Game 69 - Caps 4 Blackhawks 3 (OT)

Well the Caps like the big stage - coming back from three goals for the second time in front of a national TV audience - or at least NBC approximation of one.

The laughable game misconduct and the borderline insane two game suspension that followed are Exhibit A as to why the NHL will not be taken seriously by the sporting establishment for the foreseeable future. In a season where deliberate, vicious, and debilitating shots to the head have become a weekly event, the NHL elects to suspend Ovechkin for an ill-advised check that inadvertantly caused an injury only because of his proximity to the boards.

If that check (a push really) happened at center ice it would not even have warranted a comment - unlike the growing list of head shot incidents culminating with theMatt Cooke incident. That's right, Ovie got suspended because of geography. Make no mistake - the Canadian dominated NHL heirarchy has targeted Ovechkin and he will not get any breaks.

Meanwhile the Caps showed why they are leading this pitiful league in points. Missing their main man for almost the entire game and falling behind by three goals, they made it all up at once with a third period two and a half minute three goal blitz. Chicago managed only one shot the entire period. The third best team in the league Blackhawks.

Backstrom's overtime goal was a season highlight and one more indication that he will be *very* expensive to sign this Summer. I'll be shocked if he gets less than Eight Million a year.

The four-on-four breakdown that resulted in the Blackhawks first goal was dis-quieting. I know there are new players out there but that one amounted to a giveaway goal.

Game 68 - Lightning 3 Caps 2

Well they mailed this one in. The Canes are good enough that you have to show up to play and the Caps didn't.

Hopefully this doesn't turn into a replay of the last month of last year's season which carried over to the first round of the playoffs.

With the increasing distance they are putting between themselves and the rest of the Division, Conference and even the League - plus the new players - Boudreau will be challenged to keep the quality of play at a high level.

Game 67 Hurricanes 3 Caps 4 (OT)

That was the prototypical Mike Green game; two goals scored, a giveaway pass for a goal, a takedown that resulted in a penalty shot. The penalty shot was a tough break as he made a pretty good play to sweep the puck away but somehow missed it entirely.  I would still rather see that play than the usual pointless hooking call. You gotta dance with the girl you brought but it should make for some interesting post-season games.

Belanger is quickly making the case to be the #2 center after the no-look OT setup pass to Flash. BMo is disappearing from view.

Also fading  – Chimera is working himself into a fourth line winger.

It’s fun watching OV punish people – I don’t know that his crunching checks are enough to discourage rough play as much as, say, the prospect of a dance with the Donald was in times past – but at least it’s entertaining.

Here's a good post from DC Sports Bog which seems to validate the Caps player management  strategy:

http://voices.washingtonpost.com/dcsportsbog/2010/03/could_caps_score_their_way_to.html#more

To summarize: The path to the Cup in the post-lockout NHL is with lots of scoring and average defense. A hot (but not necessarily hall-of-fame) goaltender doesn’t hurt.

______________________

Standings:

League +6;    Conference +15;    Division +33

Likely first round opponents (currently 7/8/9):

Canadians – Hosting Edmonton tonite.

Bruins – In Philly tonite.

Rangers  - Lost to the Devils last night

Bolts and Thrashers still not out of it.

Game 66 - Stars 4 Caps 3 (SO)

In my pre-season analysis, one of the criteria for evaluating the likely success of a cup run was the ability of the penalty kill to become one of the better squads in the league. It hasn’t happened and it seems that most of their losses (fortunately, not many) can be tied to poor PK performance.

Leading a stubborn Dallas team by two going into the third period - after carpet bombing Marty Turco with 40+ shots over the first two periods - would typically have led to a different outcome this season, a five to one blowout, for instance. But two early penalties and they were suddenly in a tie game and just as suddenly were behind after a soft goal.

I’m hard pressed to explain this deficiency – they have talented players who have shown no lack of determination or concern for personal safety to get the job done, yet they continue to languish at 25^th in PK efficiency. If I were George McPhee I would be beating the bushes for a proven PK expert to bring on as a consultant. They have one month to fix this problem but what is clear to me is that they can’t fix it by refining what they do now. For the record, I think the PK is too passive – teams gain the zone too easily and get set up for extended periods of time. The Caps seem content to sit back and block passing lanes – leading to long shifts and too many screened shots.

If they’re going to suck at the PK I’d rather they suck while playing a more aggressive style. But I’m not the expert. Find one and fix this mess.

