Storming the Crease

Caps Are Now Unwatchable

2012-02-14T20:36:00.000-05:00

In his genius parody of M.C. Hammer, Weird Al Yankovic describes the current state of the Washington Capitals:

My my my my TV makes me so bored
Makes me say, oh my lord
What is this garbage here?Wanna cover my eyes and plug my ears
It sucks, and that's no lie
It's about as much fun as watching paint dry
Lowers my IQ one notch
And that's the reason why, uh, I can't watch

And, yes, that's what the Caps have become: a circus act full of comedy, errors, injuries, and even jumping through fiery hoops. As Dave Nichols writes, the team's roster is currently full of "expiring contracts and ill-fitting parts," not to mention an overmatched coach and a GM who has lost his so-called magic touch.

First, the roster: Nobody, not even Alex Ovechkin, has performed up to par this season. Alex Semin is up to his old inconsistent tricks (15 goals, same as Troy Brouwer and Jason Chimera); Nicklas Backstrom, despite playing just 38 games, still is second on the team in points; and Mike Knuble has just 11 points.

But the bigger problem with the roster is that they haven't embraced their desperate situation or done anything differently under Coach Dale Hunter than they did under Bruce Boudreau.

Speaking of Hunter, he's beginning to show his inexperience. His biggest mistake occurred during last night's game (a 5-3 loss to the San Jose Sharks that wasn't even close): he not only started Braden Holtby ahead of Michal Neuvirth (who played Sunday afternoon in New York), but then insulted him along the way and forgot the fact that Holtby (who has played all of 14 NHL games before last night) had started on Sunday for the Hershey Bears.

"It's one of those things that if he was standing on his head every night, would Braden be playing? No," Hunter said. "It's always judged by how you play."

But he forgot the fact that Neuvirth played decently against the Rangers and lost because of faulty defense in front of him. Holtby was returned to Hershey today when regular starter Tomas Vokoun magically got over the "flu" in one day.

Finally, GM George McPhee still blames injuries for the team's current state, saying that missing Backstrom and the frequently injured Mike Green somehow has led to the team's sorry state:

"Of course we've only had that team on ice for eight games. We're 8-0 in those games," he said in today's edition of The Washington Post. "I still think if we get our guys back and if we can add something here in the next couple of weeks we're good enough to win the Stanley Cup."

Um, no, you're not. The Caps weren't good enough to win the Cup when they started the season 7-0 and weren't the last couple of seasons, either. Their defense is still spotty, scoring inconsistent and still don't know how to play a full 60-minute game.

Do you think the Pittsburgh Penguins are making any excuses? Sidney Crosby has played all of 49 games over the last two seasons, yet the Pens currently stand in fifth place in the East (eight points ahead of the Caps) and finished with 106 points last season (without Crosby and Evgeni Malkin for half the season).

The Pens just keep playing, getting better and focusing on defense -- something the Caps have been unable to do (even when healthy). This is a broken franchise with an unhealthy culture -- and that's been around for a while.

McPhee hasn't exactly been lighting up any billboards over the course of his career. Since he took over as the Caps' GM, the team made the Stanley Cup finals in his first season (with mostly leftovers from when David Poile was GM) and, since then, the team has won just two playoff series: both against the Rangers. That's not exactly a winning record.

With the team regressing this season, and too many problems to list in one place, it's time for owner Ted Leonsis to clean house -- and do things the right way for the team to have any realistic chance at winning a Stanley Cup. Until then, the team will be unwatchable -- again.

Caps Still Asking Same Questions

2012-01-29T14:13:00.001-05:00

At the all-star break, the "p" word is still haunting the Washington Capitals. Not playoffs; potential. It seems that the Caps never play as well as they should in every game. Yes, there are great wins and amazing efforts. But, even under Coach Dale Hunter's more balanced two-way system, that's still not the rule.

A lot of this has to do with the roster. Granted, it's much more balanced and built to play the right way than in years past, but there still are holes. Alex Semin of course is the biggest problem, he of making $6.7 million and registering just 28 points. But Alex Ovechkin (20 goals, 19 assists) is underachieving along with pretty much the entire roster.

Dennis Wideman -- the team's lone all star after Ovechkin decided to skip the contest -- is having a great season and deserves a contract extension. Nicklas Backstrom, before he got hurt, was having a good year too. But it's hard to really laud anybody else.

The team is in first place in the Southeast Division, only by virtue of a tiebreaker, and therefore in third place in the Eastern Conference. But there are five conference teams who have more standings points.

In other words, this season may just be the one that breaks the proverbial camel's back. Not only may Hunter not return but neither might GM George McPhee. Yes, it's very possible -- if not likely -- that the team will win the division. But is this team built to win the Stanley Cup? Nope.

There have been many times this year that the team's potential has teased its fans and others around the NHL. But, during an all-star break that is devoid of excitement, there is no doubt that the franchise isn't in the same optimistic state it was not too long ago.

Things Looking Up for Caps

2012-01-13T08:39:00.001-05:00

The Washington Capitals may be Team Turmoil this season but, through 41 games (exactly halfway through the season), the Caps are just four points behind the Florida Panthers for the Southeast Division lead with a game in hand (both teams play tonight). And they're tied with the reeling Pittsburgh Penguins for the eighth and final playoff spot, three points behind the seventh-place Toronto Maple Leafs.

Watching the team lately, it's easy to see that bright times are ahead. They're playing great defensive hockey and winning home games. They're still a little rusty away from Verizon Center, but are in the second game of a four-game homestand. If things go well, they could be leading the division by the all-star break.

It's also important to remember that GM George McPhee hasn't made any trades yet, but it's apparent that Jeff Schultz isn't in the long-term plan after spending a lot of time as a healthy scratch this season. Schultz has two years left on his deal after this one. John Erskine hasn't played much either, and he's signed for next season as well. It'll be interesting to see what happens over the next 45 days before the trading deadline and which players will be given an extension and who will be sent out of town.

Remember that there are several important players who aren't yet signed for next season, including Alex Semin, Mike Green, Dennis Wideman, Mike Knuble, Jeff Halpern, and John Carlson. (Green and Carlson are restricted free agents, the others are unrestricted.)

Speaking of Wideman, he and Alex Ovechkin will participate in the all-star game later this month. Ovechkin will be making his fifth-consecutive NHL all-star appearance, tying the Caps' club record held by Peter Bondra. Ovechkin leads the team in goals (17), shots (156) and power-play goals (six) and ranks second on the team in points (33) and hits (133).

Wideman will be making his first appearance at an NHL all-star game. He currently ranks fifth in the league among defensemen in points (29), tied for fourth in goals (eight), tied for fifth in assists (21) and leads the Caps in average ice time (24:08).

Finally, as you've probably heard by now, the NHL and NHLPA couldn't agree on the amazing realignment proposal set forth last month, so it appears everything will stay the same for next season.

RBC Center: A Fan-Friendly Hockey Environment

2012-01-02T11:07:00.003-05:00

I recently had the opportunity to visit RBC Center in Raleigh, N.C., for the first time and I must say I was impressed. The Carolina Hurricanes do a great job of involving the fans at all points of the evening, especially during television timeouts. There were numerous quizzes, game-show type segments, giveaways and other methods to keep the action going while there wasn't any hockey being played.

That being said, the crowd enthusiasm wasn't very high. Most of the noise was arena-generated (much like an NBA game) and the only Horn Guy (unlike the one at Verizon Center) worked for the team as part of the Storm Squad, who even have a corporate sponsorship. Most of the banners belonged to N.C. State, who play their home basketball games there and their football games across the parking lot.

The seating arrangement was fan friendly too. From my seat in the fourth row behind the visitor's penalty box (which I got for a very reasonable price), I could see that most of the seats were in fact in the lower bowl. The club level and upper deck didn't appear that big, although its capacity is 18,176 -- slightly less than the 18,398 (without the standing-room spots) of Verizon Center.

By my count, I've now visited the following arenas: Verizon Center, St. Pete Times Forum in Tampa, Fla., RBC Center, First Niagara Center in Buffalo, United Center in Chicago -- and two that aren't being used any more: Capital Centre and Brendan Byrne Arena in New Jersey.

This reinforced that Caps fans are lucky to have such a great place to watch a home game.

Wouldn't It Be Nice? (2011 Edition)

2011-12-21T12:04:00.006-05:00

Some year-end wishes, inspired by Leonard Shapiro's Washington Post column and the venerable Beach Boys.

Wouldn't it be nice if:

* The Washington Capitals are able to fully embrace Coach Dale Hunter's playing system and thrive in 2012?

* The team played more consistently?

* The special teams continued to improve?

* Alex Ovechkin started scoring goals again on a more regular basis?

* Alex Semin finally is shipped out of town?

* Brooks Laich finally gets some recognition for all of his great play?

* The goalies take a stand?

* The Hershey Bears won the Calder Cup?

* The Caps won the Stanley Cup?

Caps' Transition Continues

2011-12-18T20:28:00.000-05:00

It's been an average start to the beginning of the Dale Hunter Era, as the Washington Capitals (15-14-1, 33 points) are 4-5 since their onetime captain took over behind the bench.

Overall, the team is ninth in the league in goals per game (2.90), but 23rd in goals against (3.06). Some of that is expected, as the team has been asked (for the second straight season) to do a complete 180-degree turn in playing style midway through the campaign. However, with Hunter behind the bench now (as opposed to former Coach Bruce Boudreau leading the charge last winter), improvements are very slow to materialize.

The only advantage the Caps have right now is time: they've only played 31 games and are just two points behind the last playoff spot. The disconcerting stat is that their goal differential is minus-five (ninth in the East), whereas they were plus-27 last season. If they can buy what Hunter is selling -- and do it effectively -- then all of that will change.

But for a team that had high hopes coming into the season, it is quite painful to watch right now. They suffered through a 2-1 loss at Colorado last night and squeezed by the Jets in a 1-0 win at Winnipeg Thursday night. And let's not forget the embarrassing 5-1 loss to the Philadelphia Flyers at Verizon Center Tuesday night.

The team hosts the Nashville Predators Tuesday night before traveling to face the New Jersey Devils Friday night and Buffalo Sabres on Monday.

Realignment Hits Home Run

2011-12-06T19:51:00.001-05:00

The Washington Capitals are going home, so to speak, after the NHL announced a realignment plan yesterday that essential reinvigorates the old Patrick Division. First, the new set of four conferences (no, that is not a typo):

* New Jersey, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, New York Rangers, New York Islanders, Washington and Carolina.

* Boston, Montreal, Toronto, Ottawa, Buffalo, Florida and Tampa Bay.

* Detroit, Columbus, Nashville, St. Louis, Chicago, Minnesota, Dallas and Winnipeg.

* Los Angeles, Anaheim, Phoenix, San Jose, Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, and Colorado.

The NHL has been discussing realignment for a while now, and there have been many proposals (including mine). The conferences above makes clear two things: one, there were sets of teams that the league weren't willing to separate, and two, they wanted to stress historic rivalries. Yes, the Caps could have ended up with Carolina, Florida and Tampa (along with most likely Pittsburgh and Philly), but the NHL was going for maximum impact and went back to the future.

By the way, the league also went back to the old playoff format: the top four teams in each conference make the playoffs and play each other in the first two rounds. Then, two conference champions (most likely mirroring something similar to Eastern and Western Conferences now) will face each other to determine the Stanley Cup finalists.

Putting the Caps with the Devils, Flyers, Penguins, Rangers, Islanders and Hurricanes not only gives the red, white and blue an easier travel schedule, but it makes their path to a ~~division~~ conference title much more difficult.

As for those sets of teams that the league created, here's how I see them:

* Caps and Carolina
* New York (x2) and New Jersey
* Philly and Pittsburgh
* Boston and Buffalo
* Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa
* Florida and Tampa
* Detroit and Chicago
* L.A., Anaheim, and San Jose
* Vancouver, Calgary, and Edmonton

It's going to be interesting to see if the Caps can clinch a fifth straight Southeast Division title this season -- and then how things will shape up next year when the realignment is instituted.

Patience, My Young Jedi

2011-12-04T14:53:00.001-05:00

Coach Dale Hunter got the first win of his tenure behind the Washington Capitals' bench last night as the team still adjusts to his system. Yes, the team hasn't looked amazing yet, but then again, there is much precedent for switching coaches mid-season and going onto much success. There's also history for teams who were floundering, didn't make many changes and ended up doing well.

One example sat across from Hunter Thursday night: Pittsburgh Penguins Coach Dan Bylsma. He was hired in the middle of the 2009 season -- despite the fact that team had made it to the Stanley Cup finals the season before under another coach -- and lead the team to its first title since they repeated in 1991 and 1992. (There was a time when some folks weren't even sure if the Penguins would make the playoffs that season.)

Another case was the Detroit Red Wings, who have started many a season slowly only to turn it up in January and cruise to a division title and playoff success.

Let's not also forget the 2010 Philadelphia Flyers, who didn't get into the playoffs until the last day of the regular season only to lose in the finals in six games.

Finally, there's Coach Bruce Boudreau's first season -- when the team famously went from the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings to the first of four straight Southeast Division titles.

This year's team is 13-11-1 (27 points in 25 games), second in the Southeast Division and tied for either in the Eastern Conference. Yes, it's not the place the team probably thought it would be on Dec. 4, but certainly it's not as bad as many have painted the picture.

There are still 57 games left in the regular season -- plenty of time for the team to take on Hunter's personality and reach the lofty goals it has set for itself.

Hunter Replaces Boudreau as Head Coach

2011-11-28T10:45:00.001-05:00

GM George McPhee has announced that Washington Capitals' great Dale Hunter has replaced Bruce Boudreau as the team's head coach. Hunter, whose No. 32 is retired by the team, is the 15th coach in franchise history.

Hunter brings one main thing to the Caps, which has been written about both in this space and in others. From the great Mike Vogel today:

"The Caps were known as a lunch-bucket bunch that prided itself on playing strong defensive hockey in those days, and they were rarely caught short in the work ethic department.A Dale Hunter-coached team is certain to be a hard-working team."

That is one characteristic that Boudreau couldn't coax out of the Caps on a consistent basis. And, if you look at teams that succeed -- especially in the playoffs -- they are hard-working and play for each other. As Vogel writes, the Caps with Hunter didn't have the best players, but they never took a night off or had any "passengers" -- two more knocks on Boudreau.

So not only does this mean the Caps are in for some hard work, but it means that certain players are going to be in for a bit of a culture shock. Fortunately, McPhee has compiled a mostly hard-working roster, so it's not like there will have to be a major personnel shift. But if Alex Semin (or Alex Ovechkin, for that matter) feels like being lazy or complacent, they're not going to get away with it.

Boudreau tried the disciplinary route a little too late. Hunter will start with it today. And, speaking of Ovechkin, if the current team captain needs a role model of how to behave as a leader, he will not need to go too far.

Hunter was perhaps the best captain in franchise history (although Rod Langway might be a close second). And, for the current Caps, these are things that were needed that, unfortunately, cost a very good coach his job.

But for the team to advance in the playoffs, this was a tough choice that needed to be made.

Extreme Makeover: Washington Capitals

2011-11-21T20:11:00.001-05:00

Before you think the following is about who the Washington Capitals should trade, know that there is only one person that will fall into that category. For the most part, though, this is about what the Caps can or should do to break out of their funk and get back to playing winning hockey:

1. Trade Alex Semin: Let's get the most obvious out of the way first. Semin, who was a healthy scratch tonight against the Phoenix Coyotes, has been underachieving all season and is currently the second-highest paid player on the roster at $6.7 million. Also, it's increasingly unlikely that he'll be back because GM George McPhee is not willing to give him another pay raise and his spot on the team is becoming more tenuous.

Semin only has nine points (four goals, five assists) on the season, his ice time is decreasing and he's in yet another dormant period. In fact, he's scored just 18 goals in calendar year 2011 -- a total he matched in the final three months of 2010 alone. Yes, he scored 28 goals last season, but 12 of those tallies came in November. Finally, he took nine hooking and six tripping penalties last season -- and he's got four of each already this season. He's making Matt Bradley seem like a prophet.

2. Pick Another Captain: Alex Ovechkin is the face of the franchise and the most influential player on the Caps without question. However, since he was named captain on Jan. 5, 2010, Ovie has declined. In his first full season as the team's on-ice leader (2010-11), he experienced his worst season statistically since entering the NHL and watched as his team was swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning last spring.

It would be great if Gary Bettman handed the Stanley Cup to Ovechkin if and when the Caps win the championship. But, at this rate, the team isn't getting anywhere close to achieving that goal. By many accounts, Ovie and Coach Bruce Boudreau aren't seeing eye-to-eye and No. 8 is having trouble adjusting to a more balanced, two-way style of play. Dale Hunter wasn't the Caps' best player when he was captain, but he was the team's unquestioned leader. It might be time for Ovechkin to relinquish that responsibility and get back to concentrating on hockey -- something that needs a lot of improvement.

3. Listen to Boudreau: The coach knows what he's talking about. He's one win (entering tonight's contest) from capturing his 200th NHL win (in just about four seasons since taking over in November 2007). But, for some reason, the Caps don't seem inclined to follow orders and stick to the system.

"Sometimes I think we did maybe too good of a job of moving on [from a loss], we didn't learn from our mistakes from the game before," winger Troy Brouwer said in this morning's Washington Post. "You do need to learn and progress as a team. I think it's really hitting the guys right now that something needs to change, and it starts with our work ethic."

Boudreau's had some great quotes (and excuses) about this issue over the years, but the Caps are well beyond lip service. It's time for a team that's won its division four times in a row to take the next step. McPhee has done a good job of making moves at the right time -- and sending Semin out of town is the next logical step -- but, this season, most of the makeover needs to be made internally.

4. Play For Each Other: This is perhaps the most telling sign of a true Stanley Cup contender. It's a team that always talks about helping each other, and not about personal goals or accolades. This starts with the captain (see above) and stretches all the way to the last person on the bench -- or the first recall from the AHL. When McPhee traded for Jason Chimera and Scott Hannan the last two falls, he was trying to acquire players that made an impact in those areas. But in order for the 2011-12 season to truly complete the transformation, the team needs to approach everything differently.

"It's not the team with the best players that always wins, it's the team that plays best together," Brooks Laich said after the Caps lost, 7-1, to the Toronto Maple Leafs Saturday night. "At times tonight we were disconnected, we were on an island a little bit. When we're successful it's all about support, short passes and five-man units on the ice."

The Caps need to adopt that mantra every night, or things won't change. As Albert Einstein famously said, "The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

Old Ghosts Haunt Caps

2011-11-16T20:39:00.001-05:00

Last night's Washington Capitals' loss (3-1 to the Nashville Predators) marks the team's sixth defeat in the past nine games and its fourth in the past five outings. This comes after a 7-0 start when the squad did so many things correctly. But during the current downswing, painful memories are coming back to haunt the team:

* Sloppy defense: the Caps have allowed 21 goals in regulation in seven November games, not a good sign for a team that supposedly has an improved, stingy defense. By comparison, the team allowed 23 goals in all of October (nine games), and seven of those came in a messy 7-4 loss in Vancouver. It's eerily reminiscent of last year at this time, when Coach Bruce Boudreau went to a modified trap that pretty much sucked the offense life out of the team.

* Inconsistent Special Teams: The Caps are in the middle of the league (83 percent) when it comes to the penalty kill, and at 20 percent (eighth) on the power play. By comparison, at the end of the seven-game winning streak, the Caps were 29.6 percent effective on the power play, while the penalty kill stood at 81.8 percent. So the penalty kill has only slightly improved and the power play has fallen off the wagon. This is part of ghost No. 2: the Caps either do really well on the penalty kill or the power play -- not both. Right now, the extra-man advantage is powerless and the penalty kill isn't doing that great either.

