Going into the final period two nights ago I had a very similar feeling of disgust, with the Capitals down 2-1. Well the Caps proved me wrong scoring four goals in the third period and pulling off a 5-3 win over the Ottawa Senators. Now I'm not going to recap the game thoroughly because the game was two nights ago, but I will share what impressed me most.
ALEX OVECHKIN! I called him out in my last post and apparently The Great 8 follows Caps Daily because he answered. From puck drop to his last shift in the third period, Ovi had great scoring chances and was skating with confidence. Truthfully he could have had three or four goals, but he would come through with one go ahead goal which was enough. The goal he scored was very Oviesque in the way he carried the puck the length of the ice, stopped on a dime, faked a slapper, and beat the goaltender five-hole. It was his ninth goal of the season and left all of us thinking is the real Ovi here to stay with a goal like that. Many will say no, but I disagree and expect a big night out of him tonight vs. the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Now of course there were a few kinks in Washington's defensive game, but I do see some improvements. Let's give the credit to new assistant coach, and defensive specialist, Jim Johnson. My favorite three D-men of the night were John Carlson, Dmitry Orlov, and Karl Alzner. Carlson had his second game in a row with three points. Not to mention him and Alzner had a +3 combined ice rating. Orlov continues to impress me each night, logging his fourth point of the season on the Ovechkin goal. The 20 year old will play his tenth game tonight meaning he has to sign a pro contract. Another positive was Nicklas Backstrom ending the power play drought with a snipe for his 10th goal. The other goal scorers were Carlson, Halpern, and Brouwer.
Alex Semin was back in the lineup Wednesday playing on the top line with Ovi and Nicky. I think if he going to stay on this team he has to stay on this line. Yes he isn't scoring right now, but he is an offensive threat that draws defenders which ultimately helps Ovi's game. So if Dale Hunter is listening, please either trade or keep Semin on the first line. The Caps take on the Maple Leafs tonight at the Verizon Center and I can guarantee that it won’t go the same way as it did three weeks ago (7-1 loss). Rock the Red!
FUN FACT OF THE DAY: Did you know that Troy Brouwer recorded his second career Gordie Howe hat trick Wednesday night vs. the Senators. It was the first of the season for the Caps and Brouwer was a big contributor in the win.
Player of the Game: Troy Brouwer (1 goal, 1 assist, fight)
Stat of the Game: 1 goal, 2 assists, +1 (John Carlson)
Unsung Hero: Tomas Vokoun
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