In another harbinger of bad signs for the coming playoffs – the Stars were able to bang bodies deep and force turnovers which led to a number of stymied breakout attempts. Watching defensemen make multiple regressive passes – many of them bank shots behind the net to no one in particular - gave me a queasy feeling when contemplating a physical playoff series.

Welcome back Ovie - breaking out of his six game slump with two goals, including a dazzling outside/inside move to tie the game late. Steve Robidas was the very definition of an overmatched defenseman on that play – you just *cannot* let OV get to the inside on his forehand. Over-commit to the inside position and force him to score a spectacular goal off the backhand – that way *he’s* the focus of the highlight clip not you.

Standings:

League +4; Conference +13; Division +31

Likely first round opponents (currently 7/8/9):

Canadians – Hosting Edmonton tonite.

Bruins – Lost to Leafs last night - Philly tonite.

Rangers - In Jersey tonite.

Game 65 - Rangers 0 Caps 2

The Rangers are a bubble team and two nights after allowing 55 shots in a shootout loss to the Pens they buckled down and played this game in the only style that could give them a chance to win – they shut down center ice and hung on for dear life hoping they’d still be in it at game’s end. Except for some Jose Theodore heroics and a handful of ill-timed penalties the strategy might have worked.

Although the game was far from a gem from the Caps perspective the good news is that they are demonstrating that they can win games a lot of different ways.

Scratches for this game included Brendan Morrison and Boyd Gordon which means Flash was back in as center. I’m still not sold on the idea of Flash as a center at this point in the season. Re-boot that experiment next Fall.

It was nice that the Caps got the first period five-on-three opportunity but I can’t imagine why the Rangers weren’t called for the Mike Green takedown during that sequence. Even the guy next to me in the Rangers jersey was laughing over that one.

While the team put in a decent defensive effort as a whole – there were some breakdowns. Notably the Morrisonn clearing pass to the tape of Dubinsky eight feet in front of the net.

There also should have been more situational awareness as they gave up a nearly clean two-on-nothing breakaway as a penalty expired in the waning minutes of the game with a two goal lead. Not good.

Still waiting for the big guns to get it moving.

It’s pretty obvious at this point that the goaltending job is Theo’s to lose although I expect Varly will get plenty of minutes before the playoffs to help find his groove. Prediction: Whoever has the starting job going in will be on a very short leash.

Standings:

League +3; Conference +12; Division +30

Likely first round opponents:

Bruins – Just started a seven game road trip - ouch

Rangers - Games against the Thrashers, Flyers and Canadians in the next week. End the season home and home with the Flyers.

Canadians – may have the easiest schedule but they’ve played three more games than most of their competition

Game 64 - Lightning 4 Caps 5

This effort wasn’t as tidy as the Buffalo game.  They were not as strong defensively and there was more ugly penalty killing as they gave up a pair to a less than stellar Lightning power play. Having said that they killed off an extended sequence of 4 on 3 including a extended sequence where a stickless Backstrom blocked three hard shots from point blank range causing the squeamish to avert their eyes in anticipation of certain bloodshed.

People may not regard DC as a hockey town but the fans are knowledgeable and know to show their appreciation for this kind of effort and sacrifice and Nick got a standing ovation when got to the bench.

For the second game they failed to convert on a number of odd-man rushes and breakaways – including OV on a clean breakaway.  The Olympic players do not yet seem to be on their game.

Bradley and Steckel sat to make room for the new acquisitions which turned out nice as Walker scored two in the third including the game winner.  But Boudreau has to know that he’s playing with fire right now and he’s probably secretly hoping that some of the inevitable injuries happen sooner rather than later to take some tough decisions out of his hands.

There is no more popular player in the building than Matt Bradley (except you-know-who)  - who has given everything there is to give for the team, including no small amount of blood. Fans and teammates will not take warmly to the idea of Brads sitting for extended periods.

_________________

Standings:

League: +3  Conference: +14   Division: +28 (not a typo)

Game 63 - Caps 3 (EN) Sabres 1

Six days of practice had the desired effect. Although initially rough around the edges for their first game back (Sabres were playing their second) the Caps played solid three zone hockey - matching the Sabres defensive style and forcing a fair number of neutral zone turnovers and odd man rushes. The margin should have been wider and would have been if a mere mortal was in the net.

Theo was on top of his game and positionally sound. Made two big third period saves to bring the game home.

