Washington Capitals Review: April 11 - 20, 2012

Capitals and fans celebrate goal in Quarterfinal Game 3 on April 16, 2012.
Photo by Patrick McDermott / Getty Images via WashingtonCaps.com.

The Washington Capitals, having finished the regular season in 7th place on April 7, began their Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series on April 12, 2012. Last year's Stanley Cup champions, the Boston Bruins (2nd place), were the tough opponents they drew for the first round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. Washington, as usual for them, would have to endure a seven game series. The first four of which took place during this 10 day period.

Also the usual for Capitals players, they were taken advantage of by dirty players, and still came out looking bad and being bad mouthed by their opposition and NBC personnel covering these nationally televised games. Players on both teams were being riled up by their enemies.

After three games, where Caps center Nicklas Backstrom was constantly physically abused in ways that go against the rules, his stick rode up into the face of a Bruin he shoved just after the end of Game 3. Backstrom, recently back from missing 40 games with concussion, came out of every scrum with his helmet removed. Several times, he was yanked around by his head, yet no penalties even called on the abusing Boston Bruins players. Somehow, it was decided that Nick Backstrom was the bad guy, and he received a one game suspension.

Most of the other series occurring around around the league were getting a little too rough. The Philadelphia Flyers and Pittsburgh Penguins were absolutely beating the snot out of each other, something I happily knew would happen. After a few games with the intensity prematurely ramped-up, things calmed down a bit in most of those match-ups.

Junior's Eyes supplies a sampling of game reviews, highlights videos and other Capitals related updates below, in reverse chronological order.


April 19, 2012

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

...With goals from Marcus Johansson and Alexander Semin, and a 44-save performance from Braden Holtby in the nets, the Caps eked out a 2-1 win in Game 4 at Verizon Center on Thursday night...


Capitals Lunchbox, Season 2, Episode 20
By J.P. at Japers' Rink

In which Joe Beninati, Kellie Cowan and I talk discuss Games One through Three of Caps/Bruins, the Nicklas Backstrom suspension, who needs to step up, what's going right and wrong for Washington and more...

April 17, 2012

Nicklas Backstrom suspended one game for cross check
By Katie Carrera at Capitals Insider

...In a video explanation on NHL.com, Shanahan explains that he took into consideration that Peverley was not injured on the play and that Backstrom has no prior supplemental disciplinary history. Shanahan detailed that while Peverley does raise his stick toward Backstrom’s face, the center’s aggression in reaction went overboard...


Alan May Tells It Like It Is
By J.P. at Japers' Rink

Friend of the blog Alan May is never shy about sharing his opinions, and he's got a lot of 'em regarding how the Caps' first round series with the Bruins has been officiated so far, specifically with regards to Nicklas Backstrom's treatment by the guys in stripes. Have a look:

And if that's not enough for you, here's a little package CSN Washington has put together documenting the Bruins' borderline (and then some) play:

None of this is to say that the Caps have been angelic, of course - they certainly haven't been. But with all the coverage Backstrom's match penalty has gotten, along with Claude Julien's persistent complaints about the Caps' stick-work, it's good to get both sides' perspectives out there. Good on May and CSN for doing so.


Taking the High Road
By Becca H at Japers' Rink

...Nicklas Backstrom in particular has been a target of the Bruins' physicality, receiving multiple (uncalled) shots to the head from various Boston players in the first game, and it was clear that it bubbled over tonight. The usually disciplined Swede found himself in the penalty box three times for various infractions, and then capped it off with a game-ending match penalty for a crosscheck to the head of Rich Peverley - a move that could cost him a spot in Thursday's pivotal Game 4.

To some extent the frustration and the accompanying retaliation is understandable; everyone has a breaking point, and perhaps last night was just that collective point for the Caps. And it certainly doesn't help when the officials play into the Bruins' hands, giving Boston the benefit of the doubt on several plays - including one that sent Brooks Laich to the box for what I can only assume was the audacity to fall down, assisted by After-the-Whistle All-Star Milan Lucic...


April 16, 2012

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

...Boston’s improved net-front presence – and Washington’s mistakes – were a factor as the Bruins skated off with a 4-3 win to take a 2-1 series lead on Monday night at Verizon Center...


