Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Niemi blanks Caps

Well there’s no doubt that the Caps were out-played, out-shot, and out-hustled in this game vs. the Sharks. Antti Niemi held the Caps scoreless for their 8th shutout loss of the season. The Sharks destroyed the Caps in the shot category 36-25 with the Caps only logging 4 shots in the 2nd period. Four shots in a period will simply not do the job against a team like the San Jose Sharks.
The Caps came out hard in the first period with some close scoring chances, but couldn’t seem to beat Niemi. Midway through the 1st the Capitals scored a goal when Alex Semin squeezed one over the goal line. This was never counted because the below average refs blew the whistle when Niemi didn’t freeze the puck! Each team failed to execute power play chances in the 1st period.
Michal Neuvirth played a great game in goal, despite one bad 5 hole let up from Logan Couture. Neuvy saved 34 out of 36 shots and let in both goals in the 3rd period. Dan Boyle scored the second goal only two minutes after Couture’s goal. This goal would seal the deal crushing the hopes of a three game winning streak. Washington would have one more power play chance late in the 3rd period but could not capitalize.
The Capitals have a three day break before they face off against another Western Conference team, the Los Angeles Kings. This game Saturday will be the last home game in almost 2 weeks, so it will be crucial for the Caps to pull out a win. This three day break will hopefully give Mike Green time to heal if he doesn’t have a concussion. Let’s shake this one off Caps fans and get ready for 12:30 Saturday. Rock the Red!

Player of the Game: Michal Neuvirth (34 saves)

Stat of the Game: 4 shots (Alex Semin)

Unsung Hero: Scott Hannan

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