Friday, February 8, 2013

Pens steamroll Caps

Last night left the Washington Capitals and their fans praying for a miracle. Each game we look for positives and hope for change, but last night was the epitome of dreadful. The Caps played their best period of the year in the first leading 1-0. I don’t know what happen in the locker room, but the second period was the worst period of the year for the Caps, trailing 5-1 after two.
The Capitals went through both goalies after Michal Neuvirth let in a marshmallow shot from Pascal Dupuis. Braden Holtby came in right after that and allowed three goals in during the remaining seven minutes of the second period. Adam Oates is clearly at a goalie dilemma because neither of the two are deserving of the #1 title. One of the two will have to realize this team needs a goalie to step up and start carrying this team.
The Caps’ penalty kill in this game was hard to watch and killed 1 of the 4 penalties. I don’t want to point out any particular player, but the entire team right now suffers from positioning problems during the penalty kill. Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin had a field day in the second, each logging a goal and two assists. The Penguins proved that they are one of the top teams in the NHL this year and exploited all the weaknesses the Capitals are dealing with.
Alex Ovechkin and Mike Ribeiro were the only Capitals that played respectable games. They each logged a goal and assist in the contest. Ovechkin had seven shots on goal and recorded his third power play goal of the season. If there were any positives in this game it involved the first line or power play which includes Ovi and Ribeiro.
The Caps now sit in dead last of the league with a record of 2-8-1. The chances of the Capitals making the playoffs are fading away with each loss. I’ve yet to see any confidence in this team and they need to stop feeling sorry for themselves and just play hockey. I’m aware that the new system took time in New Jersey and it eventually worked for them. Well if all the Caps are on board to recognize this, we can make something out of this season. Build off the power play and start playing smart hockey.
Their next game will be home tomorrow against the Florida Panthers. John Erskine will be back in the lineup with his suspension ending which is one positive. Alex Ovechkin and Mike Ribeiro seem to have something special going on with their line, so expect that scoring to continue. Only God knows who will be between the pipes for Washington tomorrow night. I will not lose faith just yet Caps fans. Rock the Red!
Player of the Game: Alex Ovechkin (1 goal, 1 assist, 7 shots)
Stat of the Game: 0 for 3 in 2nd period (Caps PK)
Mr. Irrelevant: Karl Alzner

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