A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.
Record/Standings Position: 7-4-0 (14 points), 2nd Southeast Division/4th Eastern Conference/6th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-0, at Carolina Hurricanes
* Lost, 2-1, at Minnesota Wild
* Won, 7-2, at Calgary Flames
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday vs. Toronto Maple Leafs (7:00 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Friday vs. Boston Bruins (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday vs. Philadelphia Flyers (5 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Marcus Johansson (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Tyler Sloan (day-to-day), and Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Sent Jay Beagle and Mathieu Perreault to Hershey Bears (Oct. 31), recalled Brian Fahey from Hershey (Oct. 26), assigned Jay Beagle to Hershey (Oct. 25), recalled Braden Holtby from Hershey (Oct. 25), assigned Dany Sabourin to Hershey (Oct. 25).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps played two of their best games last week, and seem to be realizing that playing a 60-minute game is the only way to go.
* Despite not scoring much in October, Alex Ovechkin is still eighth in the league with 13 points.
* Michal Neuvirth is far and away the best goalie on the Caps -- and that doesn't seem like it'll change even when Varlamov gets healthy.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Neuvirth (2.15 GAA, .926 save percentage, tied for a league-high seven wins); Ovechkin (seven goals, six assists); Nicklas Backstrom (six points in his last three games).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Karl Alzner (still no points), Tom Poti (injuries have limited him to just four games), Tyler Sloan and John Erskine (combined two points and cause for countless headaches).
October 31, 2010
Inside the Press Box: Sergey Kocharov
Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find a link to the series archives on the right sidebar. Today's 35th installment: Washington Capitals Director of Media Relations Sergey Kocharov.
1. How has it been transitioning from the Phoenix Coyotes to the Caps? How's your Russian?
It's been great. I joined the Caps in September, a day before training camp began. At first, it was extremely difficult saying goodbye to my friends and colleagues with the Phoenix Coyotes, who have meant so much to me and helped me immensely during my career, but I have really enjoyed my time with the Capitals. It is a wonderful organization that I'm very proud to be a part of.
Our VP of Communications, Nate Ewell, was very helpful during the first couple weeks giving me some time to get to know the players, staff and the media covering the team before assuming my role full time. The players have been very easy to work with, so the transition has been seamless.
I can speak Russian relatively well, but it is nowhere near perfect. By looking at our roster with several Russian players on the team, it seems like I'll be able to work on it a little bit.
2. Please compare the two cities in terms of hockey fandom.
Both are franchises that proved that if you put a winning product on the ice, the fans will come out and support you. Obviously, the Coyotes are going through a difficult time right now because of the ownership situation, but I'm a firm believer that when they get that resolved and with sustained success on the ice, that franchise will thrive.
I went to my first ever Caps Convention this year and it was absolutely amazing to see the amount of people that were there to support the team and how excited they were about the upcoming season. The home opener was also very entertaining. In my opinion, Verizon Center is by far the loudest building in the NHL. With the success on the ice, proactive approach in promoting the team through different media outlets and their commitment to community outreach, this organization has done a remarkable job in building the Capitals franchise into the hockey hotbed it is today.
3. How did you get into the hockey PR world?
I interned with the Coyotes while in school during the 2001-02 season with hopes of one day becoming a hockey journalist. I stayed with the team and worked closely with the PR department by writing articles for the game program, yearbook and the team's Web site for the next four seasons. Then in 2006-07, a PR position opened up and I was hired onto their staff full time.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?
It would probably have to be when Wayne Gretzky asked me to put the goalie gear on for one of our practices during the 2008-09 season in Phoenix because he wanted to give Ilya Bryzgalov a day off. I remember him telling me that he wanted me on the ice during the power-play session. That was probably the scariest and, at the same time, most exciting moment I've had in my life. Gretzky took some shots on me to warm me up, which I don't think helped much since I became even more nervous than I was before.
5. What do you do when you're not working?
I love playing hockey, so every chance I get, I try to get on the ice. I haven't had a chance to spend a lot of time in D.C. yet, so I'm very excited to get to know the area.
1. How has it been transitioning from the Phoenix Coyotes to the Caps? How's your Russian?
It's been great. I joined the Caps in September, a day before training camp began. At first, it was extremely difficult saying goodbye to my friends and colleagues with the Phoenix Coyotes, who have meant so much to me and helped me immensely during my career, but I have really enjoyed my time with the Capitals. It is a wonderful organization that I'm very proud to be a part of.
Our VP of Communications, Nate Ewell, was very helpful during the first couple weeks giving me some time to get to know the players, staff and the media covering the team before assuming my role full time. The players have been very easy to work with, so the transition has been seamless.
I can speak Russian relatively well, but it is nowhere near perfect. By looking at our roster with several Russian players on the team, it seems like I'll be able to work on it a little bit.
2. Please compare the two cities in terms of hockey fandom.
Both are franchises that proved that if you put a winning product on the ice, the fans will come out and support you. Obviously, the Coyotes are going through a difficult time right now because of the ownership situation, but I'm a firm believer that when they get that resolved and with sustained success on the ice, that franchise will thrive.
I went to my first ever Caps Convention this year and it was absolutely amazing to see the amount of people that were there to support the team and how excited they were about the upcoming season. The home opener was also very entertaining. In my opinion, Verizon Center is by far the loudest building in the NHL. With the success on the ice, proactive approach in promoting the team through different media outlets and their commitment to community outreach, this organization has done a remarkable job in building the Capitals franchise into the hockey hotbed it is today.
3. How did you get into the hockey PR world?
I interned with the Coyotes while in school during the 2001-02 season with hopes of one day becoming a hockey journalist. I stayed with the team and worked closely with the PR department by writing articles for the game program, yearbook and the team's Web site for the next four seasons. Then in 2006-07, a PR position opened up and I was hired onto their staff full time.
4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?
It would probably have to be when Wayne Gretzky asked me to put the goalie gear on for one of our practices during the 2008-09 season in Phoenix because he wanted to give Ilya Bryzgalov a day off. I remember him telling me that he wanted me on the ice during the power-play session. That was probably the scariest and, at the same time, most exciting moment I've had in my life. Gretzky took some shots on me to warm me up, which I don't think helped much since I became even more nervous than I was before.
5. What do you do when you're not working?
I love playing hockey, so every chance I get, I try to get on the ice. I haven't had a chance to spend a lot of time in D.C. yet, so I'm very excited to get to know the area.
October 27, 2010
Neuvirth, Backstrom Pace Capitals
For the longest time tonight, a Matt Hendricks tally was the lone goal in the Washington Capitals' battle with the Carolina Hurricanes. But Nicklas Backstrom scored twice in the final stanza to give the visitors a hard-fought 3-0 victory tonight at RBC Center. It was the red, white and blue's first shutout since a 2-0 victory over the New York Rangers on March 6 (with Jose Theodore in net).
Michal Neuvirth was spectacular again in registering his first NHL shutout, stopping 29 Carolina shots and never really letting them threaten too harshly. Hendricks' goal, meanwhile, was his first of the season and only the 10th of his NHL career. Backstrom's second and third of the season showed some signs that the center and his linemates (Mike Knuble and Alex Ovechkin) might be heading back in the right direction.
The game also steadied the Caps a bit, coming off a series of games when they fell behind and never looked too interested. The Caps worked well throughout, played smart, disciplined hockey and earned two-points in the first game of a three-game set.
They're back at it tomorrow night at Xcel Energy Center against the Minnesota Wild (8 p.m., CSN-HD). The question is whether Neuvirth will be back between the pipes or Braden Holtby will earn his first NHL start.
Michal Neuvirth was spectacular again in registering his first NHL shutout, stopping 29 Carolina shots and never really letting them threaten too harshly. Hendricks' goal, meanwhile, was his first of the season and only the 10th of his NHL career. Backstrom's second and third of the season showed some signs that the center and his linemates (Mike Knuble and Alex Ovechkin) might be heading back in the right direction.
The game also steadied the Caps a bit, coming off a series of games when they fell behind and never looked too interested. The Caps worked well throughout, played smart, disciplined hockey and earned two-points in the first game of a three-game set.
They're back at it tomorrow night at Xcel Energy Center against the Minnesota Wild (8 p.m., CSN-HD). The question is whether Neuvirth will be back between the pipes or Braden Holtby will earn his first NHL start.
October 26, 2010
Caps are the New No. 1
The Washington Capitals are officially the best local sports team over the last 14 years. According to the latest edition of the State of Local Sports, the Caps have overtaken D.C. United as the squad with the highest winning percentage since the soccer franchise's founding (which also coincides with the creation of the Baltimore Ravens).
Your latest cumulative standings (since the start of the 1996 season):
Your latest cumulative standings (since the start of the 1996 season):
1. Washington Capitals (490-418-83-75, .531)
2. D.C. United (203-180-75, .525)
3. Baltimore Ravens (116-107-1, .520)
4. Washington Redskins (103-120-1, .462)
5. Baltimore Orioles (1,107-1,321, .456)
6. Washington Nationals/Montreal Expos (1,079-1,350, .444)
7. Washington Mystics (180-250, .419)
8. Washington Wizards/Bullets (467-649, .418)
STC Goes 'Around the Boards'
Kings of Leonsis hosted another great roundtable about the state of the Washington Capitals and was gracious enough to invite us to participate. The money quote:
Needless to say, as the Caps embark on a three-game road trip and deal with injuries, outworking their opponents will be paramount.