The Caps second goal came off a nice delay and dish move from Flash to Green. Although the Flash at center experiment has not been completely successful he does seem to have a flair for puck control and finding open men. While the addition of Belanger will no doubt bring an end to that experiment for this year as the Caps make thier final playoff push, I would be in favor of re-visiting the cocnept next fall and seeing where several months of regualr action goes.

Trading Deadline

GM George McPhee has repeatedly stated that the team is good enough to take a run. I've not doubted that he meant it so other than the volume of activity none of the moves was a surprise. In all cases he was adding depth and attitude as opposed to filling holes - the addition of much-needed centerman in the form of Belanger being the exception.

These moves were much more in the vein of preparing for a long haul - rather than finding a new vehicle they stocked up on spare parts. All of the players will be UFA's at season end and their cost had minimal effect on the organization's talent stream or its ability to manage contracts going forward. This year and next offer the best chance for a cup run and the Caps have served notice to the rest of the league that they are prepared to go the distance this year without limiting their ability to try again next year.

Belanger - This move filled what I thought was the biggest hole on the roster. Brendan Morrison has scored one goal since Christmas and while moving Flash to center has not slowed down production it has proven to be a defensive liability as he has struggled at faceoffs and is on the ice for a lot of goals against. Belanger will help to fill the gaps at second/third line center, win faceoffs (57%), and kill penalties - an area where the Caps are woefully underperforming.

Joe Corvo - Corvo has (already) been criticized as being "Mike Green lite" and a turnover machine. Many in Caps Nation are disappointed that there was a defensive acquisition that is not large and ornery. But the fact is that Mike Green entered the playoffs last year as a mere shell of his regular season self. Despite being beat up and worn down, Boudreau had to keep going to that well. The addition of Corvo along with the Olympic break should help ensure that Green is in high gear for the playoff run and provides an able backup - particularly on the power play should Green become unavailable.

Scott Walker - Strictly a depth addition. This a case where management has a familiarity with a player and sees the opportunity to add what could be a key role player. His willingness to mix it up and put his nose into a scrum will be an asset for a team that has no designated enforcer.

Milan Jurcina - Adding back a known quantity as defensive depth. Currently injured, he may not be ready to play until the playoffs - and he may not get much time then.

What they did not get:

Goaltender. I would have been shocked to see McPhee go after a "proven" goaltender. There would have been a steep price for anyone in that category and it makes no sense to mortgage the future for a goalie when your own organization is deep in that category.

A shut down stud d-man. I don't how many true studs were available - Hamhuis might have been a nice addition - but again, the strategy seemed to be to add depth without sacrificing talent. Look at the Pronger experiment in Philly and decide if that was worth losing Knuble over.

The McPhee vision seems to be this: It's not 1995 anymore. In a post-lockout salary cap league you don't necessarily need a hall of fame goaltender (Fleury, Osgood, Giguerre, Ward - which of these guys gets in without buying a ticket?) or the league's best defense to go all the way. Instead of the pre-lockout hook-and-grab, build from the goal out, win with two goals mindset, it is now possible to win with speed, full ice pressure, and scoring. That's how McPhee has built this edition of the Capitals and its proven to be a successful regular season formula.

Boudreau will now be challenged with squeezing in the new guys with minimal disruption to what is already THE BEST TEAM IN THE LEAGUE. This is probably the end of the road for Quintin Laing and Tyler Sloan. Boyd Gordon and David Steckel may find themselves on the outside looking in more than they would like and Alzner and Carlson probably won't get many playoff minutes, if any. Time to buckle up - and down.

Olympic Break

Ted Says 'Hi'

Game 62 - Caps 3 Blues 4 (SO)

Their best game all week but still not enough. You'd like to hit the break with a win but for the most part everyone seems more than ready to re-charge the batteries.

Game 61 - Caps 5 Senators 6

Suddenly, an Olympics break that had Caps Nation concerned about disrupting momentum can't come soon enough.

The Caps appear disorganized and worn out. Boudreau is clearly frustrated by what's going on and plainly looking ahead to the training camp style re-boot where he can run drills for six days straight.

Game 60 - Caps 5 Canadians 6 (OT)

All good things come to an end - but in this case it was more like an increasingly marginal thing being put to rest.

Fourteen games is an amazing streak in a salary cap era but the Caps were playing increasingly sloppy games and repeatedly hanging their goatenders out to dry.

