Scoresheet – Wash Post
Shaone Morrisonn played one of the best defensive games of his career against the very volatile Jaromir Jagr. Too bad he was the only Capital that showed up. The Caps took some very bad penalties and paid for them. This was a case of the Caps shooting themselves in the foot and dropping another game at home.
Alex Ovechkin gets a lucky bounce to score on the powerplay tying the game in the first. Chris Clark beat Henrik Lundqvist with a pretty back hand that tied the game again in the second. After that the Caps just didn’t put any more pressure on the Rangers and got into penalty troubles. That is all the Rangers needed, and the Caps just crumbled in the third. The Caps ability to score even strength hurt them in the end.
The prospect of making the post season is slowly fading for the Capitals. If they can’t beat a playoff bound team like the Rangers at home, it doesn’t seem very likely that they can make up the points to finish anywhere but either 4th or last in the Southeast Division. Now that it looks more and more like management will likely do nothing close to the trade deadline, it looks like the Caps are on their own to make the season end on a high note.
Morrisonn kept Jagr in check all game, but many others seemed to miss their assignments when Jagr had the puck. That gave the Ranger forward the ability to draw 2 or 3 Capitals off of their normal duties and gave Jagr his three assists. If the Caps stuck to their man, and let Morrisonn work, I doubt Jagr could get a clean shot or an open man.
Caps face division foes Tampa Bay on Feb. 15th at the St. Pete Times forum. It’s another opportunity for the Capitals to take points away from a rival and a step closer to finishing up on that high note.
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