The fact that they haven't come out differently than last year, with all that's been said, is beyond befuddling. Opposing teams clearly learned their lesson from what Montreal did to the Caps and are using that as a blueprint to slow down the Caps' offense -- especially its power play. Coach Bruce Boudreau likes to preach his system, which in theory is perfect for the Caps' talent. But when the players just cruise out there, don't outwork their opponents and think they can skate by on talent alone, then you can't rely on a system.
Needless to say, as the Caps embark on a three-game road trip and deal with injuries, outworking their opponents will be paramount.
October 24, 2010
Weekly Snapshot, Oct. 24
A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.
Record/Standings Position: 5-3-0 (10 points), 2nd Southeast Division/4th Eastern Conference/9th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-1, vs. Boston
* Lost, 4-1, at Boston
* Won, 4-3 (OT), vs. Atlanta
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday at Carolina Hurricanes (7:00 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Thursday at Minnesota Wild (8 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Calgary Flames (10 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Matt Bradley (day-to-day), Mike Green (day-to-day), Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Recalled Mathieu Perreault and Jay Beagle from Hershey (Oct. 23).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps are still looking frazzled by other teams' clog-up-the-middle style.
* Varlamov hasn't looked fully healthy yet -- playing in just 103 minutes so far.
* The decision to give contract extensions to John Erskine and Tyler Sloan last season is looking worse and worse by the day.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Neuvirth (2.53 GAA, .919 save percentage); Alex Semin (fourth career hat trick last night); Brooks Laich (team-leading plus-six so far).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Ovechkin (no points last week); Nicklas Backstrom (team-worst minus-three, just four points); eight Caps without any points yet.
Record/Standings Position: 5-3-0 (10 points), 2nd Southeast Division/4th Eastern Conference/9th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-1, vs. Boston
* Lost, 4-1, at Boston
* Won, 4-3 (OT), vs. Atlanta
This Week's Games:
* Wednesday at Carolina Hurricanes (7:00 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Thursday at Minnesota Wild (8 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Calgary Flames (10 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Matt Bradley (day-to-day), Mike Green (day-to-day), Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Recalled Mathieu Perreault and Jay Beagle from Hershey (Oct. 23).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps are still looking frazzled by other teams' clog-up-the-middle style.
* Varlamov hasn't looked fully healthy yet -- playing in just 103 minutes so far.
* The decision to give contract extensions to John Erskine and Tyler Sloan last season is looking worse and worse by the day.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Neuvirth (2.53 GAA, .919 save percentage); Alex Semin (fourth career hat trick last night); Brooks Laich (team-leading plus-six so far).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Ovechkin (no points last week); Nicklas Backstrom (team-worst minus-three, just four points); eight Caps without any points yet.
A 60-Minute Effort, Where Art Thou?
The Washington Capitals used to be known as a "very hungry and talented team," a description by Ted Leonsis of the Atlanta Thrashers after last night's 4-3 (OT) win by the red, white and blue.
"It is so interesting to see a team that has a bunch of young hungry players and some gritty role players that lost their big money super star player now be a tough team to play against," the owner penned on his blog.
"They played really well, skated well; they didn't give us much of a chance to breathe [early]," Coach Bruce Boudreau opined.
That moniker (or something like it) belonged to the Caps during the "lean" years -- first when GM George McPhee was trading away high-priced players to prepare for the strike and also during Alex Ovechkin's early years on the team. Further back, it described the Caps in the 1980s under then-GM David Poile and the Murray brothers as coach.
Today, the Caps are known as "skilled" and difficult to play against because they've got a deep roster of scoring threats. They can score at will against most teams and -- by that virtue, some timely defense and pretty good goaltending -- they captured the President's Trophy last season and set all kinds of records along the way.
Alex Semin is the epitome of this transformation. He registered his fourth career hat trick last night, but the Boudreau focused on the fact that he was playing hard.
"He played hard," Boudreau said of Semin. "The consistency has been there for sure. It's eight games in, but there have been no real lapses and [Saturday] he got rewarded for playing a good game."
It's hard not to keep harping on the fact that the impact of last spring's playoff loss to the Montreal Canadiens has carried over to the beginning this season: teams completely changed their approach to playing the Caps and began employing an old-school neutral-zone trap to throw the Caps off their game. The Caps' ease is replaced with frustration and frequent lauding of opponents.
Case in point: last week's double-loss to the Boston Bruins ended with players complimenting Tim Thomas' effort between the pipes.
"His lateral movement was just phenomenal [Thursday]," Mike Knuble said after Thursday's 4-1 loss at TD Garden. "I don't know if he was playing back in his net, but he was getting across the ice."
"But in the second period they started to move their legs and win battles," Brooks Laich added. "Defensively, we weren't moving our legs. We were standing, still not picking up our assignments. They had one shift where they really holed us up in our zone and they scored their second goal on that shift and that might have been the turning point in the hockey game."
So far this season, the Caps have been outworked in nearly every game. Their skill is no longer enough to overcome opponents and cruise to easy victories. Ovechkin continues to stand out, but he's had bad games already in the small eight-game sample. Mathieu Perreault, recalled from Hershey earlier in the day, stood out last night and showed chemistry with Semin, a rare feat for any center not named Nicklas Backstrom.
The Caps' skill will not disappear, but they must channel their hard-working ancestors. If they do, they are beyond capable of capturing the franchise's first Stanley Cup. If nothing changes, though, it's hard to predict anything other than a repeat of past playoff disappointments.
"It is so interesting to see a team that has a bunch of young hungry players and some gritty role players that lost their big money super star player now be a tough team to play against," the owner penned on his blog.
"They played really well, skated well; they didn't give us much of a chance to breathe [early]," Coach Bruce Boudreau opined.
That moniker (or something like it) belonged to the Caps during the "lean" years -- first when GM George McPhee was trading away high-priced players to prepare for the strike and also during Alex Ovechkin's early years on the team. Further back, it described the Caps in the 1980s under then-GM David Poile and the Murray brothers as coach.
Today, the Caps are known as "skilled" and difficult to play against because they've got a deep roster of scoring threats. They can score at will against most teams and -- by that virtue, some timely defense and pretty good goaltending -- they captured the President's Trophy last season and set all kinds of records along the way.
Alex Semin is the epitome of this transformation. He registered his fourth career hat trick last night, but the Boudreau focused on the fact that he was playing hard.
"He played hard," Boudreau said of Semin. "The consistency has been there for sure. It's eight games in, but there have been no real lapses and [Saturday] he got rewarded for playing a good game."
It's hard not to keep harping on the fact that the impact of last spring's playoff loss to the Montreal Canadiens has carried over to the beginning this season: teams completely changed their approach to playing the Caps and began employing an old-school neutral-zone trap to throw the Caps off their game. The Caps' ease is replaced with frustration and frequent lauding of opponents.
Case in point: last week's double-loss to the Boston Bruins ended with players complimenting Tim Thomas' effort between the pipes.
"His lateral movement was just phenomenal [Thursday]," Mike Knuble said after Thursday's 4-1 loss at TD Garden. "I don't know if he was playing back in his net, but he was getting across the ice."
"But in the second period they started to move their legs and win battles," Brooks Laich added. "Defensively, we weren't moving our legs. We were standing, still not picking up our assignments. They had one shift where they really holed us up in our zone and they scored their second goal on that shift and that might have been the turning point in the hockey game."
So far this season, the Caps have been outworked in nearly every game. Their skill is no longer enough to overcome opponents and cruise to easy victories. Ovechkin continues to stand out, but he's had bad games already in the small eight-game sample. Mathieu Perreault, recalled from Hershey earlier in the day, stood out last night and showed chemistry with Semin, a rare feat for any center not named Nicklas Backstrom.
The Caps' skill will not disappear, but they must channel their hard-working ancestors. If they do, they are beyond capable of capturing the franchise's first Stanley Cup. If nothing changes, though, it's hard to predict anything other than a repeat of past playoff disappointments.
October 21, 2010
STC Joins Yardbarker
Storming the Crease is very excited to announce that the site has joined Yardbarker, the largest network of sports blogs on the Web that was named one of Time's 50 best Web sites earlier this year. On Tuesday, FOX Sports Interactive Media (FSIM) acquired Yardbarker.
STC will continue its excellent coverage of Caps and the NHL as well as all of the special features you know and love: Inside the Press Box, Inside the Blogosphere, live game coverage and so much more.
The biggest change is that STC's breadth will be wider and there will be more places linking to the site. You'll notice the Yardbarker banner on the very top of the blog, an ad on the right toolbar and a Yarkbarker banner further down that very same column.
FSIM is the digital production and distribution arm of the FOX Sports Media Group, and home to FOXSports.com on MSN, the world's second-most-visited sports Web site.
Yardbarker, with its 7.5 million average monthly users and a strong management team, joins FOXSports.com, Scout.com, whatifsports.com and other sites as part of FOX's owned-and-operated regional sports networks.