Game 59 - Penguins 4 Caps 5 (OT)

First of all – a great game. Played at a high level of intensity throughout, lots of physical play, excitement, goal-scoring, a hometown hat trick, an NHL record at stake – they really don’t get much better.

But I gotta say - NBC’s coverage of these games has become simply embarrassing.

This game already had a perfect storyline scripted: A home team winning streak of 13 games in pursuit of the NHL record of 17 held by the visiting Penguins – in a re-match of last year’s second round playoff battle featuring two of the best players on the planet.

What more could you ask for than that?

Instead we got Macguire and Emrick fawning over Crosby in a manner more reminiscent of Olympic female figure skating commentary.

[insert lame quotes about Crosby showing up ready to play and with fire in his eye and ready for something special here]

And endless nonsense about the bus ride and the Burger King stop.

We all know that the league has anointed Crosby as the second coming of Wayne Gretzky and is totally in the tank to present him as the face of the NHL as it tries penetrate the secondary markets in the US.

But doesn’t NBC have some obligation to present a balanced and honest telecast? Joe B and Locker could broadcast ten of those games and not be as one-sided for the Caps as those guys were for the Penguins – and they’re *allowed* to be homers.

If this is the price of market penetration then I would suggest it’s time to roll back the clock a bit. Break up the NASCAR division (and give the Caps more meaningful games against former Patrick Division rivals) and move the game back North.

I’ve always felt that Hockey was a regional sport and instead of trying to spread it across the sun belt the league should do a better job of leveraging the diverse media opportunities that are available in its core regions. But that's a rant for another day.

________________

What would the call have been if it was Crosby who sent head first into the boards on a hit from behind instead of Ovechkin?

I liked the sequence where Cindy got thoroughly worked over by Sarge on the PK - cue more fawning by the broadcast crew about how brave Crosby was to take the punishment and that what the great ones expect blah, blah - only to see Crosby go face to face with Schultz at the end of the period in a typical whinefest.

Nice phantom call by the refs on the Schultz "slashing" call with less than four minutes to go in a tie game. I know that those guys make tough calls all the time - but what does it say when the ref sees a stick break in half (happens at least eight times a game) and his response is to call a penalty that he could not have possibly seen happen?

At least Brooks "I have no respect for the kid" Orpick wasn't looking to blame himself for putting a stick into Semin's face - in overtime.

After a streak of pretty good games, Tom Poti came back to earth in a hurry.

Tyler Sloan is not an NHL defenseman and I shudder to think what might happen if he gets significant minutes in a Stanley Cup series against a fast, talented team. Same for Erskine.

Not a good game generally for the defensive corps and for the team's defensive play as a whole. As they've been inclined to do lately, however, they clamped down in the late stages of the game while still generating offense. Its a nice parlor trick but I'd still prefer sixty minute games.

Game 58 - Thrashers 2 Caps 4

Again, a weak start and an early Thrasher goal had the Caps playing catchup. Neuvirth took over for Theo in the role of "saving everyone's bacon until they get it in gear". The Caps should not be putting their goalies in position to earn first star honors.

Their 13th straight win put them past the Devils 12 game streak. Next up is the NHL record of 17 held by the Pens who visit on Sunday.

BTW - I have Tivo'd evidence of Craig Laughlin referring to the upcoming game "with Cindy Crosby and the Penguins"

Game 57 - Caps 6 Rangers 5

We can make it official after this game - the best forty minute team in hockey is back. Unlike earlier in the season - they now take off the first period - presumably just to make it interesting as the games aren't even particularly close when they play a full sixty.

Again, Theo kept them in this one early despite the five goals overall.

I mentioned last game that the penalty kill will be the death of this club and there is no better example than this game. The Rangers power play was beyond woeful coming into this one - going 0 for 25 over their last seven games and 7 for 82 over a 25 game span. The Caps response to this impotent threat was to give up THREE PP goals in just over six minutes of the second period - four overall.

They need to fix this. Do whatever it takes - hire a special teams coach to figure it out. I know that statistically the PP has been improving but I don't buy it.

Speaking of the second period - just a minute and a half after giving up the third PP goal OV reined in the Rangers with a highlight reel goal with eight seconds remaining. He blew by Roszival who, to his credit, didn't go fishing for the puck as it went through his legs (unlike Letang a couple of games back). Knowing that he was beat – Roszival latched on to OV’s right arm and hung on for dear life. Big Russian Machine only needs one arm and flipped the puck past Lundqvist to get the Caps back within one

You could see the look of “what more do we have to do?” in the eyes of the Rangers after that one. When the 28th rated offense puts together five goals in two periods they're probably thinking they should put that one away - instead they found themselves nursing a one goal lead going into the final period against the biggest the greatest show on ice.