April 15, 2012

Dale Hunter on Braden Holtby: ‘Holtsy’s our goalie’
By Katie Carrera at Capitals Insider

Michal Neuvirth continues to progress in his recovery from a leg injury and it’s possible he may be available for one of the three games this week, but regardless of when the 24-year-old Czech is ready, there will be no goaltending controversy.

On Sunday, Coach Dale Hunter squashed any second guessing that might arise in the coming days and put his support behind 22-year-old Braden Holtby, who has shined in Games 1 and 2 against the Bruins, stopping 72 of the 74 shots he’s faced...


April 14, 2012

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

...The Caps pulled even in the best-of-seven set with a 2-1 win in double overtime in Saturday’s Game 2 at Boston’s TD Garden, courtesy of a Nicklas Backstrom goal at 2:56 of the second extra session...


April 12, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Bruins 1, Capitals 0, OT
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Missed It By That Much – As the No. 7 seed opening on the road, the Caps’ goal is to win one of the first two games in Boston and relieve the Bruins of home ice advantage in the Eastern Conference quarterfinal series between the two teams...


April 11, 2012

Capitals-Bruins: five storylines to watch
By Katie Carrera at Washington Post's Capitals Insider

There’s no lack of subplots in the Capitals’ first-round series against the Boston Bruins, which kicks off with Game 1 Thursday at TD Garden. With only one more day of practice before the puck drops on this Eastern Conference quarterfinal matchup, here are some of the biggest storylines to watch...

Today's Tune: "Gonna Raise Hell" And Bonus Track "The House Is Rockin' ", By Cheap Trick

Brooks Laich and Alexander Semin celebrate game winning goal May 5, 2012.
Photo by Greg Fiume / Getty Images

Junior's Eyes offers up two songs this time. Both are originally from the Cheap Trick album, 'Dream Police' (1979).

In Washington, DC tonight, the Washington Capitals face the New York Rangers in a "must win" Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 6. My Hockey Music pick for the 'Today's Tune' is "Gonna Raise Hell". Maybe this one could be blasted away through the arena's loudspeakers just before the game, to pump up the fans and the players.

I added a bonus track, "The House Is Rockin' ", to celebrate the 62nd birthday of American rock band Cheap Trick's bass player and the song co-writer, Tom_Petersson. Happy Birthday to Tommy! It would be another good one to play at the playoff game, tonight.

Cheap Trick - "Gonna Raise Hell" from the 'Silver' DVD (2001)



Cheap Trick - "The House Is Rockin' (With Domestic Problems)"
June 15, 2011 Olympia Theatre - Dublin, Ireland Bootleg

Today's Tune: "Rock Out" By Motörhead

This is one of those dual purpose 'Today's Tune' installments. It's yet another Hockey Music post, as well as celebrating a rock 'n roller's birthday.

Back in New York for an Eastern Conference Semifinal Game 5 tonight, the Washington Capitals are looking to move ahead of the New York Rangers. They return after having alternated victories, first in New York and then in Washington, DC, putting them in a 2 - 2 tie in the playoff series.

Hopefully, we'll be celebrating a Caps win tonight. In the meantime, happy birthday to Welsh guitarist Phil Campbell! Campbell has been playing lead guitar in the iconic group Motörhead since 1984.

To set the right mood, Junior's Eyes happily presents the song "Rock Out", from the 2008 album - Motörizer.

Motörhead - "Rock Out" (2008)

2012 F1 Chinese Grand Prix Review

Nico Rosberg feeling the joy of winning after 2012 Formula 1 UBS Chinese GP.
April 15, 2012 photo by AP Photo via The Telegraph.

The 2012 Chinese Grand Prix, round three of the 2012 Formula One Season, took place at the Shanghai International Circuit in Shanghai, China on April 15, 2012.

German driver Nico Rosberg (Mercedes-Benz) dominated in this race, gaining his first win in Formula One racing. He did it after having also earned his very first pole position, a fairly rare combination.

Engine manufacturer Mercedes-Benz must have been very pleased on this day as McLaren Mercedes, the other F1 Merc team, took the other two podium spots. Jenson Button came in second, and Lewis Hamilton was third, both being from England.

Here are some related links from Formula1.com and a couple videos for you as a review of this event.