STC will continue its excellent coverage of Caps and the NHL as well as all of the special features you know and love: Inside the Press Box, Inside the Blogosphere, live game coverage and so much more.
The biggest change is that STC's breadth will be wider and there will be more places linking to the site. You'll notice the Yardbarker banner on the very top of the blog, an ad on the right toolbar and a Yarkbarker banner further down that very same column.
FSIM is the digital production and distribution arm of the FOX Sports Media Group, and home to FOXSports.com on MSN, the world's second-most-visited sports Web site.
Yardbarker, with its 7.5 million average monthly users and a strong management team, joins FOXSports.com, Scout.com, whatifsports.com and other sites as part of FOX's owned-and-operated regional sports networks.
Bruins Have Caps' Number (Again)
A confluence of events unfolded tonight for the Caps in Boston. For one, the Bruins ended the Caps' impressive penalty-kill streak at 25 -- and smashed it by scoring three power play goals. Secondly, Semyon Varlamov allowed three goals, while Michal Neuvirth curiously played about a minute at the end of the game and allowed a goal. Finally, the Caps' big offensive trio of Mike Knuble, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Ovechkin each were minus-one and did not register a point.
All of this added up to a 4-1 win by the Bruins, their second straight over the Caps this week and fourth in a row overall. Tim Thomas again played spectacularly for the home-standing team, which was making its season debut at TD Garden.
There are a couple of ways of approaching this one. The Bruins always have played the Caps tightly and, even though it hadn't shown in the win-loss column over the last two seasons, have a knack for taking the red, white and blue off their game. Thomas is enjoying a resurgence and it's still October, so both teams are trying to find themselves.
Then again, the Caps haven't played well in the first period all season and it's becoming blatantly obvious that teams play Washington much differently than they did last season. It's up to the Caps to adjust the way they approach the game and find a way to beat the schemes facing them every night.
It's too early to panic, but then again, I wouldn't be surprised if GM George McPhee has started to consider ways to alter the roster.
All of this added up to a 4-1 win by the Bruins, their second straight over the Caps this week and fourth in a row overall. Tim Thomas again played spectacularly for the home-standing team, which was making its season debut at TD Garden.
There are a couple of ways of approaching this one. The Bruins always have played the Caps tightly and, even though it hadn't shown in the win-loss column over the last two seasons, have a knack for taking the red, white and blue off their game. Thomas is enjoying a resurgence and it's still October, so both teams are trying to find themselves.
Then again, the Caps haven't played well in the first period all season and it's becoming blatantly obvious that teams play Washington much differently than they did last season. It's up to the Caps to adjust the way they approach the game and find a way to beat the schemes facing them every night.
It's too early to panic, but then again, I wouldn't be surprised if GM George McPhee has started to consider ways to alter the roster.
October 19, 2010
Caps-Bruins Live
Welcome to Verizon Center for tonight's 7:30 p.m. start between the Caps and the Boston Bruins. Michal Neuvirth and Tim Thomas get the start tonight, with the big line of Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Mike Knuble on the ice with the "Johns" -- Erskine and Carlson.
First Period
The game got off to a slow start until Matt Hendricks and Gregory Campbell dropped the gloves at 3:15 after some words were exchanged following a shot on Thomas. (Hendricks won, by the way.) Zdeno Chara took the opportunity to "remind" DJ King of his place, but it didn't lead to anything -- just some tense moments. The teams certainly are showing no love and playing the kind of tight contest they usually display when facing each other.
Just before the six-minute mark, Ovechkin found a wide open Backstrom, who passed it over to Knuble, but Thomas was up to the task. It was a rare opening in a so-far very tightly-checked game. The Caps seem to have come out hard from the start, a welcome change.
But the Bruins still struck first. Karl Alzner got caught up the ice and Milan Lucic flung it up the ice as Tyler Sloan was left to defend Nathan Horton and David Krejci, who poked it past Neuvirth for an easy tally. Neuvirth was not at fault because Alzner shouldn't have gotten caught and shouldn't have let Lucic pass it to Horton so easily.
And the Bruins struck again not too much later. Johnny Boychuck's shot took a weird bounce around the crease and Lucic was there to poke it into a wide open net after Neuvy came out of the net to play the angle. After an energetic start by the Caps, the Bruins have surged ahead because of some bad positioning by the red, white and blue.
And, with that, Semyon Varlamov has made his season debut with about 7:30 minutes left in the first period. My guess is Coach Bruce Boudreau did that to give the team some pep, but Neuvy has been the reason the Caps have been doing so well and Varly hasn't played any hockey is quite some time.
The Caps better learn how to play well in the first period and not make boneheaded mistakes. That's why they are losing, not because of anything regarding their goaltending tonight. Just saying...
Alex Semin just displayed all of the reasons that Caps fans don't like him. He tried deking past two Bruins and then., when it didn't work, got called for tripping and put the Caps' penalty kill to the test with the team already down two goals.
The PK, though, did a great job of possessing the puck and preventing the visitors from setting up in their zone. But it didn't turn around the game, especially with the Bruins clogging up the neutral zone and the Caps' attempts at a stretch play not working.
After one: Bruins 2, Caps 0.
Second Period
The team announced that Neuvy left the game with the flu (which, in today's NHL parlance, could be called an upper-body injury.)
The Caps got off to a good start, earning a power play at 3:31 and getting another one with 24 seconds left, giving them a short five-on-three. Unfortunately, the so-called power kill was inept yet again. The team looked like they were playing together for the first time, missing every pass and were out-of-sync at every opportunity.
Marcus Johansson scored his first career goal at 7:41 in crash-the-net garbage-type fashion, exactly what the team needed. Jason Chimera was able to keep the puck in the zone by using his skate as the Bruins were trying to clear it around the net and out. (Matt Hendricks got the secondary assist.) Chimera fed it to Johansson in front of the net and No. 90 poked it past Thomas to narrow the Caps' deficit to one.
The Bruins got an extra-man advantage at 8:59 and, with 53 seconds left, Boston got a five-on-three when Erksine flicked the puck out of his own zone to earn a delay-of-game infraction. The Bruins used their timeout before their two-man advantage.
The PK did a great job and killed off both of Boston's advantages. It even seems like they move more down a man (or two) than when they're on the power play. It's an interesting situation, but if they can get their act together on the PP, they're going to be quite dangerous. The crowd rose in appreciation after things went back to even strength. The Caps definitely have a spring in their step now and seem to be wresting back momentum.
After some back-and-forth action, the Caps returned to the PK when Dave Steckel was called for tripping at 15:03. But the Caps excellent play a man down continued and they kept things status quo.
The Caps got a power play at 18:27 left when Laich was slashed by Chara, giving the Caps a chance at redemption with the extra man and an opportunity to tie the game. Unfortunately for the home team, no dice on either front.
After two: Bruins 2, Caps 1.
Third Period
The Caps weren't able to convert on the rest of their power play, and then the Bruins added to their lead. Matt Hunwick flicked the puck from the blue line with a load of people in front of Varly and it went top-left corner to give the visitors a 3-1 lead. Varly never saw it and the goal clearly took any momentum the Caps had built. The Bruins are playing a very tight, almost playoff-type game and the Caps aren't adjusting well.
The Caps really are a confounding bunch: they've got one of the best records in the league yet it seems they have so many faults. There are lots of players who don't seem to be following the system, while the worker bees do everything they're told. The power play is atrocious and the penalty kill spectacular. Players either pass too much or not enough and everything seems out of sync.
When the coach says you're "winning on talent," that could either mean an implosion is impending or this will be something that will happen all year. It's more likely the latter as that's been the case under Boudreau.
Seemingly trying to light a fire under the team, Erskine dropped the gloves with Lucic behind the play at 9:33 seemingly out of nowhere. We'll see if it makes a difference.
On the ensuing face-off, the puck got stuck up Backstrom's pants causing a laugh by the crowd on a Three Stooges type moment. (Insert joke here about the Caps' play tonight.)
The Caps almost scored right after that, but Ovechkin had batted the puck into the net with his hand so the goal was immediately waved off. It wasn't popular, but it was the correct call.
Unleash the fury with 9:50 left in the third period? Seems a bit early to me...
The S-O-B line is back together to try to help the Caps score. Not working as of yet. Ovechkin stayed on the ice for an inordinate amount of time as the game wound down, even taking some shifts at defenseman, as if a power play was going on -- and that didn't work either. The Caps don't have it tonight for whatever reason. A lot is due to how the Bruins are playing, but the Caps aren't that innocent either.
They Caps pulled Varly for the last two minutes and even got a power play at 18:40 when Gregory Campbell got a double-minor for high-sticking Hendricks. The Caps couldn't even get a shot on net despite a two-man advantage. It was pretty ugly.
After winning games they probably shouldn't have, the Caps four-game victory streak is ending after a dud of a performance. They don't have that much time to adjust before they have to face the Bruins again Thursday night in Beantown.
Final: Bruins 3, Caps 1.
First Period
The game got off to a slow start until Matt Hendricks and Gregory Campbell dropped the gloves at 3:15 after some words were exchanged following a shot on Thomas. (Hendricks won, by the way.) Zdeno Chara took the opportunity to "remind" DJ King of his place, but it didn't lead to anything -- just some tense moments. The teams certainly are showing no love and playing the kind of tight contest they usually display when facing each other.
