The Capitals started off their weekend in DC for game two vs. the Rangers. They prevailed over New York with a 2-0 shutout win. Michal Neuvirth had to make only 19 saves to record his first shutout in his second career playoff game. Jason Chimera and Jason Arnott tallied for the Caps in the second period within two minutes of each other. The entire squad did their role in shutting the Rangers out and blocking shots. Washington could’ve made it three or even four to nothing, but they missed some good opportunities.
Both teams then made the trip to New York to play at Madison Square Garden on Sunday. The Caps wanted to make it 3-0 but failed when they couldn’t keep the puck out of the net in the final period. I don’t really want to go in depth about the scoring details in this game. Alex Ovechkin and Mike Knuble scored the two goals for the Capitals. In this game the Caps never had the lead and unfortunately Neuvirth didn’t see the puck well. The first goal scored by the Rangers he was caught cheating and was roofed by Erik Christensen. The other goals could be questionable on blaming him but regardless he didn’t see the puck well in game three. The winning goal scored by Brandon Dubinsky on a four on four was a complete let down from the defense letting him get to the net.
The Capitals were called for eight; yes I said eight penalties on Sunday. If you ask me the refs were making too many soft calls that determined the game. This is hockey! Also I can’t even count how many calls the refs missed that happened on the Caps. Alex Ovechkin was tripped twice on the play that he scored and they were not called. Two out of the three goals that New York scored came on penalized situations.
Things to Improve on from Game 3:
· Stay out of the box. No team can win a game when they are sent to the box eight times. Yes the refs made some iffy calls, but we have to clean up our game and be smarter. The Caps play a better 5 on 5 game than the Rangers, so let’s keep the PK out.
· Neuvirth. After winning his first two games Neuvy showed his first sign of weakness in today’s game. He cannot let this game get to him and he has to erase it from his mind. If he cleans up the rebounds and stays confident he will be back to winning games.
· Goals? Yes the Caps have won 2 out of 3, but they have also scored only two goals in each contest. They have to throw more shots on net and bother Henrik because Neuvy can’t have that pressure every game. Let’s get one early on Wednesday Caps!
· Defense. The defense had some disappointing breakdowns today that resulted in goals. We have to clear the zone to help Neuvy and prevent the Rangers from getting inside position. Stay physical and keep the physical edge on New York.
Bruce and the boys cannot let this loss ruin the party. It is only one game and now we can win the series at home. A lot of cheap and strange things had to happen today for the Caps to fall. I don’t think we will see that again and they will hopefully come pumped in Game four. The team has an optional practice tomorrow because of their two day break between games. There have been no goals scored in the first period by either team in the series, so I would like to see the Capitals set the tone with an early goal on Wednesday. Finally, don’t lose the faith Caps fans and as always Rock the Red!
In Ovi We Trust
No comments:
Post a Comment