Shaking Of The Head

Capitals 1, Devils 2 OT
Scoresheet - Wash Post - Wash Times

There was one phrase in my head as I left the game on an sudden overcast sky, the Capitals deserved a better fate. Unlike the game before in Carolina, the Caps were pressing until the end, keeping their attack even with their defensive efforts and goaltending was solid. Credit Martin Brodeur who has a habit of playing big when games mean something. For the Devils it meant taking the lead in the East. For the Caps it was an attempt to avenge a sub par performance 22 hours earlier.

Alex Semin scored just moments after the Devils took advantage of some Caps' penalties. Alex Ovechkin had an assist but was held scoreless in the last 5 games. The Caps effort overall was much improved from a day ago. The defense looked a little more in control in front of the net (besides the John Madden game winner) and I think I even saw Semin on the back check. There were times the Caps were getting a little too cute with the puck, but the overall pressure and effort was there. If the Capitals had pulled this effort in Carolina and still lost I would have felt better about it.

But this game was clearly about Brodeur, with some help of a left post and crossbar. The Devil goaltender was just spectacular through out the game. The Caps did pepper the net with some effort as well. Sometimes the Caps are guilty of just throwing the puck right at the goaltender, but Brodeur had to be sharp. Not to take anything away from Brent Johnson either. He clearly was a breath of fresh air after the Carolina debacle with Olie Kolzig in the paint. Although, if Kolzig had gotten the same support Johnny had, the out come would have been different.

How a team responds from a bad loss is key and while this is still a loss the Caps do gain a point and shouldn't be hanging their heads. They came out and worked, and that is what Caps fans really want out of their beloved. The team responded well. But the Caps really needed the two points, as we will be saying that every time they lose a game from here to the rest of the season.

Sami Lepisto looked much better although is still taking some sticking penalties. I contribute some of that to the difference between the minor league game speeds and the NHL speeds. If your not careful you can get got out of position real quick. As he legs get acclimated, we will see less and less of that. Tom Poti is playing much better as well. He was a little more physical in this game, and I am wondering if he is still bearing grudges against the Devils from playing in the Atlantic Division. He seems to have his best games against old divisional foes (which makes sense in a way).

While the Capitals need points, they do need to sort of lick their wounds and get some confidence back. Sure they gain a point, but an overtime loss can be a moral killer. Two straight losses could get this team in a rut they need to get out of quick if they want to make a run for the playoffs.

Beat Up Caps Beaten

Capitals 1, Devils 4
Scoresheet – Wash Post – Newark S-L

The New Jersey Devils continued their dominance over the Capitals, winning their fifth straight against the hurt Caps. The Caps start a stretch of 6 games in 9 days over the holiday week with a slow start and skidding to a 2 game losing streak. They were 7-1-1 before they played New Jersey, making the Capitals the 2nd hottest team in the East in their last 10 games (only Buffalo was better).

Marty Brodeur continues to confound Alex Ovechkin who was held without a point. The Devils have a way of boring their competitors to death (and the fans, I had to take a nap after the game!). This game was about as exciting as watching paint dry. But their style is winning them games against high powered offenses like the Capitals.

The Caps were a beat up bunch too. Out of the line up were John Erskine (foot fracture), Bryan Muir (same aliment) and Shaone Morrisonn (flu). That prompted the Caps to recall Jeff Schultz from Hershey.

Overall Grade: D (for Defensemenless)

The Caps just weren’t the same team tonight as they were when they had gone 7-1-1, but they were held up by a very experienced defensive team in the Devils. Every time I think it’s time for Brodeur to hang them up, he always surprises me when I see him in person. He hasn’t lost a thing as the Devils number one.

Caps fans took a big step in the right direction by heckling Brodeur before the game about the visor situation. Off Wing has the pic. I didn't see it at the game, but was happy to see some fans get on the opposing team's goaltender for his anti-visor views.

Capitals must try to steal some points soon as the Southeast Division is starting to shrink and teams like Tampa Bay and Florida are starting to find their winning ways. Hey, at least we are not Pittsburgh.

It’s the holiday season, which means I will be on hiatus for a few games, returning around the 27th or 28th, depending on how much beer I consume. So not only will I miss a few games, I will be out of town visiting the in-laws. So if I don’t see you, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and I will see you before years end.