Just before the six-minute mark, Ovechkin found a wide open Backstrom, who passed it over to Knuble, but Thomas was up to the task. It was a rare opening in a so-far very tightly-checked game. The Caps seem to have come out hard from the start, a welcome change.
But the Bruins still struck first. Karl Alzner got caught up the ice and Milan Lucic flung it up the ice as Tyler Sloan was left to defend Nathan Horton and David Krejci, who poked it past Neuvirth for an easy tally. Neuvirth was not at fault because Alzner shouldn't have gotten caught and shouldn't have let Lucic pass it to Horton so easily.
And the Bruins struck again not too much later. Johnny Boychuck's shot took a weird bounce around the crease and Lucic was there to poke it into a wide open net after Neuvy came out of the net to play the angle. After an energetic start by the Caps, the Bruins have surged ahead because of some bad positioning by the red, white and blue.
And, with that, Semyon Varlamov has made his season debut with about 7:30 minutes left in the first period. My guess is Coach Bruce Boudreau did that to give the team some pep, but Neuvy has been the reason the Caps have been doing so well and Varly hasn't played any hockey is quite some time.
The Caps better learn how to play well in the first period and not make boneheaded mistakes. That's why they are losing, not because of anything regarding their goaltending tonight. Just saying...
Alex Semin just displayed all of the reasons that Caps fans don't like him. He tried deking past two Bruins and then., when it didn't work, got called for tripping and put the Caps' penalty kill to the test with the team already down two goals.
The PK, though, did a great job of possessing the puck and preventing the visitors from setting up in their zone. But it didn't turn around the game, especially with the Bruins clogging up the neutral zone and the Caps' attempts at a stretch play not working.
After one: Bruins 2, Caps 0.
Second Period
The team announced that Neuvy left the game with the flu (which, in today's NHL parlance, could be called an upper-body injury.)
The Caps got off to a good start, earning a power play at 3:31 and getting another one with 24 seconds left, giving them a short five-on-three. Unfortunately, the so-called power kill was inept yet again. The team looked like they were playing together for the first time, missing every pass and were out-of-sync at every opportunity.
Marcus Johansson scored his first career goal at 7:41 in crash-the-net garbage-type fashion, exactly what the team needed. Jason Chimera was able to keep the puck in the zone by using his skate as the Bruins were trying to clear it around the net and out. (Matt Hendricks got the secondary assist.) Chimera fed it to Johansson in front of the net and No. 90 poked it past Thomas to narrow the Caps' deficit to one.
The Bruins got an extra-man advantage at 8:59 and, with 53 seconds left, Boston got a five-on-three when Erksine flicked the puck out of his own zone to earn a delay-of-game infraction. The Bruins used their timeout before their two-man advantage.
The PK did a great job and killed off both of Boston's advantages. It even seems like they move more down a man (or two) than when they're on the power play. It's an interesting situation, but if they can get their act together on the PP, they're going to be quite dangerous. The crowd rose in appreciation after things went back to even strength. The Caps definitely have a spring in their step now and seem to be wresting back momentum.
After some back-and-forth action, the Caps returned to the PK when Dave Steckel was called for tripping at 15:03. But the Caps excellent play a man down continued and they kept things status quo.
The Caps got a power play at 18:27 left when Laich was slashed by Chara, giving the Caps a chance at redemption with the extra man and an opportunity to tie the game. Unfortunately for the home team, no dice on either front.
After two: Bruins 2, Caps 1.
Third Period
The Caps weren't able to convert on the rest of their power play, and then the Bruins added to their lead. Matt Hunwick flicked the puck from the blue line with a load of people in front of Varly and it went top-left corner to give the visitors a 3-1 lead. Varly never saw it and the goal clearly took any momentum the Caps had built. The Bruins are playing a very tight, almost playoff-type game and the Caps aren't adjusting well.
The Caps really are a confounding bunch: they've got one of the best records in the league yet it seems they have so many faults. There are lots of players who don't seem to be following the system, while the worker bees do everything they're told. The power play is atrocious and the penalty kill spectacular. Players either pass too much or not enough and everything seems out of sync.
When the coach says you're "winning on talent," that could either mean an implosion is impending or this will be something that will happen all year. It's more likely the latter as that's been the case under Boudreau.
Seemingly trying to light a fire under the team, Erskine dropped the gloves with Lucic behind the play at 9:33 seemingly out of nowhere. We'll see if it makes a difference.
On the ensuing face-off, the puck got stuck up Backstrom's pants causing a laugh by the crowd on a Three Stooges type moment. (Insert joke here about the Caps' play tonight.)
The Caps almost scored right after that, but Ovechkin had batted the puck into the net with his hand so the goal was immediately waved off. It wasn't popular, but it was the correct call.
Unleash the fury with 9:50 left in the third period? Seems a bit early to me...
The S-O-B line is back together to try to help the Caps score. Not working as of yet. Ovechkin stayed on the ice for an inordinate amount of time as the game wound down, even taking some shifts at defenseman, as if a power play was going on -- and that didn't work either. The Caps don't have it tonight for whatever reason. A lot is due to how the Bruins are playing, but the Caps aren't that innocent either.
They Caps pulled Varly for the last two minutes and even got a power play at 18:40 when Gregory Campbell got a double-minor for high-sticking Hendricks. The Caps couldn't even get a shot on net despite a two-man advantage. It was pretty ugly.
After winning games they probably shouldn't have, the Caps four-game victory streak is ending after a dud of a performance. They don't have that much time to adjust before they have to face the Bruins again Thursday night in Beantown.
Final: Bruins 3, Caps 1.
October 18, 2010
Neuvirth Makes an Early Argument
Coming into this season, much was made of the Caps minute-sharing agreement between 22-year-old uber-goalies Michal Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov. So far, Varly has been hurt and has not played, while Neuvy has shined -- going 4-1 with a 2.16 GAA and .930 save percentage.
"The biggest reason we've been winning is our goaltending. He's been unbelievable," Tom Poti said today on CSNWashington.com. "It could have been five- or six-nothing after the first two periods the other night but [Neuvirth] has been playing really well and masking a lot of the problems we've been having."
Coming into the season, many questioned whether the young netminders would be able to shoulder the load. So far, the answer has been a resounding yes. Other than allowing four goals in the opener at Atlanta, Neuvirth has not permitted more than two in a game.
To start last season, Jose Theodore allowed one to the Boston Bruins (whom the Caps host tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. on Versus), but then Varly allowed four to the Toronto Maple Leafs -- and the two split the load in a 6-5 loss at Philadelphia.
In fact, it took the Caps until late November and early December (when they allowed 12 goals in a seven-games, including two shutouts, from Nov. 25-Dec. 9) to produce a similar stretch.
It seems that Neuvy will get one more start before Varly makes his season debut on Thursday in Boston. And only then will the real competition begin -- with Neuvy already boasting an early advantage.
"The biggest reason we've been winning is our goaltending. He's been unbelievable," Tom Poti said today on CSNWashington.com. "It could have been five- or six-nothing after the first two periods the other night but [Neuvirth] has been playing really well and masking a lot of the problems we've been having."
Coming into the season, many questioned whether the young netminders would be able to shoulder the load. So far, the answer has been a resounding yes. Other than allowing four goals in the opener at Atlanta, Neuvirth has not permitted more than two in a game.
To start last season, Jose Theodore allowed one to the Boston Bruins (whom the Caps host tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. on Versus), but then Varly allowed four to the Toronto Maple Leafs -- and the two split the load in a 6-5 loss at Philadelphia.
In fact, it took the Caps until late November and early December (when they allowed 12 goals in a seven-games, including two shutouts, from Nov. 25-Dec. 9) to produce a similar stretch.
It seems that Neuvy will get one more start before Varly makes his season debut on Thursday in Boston. And only then will the real competition begin -- with Neuvy already boasting an early advantage.
October 17, 2010
Weekly Snapshot, Oct. 17
Record/Standings Position: 4-1-0 (8 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/3rd NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-2 (OT), vs. Ottawa
* Won, 2-1, vs. New York Islanders
* Won, 3-2 (OT), at Nashville
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. Boston Bruins (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Thursday at Boston Bruins (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday vs. Atlanta Thrashers (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Marcus Johansson (day-to-day), Matt Bradley (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Mike Green (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Sent Brian Fahey to Hershey (Oct. 17), recalled Fahey from Hershey (Oct. 16), assigned Dany Sabourin to Hershey (Oct. 15).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps haven't played a good first period yet.
* Semyon Varlamov is healthy, but while he was injured, Michael Neuvirth has looked great.
* Alex Ovechkin seems like he's on more of a mission than ever before.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Caps' penalty kill (killed off all 21 opportunities, one of only two teams to have a perfect PK so far); Neuvirth (4-1, 2.16 GAA, .930 save percentage, tied for most wins in NHL); Ovechkin (four goals, four assists).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Johansson (no points before getting hurt); John Erskine (looking even slower than before); DJ King (one game, one fight -- so much for that "multi-dimensional" play so far).
Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-2 (OT), vs. Ottawa
* Won, 2-1, vs. New York Islanders
* Won, 3-2 (OT), at Nashville
This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. Boston Bruins (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Thursday at Boston Bruins (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday vs. Atlanta Thrashers (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Marcus Johansson (day-to-day), Matt Bradley (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Mike Green (day-to-day).
Recent Transactions: Sent Brian Fahey to Hershey (Oct. 17), recalled Fahey from Hershey (Oct. 16), assigned Dany Sabourin to Hershey (Oct. 15).
Top Storylines:
* The Caps haven't played a good first period yet.
* Semyon Varlamov is healthy, but while he was injured, Michael Neuvirth has looked great.
* Alex Ovechkin seems like he's on more of a mission than ever before.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Caps' penalty kill (killed off all 21 opportunities, one of only two teams to have a perfect PK so far); Neuvirth (4-1, 2.16 GAA, .930 save percentage, tied for most wins in NHL); Ovechkin (four goals, four assists).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Johansson (no points before getting hurt); John Erskine (looking even slower than before); DJ King (one game, one fight -- so much for that "multi-dimensional" play so far).
October 13, 2010
Caps-Isles Live
The Icelanders Islanders are in town tonight, with the ancient Dwayne Roloson in the nets opposing the very young Michal Neuvirth. No surprises on the scratches for either team, which means DJ King makes his Caps debut tonight.
First Period
The rumors were true as Nick Backstrom started on the "second" line with Alex Semin and Brooks Laich. That means Tomas Fleischmann is centering Alex Ovechkin and Mike Knuble. This could mean that Backstrom is trying to help Semin get going (even though he's already scored once) or they're showcasing Flash to possible trade suitors (there are several scouts here tonight).
Just 2:47 into the game, King squared off against Trevor Gillies in a prolonged tussle that included about 30 seconds of skating around in circles. It seemed to come out of nowhere, but was very popular with the not-quite-capacity crowd here.
And less than a minute later, the ageless Doug Weight fired the puck from the corner onto the stick of Nino Niederreiter, who fired one-timed the puck past Neuvy at 4:14 for his first career goal. The Caps, so far, look even less interested than they did Monday night against the Ottawa Senators.
Fortunately for the Caps, their opponents are extremely incompetent so nothing has transpired since the Isles scored. The Caps got their first power play of the night (speaking of incompetent) when Mike Green was slashed while rushing up the middle of the ice at 10:34.
With the extra man, the Caps could barely maintain any offensive zone time and only registered two shots. The power play looks beyond inept and it's hard to tell whether teams know what to expect or the Caps really aren't firing effectively.
Shots are 5-5, which is way below what the Caps should be registering against the Islanders. Ovie put on a puck exhibition and just missed Flash for a lay-up right in front of the net, which probably was the Caps' best scoring opportunity this period.
The Caps went on the PK after John Carlson was called for interference at 17:21. Fortunately, the Caps killed off their 13th straight penalty and kept the visitors off the board. Just after the penalty expired, Trent Hunter high-sticked Green to give the Caps a late power play. The Caps didn't mount much in the 35 seconds of PP time this period, so it'll carry over.
And thus concludes another uninterested first period for the Caps. Although they've managed to win their last two games, the fact that they haven't been starting strong is a bit disconcerting.
After one: Isles 1, Caps 0.
Second Period
The Caps have upped the pressure and the shots on goal, and by extension, the game has gotten a bit rougher. No additional fights, yet, but certainly there have been scrums -- especially around the net.
The Caps failed on another power play, although they did mount more pressure. The line changes haven't paid off for the Caps, and in fact, and maybe because of the injuries, the team looks worse than they did against Ottawa. If they were playing a better team, they'd probably be blown out of the building right now. But against the Islanders, they've managed to stay within one (although Ovechkin hit a post) and pulled ahead in the shots-on-goal tally.
Green has gone back to the locker room. The team better hope it's an equipment problem and not an injury. And right on cue, Backstrom has been moved back to his normal spot with Ovie and Knuble. And Green's back on the ice, so it wasn't serious.
And, just like Monday night, Ovechkin rescued the Caps -- this time with an insane wrister right through Roloson's legs. It's his fourth goal of the season, and also gives Backstrom his first point of the campaign.
After two: Caps 1, Isles 1.
During the intermission, Sidney Crosby was booed when the Penguins-Maple Leafs game was shown on the big board -- and Toronto even got a small cheer when they scored. Ovechkin was Al Koken's intermission guest and he got a HUGE cheer.
Third Period
The Isles dominated most of the first eight minutes, but didn't manage too many shots and Neuvy came up big when they did. Ovechkin had the Caps' best chance of the stretch, but was stoned by Roloson. The Isles have been outshooting their opponents in the third period so far this season, and that momentum has extended to tonight.
The Caps continue to get outworked and, thusly, have been getting more penalties. This time, it was Green for hooking at 8:01. That is the biggest ailment of the team right now, and some would argue, in previous years. They don't outwork their opponents enough, especially when they're playing lesser teams. The hallmark of the franchise used to be outworking their opponents every night, and it's unfortunate that a team with this much talent hasn't continued the tradition.
The one aspect of the team that is working hard is the PK, which remains perfect on the season. Ovechkin has also been a shining example, a good thing since he's the captain.
The Caps have started to show life again as the period has progressed, but they still haven't been able to beat Roloson for a second time. Back at the other end, the Isles mounted pressure of their own, but Neuvy has come up huge twice -- once on a breakaway by Matt Moulson and another when Michael Grabner (I hardly even know her) breezed right by Carlson. The young goalie is certainly stating his case as to who should be the starter.
The Caps power play got another chance with 4:05 left when Blake "don't call me Perry" Comeau went to the box for roughing. (You can tell it's a slow night.) The Caps called a timeout before the extra-man advantage began.
And it worked! Twenty-six seconds into the power play, Backstrom deflected an Ovechkin slap shot from the blue line past Roloson to give the Caps a late lead and only their second power play goal of the season. It's Backstrom's first goal of the season and Ovechkin's third assist. (Carlson got the secondary assist, his fourth of the season.)
Neuvy's saves are looming pretty large right now as the Caps have turned up the pressure once again, hoping to ice the game with a third goal. Roloson headed to the bench for an extra skater with a little more than a minute left.
New York called a timeout with 51.9 seconds left to get ready for the final stretch. Neuvy and the defense were able to stop the Islanders and the Caps hang on to win their third straight, despite another sub-par performance.
Final: Caps 2, Isles 1.
First Period
The rumors were true as Nick Backstrom started on the "second" line with Alex Semin and Brooks Laich. That means Tomas Fleischmann is centering Alex Ovechkin and Mike Knuble. This could mean that Backstrom is trying to help Semin get going (even though he's already scored once) or they're showcasing Flash to possible trade suitors (there are several scouts here tonight).
Just 2:47 into the game, King squared off against Trevor Gillies in a prolonged tussle that included about 30 seconds of skating around in circles. It seemed to come out of nowhere, but was very popular with the not-quite-capacity crowd here.
And less than a minute later, the ageless Doug Weight fired the puck from the corner onto the stick of Nino Niederreiter, who fired one-timed the puck past Neuvy at 4:14 for his first career goal. The Caps, so far, look even less interested than they did Monday night against the Ottawa Senators.
Fortunately for the Caps, their opponents are extremely incompetent so nothing has transpired since the Isles scored. The Caps got their first power play of the night (speaking of incompetent) when Mike Green was slashed while rushing up the middle of the ice at 10:34.
With the extra man, the Caps could barely maintain any offensive zone time and only registered two shots. The power play looks beyond inept and it's hard to tell whether teams know what to expect or the Caps really aren't firing effectively.
Shots are 5-5, which is way below what the Caps should be registering against the Islanders. Ovie put on a puck exhibition and just missed Flash for a lay-up right in front of the net, which probably was the Caps' best scoring opportunity this period.
The Caps went on the PK after John Carlson was called for interference at 17:21. Fortunately, the Caps killed off their 13th straight penalty and kept the visitors off the board. Just after the penalty expired, Trent Hunter high-sticked Green to give the Caps a late power play. The Caps didn't mount much in the 35 seconds of PP time this period, so it'll carry over.
And thus concludes another uninterested first period for the Caps. Although they've managed to win their last two games, the fact that they haven't been starting strong is a bit disconcerting.
After one: Isles 1, Caps 0.
Second Period
The Caps have upped the pressure and the shots on goal, and by extension, the game has gotten a bit rougher. No additional fights, yet, but certainly there have been scrums -- especially around the net.
The Caps failed on another power play, although they did mount more pressure. The line changes haven't paid off for the Caps, and in fact, and maybe because of the injuries, the team looks worse than they did against Ottawa. If they were playing a better team, they'd probably be blown out of the building right now. But against the Islanders, they've managed to stay within one (although Ovechkin hit a post) and pulled ahead in the shots-on-goal tally.
Green has gone back to the locker room. The team better hope it's an equipment problem and not an injury. And right on cue, Backstrom has been moved back to his normal spot with Ovie and Knuble. And Green's back on the ice, so it wasn't serious.
And, just like Monday night, Ovechkin rescued the Caps -- this time with an insane wrister right through Roloson's legs. It's his fourth goal of the season, and also gives Backstrom his first point of the campaign.
