Scoresheet - Wash Post - AJC
The Capitals find themselves in familiar territory. Unfortunately, that is last place in the Southeast Division not to mention a spot at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The Caps third period comeback wasn't enough to penetrate Ondrej Pavelec. That's right, I said Ondrej Pavelec. The Thrasher rookie goaltender was close to getting his first NHL shutout. Wouldn't that be poetic for the hapless Caps.
Micheal Nylander tied the game with a wrap around pass from Viktor Kozlov on the power play. No points for Alex Ovechkin in this one but according to Tarik, the top line play was nothing sort of amazing:
The most notable switch involved putting Alex Ovechkin, Nylander and Chris Bourque on the top line.
Rookie Nicklas Backstrom was moved to center, his natural position, on the second line, where he skated between Tomas Fleischmann and Kozlov.
Both of the revamped top lines were effective and, at times, outstanding.
Many of the shots could be described as glorious scoring chances, but each time Pavelec was there with a pad or glove or blocker.
The moral on this team cannot be very high. The Caps have dropped ten of the last 12 games. That could put both Glen Hanlon and GM George McPhee in the hot seat. The Capitals scored just 3 goals in four games. The Media, again, have put the blame on injuries, which could be the saving grace for Hanlon and GMGM. But that was the only reason the Caps went out and got free agents, wasn't it?
I don't see the Caps fortunes improving as they take a trip up to Ottawa. These are two teams going in two very different directions. If there was a game to black out for Caps fans, it should be the on Thursday. Alas, every Capital debacle will be on TV for the remaining 67 games. Cruel and unusual punishment for Caps fans everywhere.
Who would have thought that goaltending would be an issue for this season?
1 comment:
How long until Hugs is removed from the coaching spot?
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