Well, to paraphrase Tarik El-Bashir (actually, a direct quote); the Caps got run out of the building last night.
Although not horrible in the first period, they were completely blanketed by the Sharks. They only occasionally gained their own blueline with possession and rarely managed to carry the puck through center ice. The result was only three shots and fewer opportunities - one of which resulted in a goal the other way when Mike Green got caught deep.
I wouldn't exactly characterize the Sharks forechecking as relentless but the Caps D seemed overwhelmed nonetheless. I guess you could blame it on the new line combinations (or the loss of Milan Jurcina - ha), but the team was not in sync moving the puck out of the zone.
Speaking of penalty shots, glad to see Mike Green is reading the blog ('Canes Recap). When he got on the wrong side of a second period breakaway he tried a dive and sweep to actually break up a scoring opportunity as opposed to waving his stick and taking the hooking call. Of course the puck ended up in the net on the ensuing penalty shot - but since he can't seem to keep his stick on the ice in those situations (he sees a lot of them) at least he managed to disrupt an opportunity.
The power play continued on its extended slide including a lengthy 5 on 3 early in the second when the game was still in reach. No movement, no shooting, no bodies.
Haven't seen the third period yet so no comment on the Caps goals or the SECOND penalty shot (Tarik labeled it a soft call).
As well as they played team defense in two big wins a week ago, this game and, of course, the last one are a good illustration of why they need a premium shut down stud on defense.
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