This team appears to have taken a good long look in the mirror after suffering three straight losses including a morbid breakdown against Ottawa in their last outing which came on the heels of several lackluster performances.
Everyone was moving their feet and playing disciplined hockey resulting in frequent (and occasionally extended) offensive zone time and, although the Sabres had their share of scoring opportunities, it was generally 'one and done' as backchecking forwards picked up loose pucks and bodies. Varly got a good look at everything that came his way and the crease was kept clear to eliminate the deflection opportunities that have plagued the defense for the last couple of games. Varlamov has looked every bit The Future recently and I'm thinking the starting job is now his to lose.
For the first time since his return from injury we saw the real Alex Ovechkin - flying around the ice and delivering punishment every chance he got. His game opening goal was pure OV - ripping a thirty foot wrist shot back against the grain while moving West to East across the top of the circles. I'm sure there are dissenting opinions to be found, but the 5/10/game penalty he received was an almost laughably bad call. Fortunately, the league agrees that the incident requires no further attention but it does have the effect of putting OV on double secret probation for most of the remainder of the season and he will get an automatic one game suspension for another similar infraction. After two questionable calls along the boards on him in two games, the thinking here is that his name is showing up on referee pre-game reports and its even money he ends up serving that suspension at some point. Excuse me while I go find a tin foil hat and my copy of the Warren Report.
On the positive side you could really see the team (and hear the building) rally around OV after the call. The Sabres picked up their own (even-up?) penalty in the middle of the five minute major and couldn't muster a shot for the duration. Speaking of, Green's decision making and positioning were once again suspect during the four-on-four play.
Where have you gone Ed Van Impe? - You couldn't help but notice the hip check of crunchy goodness as Bryan Pothier went old school on the Sabres Macarthur.
Eric Fehr is riding a hot streak - his insurance goal off a sweet setup by Morrison was a huge late game boost for a team that has… um 'struggled' in late game situations lately - and by 'lately' I mean all season.
Flash's hot scoring streak has cooled off a bit and its no wonder - for the second time in a couple of games he made one too many passes at the end of a passing sequence that should have been a goal. He's proven that he can find the net and much like OV - his mindset should always be to shoot first. He's a legitimate thirty goal scorer if he'll take the shots.
Backstrom was back in the middle the action after going MIA for a couple of games.
Ryan Miller kept the Sabres in this one - Varly had some big saves too, but the Caps were otherwise three or four goals better.
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