, was a nice Caps' power play strike. At the goal line, Viktor Kozlov passed the puck to Alex Ovechkin, high in the slot. Ovechkin sent a hard shot toward the net, and Nicklas Backstom was waiting in front of the crease to deflect it in.

Alexandre Giroux celebrates scoring game winning goal.
Photo by Lawrence Jackson / Associated Press.

Just under five minutes into the second period, Washington increased it's lead with one of the prettiest puck possession plays you'll ever see. Half way through, you just knew they were going to score. Michael Nylander brought the puck into the offensive zone, while under defensive pressure. He hooked off and sent a cross ice pass to Poti, who dropped the puck off to Kozlov. Kozlov immediately sent it to Alexandre Giroux, who lifted the puck over Bruins' sprawling netminder Manny Fernandez. After a few consecutive amazing saves by Brent Johnson toward the middle of the period, Caps fans gave him a much deserved standing ovation. Boston's only goal of the game came with just 34.9 seconds left in the second period. Milan Lucic got the puck past Johnson on a give and go play with Phil Kessel, after a dump in by defenseman Zdeno Chara.

Both teams picked the pace back up in the third, but both Johnson and Fernandez guarded their nets well. One of Fernandez's stops was on an Alexandre Giroux penalty shot, awarded after he was hauled down with a hook by a defender. A defender who remains nameless, nay nonexistant even, if you look at the penalty summary provided by the NHL within the game recap. Summary indeed. Just before the end of the game, Backstrom stripped Lucic of the puck deep in the Capitals end. He got the puck to Semin, who sent an outlet pass to Ovechkin. Ovechkin sped toward the empty Bruins net and deposited the rubber biscuit with just 51.9 seconds left, for the final goal.

The incredible efforts of Brooks Laich in the faceoff circle have to be mentioned, as he won an amazing 11 out of 16 (69%). Tom Poti did very well in his return from injury, fending off the feisty Bruins during his 22:01 total ice time. Brent Johnson may or may not be able to play again tomorrow night against the Ottawa Senators because of that hip injury. If it were up to me, we'd be calling him our number one goalie right now, so I hope he recovers quickly.

Islanders Vs Capitals 12/04/2008 Review

Donald Brashear celebrates winning goal with David Steckel nearby.

Islanders 2 - Capitals 5

Last night's win versus the New York Islanders was a first for both Washington Capitals' goaltender Brent Johnson and head coach Bruce Boudreau. This game also marked the debut of the AHL's current leading scorer Keith Aucoin as a Capital. Right winger Graham Mink was sent back down to the Hershey Bears, making room for center Aucoin to be called up to the NHL.

There have been players coming and going between the Caps and the Bears while several regular players remain on the injured list. Meanwhile, the Islanders have been facing similar health issues. With Rick DePietro injured after only three games this season, Joey MacDonald (39th NHL game) was between the pipes for New York, with Yann Danis as the backup. With the loss in his first game facing Washington, MacDonald's record fell to 10-10-2. He was named the NHL's Third Star for November 2008 though, going 8-5-1 with a 2.64 goals against average and a .916 save percentage. MacDonald looked sharp for most of this game, even though four shots (fifth was empty net) got by him.

Brent Johnson blocks Andy Hilbert's shot attempt.

Although he would later on miss some of the first period after a collision, it was Alex Ovechkin (NHL's First Star for November) who scored the first goal of the game at 11:31, during a power play. The Isles left him all alone, and he snapped one in from the left face off dot. Less than two minutes later, Viktor Kozlov deflected in a Bryan Helmer slapshot for another PPG. Sami Lepisto set up Helmer for his shot, earning Lepisto his fourth assist in five games played. At 19:24, New York cut the lead back to one with a power play goal of their own, when Mark Streit scored with Brent Johnson heavily screened.

About a third of the way through the second period, a couple weird events occured. First a Chris Campoli slapshot from the neutral zone deflected into the Caps' net off of a linesman, so it didn't count as a goal. Shortly after, the puck deflected off of Kozlov's skate in Washington's end, sending it all the way to the far end of the ice. The puck barely missed the empty net, while the Isles had an extra attacker on the ice. At 13:38, a very open Trent Hunter scored the first non PP goal of the game for New York, knotting the game at 2-2.

Eric Fehr and Brooks Laich celebrate Fehr's goal.

Rookie defenseman Karl Alzner recorded his first NHL point in the third period, with a very intelligent play that earned him an assist. Milan Jurcina sent the puck across the offensive zone ice to Alzner. With no passing or shooting lanes open, he elected to intentionally bank the puck off the end boards. Donald Brashear gained control of the puck and sent a soft backhand shot in for what later turned out to be the game winning goal. It was Brashear's first regular season goal since March 3, 2008. The Caps weren't done scoring yet. Eric Fehr backhanded the puck past MacDonald from a sharp angle during a power play at 16:14, while following up on Brooks Laich's attempt to bang in a rebound from Ovechkin's long range blast. As with Jurcina, Laich's third period assist was his second of the game. Laich and Jurcina had also assisted on Ovie's first period goal. Alex gained his second assist of the evening on the games' fifth and final goal. He grabbed the rebound from a shot on Washington's goal and skated the puck all the way into the offensive zone. Ovechkin passed the puck to Nicklas Backstrom, who had joined him in a two on one drive. Backstrom recorded his seventh goal of the season, when he sent the puck into the empty net with 49.8 seconds left on the clock.