* No. 28 is Missing: The Enigmatic One, Alex Semin, has eight whole points (three goals, five assists) in 16 games, good for 170th in the league. He's only got two points this month and has looked pretty lost. In fact, Boudreau actually benched him for the third period against the New Jersey Devils on Nov. 11, when Semin played just 8:25 in a 3-1 win. He hasn't exactly endeared himself to the "new" playing style this season.

For once, goaltending isn't haunting the Caps. Yes, there have been some hiccups for Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirth, but overall, they've been pretty good in leading the Caps to a 2.75 goals against average. Most of the inflation, though, is due to the defensive play in front of the Czech (team)mates and not the goalies' performance.

So the Caps are back in a similar situation as previous years, despite many efforts to make things different. Granted, it's a long season and a lot can change. But the fact that a team with many of the same players are going through the same things as previous seasons is a bit troubling and could derail a lot of good in a hurry.

Caps Still Finding Form

2011-11-06T19:40:00.002-05:00

Through 12 games, the Washington Capitals have shown mostly ups, but a few downs. Their most recent game, a 5-3 loss at the New York Islanders, most definitely falls into the latter category. The problem, it seems, is that the defense (2.75 goals allowed per game) isn't as solid and consistent as expected. The offense (3.92 goals per game), however, is stellar. In order for the team to contend, their defense will have to tighten up a bit -- without affecting the offense.

The other (somewhat) concern is Tomas Vokoun. He's got a 2.54 goals against average, but was torched for all five goals against the Islanders and four in one period earlier in the season against the Vancouver Canucks.

Nick Backstrom seemingly has found his offensive spark, while Alex Ovechkin has looked pedestrian at times. Alex "The Enigma" Semin has all of seven points in the first 12 games. Coach Bruce Boudreau has shown a willingness to punish players for a poor performance. Let's see if he'll make a player like Semin a healthy scratch -- or if GM George McPhee would actually consider sending No. 28 elsewhere.

Yes, it's early, but there's no time to waste this season. Not with expectations higher than ever, and the stakes possibly even more elevated.

Vokoun Leads Caps to Perfection

2011-10-23T17:41:00.002-04:00

The Washington Capitals haven't wasted any time coming out of the gate strongly in the 2011-12 season. They're 7-0 (just the fifth team to do so, but neither of the previous four have won the Stanley Cup). Of course, it still matters more what they do in April, May (and maybe June) than October, but that shouldn't take away from the performance of new goalie Tomas Vokoun.

"He was great," Coach Bruce Boudreau said of the goalie's play in last night's 7-1 victory over the Detroit Red Wings. "He's been great ever since the 15-minute mark of the second game. He's been outstanding."

In six games so far, Vokoun is undefeated with a 1.80 goals-against average and .944 save percentage. Both would be career bests for the Czech goaltender.

"Vokoun made saves and gave their guys an opportunity and our guy [had] a tough time," Wings Coach Mike Babcock said last night.

How often has Boudreau come up with a quote similar to Babcock's during his tenure? The bottom line is that Vokoun gives the Caps a player who can steal a game, and that's something that's essentially to winning a Stanley Cup.

Meanwhile, the Caps' offense is leading the league with 4.14 goals per game and giving up just two (good for seventh). The power play is back on top of the league at 29.6 percent, while the penalty kill has been pedestrian at 81.8 (18th). This is certainly the balance Boudreau is seeking, although the PK needs some TLC -- and the power play will come back to earth.

All in all, the Caps are doing a lot right, but still have room for improvement. There still are lulls during games and their PK must improve. But, that being said, you can't ask more than winning ever game -- even if it's only October.

Two and Oh-So-Close

2011-10-11T20:36:00.002-04:00

Although just two games have been played during the 2011-12 regular season, so far the Washington Capitals have made it seem that their run-and-gun ways are back -- or that their defense is way behind their offense in terms of development. A 6-5 shootout win over the Tampa Bay Lightning on Monday night followed a 4-3 overtime victory over the Carolina Hurricanes on opening night.

Those two wins give the Caps 4.5 goals per game (second in the NHL), but also a 4.00 GAA (26th). The reality is that they'll probably finish somewhere in the middle of those two numbers. However, heading into their next two games -- Thursday at the Pittsburgh Penguins and Saturday at home against the Ottawa Senators -- the Caps need to start tightening up on offense.

Each goalie has started once and neither has looked overly impressive. New acquisition Tomas Vokoun gave up three soft goals against the Lightning, while Michal Neuvirth didn't dominate. That's nitpicking, yes, but with a small sample size that's the only available evidence so far.

No conclusions are drawn in October, so the basic goal remains the same: establish good habits and play the right way. All the rest should take care of itself.

This is the Caps' Year, Take III

2011-10-05T20:08:00.006-04:00

The Washington Capitals, once again, went through a makeover during the off-season in the hopes of finding the right formula to win the franchise's first Stanley Cup. But this year's recruits -- Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer, Jeff Halpern (for his second stint with the team), Roman Hamrlik, and Tomas Vokoun -- have a different feel than previous additions.

For one, they're all going to play Coach Bruce Boudreau's system -- which indicates that GM George McPhee finally acknowledged that getting players to adhere to a system is easier than changing the ways of existing players. Secondly, only Brouwer has a Stanley Cup and, at age 26, is extremely hungry for more.

And, finally, bringing in Vokoun indicates that McPhee and Boudreau have officially acknowledged that the former starting tandem of Michael Neuvirth and Semyon Varlamov wasn't enough to get them over the proverbial hump. (Neuvirth is still the Goalie of the Future -- for now -- while Varly's trade to Colorado yielded a first-round draft pick that could be a top-five selection come June.)

Keys to the Season

* Motivation: Although this should have been decided long ago, this team needs to show that it won't take a night off and will not play less than a full 60 minutes every game. This is the season to prove everybody wrong -- and one where how they play matters more than whether they win or lose.

* Playing for Each Other: This is perhaps the most important trait of a champion. Teams that win aren't selfish and don't care about any trophy except the Stanley Cup. It's time to put aside all of the "playoff style" comments and show that they're striving for excellence from day one. The new folks made the team deeper and more balanced, and now they've got to prove it on the ice.

* Tougher Competition: Like it or not, the Caps have a major target on their back. Not only have they won the Southeast Division four times in a row and the Eastern Conference twice, but they've got to improve to keep up with the competition. The defending champion Boston Bruins won their division but, seeded third, were somewhat quiet throughout the regular season before dominating in the playoffs. The Philadelphia Flyers are undergoing a chemistry experience that could end up being downright scary for their competition (or their locker room), while the Pittsburgh Penguins and Tampa Bay Lightning are only getting better. It's time for the Caps to go deep into the playoffs and prove that they're for real.

Predictions

Best Case Scenario: As we've said for a while, the Caps' only ideal ending to the season is a Stanley Cup. They've got the roster to do it and GMGM always finds a way under the salary cap to make the right moves. It's up to the players to make history.

Worst Case Scenario: As in previous seasons, there's always the possibility that this group is a disaster, injuries hit like wildfire and the team falls apart -- leading to Boudreau's firing. Doubtful but possible.

What Should Happen: The team wins its fifth-straight division title, Vokoun has a career season and everything goes according to plan. I'm not saying they'll win the Cup, but a berth in the Eastern Conference finals should be a given unless the wheels fall off the wagon (as detailed above).

League-Wide Picks

Regular season division winners: Flyers (Atlantic), Bruins (Northeast), Caps (Southeast), Detroit Red Wings (Central), Vancouver Canucks (Northwest), and San Jose Sharks (Pacific).

Eastern Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Flyers, Bruins, Caps, Penguins, Lightning, Buffalo Sabres, Montreal Canadiens, and Toronto Maple Leafs.

Western Conference playoff teams (in no particular order): Red Wings, Canucks, Sharks, L.A. Kings, Anaheim Ducks, Nashville Predators, Chicago Blackhawks, and Dallas Stars.

Playoff conference champions: Flyers and Red Wings.

Your 2011-12 Stanley Cup champion: Flyers (as I first predicted in June).

Counting Down to the Regular Season

2011-09-25T14:48:00.001-04:00

With just about two weeks left until the regular season, the Caps have all but finalized their roster. According to Capitals Insider, they're now down to 20 forwards, 12 defensemen (without Tom Poti, who might be out for the year) and three goaltenders.

Of those, the goalie position (with Tomas Vokoun and Michal Neuvirth) is set, and the top seven defensemen (John Carlson, Karl Alzner, Mike Green, Roman Hamrlik, Denis Wideman, John Erskine and Jeff Schultz) probably are too.

So that leaves the forwards. Nicklas Backstrom, Alex Ovechkin, Mike Knuble, Joel Ward, Alex Semin, Jason Chimera, Jeff Halpern, Matt Hendricks, Marcus Johansson, and Brooks Laich have definitely secured a spot. DJ King (unfortuantely) probably has too, which means the final spots will go to Jay Beagle, Christian Hanson, Mathieu Perreault, Mattias Sjogren and/or Cody Eakin.

Either way, this is a stronger team than Coach Bruce Boudreau has guided in the past. As with previous seasons, everything will evolve until the spring arrives. Until then, though, there will be a lot to watch. More on that as the regular season nears.

Summer Has Arrived

2011-07-18T19:53:00.003-04:00

The Washington Capitals (and most of the NHL) are on summer break, so STC will join the party. If there's breaking news, we'll be sure to report it. Otherwise, see you in September!

Alzner Signs

2011-07-15T10:58:00.000-04:00

Defenseman Karl Alzner, the Washington Capitals' last remaining restricted free agent, signed a two-year deal today reportedly worth $2.57 million. That means the team is once again over the salary cap, meaning another transaction will be necessary.

It could mean a player like Eric Fehr, who was dealt to Winnipeg last week, will be traded or it could be the precursor to a long-awaited (at least by some) Alex Semin deal. That remains to be seen, but getting Alzner back is key.

Three Reasons to Trade Alex Semin

2011-07-08T10:48:00.003-04:00

I've often said that you can find statistics to support any theory, and blogger Neil Greenberg follows that mantra with his recent post, "Statistical analysis: The importance of Alexander Semin." Well, my friend, here is a counter-argument:

Firstly, you don't address the playoffs. In 37 career playoff games, Semin has 12 goals -- and eight have come in two series against the New York Rangers. This past April, he had three goals and one assist against the Blueshirts and then one goal and one assist while being swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning. Against the Montreal Canadians last spring, he had two assists in the seven-game loss. In 2009, he had five goals and three assists against the Rangers, but no goals and six assists against the Pittsburgh Penguins. In 2008, he notched three goals and five assists against the Philadelphia Flyers.

So in his last two postseasons against the Lightning and Canadiens, he's got one goal and three assists. Take away the Rangers, and he's rather pedestrian in the postseason.

Secondly, Semin is incredibly inconsistent. Last season, Semin scored 28 goals, but they came in 20 games -- and he had a 17-game stretch where he didn't notch a goal. During the 2009-10 season, his 40 goals were scored in just 28 games, including just seven goals in November and December combined.

In 2008-09, his 34 goals were scored in -- you guessed it -- 28 games, including five goals in December and January. In 2007-08, his 26 goals were scored in 25 games, and he didn't score his 10th until mid-January.

Finally, Semin's playing style is the antithesis of the teams' approach. All of the players brought to the team, and for that matter many of the holdovers, have some grit with their skill and are mostly responsible in both ends of the ice. And while Semin is a decent penalty killer, he's hardly defensively responsible and has been known to disappear during the course of the game -- even in the offensive zone.

So while Semin's stats may support keeping him on the team, everything else says to trade him. For the upcoming season, trading the enigmatic winger would complete the transformation.

Caps Start Free Agency with a Bang

2011-07-04T15:59:00.000-04:00

The Washington Capitals have continued their transformation to a hard-working, gritty, talented bunch through the signings of Joel Ward and Jeff Halpern. They also added veteran blueliner Roman Hamrlik and brought back Chris Bourque for some depth. Finally, they made a goaltending statement by sending Semyon Varlamov to Colorado and signing Tomas Vokoun. Other than Ward, nobody got more than a two-year deal (Hamrlik).

More and more, GM George McPhee is making it emphatically clear that the status quo is not acceptable and the players will need to be more accountable and adherent to Bruce Boudreau's system.

But there are still a few more questions. For example, who is going to be the second-line center? Will Alex Semin manage to stay with the club, despite the fact he looks more like an outsider every day? And, finally, how will the additions fit into the team's chemistry?

While many of these questions probably won't be answered until the fall, Semin's situation could be addressed sooner rather than later. With Karl Alzner and Troy Brouwer still needing contracts, and the team dangerously close to the salary cap, it seems that McPhee still has something up his sleeve.

My bet is that Semin is shown the door, clearing up $6.7 million in cap space that can be used for Alzner, Brouwer, and any trade-deadline additions. More than ever, the upcoming season is the team's best chance to make a deep playoff run.

The last two Stanley Cup champs, the Chicago Blackhawks and Boston Bruins, make it evident that grit is sometimes paramount to skill and teams that don't have accountability to each other won't succeed. The Caps are making great strides towards laying the groundwork for that this off-season, but the journey won't be an easy one.

Caps Sign Ward, Hamrlik

2011-07-01T17:39:00.001-04:00

The Washington Capitals have added to their haul by inking defenseman Roman Hamrlik to a two-year deal and forward Joel Ward on a four-year pact.

Look for more later in the weekend.

Varlamov Traded to Colorado for Draft Picks

2011-07-01T14:40:00.001-04:00

The Washington Capitals have announced that they have acquired a first-round pick in the 2012 NHL Entry Draft and a second-round pick in the 2012 or 2013 NHL Entry Draft from the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for goaltender Semyon Varlamov.

This is an interesting move on a number of fronts: One, it officially signifies that Michal Neuvirth is the organization's top goalie. However, it also could mean that Braden Holtby will go back to Hershey for another season if they can bring in a back-up goalie.

Finally, it could mean that the culture change has arrived and many more moves are on the way. Stay tuned.

Jeff Halpern Returns to Washington

2011-07-01T13:48:00.001-04:00

Former Washington Capitals captain Jeff Halpern has been signed to a one-year deal, reportedly worth $825,000. The center, a native of Potomac, Md., originally signed with the team as an undrafted free agent on March 29, 1999.

Overall, Halpern played 438 games for the Caps and captained the team during the 2005-06 season. The 5'11", 198-pound center recorded 214 points (87 goals, 127 assists) in his career with Washington, including a career-high 46 points (19 goals, 27 assists) during the 2003-04 season. In 17 playoff games with the Caps, Halpern tallied four goals and five assists.

Halpern probably will play on the third or fourth line, especially with Boyd Gordon signing with Phoenix today. Halpern also is a tough, gritty player that will help the Caps' playing style. This is a smart, low-risk signing that also brings along some sentimental value. The only thing that will change about Halpern is his sweater number, as No. 11 is now retired in honor of Mike Gartner.

A Proposal for Realignment

2011-06-29T13:45:00.000-04:00

Uncertainty definitely rules the day when it comes to NHL realignment. It seems that the league wants to move teams in the same time zone closer together, but the fact that there are 16 teams in the Eastern Time Zone significantly complicates matters. But this much we know: the upcoming season will keep the same six-division alignment, meaning Winnipeg will play in the Southeast.

However, a major overhaul is fairly likely for 2012-13 and one that could look like this (in no particular order, with the number of teams by division in parentheses):

East (8)
Boston Bruins
Buffalo Sabres
Montreal Canadiens
New York Rangers
Ottawa Senators
New York Islanders
New Jersey Devils
Toronto Maple Leafs

South (7)
Washington Capitals
Carolina Hurricanes
Nashville Predators
Florida Panthers
Philadelphia Flyers
Pittsburgh Penguins
Tampa Bay Lightning

Midwest (7)
Chicago Blackhawks
Colorado Avalanche
Columbus Blue Jackets
Dallas Stars
Detroit Red Wings
Minnesota Wild
St. Louis Blues

Pacific (8)
Anaheim Ducks
Calgary Flames
Edmonton Oilers
L.A. Kings
Phoenix Coyotes
San Jose Sharks
Vancouver Canucks
Winnipeg Jets

Although no system is perfect, the one above addresses many things:

Rivalries: The Patrick Division purists (myself included) will be somewhat appeased with the Caps being rejoined with the Penguins and Flyers, while the East and Pacific Divisions have too many feuds to name. The Midwest keeps Detroit and Chicago together and adds Colorado and St. Louis into the mix.

Travel: The above alignment makes the best of the South Division. Yes, Pittsburgh and Philly aren't in the South (Washington really isn't either), but you can't have a 10-team East Division and Pennsylvania is closer to Washington than New York, Boston or any of the Canadian cities.

Red Wings Factor: Detroit fans may not be entirely happy with this alignment, but there are too many factors preventing them from moving East. Yes, you can flop Detroit and Nashville in the above divisional alignment, but then the Wings are isolated from rivals and are misplaced in terms of geography. If the Midwest Division will be in what's now the Western Conference, then Detroit is pretty much stuck with a newer vision of the status quo. But I would argue that realignment will help them and reduce their travel, a legitimate gripe they've had for a very long time.

There is much time for the NHL to finalize the new alignment, but this provides a good starting point.

Laich Signs Six-Year Deal

2011-06-28T10:22:00.000-04:00

The Washington Capitals announced this morning that all-everything Brooks Laich has signed a six-year, $27 million deal, meaning he will avoid free agency to remain with the club. Needless to say, this is a huge move for the Caps, as his future was somewhat uncertain.

However, with Laich and newly acquired Troy Brouwer under wraps, GM George McPhee is doing a good job of reinforcing a good combination of grit and skill in the lineup.

Unrestricted free agency starts July 1, and it seems the Caps are going to have a busy few weeks.

Fanspeak Column: Summer Change for the Caps

2011-06-28T08:32:00.001-04:00

This post originally appeared on fanspeak.com, where I pen a (mostly) weekly column. It's also part four of my off-season look at the Washington Capitals.

The wrestler Triple H used to be known as the "cerebral assassin," paying homage to his brain power and the element of surprise. One could argue that Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee should be known by the same moniker. Over his tenure with the Caps, which began in 1997, nary a leaked rumor has escaped from his troops, often leading to surprising announcements of player movement.

That was reinforced leading into Friday's draft, when the Caps traded for Blackhawks winger Troy Brouwer -- a deal completed two days in advance but kept secret until the announcement. Brouwer is the perfect player for Coach Bruce Boudreau's system that was unveiled midway through last season, but one that didn't yield the desired results as the Caps were swept by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the second round of the playoffs.

Brouwer possesses so-called sandpaper, the ability to score 20 goals and kill penalties. If this sounds like Brooks Laich, it is, but that doesn't mean the popular player won't be returning to Washington. (More on that in a second.)

The only exception to McPhee's leak shutdown seems to be when players aren't going to return. The latest casualty purportedly is goalie Semyon Varlamov, who either will find another NHL job or head back to Russia. My bet is that Matt Bradley and Boyd Gordon won't be back, and neither will any of the players acquired last season (Scott Hannan, Marco Sturm and Jason Arnott). Dennis Wideman, who also joined the Caps last season, still has a year left on his contract.

Laich is too good, too influential in the locker room and, perhaps most importantly, too well-suited for the team's system to not return. He's not going to break the bank and wants to stay with the Caps. Besides, he earned a respectable amount of votes for the Selke Trophy (for defensive forward), something needed more on the team. McPhee will find a way to bring Laich back.

More and more, though, the player who sticks out like a sore thumb on the roster is Alex Semin. Granted, he's only signed for one more year, but with the acquisition of Brouwer, and more roster turnover coming in the next week or two (unrestricted free agency signings begin Friday), this is the time to deal Semin. If the Florida Panthers will take on Brian Campbell's inflated contract, somebody out there will be willing to pay Semin $6.7 million for the 2011-12 season.

