Another abysmal second period from the Capitals leaves them 0-3 on the year. What’s wrong? Once again it starts with the stupid penalties taken which lead to two quick goals by Montreal. Alex Ovechkin takes a dumb interference call which was shortly followed by an ill-advised delay of game by Troy Brouwer. The Habs would score once during the 5 on 3, and after Matt Hendricks was called for goalie interference would make it 2-0. The Caps are 11 for 18 on the penalty kill this season which is unacceptable. At the end of the second period the score was 4-0 Habs. John Carlson and Karl Alzner had their share of problems tonight, and were out on the ice for every Montreal goal. This pair used to be the bread and butter of our defense and now seem to be second guessing themselves in their positioning.
The Capitals were 0 for 4 on the PP tonight, making them 2 for 12 on the year. They need to develop more traffic in front of the net and shoot more. Alex Ovechkin was held pointless once again and is still goalless at the right wing position. How long will Oates keep Ovi at RW? We shall see. The only Cap to score was newcomer Joey Crabb who scored off a nice pass from Jason Chimera late in the third period. Jay Beagle, Tom Poti, Chimera were the only Caps with +1 ratings. Beagle played another hard-fought game logging his first point of the season, assisting on Crabb’s goal. Matt Hendricks dropped gloves with Brandon Prust for his third fight of the season. At this rate look for Hendy to join the MMA by the end of the season. Keep up the good work #26.
Michal Neuvirth only saved 18 of 22 in his first start, but didn’t receive much help from the rest of the team. Washington doesn’t have any time to feel sorry for themselves with the New Jersey Devils on the schedule for tomorrow night. Yes, a new system takes time to learn, but it’s the little things that the Caps aren’t doing that are killing them. They have given up many goals due to not clearing the puck on the PK. Adam Oates needs to find some consistency with his forward lines because there is no opportunity for chemistry. The first line has to start clicking for this team to have success and Oates has to stick with a third guy to accompany Backstrom and Ovi. Last but not least, stop taking stupid penalties! Hopefully we will see a change tomorrow and expect to see Braden Holtby in the nets.
Player of the Game: Joey Crabb (only goal)
Stat of the Game: The Capitals are the only Eastern Conference team without a point
Co-Mr. Irrelevant: John Carlson and Karl Alzner
Unsung Hero: Matt Hendricks
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