Shot-out

Capitals 4, Lightning 5 OT/SO(0-1)
Scoresheet – Wash Post

Do you remember the ESPN promo for the Stanley Cup Playoffs where Mike Richter was taking shots from the point and he let a puck get by him and hit the clear plexiglass covering the 6’ X 4’ opening of the net? This shootout reminded me of that with Brent Johnson basically letting shots get behind him. But the shot either hit the post, or slipped wide.

Johan Holmqvist and Johnson were spectacular in the shootout, and it came down to one shot off the stick of Nick Tarnasky (never heard of him either). In a 10 round shoot-out, the Caps just couldn’t catch a break. It’s almost not worth this team to pull the goaltender to tie the game late, because they just can’t win in the shoot out. Even Donald Brashear could not get the Caps their second win in the shoot out. The crowd jumped to their feet when they saw the Capitals’ enforcer take the ice.

The biggest save of the game was not made by either Holmqvist or Johnson, but Gord Dwyer (one of the on-ice officials). The Caps had pulled Johnson and the Lightning had the chance to shoot on net when Dwyer, trying to skate out of the way, got in the way denying the empty net goal.

Jiri Novotny started in his first game with the Capitals. He had an assist on a wide open Alex Ovechkin goal. Ovie had a goal and an assist. Shaone Morrisonn is on fire scoring his third goal of the year, but his 2nd goal in five games. That is pretty good considering he hadn’t scored in 43 games before that. The Caps lost Matt Pettinger and Boyd Gordon to undisclosed injuries in the third.

This was a pretty entertaining game. From here on out, all the Caps games will be just that, entertaining. Their chances of making the playoffs seem insurmountable. The Capital can however start dashing the hopes of those who want to make the playoffs. Much like they did against the Thrashers a year ago. And to do that the Caps have to start scoring with more consistency.

Caps will face former friend, now foe, Richard Zednik and the new look Islanders. The Islanders are playing for their playoff lives. It is a perfect opportunity to for the Caps to become spoilers.