Last February, I called for a major change of culture for the franchise. Although there haven't been sweeping changes in terms of personnel or coaches, the entire system was overhauled and things are turning around. Yes, their playoff fate was telling -- and was most likely the driving force behind what we're seeing now.

But hockey's "cerebral assassin" still has some moves up his sleeve -- and be sure that they will definitely help the Caps move closer to their stated goal: winning a Stanley Cup.

Caps Stay Quiet

2011-06-21T20:10:00.001-04:00

Part three of my off-season look at the Washington Capitals.

The Washington Capitals haven't been up to much since the season ended with a sweep at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning in early May. So far, none of the team's free agents have been re-signed and only defenseman Patrick McNeill and goalie Dany Sabourin have been brought back -- and, most likely, both will play for the AHL's Hershey Bears next season.

That means the fates of Brooks Laich, Karl Alzner, Semyon Varlamov, Matt Bradley, Boyd Gordon, Jason Arnott, Marco Sturm, and Scott Hannan have yet to be determined. It also means that the team still has the same roster that hasn't gotten in done in the playoffs under Coach Bruce Boudreau.

Additionally, the team signed Swedish center Mattias Sjogren to a two-year entry-level contract and traded for left wing Taylor Stefishen from the Nashville Predators in exchange for a conditional draft pick in the 2013 NHL Entry Draft. No word on whether either player will be part of the Caps next season or head to the Bears.

With the draft scheduled for this Friday and Saturday, and free agency beginning next Friday, July 1, there are a lot of decisions ahead for GM George McPhee. Among them are what to do with Alex Semin, the mercurial winger who has been the subject of many rumors and questions during his tenure in Washington. Currently, he's signed for next season at $6.7 million -- which McPhee essentially said is the most he'd give Semin. That could mean that this is the end of Semin's tenure in Washington or just McPhee speak.

Either way, the team needs more grit, a second-line center (although Marcus Johansson is growing into that role nicely) and, most importantly, determination that is present on Stanley Cup winners but lacking on this bunch.

It should be an interesting two weeks or so.

Bruins Win the Stanley Cup

2011-06-15T23:16:00.000-04:00

The Boston Bruins won the Stanley Cup tonight with a 4-0 win over the Vancouver Canucks in game seven. After losing the first two games of the series, the Bruins dominated the last five -- winning four of them and outscoring the Canucks, 21-4, along the way. The hit by Aaron Rome on Nathan Horton in game three turned out to be Boston's rallying cry -- and lead to increased hitting, scoring and motivation.

Boston's Tim Thomas won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, allowing just eight goals during the series and registering an other-worldly .940 save percentage for the entire postseason, when he made 798 saves (a new NHL record).

Finally, it's time to continue a tradition around these parts of picking the next champ a year in advance. Your 2012 Stanley Cup champions: the Philadelphia Flyers. (And, please, don't come looking for Mr. Cleo ~~when~~ if it doesn't happen.)

Why Rome's Hit Will Give Boston the Cup

2011-06-09T22:07:00.001-04:00

In the early stages of game three between the Boston Bruins and Vancouver Canucks, Aaron Rome delivered a late hit on Nathan Horton that totally changed the tone of the 2011 Stanley Cup finals. Since then, the Bruins have outscored the Canucks, 12-1, and, nearly to a man, said that they want to do everything in Horton's honor. Horton will not play again because of the concussion he incurred and Rome will be out via suspension.

The growing divide goes further than that, though. The Canucks' vaunted power play has scored exactly once in the Stanley Cup final and they've only scored five times total through four games (three in game two). The Bruins have dominated play for large portions and the visitors looked lost at TD Garden over the last few days.

If Vancouver wants to avoid becoming the third Presidents' Trophy winner to lose in the Stanley Cup finals, they better hope that some home cooking in game five will change the tide. Otherwise, the Bruins will be skating the Cup on Monday night back home -- and they'll have a Canucks' defenseman to thank for giving them momentum to capture their first Stanley Cup since 1972.

Stanley Cup Finals Preview

2011-05-31T21:18:00.001-04:00

The Vancouver Canucks host the Boston Bruins in game one of the Stanley Cup Finals tomorrow night (8 p.m., NBC). The Canucks, winners of the Presidents' Trophy (becoming only the third Canadian team to accomplish that feat and the first since the late 1980s when the Calgary Flames and Edmonton Oilers won the first four), have been the league's best team offensively and defensively all season and throughout the playoffs.

The Canucks needed seven games to eliminate the Chicago Blackhawks in the first round (after holding a 3-0 lead), but eliminated the Nashville Predators in six games and the San Jose Sharks in five on the way to the finals. They're getting stronger in each round and certainly enter this series as the favorite to win the franchise's first Stanley Cup (in its 40th anniversary season).

The Bruins, meanwhile, also needed seven games in the first round (against the rival Montreal Canadiens) before sweeping the Philadelphia Flyers. Their seven-game Eastern Conference Finals victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning was extremely even and showed that the Bruins, when operating on all cylinders, can play with anybody.

If the Bruins hope to capture their first Cup since 1972, they must hope their defense can slow down the powerful Canucks' attack, their offense can remain steady and dangerous, and Tim Thomas plays the series of his life. That's a tall order and one, ultimately, that will fall short.

Prediction: Canucks in six.

Evaluating the Caps' Roster

2011-05-22T20:54:00.001-04:00

Part two of my off-season look at the Washington Capitals.

There has been plenty of time to reflect on the Caps' elimination, and there's even more time before free agency begins in July. Regardless of whether Bruce Boudreau remains coach, it's imperative that the Caps' roster must adhere to a smart playing style -- and whether GM George McPhee can squeeze everybody under the salary cap.

This off-season most definitely include a significant roster turnover and it'll be up to McPhee to turn the Caps into a team that will reverse course and excel in the playoffs.

Must Keep: Alex Ovechkin (signed until 2020-21), Nicklas Backstrom (signed until 2020), Brooks Laich (UFA now), Marcus Johansson (RFA after 2012-13), Mike Green (RFA after next season), John Carlson (RFA after next season), Karl Alzner (RFA now), and Michal Neuvirth (RFA after 2012-13).

Ovechkin, Backstrom and Green took a lot of heat during the loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning, but the fact is that they're too good at what they do and too young to give up on now. Yes, Green's name has come up in trade rumors, but to send away a defenseman who won't even turn 30 until October 2015 is rediculous. He's still an elite player and should be treated as such. Carlson and Alzner have cemented themselves as the top defensive pairing on the team and Neuvirth has done the same between the pies. Johansson grew a lot during the season and is getting close to being a second-line center. Laich is too versatile, too good in the locker room and too entrenched with the coaching staff to go anywhere.

Positives Outweigh Negatives: Mike Knuble (UFA after next season), Eric Fehr (RFA after next season). Jason Chimera (UFA after next season), Matt Hendricks (UFA after 2012-13), Matt Bradley (UFA now), Boyd Gordon (UFA now), Dennis Wideman (UFA after next season), and John Erskine (UFA after 2012-13).

The harsh reality is that all of these players won't be back, with a near-guarantee that Gordon and Bradley both won't return. As for the others, Knuble continues to defy his age with a strong power game, and Chimera had his moments using his speed as a major weapon. Hendricks earned himself a one-way contract for the first time ever and Erskine had his positive moments. If Wideman can stay healthy, he'll be a top-four defenseman who will most definitely help the Caps next season.

Hasta La Vista: Alex Semin (UFA after next season), Jason Arnott (UFA now), Marco Sturm (UFA now), Tyler Sloan (UFA after next season), Scott Hannan (UFA now), D.J. King (UFA after next season), and Jeff Schultz (UFA after 2013-14).

I've made no secret about Semin's future in D.C. He's too inconsistent, nonchalant and expensive to fit on this team, and his disappearance against the Lightning only illustrated that fact. If the playoff opponent isn't the New York Rangers, Semin is invisible and you can't have somebody making $6.7 million doing that. As for the others, Arnott had his moments but seemed to wear down against the Lightning. Ditto Hannan and Schultz. Sturm just didn't seem to gel most of the season and Sloan's contract extension still befuddles me. King is a waste of cap space.

The Big Question Marks: Braden Holtby (RFA after 2011-12), Semyon Varlamov (RFA now), Tom Poti (UFA until 2012-13),

Holtby might be the best goalie in the organization, but he hasn't had enough time to prove it. Varlamov and Poti just can't stay healthy.

Quick Conference Finals Picks

2011-05-13T16:58:00.001-04:00

The San Jose Sharks and Boston Bruins will eliminate the Vancouver Canucks and Tampa Bay Lightning, respectively, in seven games.

Fanspeak Column: Offseason Questions

2011-05-08T09:56:00.001-04:00

This post originally appeared on fanspeak.com, where I pen a (mostly) weekly column. It's also part one of my offseason look at the Washington Capitals.

The last postseason meeting between the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning (in 2003) caused owner Ted Leonsis to launch The Plan -- the one that saw he and GM George McPhee tear down the team, draft much of the team's current roster (starting with Alex Ovechkin) and turn the franchise into what it is today.

But this year's loss to the Lightning is yet another "aha" moment: one that shows that the current team isn't built to win a Stanley Cup, the same assessment doled upon the squad eight years ago. They've had a ton of regular-season success and Coach Bruce Boudreau has shown that he's a brilliant tactician. But when it comes to the playoffs, he's a pedestrian 17-20 -- and eight of those wins have come against the New York Rangers.

The team still doesn't compete for 60 minutes every night, and the phrase "taking the foot off the gas" has been mentioned way too frequently. Championship teams do not stop playing or rest on their laurels with a third-period lead. Look at the Detroit Red Wings, Pittsburgh Penguins, Chicago Blackhawks, Anaheim Ducks, Montreal Canadiens, and other recent champions and perennial contenders. They fight tooth and nail no matter what.

It was no coincidence that the Pens earned the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference despite playing without Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby for half of the season. That attitude comes from head coach Dan Bylsma, whose all-business approach is reflected in the players that take the ice every night (and was shown vividly on HBO's "24/7" series).

Against the Lightning, who have become a serious contender for this year's Cup, the Caps had too many sloppy line changes and didn't crash the net enough. You make your own luck in the playoffs by constantly being in the right place at the right time. (This blog isn't named Storming the Crease by accident.) The shortest distance between two points is a straight line, and the best way to score in any sport is by being close to the goal (or basket or end zone).

Many Caps simply are unwilling to make the right sacrifices to accomplish this mission on a nightly basis. The problem is that those same Caps are the ones that are the most talented. The poster boy for this argument is Alex Semin, who continually gets salary increases despite repeated playoff disappearances (against everybody except the Rangers, against whom he's scored eight of his 12 career playoff goals). The term "passenger" has been thrown his way on numerous occasions.

The team's power play is an utter mess and it's cost them dearly in the playoffs over the last two years. Against the Canadiens last year and the Lightning this time around, the Caps scored a total of three power play goals (in 52 chances), a 5.7 percent success rate.

The blame for all of this falls on Boudreau and McPhee, who, since joining the franchise in 1997, has seen the Caps win five playoff series -- three during the run to the Stanley Cup finals in 1998 (his first season as GM) and two against the Rangers in 2009 and this year). In other series, he's lost eight times.

The ball is back in Leonsis' court. He can choose to fire both McPhee and Boudreau -- and strongly urge their replacements to rid the roster of certain players (starting with Semin). He can task McPhee to pick a new coach, who can hopefully get the team to play to its insanely high talent level. Or he can keep both in town, and ask them to bring in players who will do anything to win the Cup (and not just say they will).

If the Caps need any inspiration for a smart way to tweak a roster, all they need to do is look at the Lightning. Last summer, the franchise's ownership hired GM Steve Yzerman and Coach Guy Boucher. The duo promptly traded for or signed players who dedicated themselves to a very selfless approach -- and got the team's top three players (Vincent Lacavalier, Martin St. Louis, and Steven Stamkos) to go full-throttle towards that plan, which includes the 1-3-1 trap that stifled the Caps and Penguins so far this postseason.

Captain Ovechkin is most definitely a team-first guy and there are plenty of others on the roster -- including Nicklas Backstrom, John Carlson, Marcus Johannson, Karl Alzner, Brooks Laich, and Mike Green -- who will be back next season and will lead the charge. Semin is signed for next season, but must be moved as he's become the epitome of what's ailing the Caps. Others should be on that train out of town, too.

Who is here for the beginning of training camp in September will go a long way towards determining whether the Caps will be in a better position at this time next year. And, if Leonsis heeds the call, then a brighter recap of the 2012 postseason will follow.

The End: Lightning 5, Caps 3

2011-05-04T22:17:00.001-04:00

Tonight's 5-3 game four loss by the Washington Capitals to the Tampa Bay Lightning put the end to a tumultuous season -- one that started with bright hopes and included an eight-game losing streak and a call for major changes, and a strong run to conclude the regular season. The Caps defeated the New York Rangers in five games in the first round and got nearly a week off before facing the rival Lightning.

But, after getting swept by the East's No. 5 seed, more questions than ever surround the red, white and blue -- starting with the future of their head coach and many players.

To get to this point, the Caps put forth another sub-par effort against a team that simply wanted it more and outworked them at every juncture. The Lightning got two goals from Sean Bergenheim (both in the second period), power play tallies from Marc-Andre Bergeron and Ryan Malone, and a strike by Martin St Louis at 16:52 of the third that put the finishing touches on the game and the series. (John Erksine, John Carlson and Marco Sturm scored for the Caps.)

While the Caps worked harder tonight (in stretches, especially in the third) than they had all series, the Lightning had more depth, better goaltending, superior defense, and the edge pretty much everywhere else.

It was an ugly end to a nasty series that should significantly alter the franchise's future. While there will be plenty of time for that discussion, the Caps are left shaking their heads after another disappointing postseason -- and premature exit.

Crash Landing: Lightning 4, Caps 3

2011-05-03T21:50:00.002-04:00

For a team that faced a must-win game, and one that needed to show desperation for 60 minutes to accomplish that mission, the Washington Capitals failed on both accounts. Leading 3-2 after the second period of game three at St. Pete Times Forum, the Caps fell flat in the third and dropped a 4-3 decision to the Tampa Bay Lightning that left them in a seemingly insurmountable 3-0 hole in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

The bottom line is that you make your own luck in the playoffs and the Lightning are getting all the bounces. The game-winning goal came off some body part belonging to Ryan Malone, who followed Tampa's game plan and stormed the crease at every opportunity. Malone was met by John Carlson, but the puck found its way past Michal Neuvirth at 5:47 of the third.

Just 24 seconds earlier, Steven Stamkos showed why he's one of the league's elite goal scorers by unleashing a rocket past Neuvirth, who had no chance of stopping it. Those two goals undid any good accomplished by the Caps in the middle frame, when they scored three times.

Those tallies by (in order) Mike Knuble, John Carlson and Alex Ovechkin (on a five-on-three power play) were sandwiched around a tally by Vincent Lecavalier. The Caps' power play, despite Ovechkin's goal, still looked out-of-sync and helpless.

The team's best player tonight was Neuvirth, who made 13 saves in the third period and singlehandedly gave the Caps a chance to win in the final minutes. It might be hard to believe that a goalie that gave up four markers was the team's best player, but the Caps didn't stick with the game plan (again), and played selfishly and recklessly.

All in all, it was a disappointing effort and one that appeared to seal the fate on the season. Yes, the Lightning still has one more game to win, but based on the style of play on the ice, the series result appears inevitable.

Many have argued that Ovechkin's teammates haven't shown up in the playoffs and there's a strong argument for that. For example, Alex Semin has 12 playoff goals -- and eight have come against the New York Rangers. But the Caps captain tried to win the game himself tonight, and that's not a style that helps the team. The Lightning knew what was coming and had two defensemen waiting for the Great Eight to try to enter the offensive zone.

The change that happened mid-season -- which led to a strong finish, the team's fourth consecutive division championship and the top seed in the Eastern Conference -- is looking more like a mirage every day. Maybe more than last season's loss to the Montreal Canadiens, this team's elimination -- which could come as early as tomorrow night (7 p.m., CSN-HD) -- is a bigger blow to Coach Bruce Boudreau's tenure and that of several players, Semin included. (The Caps under Boudreau in the postseason are 8-4 against the Rangers and 9-15 vs. everybody else.)

The Caps' immediate future includes game four. Anything beyond that is extremely cloudy.

Lightning Crashes Verizon Center, Takes First Two Games

2011-05-01T22:27:00.006-04:00

During the Versus telecast of tonight's game two between the Washington Capitals and Tampa Bay Lightning, there was a commercial that said something to the effect of "winning the Stanley Cup takes a lifetime, and for some, that's not even long enough."

For the Caps, winning the series has gone from somewhat likely to extremely difficult after losing game two, 3-2, in overtime. Tampa's winning goal came off the stick of captain Vincent Lacavalier, who converted a two-on-one at 6:19 of overtime with a flick of the puck past a helpless Michal Neuvirth. It was the Lightning captain's second goal of the night, the first coming with less than a minute left in the first period on a wicked slapshot from the point on the power play. He capped the game-winner with a Alex Ovechkin-esque jump into the glass.

In fact, it could be argued that many of the 14 goals that have beaten Neuvirth this playoff year have been the result of a defensive breakdown or deflection off his own player. The latter was true tonight, when Martin St. Louis got credited with a third-period goal after the puck carromed off Mike Green's stick and past Neuvirth at 7:35.

The Caps, therefore, were forced to come back twice. Their first goal came off the stick of Brooks Laich at 14:52 of the second, when the crease crasher scored from in close, leaving the dominant Lightning goalie Dwayne Roloson helpless. And at 18:52 of the third, with Neuvirth pulled for an extra attacker, Ovechkin poked the puck into the net with most of his team storming the crease.

The Caps' power play was inept once again, going 0-for-6 tonight after going 0-for-5 in game one. The Lightning boast a tremendous penalty kill, and the Caps' PK has been pretty solid too. But Tampa has two power play goals in this series, and the Caps haven't gotten close to scoring once in that situation.

The Lightning won this game, and put themselves into a grand position to advance to the conference finals, though, because they dominated the third period just as they did in game one. They were outshot, and at times outplayed, but Roloson's saves and a superior game plan outdid the home team. Tampa has looked like a team that seems destined for greatness, going undefeated since falling behind the Pittsburgh Penguins, 3-1, in the first round.

The win was Tampa's fifth straight away from the St. Pete Times Forum, where the series resumes on Tuesday night (6:30 p.m., CSN-HD). In order for the Caps to return to Verizon Center and play game five, they must make take a page out of Tampa's playbook and dominate play. They must shoot more from the so-called "high-traffic areas" near the net and start to put more pressure on Roloson.

It's not a coincidence that so many goals have beaten Neuvirth from in close and somehow found a way to the back of the net. The Caps aren't working hard enough to make those breaks for themselves, and the Lightning are finding ways to score and win games.

Tonight, as they did in game one, the Caps dominated for long stretches but couldn't score. And as the game progressed, they got further and further away from their game plan -- instead of using their momentum to keep up the pressure and try to seize victory. This trend must reverse, or the Caps will bow out of the playoffs prematurely yet again.