After two: Caps 1, Isles 1.
During the intermission, Sidney Crosby was booed when the Penguins-Maple Leafs game was shown on the big board -- and Toronto even got a small cheer when they scored. Ovechkin was Al Koken's intermission guest and he got a HUGE cheer.
Third Period
The Isles dominated most of the first eight minutes, but didn't manage too many shots and Neuvy came up big when they did. Ovechkin had the Caps' best chance of the stretch, but was stoned by Roloson. The Isles have been outshooting their opponents in the third period so far this season, and that momentum has extended to tonight.
The Caps continue to get outworked and, thusly, have been getting more penalties. This time, it was Green for hooking at 8:01. That is the biggest ailment of the team right now, and some would argue, in previous years. They don't outwork their opponents enough, especially when they're playing lesser teams. The hallmark of the franchise used to be outworking their opponents every night, and it's unfortunate that a team with this much talent hasn't continued the tradition.
The one aspect of the team that is working hard is the PK, which remains perfect on the season. Ovechkin has also been a shining example, a good thing since he's the captain.
The Caps have started to show life again as the period has progressed, but they still haven't been able to beat Roloson for a second time. Back at the other end, the Isles mounted pressure of their own, but Neuvy has come up huge twice -- once on a breakaway by Matt Moulson and another when Michael Grabner (I hardly even know her) breezed right by Carlson. The young goalie is certainly stating his case as to who should be the starter.
The Caps power play got another chance with 4:05 left when Blake "don't call me Perry" Comeau went to the box for roughing. (You can tell it's a slow night.) The Caps called a timeout before the extra-man advantage began.
And it worked! Twenty-six seconds into the power play, Backstrom deflected an Ovechkin slap shot from the blue line past Roloson to give the Caps a late lead and only their second power play goal of the season. It's Backstrom's first goal of the season and Ovechkin's third assist. (Carlson got the secondary assist, his fourth of the season.)
Neuvy's saves are looming pretty large right now as the Caps have turned up the pressure once again, hoping to ice the game with a third goal. Roloson headed to the bench for an extra skater with a little more than a minute left.
New York called a timeout with 51.9 seconds left to get ready for the final stretch. Neuvy and the defense were able to stop the Islanders and the Caps hang on to win their third straight, despite another sub-par performance.
Final: Caps 2, Isles 1.
October 11, 2010
Caps-Sens Live
Tom Poti is out tonight with an "undisclosed injury," which is never a good sign this early in the season. Michal Neuvirth opposes Pascal Leclaire tonight in goal. The move of the banners for Saturday night's ceremony appears permanent.
First Period
Neuvy has looked solid early, as the Caps haven't quite hit their rhythm yet. Tomas Fleischmann got called for hooking at 4:57, emblematic of the team's pace of being a step slow. Apparently the Senators doesn't quite rile the team up like the New Jersey Devils did Saturday night, but it's early. Sergei Gonchar got the "whoop" treatment as a member of the Sens, just as he did in Pittsburgh.
The team hasn't woken up much as the period passed the halfway point, even though they killed off the first penalty, Mike Knuble went back into the box at 12:05 for high-sticking. The Caps killed that one off too, thanks to some great saves by Neuvy.
They finally got a power play of their own at 14:19 when Peter Regin got called for interference. The Caps' second PP unit looked better than the first group, especially John Carlson. The extra effort earned a second consecutive power play (Matt Carkner for roughing at 16:18).
The two PPs have helped the Caps even the shots-on-goal tally, as the Sens had jumped out to a 12-5 lead in that regard before the team went on the extra-man advantage. Their step also livened a bit but, despite some great chances, the Caps couldn't crack the scoresheet.
But it didn't take that much longer. After the extra-man advantage, the Caps entered the Ottawa zone again quickly and Eric Fehr fed the puck to Brooks Laich, who needled it across to a wide-open Alex Semin, who flicked it over Leclaire's shoulder for a 1-0 lead.
The Caps were penalized for too many men on the ice with less a minute left to give the Sens a power play to start the second stanza.
After one: Caps 1, Sens 0.
Second Period
The Caps were able to kill off the rest of the Ottawa power play, and maintained a bit of pressure but didn't register any more shots on goal. Marcus Johansson still looks a bit lost. He made a decent play to steal the puck at one juncture, but then skated into a triple team.
Ottawa went back on the power play at 6:25 when Ovie was called for cross-checking, a bit of a bogus called that prompted the first "ref, you suck" chant of the evening. The good news is that the penalty kill, and more specifically Neuvy, has been playing very well tonight -- probably the best part of the team so far.
Ottawa finally struck when Jarkko Ruutu deflected the puck past Neuvy on a bit of a broken play. Erskine looked slow on the coverage and the Sens had a two-on-one down low. The Caps clearly aren't motivated tonight and it's showing. This is continuing the very uneven trend of the past, which shows that things haven't change -- a disturbing development to say the least.
But then the Caps struck back when Matt Hendricks (!) fed Fehr, who was wide open in front of the net. Hendricks made a beautiful feed from behind the net. He's played in all three games and has definitely endeared himself to the fans, and maybe the coaches. The Caps may be a bit uneven, but they certainly do not lack any firepower.
And they went back to the power play after Chris Kelly headed to the box for slashing not too long after the Caps' goal. The Caps couldn't convert with the extra man, but did look a bit more energetic. Flash hasn't looked great yet this season, but hasn't been in the spotlight much either.
Fehr and Chimera had a good two-on-one, but Chimmer missed the net. Neuvy continues to be solid at the other end, saving all but one of the 22 shots he's faced.
Slapshot has a drum and is using it liberally. The game's definitely a bit chippy and sporadic tonight, but if the Caps can hold on and maybe extend their lead in the third period, then that will be a positive development.
The Caps went back on the PK (Ovechkin again) with 30.6 seconds left, for interference. Another call the locals didn't like. Ovie is not having a very good game tonight in terms of staying out of the box.
Matt Bradley is out injured, day-to-day. More information coming I'm sure.
After two: Caps 2, Sens 1.
Third Period
The place definitely isn't packed to the rafters, but is still pretty loud. The Caps killed off the rest of the Sens power play and then got a man advantage of their own at 3:35. The Caps have tried lots of back-door cuts tonight, but haven't been able to convert yet. Most of the shots of missed the net to boot. The Caps couldn't convert on the power play, with the best opportunity coming off Semin's stick, who -- you guessed it -- missed the net.
Ottawa tied the game on an unbelievable individual effort by Ryan Shannon. Backstrom gave the puck to Shannon, who deked by two Caps and beat Neuvy high to even the contest. The Sens continue to outshoot -- and some say, outwork -- the red, white and blue.
The Caps got a chance to strike back as they got another power play -- a delayed one which gave them extra time up a man -- at 10:13. The PP came and went with little fanfare, which doesn't exactly instill much confidence. The Canadiens provided a blueprint to stopping the Caps extra-man advantage in last season's playoffs and, so far this season, the Caps haven't done much to change their momentum much in that area: they're one-for-13 to start the campaign.
More scrummage from the teams, which led to a four-on-four with 6:02 remaining. No scoring during the following two minutes, but the Sens did mount some pressure after the teams were back to full strength. Neuvy made two more spectacular saves, continuing his amazing play tonight.
The new "Unleash the Fury" has been, well, unleashed -- and it's got Tom Green with a Caps jersey and a guitar. Good stuff from the production folks.
The Caps ramped up the pressure, but weren't able to strike before regulation concluded.
After three: Caps 2, Sens 2.
Overtime
The extra session started with the Caps showing some energy, including a dominant shift by Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom (still without a point this season), the Johns (Carlson and Erskine), but no scoring. Erskine has looked awful tonight, a point exacerbated because he's paired with the speedy Carlson.
Neuvy continues to show veteran poise, and way beyond his 22 years.
And his play paid off as the captain fired a wrister past Leclaire with 31.1 seconds left in the extra session. The Caps didn't look great tonight, but showed they can score at a moment's notice. Carlson helped Ovechkin get open with a great cross-ice pass.
Final: Caps 3, Sens 2.
First Period
Neuvy has looked solid early, as the Caps haven't quite hit their rhythm yet. Tomas Fleischmann got called for hooking at 4:57, emblematic of the team's pace of being a step slow. Apparently the Senators doesn't quite rile the team up like the New Jersey Devils did Saturday night, but it's early. Sergei Gonchar got the "whoop" treatment as a member of the Sens, just as he did in Pittsburgh.
The team hasn't woken up much as the period passed the halfway point, even though they killed off the first penalty, Mike Knuble went back into the box at 12:05 for high-sticking. The Caps killed that one off too, thanks to some great saves by Neuvy.
They finally got a power play of their own at 14:19 when Peter Regin got called for interference. The Caps' second PP unit looked better than the first group, especially John Carlson. The extra effort earned a second consecutive power play (Matt Carkner for roughing at 16:18).
The two PPs have helped the Caps even the shots-on-goal tally, as the Sens had jumped out to a 12-5 lead in that regard before the team went on the extra-man advantage. Their step also livened a bit but, despite some great chances, the Caps couldn't crack the scoresheet.
