The Washington Capitals sometimes-painful transition this season might be finally complete. The team went into a back-to-back at the end of a five-game road trip and won both, with the capper a 1-0 victory in Pittsburgh over the Penguins tonight. It was the second straight shutout of the Pens by the Caps this month -- and the third win over their arch rivals this season.
The lone goal was a power-play tally by Alex Ovechkin late in the second period, the icing on a very good two-way game by the Caps' captain. All throughout the Versus telecast, the announcers focused on the fact that the Caps are much improved in their own zone and are starting to reinstate some of their offensive hallmarks. It only resulted in one goal tonight, and the Caps were badly outshot, 39-24, but the red, white and blue looked like a complete hockey team on national television.
Michal Neuvirth had another outstanding outing (he also shutout the Pens on Super Bowl Sunday) and nary allowed a rebound throughout the game. This is a Caps team that looks like it could make a sustained playoff run, although there are still some worries on offense.
With the Caps off until Friday vs. the New York Rangers, a much-needed second-line center could finally arrive in the nation's capital, and the team that looked quite horrible as recently as two weeks ago could turn into a team that will be fun to watch yet again.
February 21, 2011
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