Varlamov's Valiant Victory

Semyon Varlamov returned from injury for the Washington Capitals and made his presence felt right away, turning away 30 shots in a 3-2 victory over the Carolina Hurricanes tonight at RBC Center. The Caps snapped their three-game losing streak in the process. Nicklas Backstrom scored twice for the Caps (his eighth and ninth goals of the season) as the visitors responded after a hard practice yesterday.

The Canes' two goals were the result of lots of hard work around the net as they took control for much of the final stanza. Yet, the Caps' Brooks Laich scored on a power play and notched the game-winning goal (in a funny moment where Craig Loughlin claimed the game was "lights out" with more than seven minutes remaining and the Caps clinging to a one-goal margin).

But Varly and the boys were able to fend off the home team and capture a much-needed two points. The Caps are in an interesting spot these days: they've got the best record in the league (tussling with the Philadelphia Flyers in that department) and yet have been fending off criticism as if they've been far less successful.

The irony is that, on some nights, it seems they're not giving it their all and there's plenty to nitpick. But, tonight, it appeared that the Caps gave at least 40 minutes worth of hard work and earned a victory over a team they'll face again Sunday at Verizon Center. In the meantime, the Caps can enjoy Thanksgiving knowing that, although there's a long road ahead, there's a lot they can relish in late November.