Bruins Vs Capitals March 5, 2013 Game Review

Capitals' Eric Fehr celebrates OT goal with Nick Backstrom, in Washington, DC on Mar. 5, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo

Boston Bruins 3 Vs Washington Capitals 4 = Home Game OT Win

The Washington Capitals returned home from a short two game road trip, which they split, to face the Boston Bruins at home on Tuesday night - March 5, 2013. With a hard fought win at home, the Capitals earned their second straight victory.

The game really didn't start off so well for Washington, as the Bruins scored three straight unanswered goals in the first 18:30 of play. Brad Marchand (LW) - penalty shot, followed by team captain Zdeno Chara (D) and finally Dougie Hamilton (D) were the three that managed what would turn out to be wasted, and short lived success.

In the second period of this game, there were a few firsts, that were very much welcomed by Caps fans. Included in those firsts was a first NHL assist (also first point) for the new guy, Steve Olesky (D). Then, Tomas Kundratek scored his very first NHL goal for Washington.

Olesky's assist came in the first period, when he and winger Alex Ovechkin set up a goal by center Mike Ribeiro. It was also his very first NHL game. Meanwhile, winger Eric Fehr and center Nicklas Backstrom provided the helpers on Kundratek's goal.

Wojtek Wolski (LW), assisted by Fehr and Backstrom, tied up the game at almost three quarters of the way through the third period, sending it into overtime. Fortunately, Capitals goalie Braden Holtby didn't have to block a single shot on goal during OT, which ended in dramatic fashion.

Defenseman Tomas Kundratek gained control of the puck while in the Capitals' end, and passed it to Nicklas Backstrom (C), who carried it up through the neutral zone. Just before entering the Bruins' end, Backstrom passed the puck to winger Eric Fehr, who held off two defenders while driving to the net. Fehr's wrist shot sent the puck by Bruins netminder Tuukka Rask, for the game-winning goal, at only 37 seconds into overtime.

The hometown fans went crazy, and their appreciation was rather noisily expressed, as they haven't seen such a comeback for quite some time. The Capitals have got another winning streak going, and if they want to squeak into the playoff race, they'd better keep it going for a little while.

Game Highlights: Boston Bruins At Washington Capitals On March 5, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 03/05/13: Caps players Steve Oleksy, Tomas Kundratek, Matt Hendricks and Braden Holtby address the media after a 4-3 OT/win against the Bruins.

Adam Oates Postgame 03/05/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 4-3 OT/win against the Boston Bruins.

Capitals Vs Rangers February 17, 2013 Game Review

Rangers block Capitals path to fourth consecutive win in New York, NY on February 17, 2013.
Photo © Kathy Willens / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 1 Vs New York Rangers 2 = Road Game Loss

On Sunday - February 17, 2013, the Washington Capitals ended a three game winning streak, when they lost their game versus the New York Rangers. In what some may describe as a flat performance by both hockey teams, the goaltenders for both teams might be the only players deserving any praise.

Just over a minute into the game, Washington defenseman John Carlson scored the lone Capitals goal. New York had trouble clearing the puck from their end of the ice. Eventually, it ended up on the stick of winger Eric Fehr, who sent a pass out to Mike Rebeiro (C) from below the goal line. Rebeiro slid the puck over to Carlson at the point, who collected it, and then fired a slap shot into the back of the net. When your team scores that early in a game, it sometimes gives you false hope.

The Rangers scored one goal in each of the other two periods. Carl Hagelin (LW) just barely eluded defenseman Tom Poti, and deflected a shot in during the second period. Then, in the third, John Carlson totally missed his defensive assignment during a penalty kill. Center Derek Stepan was left sitting by the goal cage during the Rangers power-play, all by himself. The puck eventually came to him, while Braden Holtby (G) was protecting the opposite end of the goal mouth, and he easily deposited the puck.

Holtby might have been a tiny bit slow to react, but he was nearly perfect the rest of the game. Meanwhile, Henrik Lundqvist (G) wasn't making life easy for Washington at the other end of the ice. The Capitals, on the other hand, didn't make things as difficult for Lundqvist as the the Rangers were doing to Holtby.