Qualifying - rampaging Rosberg takes maiden F1 pole
Posted at Formula1.com on April 14, 2012

Mercedes' innovative front wing helped Nico Rosberg to the first pole position of his Formula One career on Saturday afternoon in Shanghai, when a mighty lap of 1m 35.121s left him well clear of Lewis Hamilton's McLaren and Michael Schumacher's sister car, with respective laps of 1m 35.626s and 1m 35.691s. But Hamilton's five-place grid penalty makes it the first all-Mercedes front row since the 1955 Italian Grand Prix at Monza...


FIA post-qualifying press conference - China
Posted at Formula1.com on April 14, 2012

Drivers: 1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes); 2 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren); 3 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes)

Q: Nico, sensational lap how do you feel about your first F1 pole?
Nico Rosberg: Fantastic, yeah, thank you. It went really well, it's a very special feeling definitely. Now obviously looking forward to starting first tomorrow...


Race - Rosberg an F1 winner after Shanghai thriller
Posted at Formula1.com on April 15, 2012

How ironic was it that in a race that depended on tyre wear and strategy, it should all come right for Mercedes and Nico Rosberg as the young German scored his maiden Grand Prix victory by 20.6s as a fantastic war raged a long way behind him?...


FIA post-race press conference - China
Posted at Formula1.com on April 15, 2012

Drivers: 1 - Nico Rosberg (Mercedes), 2 - Jenson Button (McLaren), 3 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren)

Q: Nico, well done. You join an exclusive club of drivers who've turned their maiden pole into their maiden win. How do you feel?...


China analysis - Mercedes make the breakthrough
Posted at Formula1.com on April 16, 2012

When Mercedes took over Brawn - then reigning champions - ahead of the 2010 season, they probably didn't expect to have to wait quite so long for a win. The waiting at last paid off on Sunday, as Nico Rosberg finally scored the victory everyone knew he was capable of. More encouraging still for Ross Brawn's squad, the nature of his triumph suggested that in their innovative W03 car, they may now have a genuine title contender...

Official F1 2012 Chinese GP Race Edit
Uploaded to YouTube by FormulaOneExpert1




F1: Chinese GP Results - 2012
Posted at SpeedTV.com

F1: Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett take a look at the results from China. Nico Rosberg wins his first career Grand Prix from pole in China.

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...

Today's Tune: "I'm The Show" By Max Havoc

The Washington Capitals are at home tonight for Game 3, after having split the first two games of their semifinal playoff series (NHL) with the New York Rangers in New York, New York.

As they continue their run in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs this evening, they are the show to watch, for me and many other fans. Junior's Eyes had this in mind when choosing the Hockey Music track for this 'Today's Tune'.

This time, it comes from 1980s Los Angeles, California metal band, Max Havoc. "I'm The Show" (with it's overly simplistic, yet fun lyrics) is on their only album, also called 'Max Havoc' (1983). I'm still happy to have this vinyl gem in my personal collection.

You can thank Black Sabbath drummer Bill Ward for getting the band their start. Then, you can thank bad timing for their early finish. Here's hoping the Capitals have a long run in this year's post season.

Max Havoc - "I'm The Show" (1983)

2012 WRC Rally Portugal Review

Mads Østberg rounding a bend in 2012 Rally Portugal. Photo via RallyDePortugal.pt.

Round four of the 2012 World Rally Championship Season, a four day gravel event based in Faro, Portugal, was held from March 29 through April 1, 2012. Rally Portugal had more than enough drama to entertain the average fan.

Citroën Total World Rally Team driver Mikko Hirvonen (Finland) was excluded, after event stewards found a couple of his car’s parts were “not in conformity". The first place result he had earned went to the next driver, Mads Østberg (Norway) of Adapta World Rally Team. Russian M-Sport Stobart Ford World Rally Team member Evgeny Novikov landed second place, while third went to Petter Solberg (Norway) with factory Ford World Rally Team. In the end, with Hirvonen out, the top three spots were held by Ford Fiesta RS WRC drivers.

I've posted a list (in chronological order) of links to some daily review posts from WRC.com, and highlights videos.


Latvala fastest on Qualifying Stage
Posted at WRC.com on March 28, 2012

...Driving a Ford World Rally Team Fiesta RS WRC, the Finn set a time of 3m01.884s on the 4.96-kilometre Vale do Judeau stage. It means he will now be able to select his starting position for Thursday’s opening runs...