Sure enough, two PP goals in the first six minutes gave the Caps the lead and,coupled with three more NY penalties for the remainder of the period, enough for the wwin.

Game 56 - Caps 4 Bruins 1

The B's came out skating hard - they understood that a weak effort against the hottest team in the league while ten games into a bad slump just wouldn't be acceptable. The Caps did not match the effort early and a penalty filled first period (I'm looking at youe Alex Semin) had the Caps on their heels and down by a goal.

It wasn't until early in the third period that Alex Semin redeemed himself and put the Caps ahead with a perfect setup to Brooks Laich. They only had Theodore to thank for even being in the game as they were generally outplyed and woefully outshot at that point,

Tom Poti stepped up his game considerably in Mike Green's absence - moving the puck well all night and setting up Boyd Gordon for the decisive third goal.


Penalty killing is going to be the death of this team. For the second game in a row they made a bad decision while on the PK to go down 5-3 and give up a goal. I know Alex Semin is a pick pocket artist with good hands; he probably forces more turnovers than anyone on the team. But there's a time and place. Attempting a lift check to steal the puck from behind on a player turning up ice with speed is high-risk move - half a dozen things can go wrong. Trying it while killing a penalty is just reckless.

Game 55 - Lightning 2 Caps 3

Well if there was any doubt about this being Alex Ovechkin’s team there shouldn’t be anymore.

With the team playing less than inspired hockey on a crappy sheet of ice and tied up late in the third period with an historic ten game winning streak on the line, Alex took charge. Rallied by the unleash the fury TV break, and the emergence of the bobblehead talisman, OV sprang off the bench like the force of nature that he is, dominating play for the duration of his shift until he took a corner feed from Backstrom and buried a wrister from straight up the middle.

Rely on a shootout to tie the franchise record for consecutive wins? Not on OV’s watch.

Since being named captain OV has elevated every aspect of his game and the team has floated along with the rising tide. Every day the Red Army is treated to more amazing statistical goodness from Alex and the crew.

· OV hasn’t been on the ice for a goal against in forever and is running away with the league plus/minus lead at +35. Number 2? Sarge at +30. (Crosby and Malkin aren’t even in the top 40 of that list).
· They are outscoring opposition 2-1 during the streak.
· OV is Player of the Month in the NHL.
· Winning 14 of 15 games.
· Everybody is scoring – every top six forward is on fire.
· The goaltending is excellent.

The only discouraging thing about the streak is that after ten straight wins they are still not at the top of the league in points. That’s a little scary – you’d think at leat one of the two Western division powerhouses would blow a wheel somewhere along the way.

The third period was more than a bit lackluster – in atypical fashion for January, they let the Bolts hang around until a deflection found its way into the net.

Then minutes later, Flash had a mental lapse killing a penalty – hesitating briefly when he gained possession just inside the blue line, he had his pocket picked and the puck never left the zone, he took a penalty and the Lightning scored on the ensuing 5 on 3. For whatever reason, the Caps are not a shorthanded counterpunch team and when Flash grabbed the puck with a winger in motion you could see him look up for an opportunity to exploit. Bad idea. Players that are a shorthanded threat do not hesitate in that situation – they either fire the puck down the ice or instinctively lay the puck out to where a linemate has anticipated the play.

Sorry – but failing to clear the zone on the PK when presented with an opportunity is one of the cardinal sins in hockey and an absolute killer in a playoff environment.

On to Boston who, regrettably, is in a long slump (six straight L’s at home, and 1-7 overall) and in no mood to lose another game. The only up side to that is that maybe a quick goal or two gets them out of the game. But I’m not betting on it.

Game 54 - Panthers 1 Caps 4

Another strong third period game from the Caps put this one away.

A lot of focus on Mike Green as he left the game in the second period with an apparent knee injury after colliding with Kulikov. It did not look good on the replay as the knee seemed to hyper extend backwards and maybe sideways.

Nicklas Backstrom had another outstanding game. That new contract of his is going to be very expensive and will certainly mean the end of Alexander Semin in DC.

Update – The good news is that Green’s knee injury is just a Charley Horse. The bad news is that he was suspended for three games for the elbow he was called on in the first period.

