More Garbage For The Caps

If there was one area the Capitals struggle offensively it would be the garbage goals. The tough work done down low, paying a price for being in the crease and the work off the boards.

The Caps are often guilty of being too cute, doing the extra pass instead of getting the puck at the net. A frustration for head coach Bruce Boudreau especially in losses where the Caps clearly outplayed the opposition.

But the Caps are starting to get that support from an unlikely source. Dubbed the "F Street" like, Sergei Fedorov, Tomas Fleischmann and Eric Fehr are on to something and Fehr is cashing in on those garbage goals. Whether it's the work down low by Fedorov or a behind the back pass from a flashy Fleischmann, Eric Fehr has been okay with getting those close in garbage goals and the Caps are grateful for everyone of those goals.

Fehr has six goals in his last seven games and a goal in the last four straight. All this from a replacement for an injured Chris Clark. Nearly every goal is off a broken play. Fehr's chances seem to be increasing as he is simply just heading to the net and good things are happening there.

The goals too have been timely. They have been the kind of goals that made it that much more difficult for the opposing team to overcome. If the Capitals can rely on that goal support, all the better as the season wounds down to a close and the push in the playoffs ramps up.

Caps Notes:

• Don't forget, it is a 7:30 start for the game tonight against the Canadiens.
• Mike Green is not parting with his record breaking stick, nor should he. Even after it breaks, the stick will be most likely on Green's mantle than in the Hockey Hall of Fame. I'd keep it too.
• Brent Johnson's underwent successful surgery but whether or not there will be a return for the goaltender this season is still up in the air. "They had to do more than expected," Johnny told reporters after practice yesterday. He was seen on crutches walking very gingerly.
• Alexei Kovalev didn't even make the trip to Washington as he is struggling of late. The Canadiens wanted him to take some time and work things out. Or maybe he is in charge of the secret surprise party when the Habs return home. I'd like to think it's the later, sounds more fun.