Drivers miss out in Portugal
Posted at WRC.com on March 28, 2012

...Brazilian Nobre rolled his WRC Team MINI Portugal during the Qualifying Stage for ... Rally de Portugal, while “contractual” issues have prevented Norwegian Solberg from taking part in his Ford Fiesta RS WRC...


Matton confirms Loeb exit
Posted at WRC.com on March 29, 2012

Citroen team principal Yves Matton has confirmed that Sebastien Loeb and Daniel Elena have retired from ... Rally de Portugal following their crash on the third stage of round four of the FIA World Rally Championship...


Thursday wrap: Latvala leads after dramatic start
Posted at WRC.com on March 29, 2012

Round four of the FIA World Rally Championship ... has got off to a dramatic start with eight-time world champion Sebastien Loeb crashing out and five seconds covering the top three after four stages of ... Rally de Portugal...


Friday midday wrap: High drama as Hirvonen leads
Posted at WRC.com on March 30, 2012

Mikko Hirvonen leads ... Rally de Portugal after Friday's opening three stages as fog, mud and rain combined to make driving conditions treacherous and transform the leaderboard on round of the FIA World Rally Championship...


Safety comes first in Portugal
Posted at WRC.com on March 30, 2012

Vodafone Rally de Portugal organisers have explained the reasons behind their decision to cancel Friday's three closing stages...


WRC 2012 | Vodafone Rally de Portugal_Day 1 and 2 Highlights
Uploaded to YouTube by sergioafonso21WRC

Saturday wrap: Hirvonen on course in Portugal
Posted at WRC.com on March 31, 2012

Mikko Hirvonen is six stages and 115.08 competitive kilometres away from his first victory in the FIA World Rally Championship ... for the factory Citroen team after he completed the penultimate day of the event leading by more than one minute...


WRC 2012 | Vodafone Rally de Portugal_Day 3 Highlights
Uploaded to YouTube by sergioafonso21WRC

BREAKING NEWS: Portugal joy for Hirvonen
Posted at WRC.com on April 1, 2012

Mikko Hirvonen has moved to the top of the FIA World Rally Championship ... after winning the fourth event of the season, ... Rally de Portugal...


Sunday wrap: Hirvonen lands first Citroen win
Posted at WRC.com on April 1, 2012

Mikko Hirvonen has claimed his first victory in the FIA World Rally Championship ... driving for Citroen following a faultless performance on ... Rally de Portugal, which ended in the Algarve region of the country this afternoon...


WRC 2012 | Vodafone Rally de Portugal_Day 4 Highlights
Uploaded to YouTube by sergioafonso21WRC

Hirvonen exclusion hands Portugal victory to Ostberg
Posted at WRC.com on April 1, 2012

Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen have been excluded from the results of ... Rally de Portugal, round four of the FIA World Rally Championship ..., elevating Mads Ostberg and Jonas Andersson to their maiden WRC wins...

Today's Tune: "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" By Saxon

The Washington Capitals are back in Boston, Massachusetts tonight, for Game 7 against the Boston Bruins. It's the last game of their quarterfinal playoff series, and if they don't come out with a win, their last game in the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs (NHL).

Today, Junior's Eyes offers another Hockey Music anthem type piece for this 'Today's Tune'. The Capitals are really going to have to rock against the Bruins, who won the cup last year, to continue into the next round of the playoffs. Therefore, I chose a fitting song from the British heavy metal band Saxon. "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" (Lyrics) comes from their 2007 album 'The Inner Sanctum'.

Band members at the time (and currently) of this recording were: Biff Byford (lead vocals), Paul Quinn (guitar), Nigel Glockler (drums, keyboards), Nibbs Carter (bass) and Doug Scarratt (guitar). Additional musicians on the studio album and single versions are Lemmy Kilmister (Hawkwind, Motörhead), Angry Anderson (Rose Tattoo) and Andi Deris (Helloween).

Saxon with Lemmy Kilmister, Angry Anderson and Andi Deris
"I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" (2007)



Saxon - "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" Wacken Fest. 2007 DVD



Saxon - "I've Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)" Montreux Jazz Fest. 2008

Today's Tune: "We Can't Be Beaten" By Rose Tattoo

Today, shortly after 3:00 PM EDT, the Washington Capitals are at home facing the Boston Bruins in Game 6 of their Stanley Cup quarterfinal playoff series. Junior's Eyes continues with the Hockey Music theme for this 'Today's Tune'.

