The Caps started off the game with an impressive start with Matthieu Perreault scoring early. Later in the first period Montreal went down a man and the Capitals made them pay. Mike Green toe-dragged a defender and setup Mike the Garbage man Knuble for a tap-in. Ten minutes into the game the Caps were up 2-0 in the first period.
The 2nd period was the downfall for the Capitals last night. They logged 15 shots on goal, but could not beat Carey Price. The captain of the Canadiens, Brian Gionta, went on to score 2 goals 8 minutes apart to tie it up by the end of the 2nd period. There was not much action in the 3rd period on the scoreboard, but Alex Ovechkin threw one of the most bone-jarring hip checks I've ever seen on P.K. Subban. Subban retaliated with a roughing penalty because he was clearly embarrassed by Ovi.
Regulation ended in a 2-2 tie putting a scare in Caps fans because they have lost seven straight games past regulation. The game eventually went to a shoot out where the Habs bested the Caps 1-0. The Capitals have to play a full game if they're going to beat teams.
The Caps killed all six penalties making it 24 straights kills. Brooks Laich had three out of the 6 penalties and in my opinion did not play well. Varly played outstanding again saving 27 of 29 shots. The Caps outshot the Habs 38-29.
The Caps are now 5 points behind Tampa Bay in the Southeast division. They will face each other Friday at 7:30 in Tampa in a must win game for Washington. Hopefully Alex Semin will make his return to the ice because we could use his offensive presence. The playoffs are around the corner; let’s start playing like we are Stanley Cup bound! Rock the Red.
Player of the Game: Matthieu Perreault (1 goal, 1 assist)
Stat of the Game: 6 for 6 on PK
Hit of the Year: Alex Ovechkin on P.K. Subban (3rd period)
Unsung Hero: Semyon Varlamov
OVI hit was so class...too bad subban's neck broke his fall
ReplyDeletehit of the year for sure!!!
ReplyDelete