But it didn't take that much longer. After the extra-man advantage, the Caps entered the Ottawa zone again quickly and Eric Fehr fed the puck to Brooks Laich, who needled it across to a wide-open Alex Semin, who flicked it over Leclaire's shoulder for a 1-0 lead.
The Caps were penalized for too many men on the ice with less a minute left to give the Sens a power play to start the second stanza.
After one: Caps 1, Sens 0.
Second Period
The Caps were able to kill off the rest of the Ottawa power play, and maintained a bit of pressure but didn't register any more shots on goal. Marcus Johansson still looks a bit lost. He made a decent play to steal the puck at one juncture, but then skated into a triple team.
Ottawa went back on the power play at 6:25 when Ovie was called for cross-checking, a bit of a bogus called that prompted the first "ref, you suck" chant of the evening. The good news is that the penalty kill, and more specifically Neuvy, has been playing very well tonight -- probably the best part of the team so far.
Ottawa finally struck when Jarkko Ruutu deflected the puck past Neuvy on a bit of a broken play. Erskine looked slow on the coverage and the Sens had a two-on-one down low. The Caps clearly aren't motivated tonight and it's showing. This is continuing the very uneven trend of the past, which shows that things haven't change -- a disturbing development to say the least.
But then the Caps struck back when Matt Hendricks (!) fed Fehr, who was wide open in front of the net. Hendricks made a beautiful feed from behind the net. He's played in all three games and has definitely endeared himself to the fans, and maybe the coaches. The Caps may be a bit uneven, but they certainly do not lack any firepower.
And they went back to the power play after Chris Kelly headed to the box for slashing not too long after the Caps' goal. The Caps couldn't convert with the extra man, but did look a bit more energetic. Flash hasn't looked great yet this season, but hasn't been in the spotlight much either.
Fehr and Chimera had a good two-on-one, but Chimmer missed the net. Neuvy continues to be solid at the other end, saving all but one of the 22 shots he's faced.
Slapshot has a drum and is using it liberally. The game's definitely a bit chippy and sporadic tonight, but if the Caps can hold on and maybe extend their lead in the third period, then that will be a positive development.
The Caps went back on the PK (Ovechkin again) with 30.6 seconds left, for interference. Another call the locals didn't like. Ovie is not having a very good game tonight in terms of staying out of the box.
Matt Bradley is out injured, day-to-day. More information coming I'm sure.
After two: Caps 2, Sens 1.
Third Period
The place definitely isn't packed to the rafters, but is still pretty loud. The Caps killed off the rest of the Sens power play and then got a man advantage of their own at 3:35. The Caps have tried lots of back-door cuts tonight, but haven't been able to convert yet. Most of the shots of missed the net to boot. The Caps couldn't convert on the power play, with the best opportunity coming off Semin's stick, who -- you guessed it -- missed the net.
Ottawa tied the game on an unbelievable individual effort by Ryan Shannon. Backstrom gave the puck to Shannon, who deked by two Caps and beat Neuvy high to even the contest. The Sens continue to outshoot -- and some say, outwork -- the red, white and blue.
The Caps got a chance to strike back as they got another power play -- a delayed one which gave them extra time up a man -- at 10:13. The PP came and went with little fanfare, which doesn't exactly instill much confidence. The Canadiens provided a blueprint to stopping the Caps extra-man advantage in last season's playoffs and, so far this season, the Caps haven't done much to change their momentum much in that area: they're one-for-13 to start the campaign.
More scrummage from the teams, which led to a four-on-four with 6:02 remaining. No scoring during the following two minutes, but the Sens did mount some pressure after the teams were back to full strength. Neuvy made two more spectacular saves, continuing his amazing play tonight.
The new "Unleash the Fury" has been, well, unleashed -- and it's got Tom Green with a Caps jersey and a guitar. Good stuff from the production folks.
The Caps ramped up the pressure, but weren't able to strike before regulation concluded.
After three: Caps 2, Sens 2.
Overtime
The extra session started with the Caps showing some energy, including a dominant shift by Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom (still without a point this season), the Johns (Carlson and Erskine), but no scoring. Erskine has looked awful tonight, a point exacerbated because he's paired with the speedy Carlson.
Neuvy continues to show veteran poise, and way beyond his 22 years.
And his play paid off as the captain fired a wrister past Leclaire with 31.1 seconds left in the extra session. The Caps didn't look great tonight, but showed they can score at a moment's notice. Carlson helped Ovechkin get open with a great cross-ice pass.
Final: Caps 3, Sens 2.
October 10, 2010
Weekly Snapshot, Oct. 10
The weekly feature is back, but at a new time: Sundays.
Record/Standings Position: 1-1-0 (2 points), T-2nd Southeast Division/9th Eastern Conference/18th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 4-2, at Atlanta
* Won, 7-2, vs. New Jersey
This Week's Games:
* Monday vs. Ottawa Senators (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Wednesday vs. New York Islanders (7 p.m., CSN-HD, Versus-HD)
* Saturday at Nashville Predators (8 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day). Total Man-Games Lost: 2.
Recent Transactions: None.
Top Storylines:
* The season just began, but we've already seen the Caps at their best and worst.
* Friday night's opener in Atlanta was downright ugly, with the team ignoring the system and not really skating as hard as they should.
* Last night's thunderous victory over the Devils saw the Caps at their best.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (4 points, all last night); Tomas Fleischmann, John Carlson, Alex Semin (3 points).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Marcus Johansson (still adjusting to the NHL); Karl Alzner (still having some rookie moments); Nicklas Backstrom (no points yet).
Record/Standings Position: 1-1-0 (2 points), T-2nd Southeast Division/9th Eastern Conference/18th NHL
Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 4-2, at Atlanta
* Won, 7-2, vs. New Jersey
This Week's Games:
* Monday vs. Ottawa Senators (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Wednesday vs. New York Islanders (7 p.m., CSN-HD, Versus-HD)
* Saturday at Nashville Predators (8 p.m., CSN-HD)
Injuries: Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day). Total Man-Games Lost: 2.
Recent Transactions: None.
Top Storylines:
* The season just began, but we've already seen the Caps at their best and worst.
* Friday night's opener in Atlanta was downright ugly, with the team ignoring the system and not really skating as hard as they should.
* Last night's thunderous victory over the Devils saw the Caps at their best.
Top Line (Who's Hot?): Alex Ovechkin (4 points, all last night); Tomas Fleischmann, John Carlson, Alex Semin (3 points).
Scratches (Who's Not?): Marcus Johansson (still adjusting to the NHL); Karl Alzner (still having some rookie moments); Nicklas Backstrom (no points yet).
October 5, 2010
The System Pays Dividends
Coach Bruce Boudreau makes no secret that he believes in his system. He devoted a large amount of his biography to it and preaches it day after day with the Caps. And it's worked: he's won 141 of his 225 regular-season games as Caps coach and many more than that as a minor-league coach. But he's still chasing that ever-elusive Stanley Cup.
This year, having won just one playoff series as Caps bench boss, more emphasis is being paid to the players executing his system.
"The coaches know the game and they know what they're talking about, so whenever things break down, it's usually something we've done wrong and we haven't followed the system," Matt Bradley said. "There's a million different reasons why you're having a bad game, it could be tired, not in it mentally, not prepared or just lazy. There's a bunch of different reasons and you'd like to keep those games to a minimum."
"Bruce talked about doing things that are playoff-style stuff all through the year so that when we get to the playoffs, we're not changing our game at all, we're playing the same style the whole way through," he added.
Against Montreal last spring, the Caps raced out to a 3-1 series lead before dropping three straight contests to end a President's Trophy-winning season much earlier than they expected.
"If we do it the way we're supposed to, it creates a lot of turnovers, we play good defensive hockey and it ultimately leads to winning, which is a great thing," Jason Chimera said. "We got to stay on our toes and keep on each other in the dressing room and make sure everyone is accountable."
Instead of remaking the team, GM George McPhee promoted players from Hershey who would adhere to the system and not try to change anything. The team is hoping that formula leads to greater long-term success.
“You're depending on individuals to collectively work together and turn the puck over," Dave Steckel said. "If you don't do your individual job, it's not going to work as a unit and therefore it won't be successful."
"You can tell the games we get away from it and the games that we do tighten up. It's a night-and-day difference," he added. "Everyone's bought into the system, everyone knows it. We have to stay with that plan whether we're down four goals or up four goals."
Just last week, Boudreau quipped that the team "fell off the wagon" and didn't do as they were told.
"I just think we got lazy the last couple days. Sometimes it's a long training camp and you can't wait for the season to start," Boudreau said. "Coaches are pretty demanding, they want it perfect all the time and we didn't do it. And that's why we had a refresher course [ at practice] today. We'll be fine."
But, in the end, the team's chances of winning their first Stanley Cup will depend on the players following a system that has worked at every level.
"We don't give a lot of teams time to set up and when one guy goes, I think everybody's going and it can lead to the other team giving the puck up. We pounce on that and go the other way as quick as we can," John Erskine said. "We gotta make sure everybody's on the same page. Going into each game, we have meetings and we have game plans that the coaches write up. And as long as we follow that, we're going to be a tough team to beat."