My track selection today has to do with the attitude the Capitals need to bring and the confidence they need to show in today's game. There is no sense in prolonging this series with the Bruins. It's time to move on. For this to happen, Washington has to believe they will win, with no doubt.

To reflect this feeling, I've picked a great tune by Australia's bluesy hard rock band, Rose Tattoo. Think it, believe it, shout it and sing it - "We Can't Be Beaten"!

Rose Tattoo - "We Can't Be Beaten" Live March 2001

Link For 1982 Studio Version / Music Video

If you want to be in my gang, stand up with me
We'll start a revolution and make the streets free
We'll never weaken, we'll give it our best
Can't be defeated, we're better than the rest

Shoulder to shoulder, we're gonna stand
We're gonna fight 'til the very last man
Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

We can't be beaten
What do we tell 'em, boys
We can't be beaten

There comes a time when every man must fight
When he believes in justice and right
He'll take so much 'til he'll take no more
They'll hear us comin', when they hear the mighty roar

Shoulder to shoulder, we're gonna stand
We're gonna fight 'til the very last man
Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

We can't be beaten
Let me hear ya
We can't be beaten
Sing it out loud
We can't be beaten
We'll tell the world
We can't be beaten

Now listen, everybody out there that really cares
We can't be beaten
You gotta realise that you're the real power
We can't be beaten
We can rule the streets
We can't be beaten
It's just up to you and me
We can't be beaten

Can't be defeated, don't know the word
Shoulder to shoulder, we'll fight the world

'Cause, we can't be beaten
Hey-hey, we can't be beaten
You've gotta believe it
We can't be beaten
They'll soon find out
We can't be beaten
No, we can't be beaten
We can't be beaten
When they hear our voice
We can't be beaten
They'll hear us comin'
We can't be beaten
We've got the cause to fight
We can't be beaten

Today's Tune: "Back In Business" By AC/DC

There are a couple reasons for the 'Today's Tune' song selection posted on Junior's Eyes today. They both have to do with my favorite NHL hockey team, the Washington Capitals.

After falling behind the Boston Bruins 2 - 1 in the first round of the 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs, the Capitals evened up the series (2-2) by winning Game 4 on Thursday. They did this without their number one center Nicklas Backstrom, due to his one-game suspension for a crosscheck.

Everything is new, evened up, reset. The Washington Capitals play Game 5 this afternoon (3:00 PM EDT), and Backstrom is back in too.

This 1985 track, by AC/DC, really fits the situation these guys are in tonight. Nicklas Backstrom and the Capitals are definitely "Back In Business" again.

"Breaking out, about to shout
Feel the need, for one more round..."



AC/DC - "Back In Business" (1985)
YouTube Search Results List


"...Call me dirty, trash my name
Just tell the boys that I'm gonna be
Back in business again!..."

Message To Braden Holtby, Via Today's Tune: "Get It Up" By Aerosmith

I would like to send a friendly message to Braden Holtby, goaltender for the Washington Capitals. "Get It Up" is a song by Aerosmith, and it's also what you need to do with your glove, before an opponent takes a shot on your net.

Congratulations, for gaining the honor of playing goalie in the NHL's 2012 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I'm very happy for you, and you're doing great. Fantastic, in fact.

However, I couldn't help but notice that on both of the game winning goals (Game 1 and Game 3) by the Boston Bruins, you didn't put your glove up until the puck was sailing by you. You actually moved it downward just before the deflected one in Game 3. The goaltending coaches have probably already pointed this out to you, but I wanted to make sure you were aware of it. You may have had a better chance at catching or blocking those shots, holding the glove up.

I'll be cheering for you tonight, and deep into the playoffs, I'm sure. You've got a great style of playing, and you are destined to have a successful NHL career.

"Get It Up" originally appeared on Aerosmith's album 'Draw The Line', released on December 1st of 1977. It was later put out as a single in 1978. The band Aerosmith are also originally from the Boston, Massachusetts area.

"...Can't give it up
Gotta get it up, get it up..."



Aerosmith - "Get It Up" Live (Very Rare)
Dec 22, 1977 at Capital Centre in Landover (Largo), MD



Aerosmith - "Get It Up" (1977)


"...Can't give it up
Gotta get it up, get it up..."

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...

