Powerless Play

Part of the Capitals offensive troubles has to do with a poor power play. The Caps have 13 power play goals out of 77 chances (15th in the NHL). By comparison both the Chicago Blackhawks and Florida Panthers are rated higher (both teams have a losing record).

The Caps sometimes are sometimes too selfish with the puck. Both Alex Ovechkin and Alex Semin have both taken bad shots from the outside. The power play unit is just not moving the puck. In their game against the 'Canes, the Caps just couldn't get anything inside and the penalty killers were able to keep the puck outside. Cam Ward had some easy saves.

Maybe the Capitals can practice that power play when they take the ice this morning at the Kettler Capitals Iceplex for their morning skate. Adorned atop the Ballston Commons Mall's parking garage, the Caps will practice their preskate before the Rangers game at the Verizon Center (although with the size of crowds at the phone booth, they could play at the Iceplex).

In other NHL News:

• The Anaheim Ducks finally suffered their first regulation loss versus the Flames. The Ducks were able to score a point in their first 16 games, a record. But Miikka Kiprusoff shut them out to kill that streak. You can take the "Mighty" out of the Duck, but you can't take the "Mighty" out of their play.
• Patrick Roy, Dickie Duff, Herb Brooks and Harley Hotchkiss are all being inducted to the Hockey Hall of Fame. NHL.com has a nice piece about Roy and his accomplishments.
• 37 players make their ballot debuts for the 2007 NHL All Star game. Alex Ovechkin is among them on the ballot. Voting begins November 15th, the All Star game will be in Dallas on January 24.

Caps play the Rangers tonight at the Verizon. Go Caps!