Unlike a lot of games so far this season, the Caps power play worked well in this one, as they potted three. Like in a lot of games though, Ovechkin had another multi-point effort, with one goal and two assists. Viktor Kozlov was hard worker, creating scoring chances throughout the game. Washington shouldn't be proud of their nine penalties. But their penalty killing, secondary scoring and Brent Johnson's massive 47 saves, helped them overcome their mistakes to defeat the New York Islanders for the first time in a long while. The Caps needed a win, and they got it with an aggressive and relentless team effort.

December 4, 2008 Photos by Nick Wass / Associated Press

Thrashers Vs Capitals 11/26/2008 Review

Superman Alex Ovechkin flies over Thrasher goal crease.

Thrashers 3 - Capitals 5

The Washington Capitals improved their home ice record to 8-0-1 with a win over the Atlanta Thrashers Wednesday evening, on the NHL's 91st Birthday. As of November 27, 2008, the only other team in the league to have no loses within regulation at this point in the season being the San Jose Sharks.

The Capitals managed this convincing win even though they now have eight players, seven regulars and Brian Pothier (out since last season), on the injured list. Four of those players lost after their last game, which prompted a four man call up from their AHL affiliate, the Hershey Bears. Washington also just returned from a long, rough Western road trip. Netminder Jose Theodore and the Caps played like they were well rested while the Thrashers, who just played a game Tuesday night, looked a little sluggish at first.

Viktor Kozlov (center) celebrates goal with Alex Ovechkin (left)
and Nicklas Backstrom (right).

Alex Ovechkin got the party started with a long range blast from the top of an umbrella formation at 3:29 into the first period, while on the first power play of the game. About four minutes later, winger Eric Fehr scored Washington's second goal at even strength, while on a 3 on 1 breakaway with Tomas Fleischmann and Michael Nylander. Atlanta's Bryan Little answered back with a PP goal at 12:08, off an Ilya Kovalchuk rebound. Down by two goals, the Thrash wouldn't get any closer than that the rest of the evening. At 14:01, Ovechkin scored another Capitals' PPG. As with his first, one of the assists came from Viktor Kozlov.

Just 54 seconds into the second period, Ovechkin snapped in his twelfth goal of the season for his sixth NHL career hat trick. That's three goals in three shots on goal, all within a 17:25 game time span. Atlanta's second PP goal of the game came on Slava Kozlov's 12th goal of the season, which he scored off one of a couple rebounds. The period ended with the Caps ahead by two.

Karl Alzner skates with Milan Jurcina in his first NHL game.

The third period started like the first two, with an early period goal by the Capitals. This time it was Kozlov, assisted by Ovechkin. Ovie served up an outlet pass to Kozzy, who skated smoothly up the middle of the ice and easily deposited the biscuit past Ondrej Pavelec, just under the crossbar of the goal. Atlanta's Nathan Oystrick scored the final goal of the game at 12:28 into the third, when his slapshot deflected off of defenseman Tyler Sloan.

All the Caps played well in this game, including the four call ups from Hershey. It was Karl Alzner's very first career NHL game, and he did very well. Alex Ovechkin now has 12 goals and 17 assists this season, putting him (29 points) ahead of former scoring leader for the team, Alexander Semin (27 points). Ovechkin achieved his hat trick in a total on ice time of 8:20, and he almost had a fourth goal a few times. Obviously, it was good to see Washington score on a couple of power plays. The PP is starting to work well for the Caps. The win is sure to have lifted the spirits of future AHL Hall Of Famer and current Capitals' Head Coach Bruce Boudreau, the players and the fans, after having lost three straight on the road.

All November 26, 2008 Photos by Haraz N. Ghanbari / AP

Capitals Vs Flames 10/21/2008 Review

Jose Theodore blocks shot versus Flames October 21, 2008.
Photo by Jeff McIntosh for AP / The Canadian Press.

Capitals 1 - Flames 2

The Washington Capitals visit to Calgary for a game against the Flames brought the potential for good times on and off the ice. I'm sure all the Capitals players that are from Calgary or nearby areas had a good time off the ice, but things could've gone much better on it.

Although there were a few things to be happy about, including a solid performance by Washington's netminder Jose Theodore and an overall decent effort by the Caps' defense, there were a couple reasons to be downright frustrated as well. The power play woes of the first five games continued in this match. Four power play goals in six games with an abundance of chances, is just not good. That problem needs fixing pronto. The other glaring problem last night was the amount of penalties being earned, a problem we saw in three other games so far. Ten penalties, including eight straight within the first two periods is also cause for some concern. Mind you, some of those calls may have been of the lousy variety, but you can't use that as a crutch.

Back to the bright side. It's early days yet. Two key components, defenseman Tom Poti and forward Viktor Kozlov are expected to return soon. The Caps have had their share of injuries early in the season. If they can stay healthy and regain some secondary scoring, they'll be fine. As far as primary scoring, don't worry about Alex Ovechkin. He'll come around. You can count on it.

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