More suspension shenanigans from the NHL. Just a couple of weeks after Green’s head was flat-out drilled into the glass from behind – without a peep to be heard from the league, he gets tossed for three games for an elbow that – to my eye – was less than flagrant and was more of a shoulder than an elbow. What could have caused this change in attitude from the league? It’s almost as if there were a recent high-profile incident that has caused the league to pretend it’s serious about protecting players.

Game 53 - Ducks 1 Caps 6

It looked like the streak might end as so many do – at the hands of a hot goaltender. Despite solving JS Giguere 36 seconds into the game, the Caps couldn’t get another one through him for the next 40 minutes – and not for lack of effort - so they entered the third period with a 1-1 tie against a Ducks team coming off a loss to Atlanta and desperate for points to fuel a playoff drive.

It didn’t last long. Shaone Morrisonn’s seeing eye shot from the blue line broke the tie and the floodgates as Knuble and Semin chipped in over the next two and a half minutes to break the game open. Goals have been coming in bunches lately.

Semin’s absolute rocket to the top shelf at the midpoint of the period salted it away. For a good laugh, go to the highlights and look closely to see the goalie water bottle explode – that’s a top shelf goal.

The Caps have continued their recockulous goal scoring adding yet another 4 or more goal game. I’d report the numbers but I’m too lazy to look it up – let’s just say 10 of their last 11. Also of note, and not widely acknowledged, is the defensive clampdown – allowing 2 or fewer goals for five of their last seven games.


Courtesy of Mike Vogel from the Capitals web site:

Where’s The Fire? – If you’re in the Capitals’ locker room, it’s all around you. Semin has 11 goals and 21 points and is plus-10 in his last dozen games. Ovechkin has eight goals and 23 points and is plus-14 in his last 11 games. Nicklas Backstrom has six goals and a dozen points and is plus-9 in his last 11 games. Mike Knuble has nine goals and 11 points and is plus-7 in his last 11 games. Tomas Fleischmann has three goals and 12 points and is plus-4 in his last dozen games. Brooks Laich has four goals and six points and is plus-6 in his last six games. Eric Fehr has four goals and eight points and is plus-6 in his last 10 games. Jason Chimera has three goals and eight points and is plus-5 in his last 10 games. Brendan Morrison has a goal and three points in his last four games.

Game 52 - Caps 7 Islanders 2

After putting up a fight for the first three games of the season series, the Islanders finally phoned one in against the Caps. Although they've been playing well lately and are having thoughts of a playoff spot, the Isles were outmanned from the get-go on this one.  Explosive scoring has been the rule during the six (now seven) game winning streak and the Caps blew this one open with a triplet late in the first period. Which was pretty much game over.

The new line combinations are providing scoring from every angle - seven goals scored and zero points from OV and Green is not a comforting scenario for anyone trying to match up lines against the Caps.

A month ago, Theo leaving the game with a hip flexor might have been borderline good new as it would help clear up a logjam for a week or so. Now an absence beyond a week might mean that we get to Braden Holtby in action.

Game 51 - Coyotes 2 Caps 4(EN)

The concern here was that the Caps would experience the typical letdown after a week's worth of big wins against Philly, Detroit and Pittsburgh. The Coyotes showed up to play and their defensive style kept the game close for the duration.

A big goal-and-three-assist night for Semin who has picked up the pace during this current winning streak.

On a related note it seems that Boudreau has made some semi-permanent line decisions:

Ovechkin Backstrom Knuble
Laich Fleischmann Semin
Chimera Morrison Fehr
Gordon Steckel Bradley

Since they were playing Phoenix we got to see replays of The Goal - including an angle from the offensive end-zone that I don't recall having seen before. It really highlights the change in grip Alex makes as he's sliding along the ice in order to make the proper shooting motion as opposed to merely sweeping the puck at the net.

Game 50 - Caps 6(EN) Penguins 3

This one had bad news written all over it from the moment Theodore misplayed a casual dump-in right into his own net. Surely this signaled the end of Theo's current string of solid and stellar performances. I half expected BB to pull him on the spot. I was certain that another weak goal at any point in the next 10 minutes would have done the trick.

But the weak goal never seemed to faze Theo or the rest of the squad. Instead, Jose came up with some big saves in the ensuing minutes and the Caps rolled all four lines with effectiveness.  OV made the game-tying play when he undressed LeTang with a reverse outside puck-through-his-own legs move that caught LeTang fishing. After Alex drove the net Knuble crashed the crease and banged it home. Knuble is officially hot lately.

