Ovi and powerplay get back on track against the panthers

Saturday night the Caps played their second game in a row against a divisional opponent facing the Florida Panthers.

The Panthers struck 3 minutes in when they undressed the Caps defense leaving Varly defenseless. Following the goal, power play woes continued for Washington letting 2 chances slide by in the 1^st. Eric Fehr answered in the second with a tap in from a filthy pass from Mike Green.

Not surprisingly, Varly came up big making 25 saves (12 of them being in the 3^rd period). The Caps were on the offensive striking twice in a span of 61 seconds in the third period. First by Green when he shocked me and the rest of the DC area, when he scored on a backhand on the POWERPLAY!!!!!!!!!!! Yes I said power play.

Then Ovi blew by everyone and slotted a breakaway passed Clemmensen making it 3-1. With a fresh new hair cut and a cortisone shot given to him 3 days before the game Alexander Ovechkin looked like his old self when he logged a goal, assist and 6 shots.

The Panthers scored 1 more goal late in the third, bringing everybody to the edge of their seat. Nick Backstrom then picked up a cross-checking penalty in the final minute giving Florida one last chance to tie it. Varly and the defense prevailed giving the Capitals a positive start to the 2^nd half of the season.  

The Caps have a 2 day break and then have 3 games in 4 days. The first 2 will be against divisional opponents (Panthers and Lightning) which will be crucial in order to gain first place in the Southeast division. I think it’s about time we go on a long winning streak and for Ovi to go on a long goal streak. I’m calling it via blog. Let me know what you think!

Oh and one more thing. A big shout out to my man #39 David Steckel for being officially responsible for giving Sidney Crosby a concussion and putting him out of the Pens lineup for at least a week. It’s about time somebody hurt that pussy!

Player of the Game: Mike Green (goal, assist, +1)

Stat of the Game: 1 goal 1 assist (Alex Ovechkin)

Unsung Hero: Varly (25 saves and another win)