2012 F1 Malaysian Grand Prix Review

Fernando Alonso in 2012 Formula 1 Malaysian Grand Prix. Photo via AUSmotive.com

The second race of the 2012 Formula One Season, the 2012 Malaysian Grand Prix, was run on March 25, 2012. First to lap the Sepang International Circuit in Selangor, Malaysia (near Kuala Lumpur) 56 times on this rainy (51 minute delay early on) race day were Scuderia Ferrari and Spanish driver, Fernando Alonso.

Second to finish the race was Sergio Pérez (México) of Sauber Ferrari. Pérez is the first Méxican F1 driver to manage a podium result since 1971. Lewis Hamilton (England) was third to go by the checkered flag, in his McLaren Mercedes.

Nine different teams and ten drivers gained points in this race, where all but two cars finished. Although he was one of the drivers to make it all the way through, Sebastian Vettel (Germany) failed to pick up any points, for the first time in 23 races. Near the end of the race, the reigning champion shredded a tire upon colliding with another car. By the time he got back out from pitting, he had dropped from fourth to eleventh place.

Here are a batch of links (chronological order) from Formula1.com and a couple videos for reviewing this event.



Qualifying - Hamilton beats Button to Sepang pole
Posted at Formula1.com on March 24, 2012

Even McLaren had their doubts that they could beat Mercedes in qualifying in Sepang on Saturday, but an almost perfect first-run lap by Lewis Hamilton and a great second-run lap from Jenson Button secured the front row for them...


FIA post-qualifying press conference - Malaysia
Posted at Formula1.com on March 24, 2012

Drivers: 1 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren), 2 - Jenson Button (McLaren), 3 - Michael Schumacher (Mercedes).

Q: Lewis, a first pole for you and McLaren here in Malaysia but a continuation of the team's fine start to the season today.
Lewis Hamilton: Yeah, it's been a good weekend so far. I think it's been a tough day to be honest with the changeable weather conditions and the temperatures climbing. Made some set up changes to the car, nonetheless we still managed to do some good times...


Race - Alonso holds off stellar Perez for Sepang victory
Posted at Formula1.com on March 25, 2012

Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix was won by Ferrari's Fernando Alonso from Sauber's Sergio Perez and McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, but it was a race of two halves, and how different they were!...


FIA post-race press conference - Malaysia
Posted at Formula1.com on March 25, 2012

Drivers: 1 - Fernando Alonso (Ferrari); 2 - Sergio Perez (Sauber); 3 - Lewis Hamilton (McLaren).

Q: Fernando, Congratulations on a victory that you probably didn't expect at the start of the week but what about in the latter stages as the young Mexican was catching you?...


Malaysia analysis - Alonso keeps Ferrari in the hunt
Posted at Formula1.com on March 26, 2012

No one - Fernando Alonso included - left Sepang believing Ferrari now have a competitive car, but in tricky conditions the Spaniard's driving skills overcame the F2012's inadequacies - and all of his rivals. Closest was Sauber's Sergio Perez, the Ferrari driver academy member tipped for a future Maranello race seat, whose performance marked him out as a rising star - and ensured Felipe Massa's future with the team becomes the subject of even closer media scrutiny. We take a team-by-team look at Sunday's performances in Kuala Lumpur...

Formula 1 2012 Malaysia Highlights Race Edit (HD)
Uploaded to YouTube by FormulaOneExpert1




F1: Malaysian GP Results - 2012
Posted at SpeedTV.com

F1: Bob Varsha, David Hobbs and Steve Matchett take a look at the results from Malaysia. Fernando Alonso drives from 8th place to the front to win in Sepang.

Washington Capitals Review: March 12 - 21, 2012

Marcus Johansson keeps puck from Detroit's Ian White
during game in Detroit, Michigan on March 19, 2012.
Photo by Dave Reginek / Getty Images via WashingtonCaps.com.

Junior's Eyes goes back to the middle of March 2012 through a sampling of Washington Capitals game reviews, highlights videos and more.

Washington was in the middle of rebounding a bit in the Eastern Conference standings, at the start of this segment. Unfortunately, they faltered somewhat, with more of the 'Jekyll and Hyde' play effort inconsistency that they've been known for throughout this NHL hockey season.

In reverse chronological order, here is the review list.