Capitals-Lightning Conference Semifinals Preview

2011-04-28T19:29:00.001-04:00

The Washington Capitals begin their series against the Tampa Bay Lightning tomorrow night at Verizon Center (7 p.m., Versus-HD). A look at how the teams compare:

Season Series: Caps, 4-1-1
Playoff history: Lightning, 1-0
Only playoff meeting: Lightning, 4-2, in 2003 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Playoff Stats:

Washington Capitals
Previous Series: Defeated New York Rangers, 4-1, in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Goals Per Game: 2.60 (9th in NHL)
GAA: 1.60 (first)
Power Play: 18.8 percent (11th)
Penalty Kill: 95 percent (3rd)

Tampa Bay Lightning
Previous Series: Defeated Pittsburgh Penguins, 4-3, in Eastern Conference Quarterfinals
Goals Per Game: 3.14 (T-6th)
GAA: 2.00 (second)
Power Play: 29.6 percent (3rd)
Penalty Kill: 97.1 percent (2nd)

Four keys to the series:
* System vs. System: Both teams employ similar defense-first systems and both teams have the offensive firepower to break open a game. While it took a majority of the season for the Lightning and Caps to perfect everything, they've pretty much played according to plan in the postseason. What will make a difference will be experience and depth, and the Caps have the edge in both categories.

* Crease Battles: Rookie goaltender Michal Neuvirth leads all postseason starters in goals-against average (1.38) and is second in save percentage (.946). The ageless Dwayne Roloson has been pretty spectacular as well, boasting a 1.77 GAA and .949 save percentage. The other side to the coin is how the offensive players will be able to disrupt the sight lines of Neuvirth and Roloson, and whether they'll be able to put pressure on the goaltenders. The Rangers tried to knock Neuvirth around to no avail, and the Penguins couldn't get close enough to Roloson to score goals frequently.

* Uncle Mo: The Lightning are coming off a grueling series in which they erased a 3-1 deficit and had to fight for everything. The Caps, meanwhile, mostly dominated the Rangers and have been off for nearly a week. The good news for the top-seeded team is that motivation will not be a problem against Tampa Bay, a hated division rival. The teams played physical games all season, and there's nothing that indicates that will change in the playoffs.

* Another Shorter Series: The Caps must find a way to win this series in less than seven games after taking only five to eliminate New York. Back in 1998, when they made the Stanley Cup finals, the Caps won their series in six, five, and six games over Boston, Ottawa and Buffalo, respectively. Emulating that pattern of games played is essential this year. Tampa Bay has the firepower to give the Caps fits, but using their depth, talent and superior system (not to mention continuing their regular-season success against Tampa Bay) should be enough to propel the red, white and blue to the conference finals for the first time since that memorable run.

Prediction: Caps in six.

Predictions for other series: No. 3 Boston Bruins over No. 2 Philadelphia Flyers in seven; No. 2 San Jose Sharks over No. 3 Detroit Red Wings in seven; No. 1 Vancouver Canucks over No. 5 Nashville Predators in six.

Caps Eliminate Rangers in Five Games

2011-04-23T23:05:00.000-04:00

The Washington Capitals left no doubt that history would not be repeated. Behind a dominant performance from Alex Ovechkin and Michal Neuvirth, the Caps won game five over the New York Rangers, 3-1, today at Verizon Center and became the first Eastern Conference team to secure a berth in the second round.

Mike Green scored the team's first goal on the power play at 5:59 in the first period off a beautiful feed from Ovechkin. The duo had an advantage down low and Ovechkin passed up a shot, giving Green a fairly wide-open net -- although the puck was helped in by a sliding Rangers defenseman. At 7:04 of the second, Ovechkin added a goal on a breakaway when he beat Rangers goalie Henrik Lundqvist and a defenseman with a forehand-backhand move.

"Today was his best game, easily. And I mean complete," Coach Bruce Boudreau said glowingly about Ovechkin. "The other games he's had flashes of brilliance. Today, I thought he was very visible. He was on the ice doing the right things."

Just for good measure, Alex Semin potted a gorgeous pass from Marcus Johansson at 16:23 to seal the deal. (The Rangers scored a meaningless tally with 32 seconds remaining with Lundqvist on the bench.)

Neuvirth made 26 saves for his fourth win of the postseason. His 1.38 goals-against average in the first round leads the NHL, as does his .946 save percentage. The Caps also killed off 19 of the Rangers' 20 power plays in the series (95 percent).

This was the first time since 1998 (when they made the Stanley Cup finals) that the Caps won a playoff series in five games.

All of these signs point to the fact that the Caps are a much different squad than they were at this time last season. Now they get about a week to rest before starting the second round, and plenty of time to continue their dominant play.

Boudreau Grows as Caps Inch Closer to Advancing

2011-04-21T20:44:00.001-04:00

There has been much talk about the Washington Capitals' growth and evolution thus far during their playoff series with the New York Rangers. Although they still need one more win to advance past the first-round, this team clearly is not the same outfit that lost to the Montreal Canadiens last spring. (Ironically, there is a chance that the Caps might face the Habs in the second round, but that's a discussion for another day.)

Lost in all of the talk about Michal Neuvirth, Jason Arnott, Alex Ovechkin, Alex Semin, and others is perhaps the person that's grown the most: Coach Bruce Boudreau. Yes, he's the one who orchestrated the change in playing style during the regular season, but during the first four games of the Rangers series, he's shown some growth as well.

During game four, the old Boudreau might have pulled Neuvirth in favor of Semyon Varlamov, his favorite not-so-secret weapon used to change momentum in years past. But this year, that wasn't an option.

"No. Not at all," Boudreau said today. "I think if I'd have done that, the team might've thought that we were giving up, saving Neuvy for another day. This team, they always believe that they can come back."

The second intermission included some motivational words by Boudreau, but also included advice from Arnott, Ovechkin and other veterans. Some classic Boudreau line tweaking also helped, but the biggest sign was the move he didn't make.

"He's not ordinary," Boudreau said about Neuvirth. "He's a good goalie and he's going to be. As years go on you're going to find out he's a great goalie."

Perhaps that greatness also is growing behind the Caps' bench.

Cardiac Caps Return: Caps 4, Rangers 3 (2OT)

2011-04-20T23:15:00.000-04:00

When it's all said and done, Jason Chimera might be the one who changed the Washington Capitals' postseason karma. In double overtime at Madison Square Garden, Chimera followed his own blocked shot, and poked it into the goal as Henrik Lundqvist, Marian Gaborik and Wojtek Wolski couldn't decide who should play the puck. Chimera's tally came at 12:36 of the second overtime after the Caps rallied from a three-goal deficit.

That hole dug by the Caps came in the second period, when the Rangers scored all of their goals, the latter two in a seven-second span. But Coach Bruce Boudreau stuck with Michal Neuvirth in net and the Caps were able to rally in the third behind two goals from Marcus Johansson and one from Alex Semin, whose play improved as the game progressed.

Although the first period was OK and the second was downright ugly, the bounces in the third period and overtimes went the Caps' way. They were able to redeem themselves in a game that looked like past gloom and doom was coming back to haunt them.

But, thanks to Chimera and some good luck, the Caps now need one more win to advance to the second round of the playoffs for just the second time under Boudreau. Their first crack at it comes Saturday at Verizon Center (3 p.m., NBC) and they must not let anything go to waste. Because after tonight, they don't want to tempt fate yet again.

Caps Need to Return to Game Plan

2011-04-18T09:23:00.002-04:00

Yesterday's 3-2 loss by the Washington Capitals to the New York Rangers in game three of their playoff series was a step back by the Caps. Although not perfect in the first two games (both victories), the Caps were able to stay out of the penalty box, crash the net, play sound defensively and stick to the game plan.

But yesterday, the Caps took eight penalties, allowed 35 shots and didn't shut down the Rangers like they had over the previous two games (for the most part). The Rangers clearly came out with a vengeance yesterday fighting for their playoff lives and it showed. They were the aggressors during the afternoon affair and clearly took the Caps out of their game plan.

Heading into Wednesday's game four, the Caps must show the same desperation the Rangers displayed yesterday. To do that, the red, white and blue need to crash the net, control play, stay out of the penalty box and stick to the style that allowed them to seize the top seed in the East.

Regressing to the uber-offensive style of last season won't work. There were too many times yesterday where they took stupid penalties because they had been beaten on a play. They allowed the Rangers to dictate play and were, quite frankly, lucky to only lose by a goal.

Their history in recently playoff series in game four isn't so great. To reverse that trend, they'll need to get back to what got them here.

Stanley Cup Highlight Video

2011-04-18T09:11:00.003-04:00

We interrupt the uber-analysis of the Washington Capitals to present a little fun: a clip with some past Stanley Cup highlights:

Also, be sure to enter for your chance to win a trip to the Stanley Cup finals.

Note: I was contacted directly by Versus, who asked for my participation in posting the video.

Semin Strikes for OT Victory: Caps 2, Rangers 1

2011-04-13T23:13:00.003-04:00

As the 2011 playoffs began tonight, the Washington Capitals sought redemption for what haunted them last spring against the Montreal Canadiens. And tonight, in game one against the New York Rangers at Verizon Center, the tide shifted quickly for a 2-1 overtime win for the home team.

Alex Semin, who did not score against the Habs last spring, notched the game winner on a one-timer past New York goalie Henrik Lundqvist at 18:24 of the extra session. Semin found a seam in the offensive zone and had just enough time to uncork the winning shot. It was part of a solid game for Semin, who has found chemistry with Jason Arnott and seems to be playing with a newfound determination.

The Caps also did something they couldn't do against the Habs: block more shots than their opponent. Tonight, they held a 32-28 advantage in that department and thoroughly stuck to what helped them succeed in the second half of the season.

Both regulation goals were scored in the third period. The Rangers opened the scoring at 1:56 when Matt Gilroy flicked the puck over Neuvirth's shoulder with lots of traffic in front. Alex Ovechkin scored the Caps' only goal at 13:44, when he poked it past Lundqvist as part of a scrum. The Caps' captain continued jabbing at the puck, after Lundqvist thought he had saved it, and managed to get it to cross the line. The play went to review and was ruled good, even though the net was dislodged and the whistle blew (but after the puck crossed the line, according to the officials).

The goaltending and defense in this game were stupendous throughout. Michal Neuvirth made 25 saves for the Caps and was solid, if not spectacular, all night. Jose Theodore was pulled each of the last two playoff seasons after starting (and losing) the first game, and it seems that Neuvirth did more than enough to reverse that trend.

Lundqvist was equal to the task on the other end, making 33 saves and getting plenty of help from his two best friends, the crossbar and post. If not for that metal intervention, the Caps could have captured the game in regulation.

Many critics said that Lundqvist could steal the series for the Rangers, whose blocked shots and defense would frustrate the Caps. Well, these aren't the same Caps that failed in previous postseasons. And, if tonight's game is any indication, the playoff tide may be turning in the nation's capital.

Capitals-Rangers Preview

2011-04-12T19:38:00.000-04:00

The Washington Capitals begin the 2011 postseason tomorrow night against the New York Rangers at Verizon Center. A look at how the teams compare:

Season Series: Rangers, 3-1 (Caps 1-2-1)
Playoff history: Caps, 3-2
Last playoff meeting: Caps, 4-3, in 2009 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Washington Capitals
Record: 48-23-11 (107 points)
Last 10 Games: 7-2-1
Goals Per Game: 2.67 (19th in NHL)
GAA: 2.33 (fourth)
Power Play: 17.5 (16th)
Penalty Kill: 85.6 (T-2nd)

New York Rangers
Record: 44-33-5 (93 points)
Last 10 Games: 6-3-1
Goals Per Game: 2.73 (16th)
GAA: 2.38 (fifth)
Power Play: 16.9 percent (18th)
Penalty Kill: 83.7 percent (10th)

Four keys to the series:
* Seize momentum: When the teams met during the regular season, the Rangers got ahead early and cruised to victories of 7-0 on Dec. 12 and 6-0 on Feb. 25. The other two games, a 5-3 Caps win on Nov. 9 and a 2-1 shootout loss on Jan. 24, were a lot closer and the Caps must find a way to take an early lead against the Blueshirts. Their inability to do so doomed them to two-straight home losses when the teams met two postseasons ago. This time around, anything less than a 2-0 series lead going to Madison Square Garden should be cause for concern.

* Storm the Crease: This isn't anything new for the Caps, but it might be more attainable this year. In the playoffs, and especially against the Rangers' world class goaltender, Henrik Lundqvist, ugliness wins. It's no coincidence that Brooks Laich, John Erskine, Matt Hendricks and Mike Knuble were the Caps' goal scorers against New York this season. Alex Ovechkin is playing much better now and has notched 1.43 points per game (including a record 0.71 goals per game) during his postseason career. Aggressive Ovie must be prevalent in this series for the Caps to advance.

* Special Teams: The Caps' penalty kill was stellar all season and they must continue that against the Rangers 18th-ranked power play. But the Caps' struggling power play must find a way to score somewhat regularly against New York's pretty good penalty kill. Despite a great PK, repeating last postseason's three-percent-effective power play will be a huge obstacle to overcome.

* Avoid Game Seven: Under Bruce Boudreau, the Caps have played in four playoff series (13-15) and ventured into a game seven every time. They've overcome a 3-1 deficit (against the Rangers in 2009) and blown a 3-1 lead (against the Montreal Canadiens last year). They've also blown a 2-0 lead (against the Pittsburgh Penguins in 2009) and lost in game seven after tying a 2008 series against the Philadelphia Flyers after being down, 3-1. But they've never won a series in less than seven games, something the man known as Gabby has stressed times after time. This has got to be the year that the Caps accomplish that all-important goal.

Prediction: Caps in six.

2011 Quarterfinals Predictions

2011-04-12T19:31:00.001-04:00

It's time for Mr. Cleo to rear his ugly head yet again.

Eastern Conference
No. 1 Washington Capitals over No. 8 New York Rangers in six: A full preview of this series will appear separately.

No. 7 Buffalo Sabres over No. 2 Philadelphia Flyers in seven: On paper, this should be no contest. The Flyers have a great record, awesome offense and stellar defense. But, down the stretch, the Sabres were the hotter team and have a better goalie as Ryan Miller has started to regain his form. The Flyers' Sergei Bobrovsky has taken lots of heat this season and he certainly could perform well against a team that is offensively challenged. But something tells me that the Sabres will do to the Flyers what the Montreal Canadiens did to the Caps last spring.

No. 3 Boston Bruins over No. 6 Montreal Canadiens in five: The Bruins are one of the hottest teams in hockey and certainly are facing a familiar foe. Boston's been downright scary this season and seem to have all cylinders running. That's not to say they'll win the Stanley Cup, but they certainly have enough to breeze by their old rivals.

No. 5 Tampa Bay Lightning over No. 4 Pittsburgh Penguins in seven: Tampa's been one of the league's best stories this season. Steve Yzerman, in his first year as GM, has made all the right moves to lead the Lightning to a 23-point improvement over last year's non-playoff squad. But the second-best Southeast Division team gets a huge test from the Penguins, who despite playing without Sidney Crosby and Evgeny Malkin for half the season, won 49 games and came within a lost tiebreaker of winning the Atlantic Division. Tampa wins this series because Dwayne Roloson plays the series of his life, the Lightning's offense does the rest and a team finally finds a way to slow down the powerful Pens. But it won't be easy or quick.

Western Conference
No. 1 Vancouver Canucks over No. 8 Chicago Blackhawks in five: In case we Easterners haven't noticed, the Canucks had a dominant season. Not only did they win the President's Trophy (by 10 points over the Caps), but they boast the only 100-point getter in the league (Daniel Sedin), the most goals scored per game (3.15), the fewest allowed per game (2.20), the best power play (24.3 percent) and the second-best penalty kill (85.6 percent, tied with the Caps). Yes, they have to face playoff their playoff nemesis, the Hawks, but this is not going to be close. The only thing that prevents a sweep is one Chicago home win to salvage their pride. Otherwise, the Sedins, Roberto Luongo and company will enjoy a nice rest before starting the second round.

No. 2 San Jose Sharks over No. 7 L.A. Kings in seven: The Sharks, amidst another stellar offensive campaign, started to play defense (2.54 goals-against average, 10th in the league) and probably had one of the best all-around seasons in recent memory. The Kings are the young upstarts that are clearly on the upswing of their ascent (albeit in a very tough division). But these two California teams already hate each other and will settle in for a long series. But, in the end, the better team advances.

No. 3 Detroit Red Wings over No. 6 Phoenix Coyotes in five: Unlike last season's version of this series, the 2011 face-off won't be close. The Red Wings have gotten better and are looking mighty these days. They might not be Cup-worthy, but they're certainly a veteran bunch that can overcome age, injuries and just about anything else thrown their way. The Coyotes are very much in a state of uncertainty, given the franchise's rumored moves and other turbulence, but that didn't stop Phoenix from returning to the playoffs. And just like last year, it's one and done for the desert dogs.

No. 4 Anaheim Ducks over No. 5 Nashville Predators in seven: The Ducks surged to home-ice advantage behind a monster second half and two scary goal-scorers. Corey Perry was the only NHLer to register 50 goals this season with Bobby Ryan (34) and the ageless Teemu Selanne (31) providing plenty of firepower too. Ducks goalie Jonas Hiller (2.56 GAA, .924 save percentage) made the all-star game but only played 57 games due to injuries. The Preds are no push-overs, and certainly boast the better goaltender in Pekka Rinne (2.12 GAA, .930 save percentage). This is a classic case of offense vs. defense and Mr. Cleo says the Ducks get the scoring to advance.

Note: Before the season started, Mr. Cleo predicted that the San Jose Sharks would win the Stanley Cup over the Pittsburgh Penguins. Not sure how this one's going to pan out, though. Overall, Mr. Cleo picked six of the eight playoff teams in each conference (Ottawa Senators, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche and St. Louis Blues out; Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Anaheim Ducks and Phoenix in).

Weekly Snapshot, April 10

2011-04-10T20:15:00.000-04:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: So after a mid-season identity crisis, plenty of calls for major change and lots of uncertainty, the Caps repeated as Southeast Division champions (their fourth straight crown) and Eastern Conference champs. They'll take on their old friends, the New York Rangers, in the first round.

Even though there were doubts about his job security as recent as December, Bruce Boudreau has won approximately 68 percent of his games, the best of any coach in NHL history with at least 250 games of experience. He also led the Caps to a 2.33 goals-against average (fourth in the league) and 197 goals against -- second fewest in franchise history for a full season.(They allowed 120 during the shortened 1994-95 season.)

The Caps' 85.6-percent success rate on the penalty kill was second in the league. Their PK was so good that it was only the fourth time in franchise history they've bettered 85 percent as well as ranked that high in the league. It's also 6.8 percent better than last season.

So they go into the playoffs in better shape than any time in recent memory and with a universal goal to eradicate what happened last season against the Montreal Canadiens. It should be a fun ride.

Record/Standings Position: 48-23-11 (107 points), 1st Southeast Division/1st Eastern Conference/2nd NHL

Final Regular Season Games:
* Won, 3-2 (SO), at Toronto Maple Leafs
* Won, 5-2, vs. Florida Panthers
* Lost, 1-0, at Panthers

This Week's Games: Playoffs vs. New York Rangers (schedule TBA)

Injuries: Mike Green (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), and Dennis Wideman (week-to-week). Total Man Games Lost: 254.

Recent Transactions: None.

Weekly Snapshot, April 3

2011-04-03T17:11:00.000-04:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: With just three games left in the regular season, health on the blueline is a big concern. Mike Green, Dennis Wideman, John Erksine, Tom Poti, and Tyler Sloan are all hurt -- and it seems only Erskine will be back this week. Green hopefully will be back for the playoffs -- and we're still waiting to hear about Sloan. Wideman and Poti are gone for a while.

It's imperative, even while missing key players, for the Caps to maintain their defensive prowess over the final week of the regular season and continue their hot streak since the trading deadline. That could lead to first or second place in the conference and a real shot at a long playoff run.