Washington managed a few good scoring chances after their one goal, but couldn't finish, and were outshot 40 to 28. At the same time, their recently mildly powerful power-play was powerless. Meanwhile, some of the guys who have been producing offense for the Caps, spent some time in the penalty box instead. When you're a man down, it's hard to gain zone time and make shots.

Washington had better get back into another winning streak, and make that a real habit, real soon. They have the least amount of points in their conference, and the second least in the entire league. Other teams that had started off poorly, like the Capitals, are now staying ahead in the standings.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At New York Rangers February 17, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/17/13: Caps players Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer, John Carlson, Braden Holtby, Nicklas Backstrom and Wojtek Wolski address the media after a 2-1 loss against the New York Rangers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/17/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 2-1 loss against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

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 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.

Penguins Vs Capitals February 3, 2013 Game Review

Alex Ovechkin and Washington Capitals fall to Pittsburgh Penguins - Washington, DC February 3, 2013.
Photo © Nick Wass / AP Photo.

Pittsburgh Penguins 6 Vs Washington Capitals 3 = Home Game Loss

Super Sunday wasn't so super for the struggling Washington Capitals, whose quality of play dropped, as they dropped a game against the visiting Pittsburgh Penguins on February 3, 2013.

Braden Holtby, minded the net for Washington, in his second straight start. He clearly wasn't having a good day, but his teammates didn't help him out very well either. They could have done a better job clearing Pittsburgh from the crease area in front of Holtby, and sometimes there were Caps screening him on Pens shots. Other times he was left exposed on wristers coming through wide open spaces.

Penalties usually figure into Capitals losses, and especially against the Penguins, but this time was different. There were a couple cheap calls, but for the first time since I can remember, Pittsburgh actually got penalized more than Washington. Mind you, we're talking 4 - 3, so a difference of one. One might say the only reason for the lack of Caps punishments was because Pittsburgh went ahead and didn't need the help, but "I couldn't possibly comment" on that.

Chris Kunitz (LW) had a good day for the Penguins, as he scored a four goals, with at least one in each period. He was the first to score in the game at three minutes in, and he also got the last goal, with only eight seconds left. Washington's scoring was spread out to three players.

The Capitals' first goal came at even-strength, in the first period. After being knocked down against the end wall, defenseman Mike Green eventually got up, and found himself wide open for a one-timer off a pass from Wojtek Wolski (LW). The play started when Mike Ribeiro (C) sent the puck to Wolski, from a scrum at the side-wall.

Kunitz' first goal was a deflection off of defenseman John Carlson, but he made up for that. Four minutes into the second, Carlson took a pass from Nicklas Backstrom (C) and bounced one in off the glass, while just trying to clear and make time for a line change. Pittsburgh goaltender Tomas Vokoun (former Cap) wasn't half-surprised, as he headed behind the net, where he expected the puck to go.

The last goal for Washington came in the third period, after Alex Ovechkin just barely kept the puck from getting out of the offensive zone, during a Caps' possession. His keep-in sent the puck to Troy Brouwer (RW), who passed it along to Mike Ribeiro. Ribeiro, amongst a huge traffic jam in front of Vokoun, tapped it in.

In the end, it was an ugly game. Made uglier if you watched it on NBC, and were tortured by the patronizing and Capitals hating Doc Emrick, and crew. We really need to get rid of the long radio time-delay, so we can listen to the lovely voice of John Walton, while watching the games only aired on NBC.

Game Highlights: Pittsburgh Penguins At Washington Capitals February 3, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/03/13: Caps players Troy Brouwer, John Carlson, Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin and Braden Holtby address the media after a 6-3 loss to the Penguins.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/03/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 6-3 loss against the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Flyers Vs Capitals February 1, 2013 Game Review

Washington Capitals salute fans after win over Philadelphia Flyers - Washington, DC February 1, 2013.
Photo © Patrick McDermott / Getty Images.

Philadelphia Flyers 2 Vs Washington Capitals 3 = Home Game Win!

The Washington Capitals played in their fifth straight 3 - 2 game on February 1, 2013, when they faced the Philadelphia Flyers at home. For only the second time out of those five games, and in fact all eight games of the season, the Capitals won. Both of their wins were games played at home.