Best Case Scenario: The Caps achieve the ultimate goal and win the franchise's first Stanley Cup. Alex Ovechkin finally adds the one trophy that's eluded him. This really hasn't changed from last year.
Worse Case Scenario: The system becomes a thing of the past, injuries wallop the team, and the Caps can't even win its own division.
The Prediction: The division title is a lock but, after that, it depends on whether the team can truly play the system for the entire season. If they can, the Eastern Conference finals will be just a footnote on the way to a Stanley Cup. Here's betting more things go right, but not enough to get them past the Pittsburgh Penguins in the conference finals.
This year, having won just one playoff series as Caps bench boss, more emphasis is being paid to the players executing his system.
"The coaches know the game and they know what they're talking about, so whenever things break down, it's usually something we've done wrong and we haven't followed the system," Matt Bradley said. "There's a million different reasons why you're having a bad game, it could be tired, not in it mentally, not prepared or just lazy. There's a bunch of different reasons and you'd like to keep those games to a minimum."
"Bruce talked about doing things that are playoff-style stuff all through the year so that when we get to the playoffs, we're not changing our game at all, we're playing the same style the whole way through," he added.
Against Montreal last spring, the Caps raced out to a 3-1 series lead before dropping three straight contests to end a President's Trophy-winning season much earlier than they expected.
"If we do it the way we're supposed to, it creates a lot of turnovers, we play good defensive hockey and it ultimately leads to winning, which is a great thing," Jason Chimera said. "We got to stay on our toes and keep on each other in the dressing room and make sure everyone is accountable."
Instead of remaking the team, GM George McPhee promoted players from Hershey who would adhere to the system and not try to change anything. The team is hoping that formula leads to greater long-term success.
“You're depending on individuals to collectively work together and turn the puck over," Dave Steckel said. "If you don't do your individual job, it's not going to work as a unit and therefore it won't be successful."
"You can tell the games we get away from it and the games that we do tighten up. It's a night-and-day difference," he added. "Everyone's bought into the system, everyone knows it. We have to stay with that plan whether we're down four goals or up four goals."
Just last week, Boudreau quipped that the team "fell off the wagon" and didn't do as they were told.
"I just think we got lazy the last couple days. Sometimes it's a long training camp and you can't wait for the season to start," Boudreau said. "Coaches are pretty demanding, they want it perfect all the time and we didn't do it. And that's why we had a refresher course [ at practice] today. We'll be fine."
But, in the end, the team's chances of winning their first Stanley Cup will depend on the players following a system that has worked at every level.
"We don't give a lot of teams time to set up and when one guy goes, I think everybody's going and it can lead to the other team giving the puck up. We pounce on that and go the other way as quick as we can," John Erskine said. "We gotta make sure everybody's on the same page. Going into each game, we have meetings and we have game plans that the coaches write up. And as long as we follow that, we're going to be a tough team to beat."
Best Case Scenario: The Caps achieve the ultimate goal and win the franchise's first Stanley Cup. Alex Ovechkin finally adds the one trophy that's eluded him. This really hasn't changed from last year.
Worse Case Scenario: The system becomes a thing of the past, injuries wallop the team, and the Caps can't even win its own division.
The Prediction: The division title is a lock but, after that, it depends on whether the team can truly play the system for the entire season. If they can, the Eastern Conference finals will be just a footnote on the way to a Stanley Cup. Here's betting more things go right, but not enough to get them past the Pittsburgh Penguins in the conference finals.
2010-11 Predictions
It's time for Mr. Cleo to rear his ugly head once again.
Regular season division winners: Pittsburgh Penguins (Atlantic), Boston Bruins (Northeast), Washington Capitals (Southeast), Chicago Blackhawks (Central), Vancouver Canucks (Northwest), and San Jose Sharks (Pacific).
Eastern Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Penguins, Bruins, Caps, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators.
Western Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Blackhawks, Canucks, Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, L.A. Kings, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators.
Playoff conference champions: Penguins and Sharks.
Your 2010-11 Stanley Cup champion: San Jose Sharks in six games (as I first predicted in June).
Regular season division winners: Pittsburgh Penguins (Atlantic), Boston Bruins (Northeast), Washington Capitals (Southeast), Chicago Blackhawks (Central), Vancouver Canucks (Northwest), and San Jose Sharks (Pacific).
Eastern Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Penguins, Bruins, Caps, Philadelphia Flyers, Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils, Buffalo Sabres, and Ottawa Senators.
Western Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Blackhawks, Canucks, Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, L.A. Kings, Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues, and Nashville Predators.
Playoff conference champions: Penguins and Sharks.
Your 2010-11 Stanley Cup champion: San Jose Sharks in six games (as I first predicted in June).
October 3, 2010
Inside the Blogosphere: Kings of Leonsis
As a follow-up to the popular Inside the Press Box series, STC is asking (mostly) local bloggers about why they do what they do. Today's 10th installment: Adam Vingan (and his cohort, Jack Anderson) of Kings of Leonsis.
Kings Of Leonsis (KOL) is like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: two great tastes that taste great together. Instead of chocolate and peanut butter, it’s Jack’s experience and knowledge mixed with my diehard passion and almost-obsessive attention to detail that makes Kings of Leonsis run smoothly (kind of like peanut butter and chocolate) every day.
Now that we have your attention, there will be no snacks or snack-related metaphors for the duration of this bio.
Born and bred in D.C., Jack has spent his formative years cheering for his beloved Redskins and Capitals, while also working his way into the Washington sports media. He now covers the aforementioned teams for SB Nation DC and lives his dream. Jack has gone through his fair share of pain watching both teams struggle (I hear it has taken years off of his life), but his love for this city is unconditional.
I, on the other hand, grew up on the outside in Virginia Beach. How a southern boy becomes a hockey fan is something I have to explain to many people, but the answer is simple. Some of my earliest memories involve my father taking me to Hampton Roads Admirals games every weekend. Back then, Norfolk was the breeding ground for soon-to-be Capitals and I loved watching the players mature (while I also did) and eventually make it to Washington.
Dad and I would travel to MCI Center (as Verizon Center was then known) as often as we could to watch the Capitals play, and seeing those same Admirals on the ice made the games even more special. This led to me moving to D.C. (partially because I wanted to be closer to the team) and studying journalism at American University, where I have had the privilege of attending games on a regular basis.
Jack and I met this summer as interns at Sirius XM Radio. We became fast friends and Jack told me that he wanted to start a Caps-centric blog. Being the pop-culture geek, I suggested KOL as the name, which Jack loved enough to invite me aboard. It happened almost organically; our undying passion for the Capitals brought us together and allowed us to create an avenue to share said passion with those who feel the same way.
Considering that KOL has only been functional for about three months, we feel that we’ve carved ourselves a niche in what truly is the deepest and most expressive fanbase/blogosphere in the NHL. Never did I think that the Capitals would become the talk of this one-sport town, but the transformation has been something to behold.
Jack and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to cover arguably the most exciting team in hockey. We rock the red and unleash the fury as loud and as fervently as every Caps fan. We do it because we love it. And we do it for all of you.
Kings Of Leonsis (KOL) is like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups: two great tastes that taste great together. Instead of chocolate and peanut butter, it’s Jack’s experience and knowledge mixed with my diehard passion and almost-obsessive attention to detail that makes Kings of Leonsis run smoothly (kind of like peanut butter and chocolate) every day.
Now that we have your attention, there will be no snacks or snack-related metaphors for the duration of this bio.
Born and bred in D.C., Jack has spent his formative years cheering for his beloved Redskins and Capitals, while also working his way into the Washington sports media. He now covers the aforementioned teams for SB Nation DC and lives his dream. Jack has gone through his fair share of pain watching both teams struggle (I hear it has taken years off of his life), but his love for this city is unconditional.
I, on the other hand, grew up on the outside in Virginia Beach. How a southern boy becomes a hockey fan is something I have to explain to many people, but the answer is simple. Some of my earliest memories involve my father taking me to Hampton Roads Admirals games every weekend. Back then, Norfolk was the breeding ground for soon-to-be Capitals and I loved watching the players mature (while I also did) and eventually make it to Washington.
Dad and I would travel to MCI Center (as Verizon Center was then known) as often as we could to watch the Capitals play, and seeing those same Admirals on the ice made the games even more special. This led to me moving to D.C. (partially because I wanted to be closer to the team) and studying journalism at American University, where I have had the privilege of attending games on a regular basis.
Jack and I met this summer as interns at Sirius XM Radio. We became fast friends and Jack told me that he wanted to start a Caps-centric blog. Being the pop-culture geek, I suggested KOL as the name, which Jack loved enough to invite me aboard. It happened almost organically; our undying passion for the Capitals brought us together and allowed us to create an avenue to share said passion with those who feel the same way.
Considering that KOL has only been functional for about three months, we feel that we’ve carved ourselves a niche in what truly is the deepest and most expressive fanbase/blogosphere in the NHL. Never did I think that the Capitals would become the talk of this one-sport town, but the transformation has been something to behold.
Jack and I feel lucky to have the opportunity to cover arguably the most exciting team in hockey. We rock the red and unleash the fury as loud and as fervently as every Caps fan. We do it because we love it. And we do it for all of you.
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