Record/Standings Position: 46-22-11 (103 points), 1st Southeast Division/T-1st Eastern Conference/T-2nd NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-2 (SO), vs. Carolina Hurricanes
* Won, 4-3 (OT), vs Columbus Blue Jackets
* Won, 5-4 (OT), vs. Buffalo Sabres

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Wednesday vs. Florida Panthers (7 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)
* Saturday at Florida Panthers (7 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Mike Green (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Dennis Wideman (week-to-week), John Erskine (day-to-day), Tyler Sloan (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 240.

Recent Transactions: Recalled Sean Collins from Hershey (yesterday).

Escape Artists: (Red) Caps 4, Blue Jackets 3 (OT)

2011-03-31T21:40:00.000-04:00

It was an interesting night at Verizon Center. After the Washington Capitals scored at 1:39 of the first period, about 30 minutes ellapsed before any other goals were registered. Four goals were then scored in just 2:17 during the second period, which was followed by another dormant period before the Columbus Blue Jackets scored at 14:23 to send the game to overtime.

Finally, former Blue Jacket Jason Chimera won the game for the Caps on a tap-in goal after a Brooks Laich shot was blocked in front by former Cap Sami Lepisto and trickled right to Chimmer for the game-winning goal at 2:30 of overtime to give the home team a dramatic 4-3 victory.

Columbus' tying tally was notched when Scottie Upshall got open in the face-off circle and ripped a wrister past Michal Neuvirth. The reason Upshall got the puck in the first place was because the Caps failed to clear the zone as the Jackets spent a long while in the offensive zone.

The busy stretch in the second period began with the the Jackets' first goal -- when Antoine Vermette found himself wide open and poked it past Michal Neuvirth to tie the game at one at 11:10.

But the Caps struck back quickly. On a broken play, Mike Knuble was wide open in front of the net after the puck trickled past Mason and rested in the crease. Knuble took the gift to provide a 2-1 lead for the homestanding red, white and blue at 12:32.

Fedor Tyutin shot it past Neuvirth from the face-off cirlcle with Vermette providing traffic in front of the net less than a minute later. It was a broken play from a defense that was stretched thin all night due to the injuries to Mike Green and Dennis Wideman, and the fact that John Erskine didn't return to the game after taking a shift early in the second period.

In fact, TSN's Bob McKenzie is reporting that Wideman is being treated for a hematoma in an area hospital. If he's out for the rest of the season, including playoffs, and Tom Poti isn't healthy enough to return, then the Caps could be leaning on Tyler Sloan a whole bunch during the postseason. The Caps better hope that Green can return really soon and Poti isn't far behind.

The Caps regained the lead late in the second period when Mason failed to clear it and the puck trickled right to Marco Sturm, who found Jason Arnott in the slot. Arnott fired it past a helpless Mason to give the Caps the lead just 13 seconds after Tyutin's goal.

Laich began the scoring with a shot from just inside the blue line, Mason couldn't grab it and it bounced right to John Carlson, who poked it into the net for the Caps' first goal. That came moments after Alex Semin nearly scored on a similar play, but over skated and shot the puck right into Mason's pads. It was Carlson's seventh goal of the season at just 1:39 of the opening frame. It's also the young defensemen's 100th career game -- and he's only 21.

Erksine's only contribution of note occurred when he dropped the gloves at 17:00 of the first period. It was a pretty quick and dirty fight and Boll should be declared the victor.

So the Caps escaped but there are certainly bits of concern, especially when it comes to healthy defensemen, heading into the final four games of the season. But, for tonight, it's another two points for a team that's about to become the four-time defending Southeast Division champs.

Weekly Snapshot, March 27

2011-03-27T12:17:00.000-04:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: With just six games left in the regular season, the Caps are all about two things right now: keeping momentum and getting healthy. This week, especially last night's win in Montreal, showed that they're capable of consistently playing well -- and, when the playoffs arrive, that is expected to improve even further. In the meantime, the three-headed goalie monster of Semyon Varlamov, Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby is doing well, but staying healthy is seemingly their biggest obstacle, too. Alex Ovechkin and Jason Arnott should return this week, while the status of Mike Green and Tom Poti are very much unknown.

Record/Standings Position: 44-22-10 (98 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/3rd NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-4 (SO), at Philadelphia Flyers
* Lost, 2-0, at Ottawa Senators
* Won, 2-0, at Montreal Canadiens

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Thursday vs. Columbus Blue Jackets (7 p.m., CSN-HD, Versus-HD)
* Saturday vs. Buffalo Sabres (7 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Alex Ovechkin (day-to-day), Jason Arnott –day-to-day, Mike Green (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Michal Neuvirth (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 231.

Recent Transactions: Assigned Braden Holtby to Hershey (today), recalled Holtby from Hershey (yesterday).

Looking at Possible First-Round Opponents

2011-03-23T19:25:00.002-04:00

As the countdown continues to the beginning of the 2011 NHL playoffs on April 13, the teams the Washington Capitals likely will face in the first round have more or less been narrowed to four: Montreal Canadiens, New York Rangers, Buffalo Sabres or Carolina Hurricanes.

First, a peek at the Caps:

Record: 43-21-10 (96 points)
Last 10 Games: 9-1 (won two straight)
Goals Per Game: 2.69 (20th in NHL)
GAA: 2.36 (third)
Power Play: 16.9 (18th)
Penalty Kill: 85.9 (fourth)

Season Summary: After a rocky first two-thirds of the season, the team has truly found an identity. Amazingly, a defense-first mentality has helped a stagnant offense and power play find its groove and overcome injuries to some of the team's biggest stars. Perhaps the biggest unsung hero in the turnaround has been Michal Neuvirth -- who, despite his youth, has put up stellar numbers: 24-11-4, 2.46 GAA, .915 save percentage and four shutouts. Since the trading deadline, the team has lost but once and enjoyed some solid play from pick-up Dennis Wideman. If the team can get everybody healthy for the playoffs, a long postseason run could ensue.

A look at each possible opponent:

Montreal Canadiens

Record: 40-27-7 (87)
Last 10 Games: 6-4 (lost one)
Goals Per Game: 2.66 (22nd)
GAA: 2.49 (8th)
Power Play: 19.4 percent (seventh)
Penalty Kill: 83.6 (ninth)
Season Series: Caps, 2-0-1 (final meeting this coming Saturday in Montreal)
Playoff history: Montreal, 1-0
Only playoff meeting: Montreal, 4-3, in 2010 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Prognosis: Much like last year, the team hasn't been scaring anybody -- but the roots are there for another long postseason run. Carey Price has done spendedly as the unquestioned starter in goal (34-25-6, 2.35 GAA, .922 save percentage with eight shutouts), earning an all-star bid and plenty of accolades. This would present another huge challenge for the Caps.

New York Rangers

Record: 40-30-4 (84 points)
Last 10 Games: 7-3 (won five straight)
Goals Per Game: 2.81 (12th)
GAA: 2.39 (fifth)
Power Play: 18.2 percent (13th)
Penalty Kill: 83.2 percent (14th)
Season Series: Rangers, 3-1 (Caps 1-2-1)
Playoff history: Caps, 3-2
Last playoff meeting: Caps, 4-3, in 2009 Eastern Conference Quarterfinals

Prognosis: This is a younger team than one would expect and they're blossoming at the right time. The Caps haven't done well against the Rangers all season, which includes defeats by the scores of 7-0 (Dec. 12) and 6-0 (Feb. 25). The biggest challenge for the Caps against the Rangers would be to overcome John Tortorella's system that has frustrated Washington since the American coach came to Broadway.

Buffalo Sabres

Record: 36-28-9 (81)
Last 10 Games: 6-3-1 (win one)
Goals Per Game: 2.89 (7th)
GAA: 2.84 (19th)
Power Play: 18.5 percent (10th)
Penalty Kill: 82.6 percent (15th)
Season Series: Caps, 3-0-1
Playoff history: Caps, 1-0
Only playoff meeting: Caps, 4-2, in 1998 Eastern Conference Finals

Prognosis: It's been quite an eventful season for the Sabres. Between their longtime GM-Coach tandem of Darcy Regier and Lindy Ruff being under fire for much of the campaign, an ownership change that put the entire franchise in a state of uncertainty and a down season -- at least by his lofty standards -- for all-everything goalie Ryan Miller (31-21-8, 2.63 GAA, .914 save percentage with four shutouts), it hasn't been easy for Buffalo to find a rhythm. That being said, the team is in more of a groove lately and most assuredly would put up quite the fight in a postseason match-up.

Carolina Hurricanes

Record: 34-29-10 (78)
Last 10 Games: 5-4-1 (won two straight)
Goals Per Game: 2.75 (15th)
GAA: 2.90 (22nd)
Power Play: 15.3 percent (26th)
Penalty Kill: 81.4 percent (19th)
Season Series: Caps, 5-0 (final meeting, Tuesday, March 29 at Verizon Center)
Playoff history: None
Last playoff meeting: N/A

Season Summary: This is best-case scenario for the Caps. Between their extreme familiarity with the Hurricanes and their domination of them, the Caps would have the best chance for advancing in a match-up with Carolina, who was three points behind the Sabres for the final playoff spot entering tonight's games. (None of the teams listed here play tonight.) The Hurricanes have been their own worst enemy and continue to struggle to find their groove. But if they can squeeze into the eighth spot, and the Caps can overtake the Philadelphia Flyers for first, Washington would be in good shape.

Weekly Snapshot, March 20

2011-03-20T15:40:00.000-04:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: The Caps enjoyed another great week, with two big wins and a superb effort in a loss at Joe Louis Arena. The team is starting to get healthier, with goalie Semyon Varlamov expected to play this week and Nicklas Backstrom not that far behind.

Even so, they've got the game plan down and are executed fantastically. Fans and franchise members have a reason to be as optimistic as ever heading into the final nine games of the regular season and the start of the playoffs.

If the team can get everybody back before the postseason begins, it might be quite the ride between mid-April and early June.

Record/Standings Position: 42-21-10 (94 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/4th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Won, 4-2, at Montreal Canadiens
* Lost, 3-2, at Detroit Red Wings
* Won, 3-0, at New Jersey Devils

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at Philadelphia Flyers (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Friday at Ottawa Senators (7:30 p.m., CSN Plus-HD)
* Saturday at Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Eric Fehr (day-to-day), Jason Arnott (week-to-week), John Erksine (day-to-day), Nicklas Backstrom (day-to-day), Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day), Mike Green (day-to-day), and Tom Poti (week-to-week). Total Man Games Lost: 219.

Recent Transactions: Assigned Braden Holtby to Hershey and signed Garrett Mitchell to a three-year entry-level contract (March 19).

Streak Ends in Hockeytown

2011-03-16T22:29:00.000-04:00

Henrik Zetterberg made sure that the Washington Capitals would not win their 10th straight game. The fantastic Swede scored his second goal of the game at 10:07 to give the homestanding Detroit Red Wings a 3-2 victory and snap the Caps' string of victories at nine. On the winning tally, Zetterberg forced his way towards the net and somehow squeezed the puck into the top corner off his backhand past Michal Neuvirth to provide all the Wings needed. If the puck had been fired an inch in any other direction, it wouldn't have made it into the net.

Zetterberg also opened the scoring at 12:23 on a wicked slap shot that whizzed by Neuvirth. Just 33 seconds later, though, the Caps' John Carlson unleashed a slap shot of his own to tie the score at one. Both shots went top shelf and gave the goalie no chance.

The Wings took the lead back at 14:45 when Valtteri Filppula tipped in a Brian Rafalski point shot. It was the prototypical Red Wings goal with lots of traffic in front and much pressure on the opposing team.

Alex Ovechkin scored the only goal of the middle frame at 5:53 when he scored on his trademark move: shooting the puck between the defenseman's legs past an unsuspecting goalie -- in this case, the Wings' Jimmy Howard, who otherwise had a very good game.

In a contest that certainly had a playoff vibe to it, the Caps truly played fantastically and were beaten by one of the best teams in the league. The Wings are a model of excellence and had their best stuff tonight. The Caps, playing in the second half of a back-to-back, threw all their cards on the table and were defeated by the Wings' ace in the hole: Zetterberg.

As they say, you can't win them all. But, in this case, the Caps sure got close to trying.

Last Two Eastern Conference Champions Provide Footprint for Caps

2011-03-16T18:38:00.000-04:00

The Washington Capitals have been going through a season of transition: they're now playing a more two-way game that's reduced their goals against (2.37, fourth in the NHL) and improved their penalty kill (85.8 percent, third in the league); they've trusted rookies in key spots with mixed results: Marcus Johansson, Michal Neuvirth and Braden Holtby have done well, while Mathieu Perreault did not; they have found ways to bring key veterans to help the team: Scott Hannan, Dennis Wideman and Jason Arnott; and they've found a way to overcome 205 man games lost to injury, including some of their biggest stars (especially Nicklas Backstrom), to vault within a point of the best record in the Eastern Conference.

But they certainly are not alone. Over the last two years, the Eastern Conference representative in the Stanley Cup finals has rallied at the end of a rocky season just in time to excel during a long postseason run.

Last year, the Philadelphia Flyers (who currently hold the best record in the Eastern Conference) experienced an up-and-down campaign, qualified for the playoffs on the last day of the regular season (in a shootout no less) and were down 3-0 (both in games and also by that score in game seven) to the Boston Bruins in the second round of the playoffs. That made them the first team in 35 years to win a best-of-seven series after losing the first three games, and the first team since 1991 to overcome a three-goal deficit in game seven of a playoff series.

The year before, the Stanley Cup champion Pittsburgh Penguins went 10-16-2 in December and January, which led to the firing of head coach Michel Therrien. Once Dan Bylsma was hired on Feb. 15, 2009, the turnaround begin, including a 14-2-3 stretch in March and April. They finished the regular season as the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference with 99 points. Even so, they had to overcome two-game deficits in the second round against the Caps and the finals against Detroit Red Wings.

Getting back to this year's Caps, it's been a tough go for them so far. They experienced an eight-game losing streak in December, have been shutout nine times and their goals scored per game is way down from last year's President Trophy winning bunch (2.68 this year, 3.82 last season). And this doesn't count the number of times Coach Bruce Boudreau has scratched his bald head trying to rationalize what he's seen on the ice.

The team appears to be in fine shape now (despite the growing spate of injuries), winning nine straight games heading into tonight's match-up with the Detroit Red Wings. They earned praise from ESPN.com's Pierre LeBrun in today's column:

"I think you absolutely have to throw Boudreau in with the half dozen or so worthy candidates for the Jack Adams [for coach of the year]. He's convinced his team to change its colors, adopting a more defensive style that should, in theory, apply itself better come playoff time. That's a coach that learned a valuable lesson from the playoffs last year and applied it this year. Impressive. Look at last night, once the Caps went up 3-2 on the Habs, they totally shut the game down, Montreal didn't get a sniff. That's just something the Caps didn't know how to do before this year."

The Caps certainly hope that they follow in the footsteps of the Flyers and Penguins and reach the Stanley Cup finals.

Weekly Snapshot, March 13

2011-03-13T20:32:00.000-04:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: The Caps continue to impress. Not only are they still undefeated since the trading deadline, but they're on an eight-game winning streak that bears some magic that's reminiscent of the run to end Coach Bruce Boudreau's first magical season. But this one feels different because this team seems like it's got the depth (despite the injuries) and a playing style to make a run come playoff time. There are still 12 games left until the postseason arrives, but the Caps are suddenly five points ahead of Tampa Bay (with one more game played) and looking quite impressive. This week provides a stern test, though, as a six-game road trip begins.

Record/Standings Position: 40-20-10 (90 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/4th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Won, 2-1 (SO), at Tampa Bay Lightning
* Won, 5-0, vs. Edmonton Oilers
* Won, 2-1, vs. Carolina Hurricanes
* Won, 4-3 (OT), vs. Chicago Blackhawks

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at Montreal Canadiens (7 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)
* Wednesday at Detroit Red Wings (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Friday at New Jersey Devils (7 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Nicklas Backstrom (day-to-day), Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day), Mike Green (day-to-day), and Tom Poti (week-to-week). Total Man Games Lost: 199.

Recent Transactions: None.

Holtby, Ovechkin, Fehr Pace Caps over Oilers

2011-03-09T22:07:00.000-05:00

Tonight, the Washington Capitals left no doubt that they had their best game on display. Against an over-matched Edmonton Oilers team, the Caps dominated from start to finish, got stronger as the game progressed and cruised to a 5-0 victory at Verizon Center.

After a scoreless first period, Alex Ovechkin converted a beautiful Jason Arnott pass on the power play to put the Caps on the board at 5:38. Then, Eric Fehr -- making a triumphant return from a 20-plus game injury absense -- got the team's second power-play goal at 10:32.

But the real fireworks were saved for the final frame. Just past the three-minute mark, Ovechkin and Marcus Johansson put on a passing clinic with three or four quick passes before Ovechkin notched his second goal of the game and 27th of the season to give the Caps a 3-0 lead. The play was especially important because Ovechkin had worked hard to keep the puck in the zone earlier in the sequence and was further proof that Johansson could do well playing on the first line in place of the injured Nick Backstrom, who missed the first game in his NHL career.

Shortly thereafter, Oilers goalie Nikolai Khabibulin wandered practically to the blueline to fetch the puck on a dump-in, but Jason Chimera beat him to it and fed it to Fehr, who notched his second goal of the game. And then, at 14:30, Alex Semin converted a quick two-on-one with Marco Sturm to provide the final margin.

Almost as if he were in the background, Braden Holtby stopped 22 shots for his first NHL shutout. He didn't have to make too many difficult ones, but the final minutes were a bit strenuous for the 21-year-old who was playing just his 10th career NHL game. He's been spectacular, though, compiling a 0.78 goals against average over his last four games before tonight. Holtby has been the real deal and certainly helped the Caps while Semyon Varlamov and Michal Neuvirth have battled sporadic injuries throughout the season.

Ovechkin also surpassed the 600-point milestone tonight. His stats might not be as flashy as they have been in previous seasons, but the Caps' win was their sixth in a row -- proving that team success is more important than individual glory. After all, that's what captains should strive for anyway.

Semin, Holtby Keep Caps in First

2011-03-07T22:18:00.000-05:00

The Washington Capitals are now 16-0 when Alex Semin scores a goal, as he did in the team's 2-1 shootout victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning tonight at St. Pete Times Forum. The enigmatic winger struck at 14:28 of the third period when he had just enough time and space to unleash one of his wicked wristers past Tampa goalie Dwayne Roloson, who gave the Caps fits yet again. (Alex Ovechkin scored the only goal in the shootout.)

At the other end of the ice, Braden Holtby earned a win (and the game's No. 1 star) after replacing the apparently injured Michal Neuvirth at the start of the second period. Holtby didn't allow a goal amongst the 21 shots he faced and looked extremely comfortable along the way. The Caps, overall, were stellar on both ends of the ice and earned multiple kudos from Versus announcer Pierre McGuire, who not only praised their play but also their heart and passion.

The Lightning's lone goal came on a power play in the first period, when Sean Bergenheim tipped a Martin St. Louis pass into the net. The rest of the game was a tightly checked affair, with multiple scoring chances but limited real opportunities. If this was a playoff preview, the Caps have myriad reasons to be quite optimistic.

The only cause for concern is the health of Nicklas Backstrom, who apparently re-injured his bothersome wrist and missed the entire third period and overtime. Backstrom hasn't missed a game during his NHL career, but his wrist hasn't been 100 percent in a while either. If the Caps must play without the Swedish center for an extended period of time, that could put a wrinkle in their roll.

But, otherwise, the red, white and blue hasn't lost since the trade deadline and have won five straight overall. This is a team that looks like it's for real, and in fact is tied with Boston for the Eastern Conference's second spot -- just two points behind the slumping Philadelphia Flyers. They've confirmed that Coach Bruce Boudreau implemented change that everybody can endorse.