Braden Holtby finally got another turn at goaltending for the Caps, after not having brought his best efforts in the first two games of the season. This time he played himself into better fortune. His mates also brought improved fore and backcheckjng, along with good hustle. Meanwhile, the Flyers were all quite sluggish, with their defense being particularly sloppy.

The first period was typically filled with penalties, not a good start for either team. And neither team was able to take advantage of their powerplays. Both went a man down for the game, when Philadelphia's center Zac Rinaldo picked a fight with Washington's forward Matt Hendricks before the puck was dropped on a faceoff. That's an automatic game misconduct and ejection from the game. The altercation came as a result of defenseman John Erskine getting an elbow up into Philly's forward Wayne Simmonds (RW). The on-ice officials didn't deem that intentional, but he may face some extra off-ice time, after the league reviews what took place.

There were plenty more PPs in the second period, but nobody was able to take advantage. Even-strength scoring chances weren't successful either, until after the mid-game point. Bruno Gervais (D) put the Flyers on the scoreboard first, at 11:43. The Capitals would answer back six minutes later on one of Philadelphia's many mistakes. On an offensive zone dump-in, the puck landed on the stick of Caps defenseman John Carlson, who flipped it to center Nicklas Backstrom (C). Backstrom was able to skate in and score on a top-shelf backhand shot unopposed, because half the Flyers were busy screwing up a line change.

Seconds after being crunched along the boards, Troy Brouwer (RW) put Washington ahead, four minutes into the third period. Backstrom started the play from the left wing faceoff circle, then defenseman Mike Green passed the puck back to Brouwer at the same spot. Troy zipped the puck over the shoulder of Ilya Bryzgalov, short side and just under the crossbar. Less than three minutes later, Wojtek Wolski (LW) put Washington ahead by two, on a breakaway created after defenseman Luke Schenn bobbled the puck from a neutral zone faceoff. The Caps held onto a one goal lead after center Brayden Schenn scored halfway through the third period.

Even though Washington lost an important part of their attack in Hendricks late in the first period, they played very well. Philadelphia wasn't at their best, which helped the the Caps a little, but it was still an enjoyable game to watch. It's always good when your team wins, anyway. The Capitals will need a few more, really quickly, if they are to contend for the playoffs this -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season.

Game Highlights: Philadelphia Flyers At Washington Capitals February 1, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/01/13: Caps players John Carlson, Wojtek Wolski, Nicklas Backstrom and Troy Brouwer address the media after a 3-2 win over the Flyers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/01/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

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.

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.

Jets Vs Capitals January 22, 2013 Game Review

Good Caps fans said they missed team, bad fans booed them - Washington, DC January 22, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo.

Winnipeg Jets 4 Vs Washington Capitals 2 = Home Game Loss

The Washington Capitals weren't very good in the season opening game, this past Saturday. Like the score shows, they weren't much better in the home opener on Tuesday night (January 22, 2003), when they lost to the Winnipeg Jets.

The Capitals looked just like what they were, a team undergoing change in the early days of a lockout shortened -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season. Although they had the advantage (?) of a couple days off, it was the Caps that looked like the tired bunch. They were not as sloppy as in game one, but several players just didn't put in the effort.

Discipline was out the window in this game too. Washington outdid Winnipeg in penalties, eight to six. The Jets outdid the Caps on the power-play, two to one. It wasn't until 18:44 into the third period, before right-wing Troy Brouwer (1 Goal) scored Washington's lone PPG. Forward Matt Hendricks (1 Goal, 2 Fights) got their first goal ten minutes into the game, at even-strength.

Other relevant statistics: Nicklas Backstrom (C) earned two assists, while Alex Ovechkin (LW/RW) and Mike Ribeiro (C) were credited with one each. Ondrej Pavelec earned the win for the 'Peg, while Caps goaltender, Braden Holtby, certainly partially guilty in earning the loss.

Winnipeg Jets At Washington Capitals January 22, 2013 Game Highlights

01-22-13 Caps Postgame Locker Room: Caps players Matt Hendricks, Braden Holtby, Troy Brouwer, Mike Ribeiro and Karl Alzner address the media after a 4-2 loss against Winnipeg.

01-22-13 Adam Oates Postgame: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 4-2 loss against Winnipeg.

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 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.