March 21, 2012

Powerless
By Mike Vogel at Dump 'N Chase

...Heading into tonight’s NHL action, the Caps’ total of 221 power play opportunities this season ranks 27th in the NHL. Only Colorado (204), Dallas (215) and the New York Islanders (220) have had fewer power plays.

The Caps have been shorthanded 247 times themselves this season. Eleven teams have been shorthanded more than Washington has thus far...


March 19, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 5, Red Wings 3
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

...A night after they flatlined their way through the first period en route to a 5-2 loss to the Blackhawks in Chicago, the Caps turned the tables on their hosts in the Motor City...


Mathieu Perreault Shows That Crashing The Net
Isn't Just For Big Guys
By Rob Parker at Japers' Rink

...Unlike their bigger-bodied brethren who get the job done with brute force, the smaller players that go to these high-traffic areas need to use guile and timing to find loose pucks in high-percentage scoring spots. After the jump, we'll take a look at how one Washington Capital - one of the smaller players in the League - has been scoring dirty goals by crashing the net...


March 18, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Blackhawks 5, Capitals 2?
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Faulty First – By the time the Capitals recorded their first shot on goal in Sunday’s game against the Blackhawks in Chicago, their hosts already owned a 2-0 lead. The Hawks thoroughly outplayed the Caps in the game’s first 20 minutes, and while Washington has authored some thrilling comebacks of late, they haven’t done so against teams of Chicago’s caliber...


March 17, 2012

The plot thickens
By Joe Beninati (Capitals TV Play-By-Play) at CSN - Washington, DC

This will not come as a surprise to any of you, but this is going to be one crazy race in the Southeast Division and in the Eastern Conference. The Caps visited MTS Centre in Winnipeg Friday riding the confidence of a four-game win streak. Despite a gutsy effort, they would not leave victorious. When the final seconds ticked off the clock, the rabid fans in this long-forsaken, hockey-mad city sunk their teeth into a 3-2 win for the Jets which moved them to within two points of Washington on the Eastern Conference ladder...


March 16, 2012

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

Four-Pointer Decided in Four-on-Four – The Caps and the Winnipeg Jets hooked up in a pretty good hockey game on Friday night in Winnipeg. It wasn’t a playoff game, but it had playoff implications and both teams played it that way for the full 60 minutes...


March 14, 2012

Pep rally
By Joe Beninati (Capitals TV Play-By-Play) at CSN - Washington, DC

For the second time in as many meetings the Caps showed the Islanders they would not quit until there was a winner decided. Two weeks ago the dramatic come-from-behind win was staged in the final five minutes of regulation time. In this game Tuesday, Washington would rally back from a three-goal deficit on two different occasions, before tripping up the New Yorkers in a shootout, 5-4...


Capitals’ leaders send message, sparking rally past Islanders
By Tarik El-Bashir at Washington Post's Capitals Insider

During the second intermission of Tuesday’s 5-4 shootout win on Long Island, veterans Matt Hendricks and Mike Knuble acknowledged that more than one leader stood up to deliver a strong message to everyone in the Capitals’ dressing room...


March 13, 2012

POSTGAME NOTEBOOK: Capitals 5, Islanders 4, SO
By Mike Vogel - Senior Writer at WashingtonCaps.com

Two The Hard Way – The Washington Capitals came out flat for the first 20-plus minutes of the first game of an important five-game road trip on Tuesday night against the New York Islanders. The Caps took minor penalties in the first minute and the last minute of the first frame, surrendering a power play goal against on the second one. Of the first two goals scored in the game by the Isles, neither was put into the net with a hockey stick, and neither touched an Islander last before entering the net...


Matt Hendricks' slick shootout winner for Caps
Posted at CSN - Washington, DC

Matt Hendricks scored in the fourth round of a shootout and Michal Neuvirth was great in OT leading the Capitals to a dramatic three-goal comeback over the Islanders.


March 12, 2012

George McPhee on Alex Ovechkin: ‘The league has adjusted to Ovi;
now it’s his turn to adjust’
Posted by Rick Maese at Washington Post's Capitals Insider

On Sunday, The Post took a closer look at how Alex Ovechkin has changed in recent years. Capitals General Manager George McPhee agreed to sit down for interview last week. He was very insightful, but we couldn't fit everything in the article. Below is a transcript with more of McPhee’s comments on his star player...