Weekly Snapshot, March 6

2011-03-06T20:54:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: It's amazing what one week can do in terms of changing a team's perception. Not too long ago, many of us were calling for radical changes and were full of gloom and doom. Now, in the midst of a four-game wining streak (the team's longest since Nov. 24-Dec. 1), the Caps have retaken the Southeast Division lead for the first time since Dec. 29 and are suddenly inching closer to joining the league's elite once again. GM George McPhee worked wonders at the trading deadline and the future is looking much brighter.

Most of this regular season has been somewhat mediocre for a team with extremely lofty expectations. There are still 16 games remaining to cement the team's fourth-consecutive division title and plenty of momentum heading into what could be a franchise-altering postseason. While the Caps certainly haven't reached the ceiling of their potential, it's a lot easier to be optimistic about the red, white and blue these days.

Record/Standings Position: 36-20-10 (82 points), 1st Southeast Division/3rd Eastern Conference/6th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Won, 2-1 (OT), vs. New York Islanders
* Won, 3-2, vs. St. Louis Blues
* Won, 3-2 (OT), at Florida Panthers

This Week's Games:
* Monday at Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Wednesday vs. Edmonton Oilers (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Friday vs. Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday vs. Chicago Blackhawks (12:30 p.m., NBC-HD)

Injuries: Mike Green (day-to-day), Tom Poti (week-to-week), Eric Fehr (week-to-week), Semyon Varlamov (7-10 days). Total Man Games Lost: 183.

Recent Transactions: Recalled Braden Holtby from Hershey and assigned Todd Ford to Hershey (March 3); recalled Ford from Hershey (March 1); acquired Jason Arnott from New Jersey for David Steckel and a 2012 2nd-round pick (Feb. 28); acquired Dennis Wideman from Florida for Jake Hauswirth and a 2011 3rd-round pick (Feb. 28).

Arnott Seals Third Straight Victory

2011-03-03T21:54:00.000-05:00

In two games as a member of the Washington Capitals, Jason Arnott has certainly made a positive impression on and off the ice. Tonight, he added to the legacy of his fantastic NHL career with a game-winning goal to give the Caps a 3-2 victory over the visiting St. Louis Blues.

Arnott's goal, his 14th of the season and first with the team, came as the result of a beautiful pass from Alex Semin on a two-on-one that quickly developed late in the third period. But it was certainly not his first impression wearing the red, white and blue.

On Tuesday, Arnott notched the game-winning assist in overtime against the New York Islanders and then proceeded to speak his mind about his new team's deficiencies. Something he said must have worked because the Caps looked much improved tonight.

After falling behind in the first, on a goal by Alexander Steen on a two-on-one that resulted because John Erskine got stuck up ice and looked awful, the Caps struck back off the stick of Scott Hannan, who notched his first goal of the season -- and just the 31st of his career.

The Blues took back the lead quickly as B.J. Crombeen broke in alone and victimized Michal Neuvirth. Nicklas Backstrom evened up the game by hitting the puck out of mid-air and managing to keep his stick low enough to avoid a penalty at 6:48. It was an unbelievably skillful goal. That's three goals in just under seven minutes of the middle stanza.

Arnott's strike at 14:41 of the third was the culmination of a better team effort, but certainly not a complete one. There were still times when the Caps looked over-matched and disorganized. They had plenty of opportunities -- especially by Marco Sturm, who is quickly making a name for himself on a very speedy third line -- but couldn't convert.

Neuvirth, meanwhile, set a new Caps' rookie record with his 21st victory of the season and continued to keep the team in the game during those dormant times. This is a team that was bordering on hopeless several weeks ago and now, with Tampa Bay's loss in Boston tonight, is but one point behind the Lightning for the Southeast Division lead.

It's quite the turnaround, but one that isn't anywhere close to complete. But if Arnott has anything to do or say about it, the Caps will be just fine.

Two Late Goals Enough to Beat Islanders

2011-03-01T22:00:00.001-05:00

The Washington Capitals looked downright pitiful for most of tonight's game against the New York Islanders. But, in the last minute of regulation and the first two minutes of overtime, the Caps redeemed themselves to steal a 2-1 overtime victory at Verizon Center, where they hadn't scored in a while. (Their last home game was a 6-0 awful loss to the New York Rangers on Feb. 25.)

The winner belonged to Alex Ovechkin, who skated around and through Frans Nielsen on a rush in overtime and beat Islanders goalie Nate Lawson before he knew what hit him. It was Ovie's 25th of the year and extended his franchise record for overtime winners. But it also showed a flash of brilliance for a player who is having a down offensive year, at least by his lofty standards.

It looked for a while that Matt "Golden" Moulson's goal at 10:08 of the second would be enough to put the visitors in the win column. But, with Michal Neuvirth on the bench in the game's waning moments, Brooks Laich took a gorgeous pass from Jason Arnott, in his Caps debut, and beat Lawson between the legs to tie the game. Laich and Arnott had good chemistry all night skating on the second line with Alex Semin.

The best of the Caps new acquisitions was Dennis Wideman -- who skated a game-high 26:44 and was fantastic on both ends of the ice. Arnott was pretty good, while Marco Sturm was solid.

Michal Neuvirth had another great game, keeping the Caps in it all night, even while they were outplayed. The Caps top goalie continues to improve and is showing that he can carry the load while Semyon Varlamov remains hurt.

The Caps get their first practice with all the new troops tomorrow and then host the St. Louis Blues on Thursday night (7 p.m., CSN-HD).

McPhee Hits the Mark

2011-02-28T22:18:00.000-05:00

Washington Capitals General Manager George McPhee had a clear mission today: trade for a bonified second-line center and, if possible, add a defenseman. He did well on both counts, much better than he did at this time last year.

Center Jason Arnott, formerly of the New Jersey Devils, heads to the nation's capital in exchange for center David Steckel and a 2012 second-round pick. Arnott, although not the same player he was in 2000, when he led the Devs to a Stanley Cup, still has enough left in the tank to make a significant impact. Some were calling for Sergei Fedorov 2.0, and I would argue that Arnott might be better than the legendary Russian was when he joined the Caps a few years ago.

Although Arnott has just 13 goals and 11 assists this season, he's a proven two-way center who can excel both on the power play and penalty kill and has plenty of playoff experience. Additionally, he's extremely familiar with the Eastern Conference teams -- especially the New York Rangers -- that have haunted the Caps recently.

Dennis Wideman, the new defensemen, will be especially valuable now that Mike Green is out for at least two weeks. Wideman, although somewhat offensively minded, also can play well in his own end and be an asset on special teams. He's just 27 and spent three seasons in Boston before this one where he learned a lot from all-world defenseman Zdeno Chara.

He's also adept at the Caps' style of play and should do much better than Joe Corvo last season. Wideman is signed for next season, but that's another story for another time. McPhee sent a third-round pick this year and prospect Jake Hauswirth to Florida for Wideman.

Wideman's teammate with the Bruins last season, Marco Sturm, joins the Caps off waivers from the L.A. Kings and, if he can stay healthy, will provide a nice offensive boost. Sturm notched 22 goals and 15 assists with Boston last season and boasted consecutive 27-goal seasons earlier in his career with the Bruins. He's got the tools; he just needs to stay healthy.

All these three players cost McPhee and the Caps from the active roster was Steckel, a great faceoff man but somebody with limited offensive tools. As the Caps try to improve their offense and provide a major jolt to their power player, the three newest Caps should help that endeavor.

Arnott should skate on the second line with Alex Semin and possibly Sturm or Brooks Laich, while Wideman might be paired with Scott Hannan or Jeff Schultz. If Sturm drops to the third line, he'll most likely skate with a reinvigorated Marcus Johansson and Jason Chimera.

Coach Bruce Boudreau likes to shuffle lines and the extra three players will give him options. But it won't be the overkill they had last year and the troops this time around are better and more suited to the Caps' style of play.

McPhee, in my opinion, did all he could do to put the Caps in position to make a deep playoff run. It's now time for the players to perform on the ice -- starting with tomorrow night's tilt with the New York Islanders at Verizon Center.

Caps Trade(s) Listings

2011-02-28T12:09:00.007-05:00

Here is a list of trade(s) the Caps made today, trade deadline day 2011. Times are according to the TSN.ca trade tracker.

(11:46 a.m.) - Acquired defenseman Dennis Wideman from Florida for Jake Hauswirth and a 2011 third-round pick.

(3:25 p.m.) - Acquired center Jason Arnott from New Jersey for center David Steckel and a 2012 second-round pick.

That appears to be it for today. Look for further coverage later.

Weekly Snapshot, Feb. 27

2011-02-27T19:29:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: The Caps continue to be consistently inconsistent. For example, last week included a solid victory at Pittsburgh, an ugly home loss and a somewhat lucky victory over one of the worst teams in the league. With less than 24 hours before the trading deadline, it's time for GM George McPhee's last stand. He's got one final shot to make a major statement that the status quo isn't good enough. This is no time to tinker, this is his chance to radically change the roster. If successful, the Caps could storm into the playoffs. If not, McPhee and Coach Bruce Boudreau might be heading into a lame duck session.

Record/Standings Position: 33-20-10 (76 points), 2nd Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/8th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Won, 1-0, at Pittsburgh Penguins
* Lost, 6-0, vs. New York Rangers
* Won, 3-2, at New York Islanders

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. New York Islanders (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Thursday vs. St. Louis Blues (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday at Florida Panthers (5 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Mike Green (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Eric Fehr (2-3 weeks), Semyon Varlamov (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 171.

Recent Transactions: Assigned Todd Ford to Hershey (today); recalled Ford and Jay Beagle from Hershey (yesterday); claimed Marco Sturm off waivers from Los Angeles Kings (yesterday); assigned Mathieu Perreault to Hershey (yesterday); placed D.J. King on waivers (yesterday); signed Matt Hendricks to two-year contract extension (Feb. 24).

It's Time for the Caps to Make a Trade

2011-02-23T20:46:00.001-05:00

The NHL trading deadline (and the end of February) is quickly approaching and teams around the league are starting to make their moves. Just in the past week or so, the Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins and Tampa Bay Lightning have upgraded their squads -- but the Washington Capitals have yet to budge.

GM George McPhee is very calculated, but this is the year to take a risk. He's got a roster that has a glaring need at the center position, especially with the potential injury to Nicklas Backstrom. Coach Bruce Boudreau's new two-way playing style has started to pay dividends, but McPhee himself said he's disappointed with the team's performance thusfar.

With today's re-signing of Matt Hendricks, McPhee showed his belief in the current style of play, but it's evident that he need needs more troops. Some argue that it's time to finally trade Alex Semin -- something that I've been in promoting for a long time.

Over the last few weeks, McPhee and Boudreau are starting to change the culture and remake the team (mid-season) into one that can succeed playing postseason hockey. But without more scoring (believe it or not), especially from the center position, this team won't have enough ammunition to fulfill their goal of winning the franchise's first Stanley Cup.

Since he's been GM, McPhee's Caps have won four postseason series -- three of which came during the team's 1998 run to the Stanley Cup finals (the only time the Caps have gone that deep in the playoffs). The other victory occurred in 2009 over the New York Rangers (after falling behind 3-1), but that was marred by the subsequent game seven collapse to the Penguins.

In order to properly prepare for a sustained postseason run, and help the Caps win a series in less than seven games, McPhee needs to take a risk. This team could be primed for something special -- but most likely not as currently constructed. It's time for GMGM to lay all of his cards out on the table -- and show everybody that he'll do something more than just tweaking the roster.

That would be the biggest statement thus far that this year's Caps truly have turned a corner after previous debacles.

Things Coming Together: Caps 1, Pens 0

2011-02-21T22:22:00.000-05:00

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.

Weekly Snapshot, Feb. 21

2011-02-21T10:41:00.001-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: The Caps are starting to turn things around, both with playing style and with results. The next critical step is the trading deadline, one week from today. Other teams are making moves, so now it's time for GM George McPhee to answer.

Record/Standings Position: 31-19-10 (72 points), 2nd Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/9th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-2, at Phoenix Coyotes
* Won, 7-6, at Anaheim Ducks
* Lost, 3-2, at San Jose Sharks
* Won, 2-1, at Buffalo

This Week's Games:
* Tonight at Pittsburgh Penguins (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Friday vs. New York Rangers (7 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)
* Saturday at New York Islanders (7 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Mike Green (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Eric Fehr (2-3 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 165.

Recent Transactions: Assigned Patrick McNeill to Hershey (Feb. 19), recalled McNeill from Hershey (Feb. 15).

Motivation Shouldn't Be an Issue

2011-02-16T20:59:00.000-05:00

With 25 games remaining for the Washington Capitals (before tonight's contest against the Anaheim Ducks), it's very curious that the red, white and blue are still trying to figure out how to "flip the switch" or something along those lines.

"It's like we're waiting for something to happen," Coach Bruce Boudreau said recently. "We're waiting for something. We're entering the toughest part of the season. It's going to be a real indicator if we're a serious contender or not, quite honestly. We've got our work cut out for us and [need to] decide if we're serious or not."

"I don’t know what we're waiting for," veteran Mike Knuble added. "There's a lot to play for -- as players, as individuals, as a team. Every game is important."

It's hard to remember that, for the most part, this is the same outfit that captured the Presidents' Trophy last season, finishing eight points ahead of the next closest team (the San Jose Sharks).

While some questioned whether the team would "flip the switch" last season, and only play 20-30 minutes of hard hockey per night, their results spoke for themselves. But, this season, the effort hasn't been there, the results are lacking and the team hasn't approached their lofty expectations.

And now, the chorus for a change in culture is growing louder by the minute. Perhaps the smoke may lead to a firing.

Weekly Snapshot, Feb. 13

2011-02-13T10:52:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

The Synopsis: It was a bad week for the Caps. They regressed to an outfit that looks downright pitiful and ready for change. In fact, the team held a player's only meeting after yesterday's awful loss to the L.A. Kings. The team now heads on the road for a five-game stint, one that needs to not only produce wins but demonstrate that they team is capable of playing a strong 60 minutes every night. If not, it might start to get really ugly really fast.

Record/Standings Position: 29-17-10 (68 points), 2nd Southeast Division/T-5th Eastern Conference/8th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 2-0, vs. San Jose Sharks
* Lost, 4-1, vs. L.A. Kings

This Week's Games:
* Monday at Phoenix Coyotes (8 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Wednesday at Anaheim Ducks (10 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Thursday at San Jose Sharks (10:30 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday at Buffalo Sabres (12:30 p.m., NBC-HD)

Injuries: Tom Poti (day-to-day) and Eric Fehr (out 2-3 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 153.

Recent Transactions: Assigned Jay Beagle to Hershey (Feb. 8).

Shark Bait: San Jose 2, Caps 0

2011-02-08T21:30:00.001-05:00

For all the talk of the Washington Capitals improving after two stellar performances, tonight's 2-0 loss to the San Jose Sharks seemed to indicate that those wins over the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins were anomalies. The Sharks dominated from start to finish and, although they didn't score until the third period, it was plainly obvious who the better team was tonight.

The Sharks' goals were the icing on a stellar performance. Logan Couture scored his 24th of the season by beating Michal Neuvirth with a wrist shot through the legs from the face-off circle at 11:55 of the third period. Dan Boyle followed just 2:12 later with a slapshot from the other face-off circle to pour salt in a very painful wound.

The team's only saving grace was Neuvirth, who was stellar in stopping 34 shots. Although the Caps had 25 shots on goal, they registered 12 of those in the final 20 minutes. The middle frame, in which they had just four shots, was especially ugly.

Missing tonight was any offense flow, any sign of Matt Hendricks (or others) storming the crease, or any firepower that was present over the weekend. The closest they got to scoring occurred with 7:49 left in the first period, when Sharks goalie Antti Niemi stopped a shot and benefitted from a quick whistle. The puck appeared to trickle through his legs and Mathieu Perreault put the puck in the net for good measure, but it was immediately waved off and the game remained scoreless.

The Caps had a late power play, including nearly a minute with Neuvirth on the bench to give them a six-on-four, but that too was inept.

This is a team that still needs to be able to assert its supposed identity of a high-pressure offense and a tight defensive squad. They've been struggling with that all season and, except for a few spurts here and there, haven't been able to find it. With just 28 games left, and only 11 at home, they can't give anything away -- something that they clearly did tonight.

Weekly Snapshot, Feb. 6

2011-02-06T20:14:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals, now in a revised format.

The Synopsis: It was a big week for the Caps, and they improved with every step. After a dormant performance against the Montreal Canadiens, they dominated the Tampa Bay Lightning and Pittsburgh Penguins. They're starting to find their offense again, and have been able to maintain their defensive prowess -- but they've got another 28 games left in the regular season to keep it going (especially against non-rivals). This will be especially paramount because of the plethora of upcoming games against Western Conference opponents -- many on the road.

Record/Standings Position: 29-15-10 (68 points), 2nd Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/6th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-2 (SO), vs. Montreal
* Won, 5-2, at Tampa Bay
* Won, 3-0, vs. Pittsburgh

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. San Jose Sharks (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday vs. L.A. Kings (12:30 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Alexander Semin (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Eric Fehr (out 3-4 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 148.

Recent Transactions: Recalled Jay Beagle and Tyler Sloan from Hershey (Feb. 1); recalled Mathieu Perreault from Hershey (Jan. 31).

Caps Must Radically Change the Culture

2011-02-03T20:18:00.003-05:00

The Washington Capitals are out of excuses, done with their search for a 60-minute effort and beyond the point where a move at the trading deadline will adjust the culture of the organization.

It's come down to this: if the Caps don't completely change what's ailed them this season (and maybe longer), then Ted Leonsis needs to fire GM George McPhee and Coach Bruce Boudreau.

It's extremely difficult to believe that it's reached this point, and in this economy I would never wish for anybody's unemployment, but there's no other solution if the franchise is serious about winning its first Stanley Cup. And here's why:

* Despite finishing with a record 121 points last year, and basically keeping the same team together, the Caps have regressed majorly this season.

* McPhee has stuck to his "build from within" philosophy, but none of the rookies really have drastically improved the team. (John Carlson may be the exception.)

* McPhee also continues to offer curious contract extensions to players like John Erskine, Tom Poti, Tyler Sloan and Alex Semin when, except for maybe Semin, other teams aren't exactly knocking down their doors.

* Trading for D.J. King still seems useless when he's played in only 12 games this year and logged a little more than 60 minutes all season.

* How long can you say "this team is still young and still learning" when their on-ice performance continues to reflect that of an uninspired squad?

* You can't pin everything on Boudreau. He's done everything in his power to try to get the most out of a very talented bunch. But McPhee seems unwilling to fill the voids that many others see and, for some reason, many of the players' issues seem to reside between their ears.

* Do you think that there's a slight possibility that Boudreau switched to a defense-first system to protect his young goalies? If so, the team is even more flawed than we originally thought.

It's gotten to the point where nothing but a Stanley Cup will do for the franchise. Over the course of the last three seasons, the Caps won the Southeast Division each time, but then watched lower seeds advance further in the playoffs.

The Caps have won just one playoff series over the last three seasons despite a combined 323 regular-season points over that span. As a comparison, the Philadelphia Flyers have won five playoff series during the same three years (as a five-, six- and seven-seed), despite only 282 regular-season points.

Yes, the Caps has claimed that they were going to play "playoff-style" hockey all season. And, under their new defensive-minded system, they've improved their penalty kill and goals-against average.

The problem is that they've won less than two-thirds of the games in which they've scored first (63.6 percent, 21st in the league entering tonight's games). When they've lead after the first period, their winning percentage is .722 (18th). Those aren't exactly stats that should have fans dreaming of a long playoff run.

The team has been able to mask deeper problems because they had one of the most dangerous offenses in the league since Boudreau became coach. But this season, for whatever reason, their offense has regressed by more than a goal per game and the entire franchise looks defeated.