The Penguins second goal by Nick Johnson (NHL first) couldn't have been much easier as Sloan looked the other way while he cruised up the middle of the slot and dunked a rebound past Theo who got himself out of position next to the net. The Pens third goal went down as even strength but it was purely the result of the preceding power play where the Caps never got the puck out of the zone. The Caps power play has been gradually improving lately but there's no reason it can't be better - particularly since they still take more penalties than their opponents.

Speaking of, they didn't get their first power play until after the game's mid-point but converted when OV buried a wrist shot from straight up the middle. Backstrom converted on the only other PP opportunity of the game when he rolled out from behind the net and Brent Johnson - who had been tight to the post - inexplicably leaned away. Backs knows a gift when he sees one and promptly buried it high short side. That was the second short side mistake Johnson made in the game as he bit on an Eric Fehr fake early in the second period and cheated to the middle as Fehr barreled out from the corner.  I know it was "only" Eric Fehr, but you might wanna put a body on guys coming out of the corner right to your net.

With a three-all game entering the third period Semin made the highlight play of the night (if you exclude bloopers *cough-Theo-cough*) when he took an outlet pass right in front of the bench at then end of his shift. Why start skating at that point? You're just gonna have to come to the bench anyway. Instead, he saw Flash streaking up the left side and saucered a forty foot pass right through a defenseman onto Flash's stick then watched the ensuing breakaway and goal much in the manner of a golfer who has just nutted an approach shot from 150. Backstrom's PP goal came a minute later and it was all over but for OV's empty-netter with seconds to go.

This was another good win in an impressive streak of games - this one in particular had a playoff buzz since it was the first re-match since the Caps game seven exit last Spring. The Caps were strong throughout the lineup despite missing three of their starting six defenseman including Mike Green.

After three big wins in a week the inevitable question with the Caps is will there be a letdown when the Coyotes roll into town?

Game 49 - Red Wings 2 Caps 3

I know Detroit has been struggling a bit this season while suffering through a bad stretch of injuries. And I've seen them on the losing side of some ugly scores. But the visitors put on an absolute clinic for the first half this game with a dazzling display of passing and puck control. We've rarely seen the Caps so tied up in their own end.  OV was blanketed. Only  a startling performance by Theodore kept them in the game. It was a borderline miracle to get out of the first period scoreless.

This is the kind of game you need in the playoffs - well, not the running around in circles for thirty minutes part.  The part where Matt Bradley and David Steckel deliver key even strength goals when presented with opportunities in a game that afforded few of them. Although playoff hockey is a bit more open than it used to be - there are going to be tough games where the respective stars of each team are shut down.

On to Pittsburgh for the other half of the back to back with Stanley Cup finalists.

Game 48 - Flyers 3 Caps 5

This game opened a tough three game in a week stretch that has Detroit and Pittsburgh on the horizon. Not that the Flyers are in that league these days but they do generally seem to play the Caps tough. In fact, they generally brought the play to the Caps through the first period but came out of it tied at two.

Brooks Laich broke out of his slump with a net-crashing goal in the first and basically iced the game in the third with a shortie.

Ovie broke his 0-5 penalty shot streak with a sick backhand move that made it look easy. Some commentators thought that might have been a soft call but I disagree - he had a clear path to the goal and a legitimate scoring opportunity was denied when he was wrapped up from behind and lost control of the puck. In today's NHL, I don't know how you can call a penalty on that play and *not* award a penalty shot.  Plus, the Flyers were better off, statistically, facing an OV penalty shot than a Caps power play.

All in all, a good win.  The Flyers played a good road game - and a remarkably clean one - but made just a few too many mistakes.

Two straight wins for Theo (actually three - since got the win in relief against Florida) who is looking confident and sharp - which is a good thing since Varly's "early January" targeted return date is now stretching into February and his appearance in the Olympics is becoming doubtful. I'm sensing concern on the part of management about his viability and durability headed for the playoff stretch.

Game 47 - Maple Leafs 1 Caps 6

Makes you wonder why they couldn't beat these guys the last (2) time(s) they played 'em.

I was musing earlier in the day how it would be nice to see AO break out for a three or four goal game. We'll take the one goal (first minute of the game), four assist effort.

It was good to Knuble get back on track with a pair - he's too good to not be scoring 20 goals.

I don't remember Ron Wilson being such a dick. It's hard to imagine what "message" he was sending by playing his thugs in the waning minutes of the game with the season series over, and the Leafs all but eliminated from the playoffs.

