Monday, December 5, 2011

3rd Line Special

Although the Washington Capitals this year have struggled through the first quarter of the season, three players are achieving much success each night. These three men have played on the 3rd forward line together for the majority of the season and have been more than effective on both ends of the ice. Yes, I am talking about the combo of Brooks Laich, Jason Chimera, and Joel Ward. This line is responsible for four game winning goals in the Caps’ 13 wins this season (Chimera-2, Laich-2). Not to mention, this line is given the challenge in most games to shut down the opponent’s top line. Each one of the three brings something unique to the game which is why they are so successful. Laich’s OT winner on Saturday from Chimera is the most recent example.

Let’s start with Jason Chimera. “Chim-dog”, which is the name some teammates know him by, is arguably the fastest skater in the NHL. His speed changes the game in the way he accelerates down the wing with or without the puck. On numerous occasions this season I have seen his speed draw penalties, beat out icing calls, and ultimately give him goal opportunities in which he’s capitalized on. Chimera has already matched his last season total in goals with 10, which leads the team, and also has six assists. He is the only player on the team with a short-handed goal which proves his stellar play on the penalty kill. Finally, he is second on the team with a +8 ice rating. Chim-dog is the biggest contributor to the 3rd line and we are lucky to have him.

Centering this productive line is none other than Brooks Laich. This past offseason Laich signed a six year contract extension for $27 million. Some would argue that is too much to pay the 28 year old, but perhaps he is earning his paycheck this season. Brooksie has tallied five goals and 15 points this season. With these five goals he has two game winners and three power play goals which is tied for the team lead. The only downfall is his -4 ice rating, but we will let it slide for now. His leadership is shown each night with his communication and emotion on and off the ice. Hopefully #21 can keep playing like he deserves the money in his bank account.

Finally, we are lucky to have, the newest addition to the team, Joel Ward. He has been very successful this season because of his physicality and strong board play. Ward, in my opinion, is one of those players who is rewarded for his effort night in and night out. Yes he only has four goals and nine points this season, but he does much more that is not seen on a stat sheet. Ward is solid on the penalty kill and is always throwing shots and crashing the net. Also he has a +4 ice rating this season. Keep doing your thing #42, you are a vital part to the 3rd line and the Washington Capitals organization.

I can only hope Dale Hunter keeps this combo together for the remainder of the season. The Caps take on division rival, the Florida Panthers, tonight. I wouldn’t’ doubt that the 3rd line will be checking against the Panthers top line of Weiss, Fleischmann, and Versteeg. They are one of the most productive forward lines in the NHL, so it should be an interesting matchup. Tune in tonight at 7:30. Rock the Red!

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