It's time for Leonsis to make the most difficult decision of his ownership: by changing the culture and bringing in proven winners as GM and coach. Then, and only then, will the Caps be a legitimate threat to win the Stanley Cup -- and not a team that 35 percent of NHL players think is overrated.

Montreal Unleashes the Misery: Canadiens 3, Caps 2

2011-02-01T22:17:00.001-05:00

On turn back-the-clock night, fans experienced the chorus to the old camp jingle, "second verse, same as the first, a little bit louder and a little bit worse." Tonight, the Montreal Canadiens beat the Washington Capitals, 3-2, in a shootout, another weak performance by a team that looks more disheveled by the outing.

For the first 7:49, the Caps turned back the clock to last season's scoring ways. Mathieu Perreault broke loose in the left face-off circle and beat Carey Price five-hole to give the home team a 1-0 lead. Then, at 7:49, Mike Knuble was the recipient of a beautiful pass from Mike Green (on the power play, no less) to extend the lead to two on a one-timer that was reminiscent of the back-door play that produced so many goals for the red, white and blue.

And then this year's team returned. At 8:28, Brian Gionta broke loose on the wing and ripped a slapshot past Semyon Varlamov to bring the visitors within a goal. At 17:22, Gionta struck again and it was ugly. John Carlson passed it back while in the offensive zone and the puck went right to Tomas Plekanec -- who unleashed a perfect stretch pass to Gionta, beating Varly easily to tie the game.

The rest of regulation was scoreless, but not without cause for worry. The Canadiens outshot the Caps, 15-6, in the second period and 38-29 overall. The Caps certainly looked like they were playing on their heels for most of the night and certainly did nothing to reverse fans' worrisome ways.

It's almost getting to the point where you feel a storm front is coming (and I'm not talking about the fact that they're playing Friday night at the Tampa Bay Lightning, who destroyed the Eastern Conference-leading Philadelphia Flyers, 4-0, tonight) and the sky is getting grayer by the game.

It could get ugly sooner rather than later.

Weekly Snapshot, Jan. 30

2011-01-30T17:40:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

Record/Standings Position: 27-15-9 (63 points), 2nd Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/8th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 2-1 (OT), vs. New York Rangers
* Lost, 1-0, at Atlanta Thrashers

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. Montreal Canadiens (7:30 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Friday at Tampa Bay Lightning (7:30 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)
* Sunday vs. Pittsburgh Penguins (12:30 pm., NBC-HD)

Injuries: Matt Bradley (1-2 weeks), Alexander Semin (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Eric Fehr (out 3-4 weeks), Tyler Sloan (day-to-day), Michal Neuvirth (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 140.

Recent Transactions: Assigned Jay Beagle, Mathieu Perreault and Braden Holtby to Hershey (Jan. 27); loaned Tyler Sloan to Hershey for a conditioning stint (Jan. 23).

Top Storylines:
* The Caps face three very tough games after the all-star break, meaning they better get things in order quickly.
* Speaking of which, the team continues to excel on defense and the penalty kill, while struggling to score goals in all situations (especially the power play).
* One way to get out of the funk will be to go to the net and continue to take smart shots. Substance over style.

Top Line (Who's Hot?): penalty kill (second in the league at 86 percent); goals against average (2.45, seventh in the league); Jason Chimera (six points in January after only seven in November and December combined).

Scratches (Who's Not?): goals scored (2.71, 17th in the league); power play (17.1 percent, 19th); winning percentage when scoring first (66.7 percent, 19th).

Notebook: Semin, Dino and Hershey

2011-01-27T17:37:00.000-05:00

The Washington Capitals decided to keep the enigma around for a bit longer, giving Alex Semin a one-year, $6.7 million contract extension. Apparently, the team's max offer was two years, an indication that they're still not totally sold on his long-term future with the team.

Semin, as regular STC readers know, continues to confound many in the organization and around the league. The guess here is that GM George McPhee decided Semin was better than the available free-agent options and didn't need to give the forward a huge raise over his current $6 million salary. (His new figure equals Nicklas Backstrom's salary, second only to Alex Ovechkin's $9.5 million per season.)

Meanwhile, longtime Cap Dino Ciccarelli will be honored at "Turn Back the Clock" night on Tuesday, Feb. 1 against the Montreal Canadiens (7:30 p.m., CSN-HD). The Caps will wear their Winter Classic jerseys and a special pregame ceremony will take place.

Finally, Jay Beagle, Mathieu Perreault and Braden Holtby have been assigned to the Hershey Bears to give the trio a chance to play during the NHL all-star break. The Bears play tonight, tomorrow and Saturday before hosting the AHL all-star festivities on Sunday and Monday. Holtby was selected as an all-star and now will be able to participate.

Note: "Capitals Red Line" will debut next Saturday, Feb. 5 at 9 a.m. in its new timeslot. The show will air for eight consecutive weeks.

Lower Seeds Continue to Thrive in Playoffs

2011-01-25T22:05:00.001-05:00

It's become plainly obvious that the Washington Capitals will not approach the 121 points they accumulated last season -- and may not exceed the 108 they racked up during the 2008-09 season. But, believe it or not, that might actually be a good thing. Let us remember that, despite winning the Southeast Division three straight years, the Caps have won just one playoff series over that span.

But here's the thing: since the lockout, 11 teams seeded sixth or lower have won a first-round series and, in all but one of those seasons, made it to the conference finals.

Last season was the celebration of lower-seeded teams as the seventh-seeded Philadelphia Flyers made the Stanley Cup finals and the eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens eliminated the Caps and Pittsburgh Penguins before falling to the orange and black. In 2005-06, the eighth-seeded Edmonton Oilers not only made the Stanley Cup finals but came within one win of taking the trophy back to Western Canada.

The successful lower-seeded teams include:

* 98 points (2005-06 Anaheim Ducks, lost conference finals)
* 97 (2008-09 Carolina Hurricanes, lost conference finals)
* 95 (2007-08 Flyers, made conference finals; 2007-08 Colorado Avalanche, won first round; 2005-06 Avalanche, won first round; 2005-06 Oilers, lost Stanley Cup finals)
* 94 (2006-07 New York Rangers, won first round)
* 91 (2008-09 Ducks, lost in second round; 2009-10 Boston Bruins, won first round)
* 88 (2009-10 Flyers, lost in Stanley Cup finals, and 2009-10 Canadiens, lost in conference finals)

All of these teams had to fight to get into the playoffs and then start the postseason on the road. There was no cruising involved.

Therefore, the Caps (with 63 points) have plenty of precedent of not only making the playoffs but gearing up for a longer run than they've ever enjoyed under Bruce Boudreau. They're in prime position, given the list of teams listed above and the Caps' current record, of breaking that recent trend. And ceding the division title might be the first step towards finally accomplishing their goals.

Caps Drop Shootout to the Rangers, 2-1

2011-01-24T22:18:00.003-05:00

The Washington Capitals continue to bank on their strong defense, penalty killing and goaltending -- a vast departure from last year's high-flying ways. But this team is more like the 1980s/1990s Caps -- an outfit that qualified for the postseason 14 straight seasons.

Tonight, against the New York Rangers, the Caps lost, 2-1, in a shootout -- after being outshot, 29-23, during the first 65 minutes. Braden Holtby had another stellar night as did the Rangers' Martin Biron. In the shootout, Matt Hendricks (using the same move he donned Saturday night in Toronto) and Nicklas Backstrom scored for the Caps, while Mats Zuccarello, Wojtek Wolski and Artem Anisimov tallied for the visitors.

Hendricks (his seventh of the season) put the Caps on the board at 1:27 of the second period with a beautiful wrister off a nice feed by Marcus Johansson. It was the culmination of a pressure-packed series by the crowd favorite.

The Rangers struck back at 13:19 of the third, when Marian Gaborik got enough of the puck in the middle of a scrum in front of Holtby for his 16th of the season. The play was reviewed, but somehow Gaborik got the puck over the goal line legally, but it was close to being punched into the net.

Overall, the game was very choppy and downright ugly. If this were last season, some might argue that the team looked disinterested. But, as part of Caps 2.0, it's just another trapping day at the office. Holtby was under pressure at times, but continues to look like he belongs. His youth was exposed during the shootout, but fortunately for the Caps, they don't have those in the postseason.

Weekly Snapshot, Jan. 23

2011-01-23T10:46:00.001-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

Record/Standings Position: 27-14-8 (62 points), 2nd Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/7th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 3-2 (OT), at Philadelphia Flyers
* Won, 2-1, at New York Islanders
* Won, 4-1, at Toronto Maple Leafs

This Week's Games:
* Monday vs. New York Rangers (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Wednesday at Atlanta Thrashers (7 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Matt Bradley (1-2 weeks), Alexander Semin (day-to-day), Tom Poti (day-to-day), Eric Fehr (out 3-4 weeks), Tyler Sloan (day-to-day), Michal Neuvirth (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 127.

Recent Transactions: Assigned Brian Fahey to Hershey (Jan. 21); recalled Fahey from Hershey (Jan. 20); recalled Braden Holtby from Hershey (Jan. 19); assigned Andrew Gordon to Hershey, recalled Sloan from his conditioning stint in Hershey (Jan. 18).

Top Storylines:
* Alex Ovechkin registered his first hat trick of the season in yesterday's win.
* Mike Green will serve as an alternate captain in this weekend's all-star game.
* Another money quote from Bruce Boudreau: "It might not be the most exciting brand of hockey in the world but everybody seems to like winning hockey these days." Amen.

Top Line (Who's Hot?): penalty kill (second in the league at 85.7 percent); goals against average (2.51, seventh in the league); Nicklas Backstrom (points in 10 of his last 12 games).

Scratches (Who's Not?): injuries (seem to be mounting); Scott Hannan (minus-four, second-worst on the team); Mathieu Perreault (only one point this month).

Penalty Kill, Holtby Pace Caps to 2-1 Win

2011-01-20T22:00:00.000-05:00

The scoring might not be there, but the Washington Capitals are still finding ways to win games. Braden Holtby made 24 saves and the Caps went six-for-six on the penalty kill as the visitors held on for a 2-1 win at the New York Islanders.

Nicklas Backstrom notched a goal (his 12th) and an assist while playing on a revamped line with regular partner Alex Ovechkin and new addition Jason Chimera, who scored the other Caps' goal (his seventh of the season). The captain notched two assists, giving him 32 on the season, while John Carlson registered the other helper.

But the story of the game was the Caps' stout defense and their excellent penalty kill. The team played with grit and determination that was missing for most of their game Tuesday in Philadelphia. Although the Islanders may be lagging in the standings, they are not a pushover and routinely give the Caps all they can handle.

Holtby, meanwhile, was recalled from Hershey to replace an ailing Michal Neuvirth, who returned to Washington after Tuesday's game. No. 1 (for the moment) goalie Semyon Varlamov has a lower-body injury, and Holtby filled in nobly. In fact, during his spot duty this season, he has a respectable 3.19 goals-against average -- given the fact that he's only played six NHL games (all this season) and started the 2009-10 campaign in the ECHL.

So while this game wasn't perfect, it certainly served as a building block towards a brighter future for a team that is facing myriad injuries and other issues.

Note: STC sends its thoughts and prayers to former Cap Tomas Fleischmann, who is battling scary blood clots (again) and will miss the rest of the season.

Clement Has It Wrong about the Caps

2011-01-19T19:05:00.000-05:00

Today, during his regular time slot on NHL Home Ice, Bill Clement brought some pretty harsh accusations at the Washington Capitals. He said that they looked like a shell of their former selves, that they lacked the "grit" they possessed last season and challenged listeners to find one member of the team who is better than they were last time around.

I've got a lot of respect for Clement, a one-time captain of the Caps. But, in this case, there is no doubt that he is misguided. For one, the team is going through a transition that is quite difficult (as he should know from his playing days): they're trying to change from their high-scoring, offensive-minded ways into a more well-rounded bunch.

If you take last night's game against the Philadelphia Flyers, or individual scoring numbers, then yes, the team isn't as good as last year. But, there is a quick counterargument here: their penalty killing (85 percent, sixth in the league) and goals against (2.57, ninth) are far better than last year's figures (78.8, 25th, and 2.77, 16th, respectively).

Additionally, Alex Ovechkin is facing resistance and defensive coverage like never before and still has managed to pose a threat -- even if his success rate isn't as high. This team, many would argue, has more grit than last year, when on many nights, they skated by with a 20-minute effort that was a blowout on the scoresheet.

The biggest difference is that the Caps' scoring is down nearly a goal a game (2.79 this year, 3.82 last year), but their competition was not as tough (Example A: Tampa Bay Lightning).

In the place where it matters most, the standings, the Caps are firmly entrenched in the playoffs and should topple 100 points. Granted, they most likely won't reach the 121 points that they did last season, but we all know where that got them.

If Clement needs a reminder about the insignificance of the regular season, he needs not look further than his own Flyers -- who got into the postseason (with 88 points) by virtue of a shootout win in the last game of the regular season. And, once they were there, they reached the Stanley Cup finals -- something the Caps most surely will take come May or June.

All-Star Teaser Clip

2011-01-19T18:45:00.001-05:00

We interrupt the uber-analysis of the Washington Capitals to present a little fun: a clip teasing the 2011 all-star game next Sunday, Jan. 30 (4 p.m., Versus):

Note: I was contacted directly by Versus, who asked for my participation in posting the video.

Caps Play With Fire, Get Burned

2011-01-18T21:59:00.000-05:00

The Washington Capitals seemingly fall behind before they rev up their engines to full gear. And, more often than not lately, they cannot overcome the deficit. Tonight, in enemy territory at Wells Fargo Center, the Caps fell, 3-2, in overtime to the Philadelphia Flyers despite a strong third period that erased an early 2-0 hole.

But, as the game drew closer to conclusion, the Orange-clad home team started to turn up the pressure and the pace of play became more open and free-flowing. Normally, that would benefit the formerly high-flying Caps, but this incarnation of the red, white and blue has turned into a defensive bunch. Although they were able to survive some scares in the last few moments of regulation, an Andrej Meszaros slap shot at 1:07 of overtime eventually ended their hope for a win.

Claude Giroux, who was a thorn in the Caps' side all night, and Jeff Carter gave the Flyers a 2-0 lead before the visitors could strike. First, Mike Knuble poked in a rebound of a Marcus Johansson shot to pull the Caps within one. Then, less than a minute later, Alex Ovechkin batted down a Nicklas Backstrom pass with his glove and somehow got his stick (or the defender's) on it before the puck crossed the goal line. That tied the game, but the Caps couldn't keep up their momentum -- or defensive style -- before regulation concluded.

This is the story of this year's Caps. They're not wowing anybody consistently -- especially on the road -- but, as Ted Leonsis pointed out today -- they've found a way to stay towards the top of the standings, firmly entrenched in a playoff position.

That quest continues Thursday night on Long Island against a hungry team way behind them in the standings (but with more points than the woeful New Jersey Devils, who have already embarrassed the Caps this season). The Caps and New York Islanders haven't played since October, a 2-1 win by Washington in the fourth game of the season.

Weekly Snapshot, Jan. 17

2011-01-17T20:29:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals (special MLK day edition).

Record/Standings Position: 25-14-7 (57 points), T-1st Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/8th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 4-3 (OT), at Florida Panthers
* Lost, 3-0, at Tampa Bay Lightning
* Lost, 4-2, vs. Vancouver Canucks
* Won, 3-1, vs. Ottawa Senators

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at Philadelphia Flyers (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Thursday at New York Islanders (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Toronto Maple Leafs (7 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)

Injuries: Tom Poti (day-to-day), Alex Semin (day-to-day), Matt Bradley (1-2 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 110.

Recent Transactions: Recalled Andrew Gordon from Hershey (Jan. 15); assigned Tyler Sloan to Hershey on conditioning assignment (Jan. 14); assigned Brian Willsie to Hershey (Jan. 13).

Top Storylines:
* Washington has allowed just 28 goals in their last 14 games. The team is ranked eighth in the league in goals against (2.56) entering today's games; Washington hasn't been in the top-12 in the league in goals against since finishing fourth in 1999-2000.
* The Caps are sixth in the league (entering today's games) in penalty killing at 85 percent.
* The Caps have won a league-leading 13 games (13-12-3) after surrendering the first goal of the game.

Top Line (Who's Hot?): Shots allowed per game (29.2, ninth in the league); Brooks Laich (points in three of his last four); John Carlson (team-leading plus-15).

Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (hasn't played since Jan. 8, no points in 2011); Alex Ovechkin (hasn't done anything to adjust to defensive coverage against him this season); D.J. King (only eight games played this year).

Caps Looking for a Spark

2011-01-13T22:45:00.003-05:00

The Washington Capitals headed to the Sunshine State, a place that has been mostly kind to them in recent years. But, instead, they were handed a 4-3 overtime loss by the Florida Panthers Tuesday night and a 3-0 loss to the first-place Tampa Bay Lightning yesterday. Those two games highlighted the obvious: their offense is struggling, while their defense and goaltending is much improved.

Today at practice, the team was focused on increased their goal-scoring output -- and, according to Coach Bruce Boudreau, that starts on the extra-man advantage.

"If we'd score a goal a game on the power play, then that's the goal a game [differential from last year]. You get from a 2.8 to 3.6 goals for, that's where it is," Boudreau said today. "It's really incredible: on Dec. 2, we were second in the league on the power play at 24.5 percent. Ever since then, it was like we fell off the face of the earth. That's a difference maker, when teams don't have fear of your power play, they play a different game. Somehow, by hook or by crook, we've got to get a goal on the power play."

But it's not just special teams that's harmed them. The goals netted by Alex Ovechkin, Nicklas Backstrom and Alex Semin -- traditionally the team's top three scorers -- are down from last year. Those three scored 123 goals last year and have just 44 so far this time around.

One thing that has changed from last year is the approach taken by the Caps' opponents. For example, the Lightning crowded the neutral zone, especially after the first period, and made the Caps' path to prime real estate even more difficult.

While everybody is on the mission to get better together, and there's still room for improvement, time still remains for new blood to be introduced. The trade deadline is Feb. 28 and the goal-scoring drought surely has gotten the attention of GM George McPhee, who could pull a deal at any moment.

In the short-term, though, the Caps' next three games against the Vancouver Canucks, Ottawa Senators and Philadelphia Flyers will test their mettle. The Canucks have the best record in the league right now, while the defending conference champion Flyers are emerging as the best team in the East. For the Caps to return to their perch of a year ago, they must find a way to balance last year's offensive free-wheeling with their new-found defensive prowess.

On this mission, they have the team's biggest fan in their corner: owner Ted Leonsis.

"My goal is I just want to qualify for the playoffs," Leonsis said on Mike Wise's radio show (via D.C. Sports bog). "I don't think it matters how many points we finish with. I want us to enter the playoffs playing the right way and being healthy....I think our guys may be unconsciously pacing themselves a little bit, I do. I think that."

Ovechkin, Green selected to All-Star Game

2011-01-11T12:24:00.000-05:00

Washington Capitals captain Alex Ovechkin and defenseman Mike Green will represent the team at the NHL all-star game at the end of the month. This year's event was harder to predict than previous editions due to its new format and the fact that four Pittsburgh Penguins were voted in by the fans, taking spots that might have gone to more deserving players.

Even so, this is Ovie's fourth selection and Green's first. Both are changing as the team adapts into a more defenseive-minded system. Of course, this game is for the fans and should be loads of fun.

No Caps rookies were selected to participate in the skills competition. The teams for the main event will be drafted by yet-to-be determined captains.

Looking Ahead to the Trade Deadline

2011-01-10T19:23:00.002-05:00

With the Feb. 28 trading deadline rapidly approaching (believe it or not), it's time for a quick look at the roster -- keeping in mind the Caps' new playing style, the salary cap and the somewhat-imposing list of pending free agents.