Game 46 - Caps 5 Panthers 4 (SO)

They didn't look as bad out of the gate as they did in the prior game against the Lightning but they gave still up the same 4-1 lead before getting down to business thanks to some softies from Neuvirth.

Really liked Jason Chimera's goal - he created an opportunity with speed and sustained it with power - once he broke across the blue line you could see him widen his stance to protect the puck and fend off backcheckers. He may not be a finisher but you'd have to think he's good for 20+ goals in a Boudreau system playing with quality linemates. Oh yeah, he also kicked some butt and notched a Gordie Howe hat trick.

I was surprised to see the slumping Brooks Laich take such an early rotation in the shootout. If it were me, he'd have been somewhere around #11 on the depth chart and *definitely* behind Flash and maybe Chimera. He scored to extend the shootout so Flash could finish the job. That why they pay BB the big bucks.

Theo looked real good in relief but Varlamov can't get back soon enough.

Over at On Frozen Blog they're waiting for a big trade:

You get the feeling, don’t you, that this Capitals’ club isn’t configured as it will be for springtime hockey...There seems still a missing ingredient or three from keeping the Caps from becoming a night-in, night-out force. They’re quite good, quite formidable, but not quite consistently scary good. And we know the team has the salary cap space to address this.

On Mike Green from Japer's Rink:

One night after being on the ice for six of the seven goals the Caps allowed, Mike Green was on the ice for all four goals against. By the time the game ended, Green had been on the ice for 15 goals (for and against) in two nights while skating 53 shifts. In other words, don't blink when 52's on the ice.

Mike Wise is a dick and I'll have more on him later.

Game 45 - Caps 4 Lightning 7

< sigh >

Game 44 - Caps8 Thrashers 1

The Caps entered this three game swing through the Southeast with the idea that they could shut the door on the rest of the division and they wasted no time in delivering a message. Although Atlanta has been a legitimate team (by Southeast standards) for most of the season due to their high powered offense, they entered this game on a 1-7 slide with plenty of off-ice distractions around the future of the Ilya Kolvachuk.

Despite getting down 3-0 in the first the Thrashers continued to bring the offense - actually outshooting the Caps throughout the game. But somewhere in the middle of the second they collectively mailed this one in and the game turned into an embarrassment for the organization.

Based on what I'd seen earlier in the season, I though this team had a solid chance at making the playoffs, but at the moment they are in a free fall, prompting the GM to admit that they are actively considering trade options. And every time I see a game from Atlanta the arena seems to be almost completely empty. Add in the inexplicable collapse of the Hurricanes and the Southeast division is once again the joke of the league in a season where I thought that there was a chance that three of the teams might make the playoffs.

So once again, the Caps are coming off a handful of wins (undefeated in the Ovechkin captaincy) and have an opportunity to put the pedal to the metal. Will they suffer the seemingly inevitable letdown or play like the dominant team they want to be?

Game 43 - Senators 2 Caps 5

The classic pattern for the Caps this season. A two goal first period lead that turned into a 2-1 lead by the end of the second. Almost comforting. Nick Backstrom, however, turned the game around with a pair of third period goals including a quickie at the start of the period.

But let's be honest - this game could well have gone either way except for some spotty goaltending by Ottawa's LeClaire. He made some big saves in the middle of the game but nothing kills a team like those softies he gave up to Backs.

Theo made some strong headway towards getting out of BB's doghouse but he's still the #3 goalie and Varlamov's return may lead to some difficult decisions.

Game 42 - Canadiens 2 Caps 4

Coming off a three game skid (all losses in regulation) the Caps announced (rather quietly) Alexander Ovechkin as the team's new captain.

The team responded by putting together a solid effort, shutting down the neutral zone and dominating the first period - although they didn't manage a first period goal for the fourth straight game.

Big game from Semin who picked up two goals and was frequently seen getting after pucks.

Big game from Flash, as well, who picked up a power play goal and two assists in Capitals debut at center.

Game 41 - Caps 1 Kings 2

I wasn't in town - I didn't see it - I don't want to see it.

One question: What does it mean when the best first period team in hockey goes three straight games getting pounded in the first period?

Anyone breathing the name Chris Clark in connection with this slump has to wear a skirt until the next victory - that goes double for the players - who ought to be wearing tutu's out on the ice as it is.

Crappy way to close out the first half of the season.