Must Keep: Alex Ovechkin (signed until 2020-21), Nicklas Backstrom (signed until 2020), Brooks Laich (UFA after this season), Eric Fehr (RFA after next season), Marcus Johansson (RFA after 2012-13), Mike Green (RFA after next season), John Carlson (RFA after next season), Karl Alzner (RFA after this season), Semyon Varlamov (RFA after this season), and Michal Neuvirth (RFA after 2012-13).

Some of the people on this list (Ovechkin, Backstrom, Carlson, Alzner, Green and the goalies) go without saying. Laich is too versatile, too good in the locker room and too entrenched with the coaching staff to go anywhere. Fehr seems to be coming into his own, and Johansson is young and has a bright future ahead.

Positives Outweigh Negatives: Mike Knuble (UFA after this season), Tom Poti (UFA until 2012-13), Jason Chimera (UFA after next season), David Steckel (UFA after 2012-13), Matt Hendricks (UFA after this season), Mathieu Perreault (RFA after this season), Matt Bradley (UFA after this season), Scott Hannan (UFA after this season), John Erskine (UFA after 2012-13), and Jeff Schultz (UFA after 2013-14).

Knuble has been a good addition and would be worth keeping on a modest one-year deal. Poti, if he can stay healthy, is a good elder statesman of a defensive corps that's getting younger. Ditto Erskine. (Never though I'd ever write that.) Hendricks, Perreault, Chimera, and Bradley are ideal parts of the team's new playing style. Hannan is thriving with Green, and he's got a few years left. Schultz, interestingly enough, is the only player signed for the 2012-13 season other than Backstrom and Ovechkin.

Hasta La Vista: Alex Semin (UFA after this season), Tyler Sloan (UFA after next season), Michael Nylander (yes, he's still on the payroll; UFA after this season), D.J. King (UFA after next season), and Brian Willsie (UFA after this season)

I've made no secret about Semin's future in D.C. He's too inconsistent, nonchalant and expensive to fit on this team, if they want to start achieving greater things for a long period of time. The rest of the people on this list need no further explanation.

The Big Question Marks: Braden Holtby (RFA after 2011-12) and Jay Beagle (RFA after next season).

Holtby is a solid No. 3 in the goalie race right now and Beagle has been good and filling holes where needed.

Weekly Snapshot, Jan. 9

2011-01-09T16:04:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

Record/Standings Position: 24-12-6 (54 points), 2nd Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/6th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 1-0 (OT), vs. Tampa Bay Lightning
* Won, 3-2, vs. Florida Panthers

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday at Florida Panthers (7:30 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)
* Wednesday at Tampa Bay Lightning (7:30 p.m., CSN-HD, NHL-HD)
* Friday vs. Vancouver Canucks (7 p.m., CSN-HD, NHL-HD)
* Sunday vs. Ottawa Senators (3 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Boyd Gordon (1-2 weeks), Matt Bradley (2-4 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 99.

Recent Transactions: None.

Top Storylines:
* The Caps are 6-0-2 in their last eight games.
* John Carlson leads the team with a plus-11, one season after five Caps finished plus-36 or better.
* Seven of the Caps' last 10 games have been decided by one goal, with Washington claiming 15 of a possible 20 points in that time (6-1-3). The Capitals are 11-4-6 in one-goal games on the year.

Top Line (Who's Hot?): Penalty kill (third in the league entering today's games with 85.8 percent efficiency, killed off 27 consecutive shorthanded situations and 33 of 34); goals allowed per game (2.52, seventh-best in the league entering today's games); Semyon Varlamov (second in NHL entering today's games with 2.08 GAA and third with .928 save percentage).

Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (hasn't scored since Nov. 28 and has only five assists since); Alex Ovechkin (15 goals, 35th in the league entering today's games, tied with such potent scorers as Nikolai Kulemin); Jason Chimera (last on Caps with minus-seven).

STC Joins TBD Community Network

2011-01-06T20:10:00.001-05:00

Storming the Crease has joined a network of 220 (and counting) blogs focused on all that Washington, D.C. (and the surrounding areas) have to offer. The TBD Community Network also includes the excellent Capitals Outsider, DC Pro Sports Report, Live in Red, Musings of a Hockey Mom, On Frozen Blog, Ravings of a Rink Rebel, and The Blonde Girl's Guide.

As with Yardbarker, the TBD network will help STC extend its reach -- and also join other distinguished blogs in that pursuit. You can find the new TBD badge on the right sidebar.

Bloggers Retain Access to Caps, Wizards

2011-01-05T21:31:00.004-05:00

The National Hockey League, and the Washington Capitals specifically, were in the spotlight in August when blogger access became a hot topic. The Caps were the first team to author a credentialing policy for bloggers and, so far, has been the most open to new media covering any team around the league.

"While a lot was discussed last summer regarding blogger access to credentials, nothing formal was adopted. It essentially remains the decision of each club," Caps Vice President of Communications Nate Ewell said. "There are very diverse opinions on access -- something that works perfectly well for us may not be a viable solution in Toronto, for example."

Not surprisingly, owner Ted Leonsis has been an advocate on the subject for many years. When Leonsis completed the purchase of the NBA's Washington Wizards this past summer, other teams in the nascent Monumental Sports and Entertainment started to share that open-access philosophy. But, as it turns out, many of these procedures already were in place.

"It's been a mutually beneficial relationship," said Scott Hall, the Wizards' senior director of communications for the last three years. "We love the coverage and it's been a great outlet for fans to read about the team. We've had good experiences with bloggers covering the team."

The NBA as a whole has made social media a prominent topic, but does not have a formal set of rules.

"Mr. Leonsis had the foresight to have his teams embrace bloggers before it was widely accepted," Hall said.

The NBA, in fact, is one of the most media-accessible professional sports in the U.S., according to Hall. The league mandates 45 minutes of open locker room time for interviews with players before every game. For a 7 p.m. game, for example, that availability would fall between 5:30-6:15 p.m.

After the game, coaches typically speak to the media first and then the locker room is open. Coaches and players also speak to the media on the morning of the game and the coach talks for 15 minutes closer to game time, around 6 p.m.

In the NHL, things are a bit different. Locally, players and Caps Coach Bruce Boudreau are available immediately following the morning skate on game days. If the morning skate isn't at the game rink (mostly home games), Boudreau also speaks at 5 p.m. Players are available by request for television interviews between 5-5:30 p.m., according to Ewell.

The locker rooms open five minutes after the game concludes and Boudreau addresses the media after player availability.

Hall said he realizes that new media is "shaping" traditional media, noting that most newspaper beat writers have blogs and provide updates several times every day. Wizards radio play-by-play voice Dave Johnson blogs during the game and the team employs a group that post live updates during the game, post-game interviews and other videos on Twitter, Facebook and the team's Web site. The NBA allows for three game updates each quarter, an update at the end of every quarter, and unlimited updates at halftime and following the games.

The Wizards also allowed fans to post photos (and "tag" themselves) and hosted contests on Twitter for free tickets and other prizes, including a recent meet-and-greet with Nick Young.

The Caps also employ a Web team, with interviews and other video clips being posted nearly every day on the team's Web site, Facebook and Twitter. Mike Vogel, the team's senior writer, pens regular articles and blog posts, and is a regular presence on Twitter.

"We recently had a Facebook contest to win a trip to the Winter Classic," Ewell said. "We don't have anything currently running there. We have used Twitter to promote that and other contests, like our mobile fantasy game, but haven't done any Twitter-specific contests."

The NHL does not have a formal policy for update frequency and leaves most of these decisions to the teams.

"From our perspective, we could address it if we ever felt it became an issue, but I don't foresee any amount of updates that would infringe on our broadcast rightsholders," Ewell said.

Downright Ugly: Lightning 1, Caps 0 (OT)

2011-01-04T21:37:00.001-05:00

The Washington Capitals had all the momentum in the world coming into tonight's pivotal game with the co-Southeast Division leaders, the Tampa Bay Lightning. But, alas, neither team could crack the twine throughout 60 minutes of regulation.

And then, just like that, Martin St. Louis sent the Caps home unhappy. The diminutive sniper sneaked in between Tom Poti and Nicklas Backstrom to give the Lightning the victory with a rebound goal from the slot. The loss came despite 37 saves from Semyon Varlamov, who has only allowed two goals over his last nine periods (plus tonight's OT session).

Leading into the extra session, the Caps had 34 shots and killed off three Tampa power plays -- but their inept power(less) play had six mostly fruitless minutes on the extra-man advantage. The Caps had 21 shots in the second period, but unfortunately, none of them were too high in quality or close in proximity. In fact, on the Caps' third power play (with Nate Thompson in the box for hooking at 11:38 of the second), the Lightning had a pretty decent shorthanded chance, but Varly was able to make the save.

Their penalty kill continued its ascension with three more solid stints, and Varly clearly played well, but the offensive futility that's befallen a Capitals squad once known for its firepower is quite alarming.

The Alexes -- Semin and Ovechkin -- had 14 shots between them in regulation, but not once did it seem that they were going to take over the game (although Ovechkin looked much better tonight). In the end, though, it was a somewhat fluky goal in overtime that gave the Caps only one point -- but the biggest takeaway from this game is that the offense needs a little TLC.

Fanspeak Column: Caps Changing for the Better

2011-01-04T18:35:00.000-05:00

The excellent site Fanspeak has invited me to pen a regular column about the Washington Capitals. Here is my debut:

The Caps may be known for running and gunning, but they've devoted themselves to the ultimate of New Year's resolutions: defense first and -- hark -- something resembling a neutral-zone trap. Last summer, not too long after the Montreal Canadiens ended a potential dream season, the team vowed to go about things differently and try to play "playoff hockey" for the entire season.

That sea-change didn't become apparent right away. The first phase was an improved penalty kill that has become downright lethal lately. The team's recent run of success has vaulted them to a tie for fifth in the NHL (entering Monday's games) with an 85.2 success rate -- way above the 78.8 percent rate (which ranked 25th) from last season.

In 1997-98, when the team made its only appearance in the Stanley Cup finals, the Caps led the league by killing off 89.2 percent of penalties, also the franchise record. The Caps also led the league in penalty killing in 1990-91 (86 percent) and 1983-84 (86.7 percent). In both of those seasons, the Caps advanced to the second round of the playoffs before losing to a team that made the Stanley Cup finals.

In this past weekend's Winter Classic, the next phase of the change became evident: the implementation of a very-unsexy neutral-zone trap. In fact, during the game's final moments, NBC's Pierre McGuire commented that the Caps had "built a white picket fence in the neutral zone that's difficult to permeate," the most definitive sign of the team's new style.

As the saying goes in other sports, offense sells tickets and defense wins championships. The Caps brass have embraced this new philosophy and most assuredly will continue to make changes before season's end. After all, as Albert Einstein once remarked about the definition of insanity: "doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."

The Caps clearly realize that they don't want to repeat last summer's misery -- or carry Einstein's label.

Lightning Try to Crash Caps' Hold on Southeast

2011-01-03T19:46:00.002-05:00

The Tampa Bay Lightning head to Verizon Center tomorrow night (7 p.m., CSN-HD) with one thing in mind: wrestling away a Southeast Division title the Washington Capitals have held for three straight seasons. With a game in hand, the Lightning are tied with the Caps at 51 points -- but haven't won the division title since the 2003-04 season when Tampa went 46-22-8-6 (106 pts) en route to capturing the franchise's only Stanley Cup.

After earning a sub-par 80 points last season, the Lightning have tried to bring some championship pedigree to this year's team in the form of GM Steve Yzerman. He added to his impressive off-season haul by trading for goalie Dwayne Roloson from the New York Islanders on New Year's Day. This adds to recent additions Pavel Kubina, Dan Ellis, and Simon Gagne, as well as a contract extension for the ageless Marty St. Louis.

The Roloson move got the Caps' attention.

According to Elliotte Friedman's latest 30 Thoughts, "I'd love to tell you the Capitals' general reaction, because it was pretty funny. But the one word is somewhat unprintable on a family website. Let's just say they have a healthy respect for Roloson."

These changes by Tampa come at the same time the Caps are implementing a more defensive-minded system; Friedman devoted a healthy portion of that same column to the Caps' new trap and noted a change "on the weakside of [the team's] defensive coverage."

The teams have played twice already this season, both wins by the Caps at Verizon Center: 6-0 on Nov. 26 and 6-3 on Nov. 11. After tomorrow night, the teams play again in Tampa on Jan. 12, Feb. 4, and March 7.

The Caps hasn't faced much resistance the last two seasons -- after all, they did win the division by a whopping 38 points in 2009-10. Between the team's struggles in December and the increased competition, this season is very different than the last campaign.

And that's probably a good thing.

Weekly Snapshot, Jan. 2

2011-01-02T15:38:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

Record/Standings Position: 23-12-5 (51 points), T-1st Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/6th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Won, 3-0, vs. Montreal Canadiens
* Won, 3-1, at Pittsburgh Penguins in Winter Classic

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. Tampa Bay Lightning (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday vs. Florida Panthers (7 p.m., CSN-HD)

Injuries: Boyd Gordon (1-2 weeks), Matt Bradley (2-4 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 94.

Recent Transactions: Assigned Keith Aucoin and Andrew Gordon to Hershey (Dec. 29), recalled Keith Aucoin from Hershey (Dec. 28).

Top Storylines:
* The Caps have completed the transition into a more well-rounded team and it showed last week, allowing just one goal in two brilliant games.
* Semyon Varlamov is the top goalie (for now).
* With 42 points, Alex Ovechkin (as team's top point getter) is 23 points behind Sidney Crosby -- but the Caps are only two points behind the Pittsburgh Penguins in the more important overall standings.

Top Line (Who's Hot?): Penalty kill (tied for third in the league with 85.2 percent efficiency); goals allowed per game (2.58, eighth-best in the league); shots allowed per game (ninth best in the league).

Scratches (Who's Not?): Alex Semin (no goals in December); Tyler Sloan/DJ King (a combined 15 games played this season); power play (18.9 percent, but it's still stone cold lately).

Winter Classic Victory: Caps 3, Pens 1

2011-01-01T23:09:00.001-05:00

The Washington Capitals brought their new defensive mantra into the Winter Classic at Heinz Field against the Pittsburgh Penguins and captured a 3-1 victory over their hated rivals. Eric Fehr registered only the second two-goal game of his career and Semyon Varlamov continued his strong recent run to pace the victors.

As the game was winding down, Pierre McGuire noted that the Caps had "built a white picket fence in the neutral zone that's difficult to permeate," the most definitive sign of the team's new style.

Fehr's second tally at 11:59 of the third was the result of a beautiful give-and-go with Jason Chimera and ended in a great flick of the wrist for a player who is clearly coming into his own. That line, centered by Marcus Johansson, was one of the best of the night.

The Caps are now 5-0-1 in their last six games, 15-6-3-1 on Jan. 1 in their history and 4-0-0 against Pittsburgh on New Year's Day.

This win also included another dominant performance by the Caps' penalty kill, which negated four Penguins' extra-man advantages.

Every other goal was scored during the second period. The Pens struck first after Evgeni Malkin beat Varlamov five-hole during a messy change by the Caps. The Pens had a goal negated too, after a Varlamov save was dislodged and found its way into the net -- but the refs whistled the play dead before any marker could be tallied. (An Alex Ovechkin tally was similarly called off in the third.)

Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury played well, but also gave the Caps some gifts -- one of which resulted in Fehr's first goal when a failed clearing attempt found its way to No. 16 with nobody in the Pittsburgh net. Moments earlier, Chimera was able to almost poke the puck into the net when Fleury was out of the net, but his wrap-around attempt hit the post.

The Caps' first goal came on the player play after three players rocking the red, white and blue stormed the crease and Mike Knuble poked the puck into the net after Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom were stymied.

All of these added up to a signature win by the Caps, the unveiling of a commitment to defense on a national stage and prelude to what could be more history: every visiting team in the Winter Classic has made it to the Stanley Cup finals.

Note: Earlier this week, Mr. Cleo called the exact final score of this game.

Winter Classic Predictions

2010-12-30T21:18:00.000-05:00

Sean's Ramblings was kind enough to include me on a preview panel for the Winter Classic between the Washington Capitals and the Pittsburgh Penguins. Here are the questions and my answers.

1. Please predict Alexander Ovechkin's stats for the Winter Classic (ex. goals, hits, penalty minutes).

Ovechkin will register a hat trick, have 5 hits and 4 penalty minutes on Saturday. Or he could just skate around, hit people, and maybe register an assist. The Caps hope for the former, the Pens the latter. The truth probably lies somewhere in between.

2. Will Penguins' center Jordan Staal play and if so, how will he do?

If Staal can brainwash the Pens' doctors, he'll be back. If not, then he will begrudgingly watch from somewhere inside Heinz Field. If he plays, it'll be mostly ceremonial.

3. How many times will Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau swear during the game?

The better question is "how many times will a microphone pick up Bruce Boudreau swearing during the game?" Seriously, he'll probably be on his best behavior because of the national prominence of the event.

4. Any predictions and/or funny comments for Friday's Capitals-Penguins alumni game?

Like everything from the past era of the Caps-Pens series, this one heavily tilts towards Pittsburgh. The roster imbalance is a joke, which either speaks volumes about the inequality of the two franchises' alumni base or, more probably, the willingness of the Caps' alumni to put themselves through the experience of playing in bad weather when they're out of shape. Let's hope the NHL doesn't find a way to use this as a tiebreaker for the real players.

5. Who will win the Winter Classic (please include the final score and the player who will score the game-winning goal)?

Caps 3, Penguins 1. GWG by Mathieu Perreault.

Be sure to check out everybody's views on the game.

Wouldn't It Be Nice? (2010 Edition)

2010-12-29T20:59:00.002-05:00

Some wishes for the new year for the Washington Capitals, inspired by Leonard Shapiro's old Washington Post column and the venerable Beach Boys.

Wouldn't it be nice if:

* The Caps finally captured the franchise's first Stanley Cup this spring?
* Brooks Laich got a long contract extension?
* Mathieu Perreault finally cemented a spot with the team?
* John Carlson or Michal Neuvirth won the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL rookie of the year?
* Nationals Park hosted the first outdoor NHL all-star game?
* This is Alex Semin's last year with the Caps?

Varlamov, Beagle Lead Caps to Shutout of Habs

2010-12-28T22:13:00.000-05:00

If the Washington Capitals play this well every game, then they could finally achieve their goal of capturing the franchise's first Stanley Cup. Tonight, against a Montreal Canadiens team that eliminated (and embarrassed) them last spring, the red, white and blue (American version) scored enough, played decent defense and had a stellar penalty kill for a 3-0 victory behind 25 saves from Semyon Varlamov.

One of the stars of the night was Jay Beagle, who scored the team's first goal on a beautiful no-look shot and was buzzing all night. He was rewarded for his efforts with the game's second star. On his goal, Beagle gathered the puck from Eric Fehr behind the net and, just as goalie Carey Price thought it was going to pass, deposited the puck top shelf via a backhand at 16:20 of the first.

Then, about three minutes later, Mike Green (while falling down) whipped a back-door pass from Nicklas Backstrom behind Price to give the Caps a 2-0 lead. The Caps' final goal came on an Alex Ovechkin empty netter with 32 seconds left.

The Caps' defense was solid tonight in a game with 14 penalties. They were sound in their own zone and kept their assignments well. They also killed off five Montreal power plays to improve on their 84.8 percent (7th in the league coming into the game) success rate.

If there are any nits to pick, it would be that the Caps' power play looked disorganized and couldn't convert any of its eight opportunities, despite 15 shots (half of their total output). Their power play (18.5 percent, well down from their record 25.2 percent last season) appears lost.

And, in a game where Backstrom, Ovechkin and many other Caps looked like they were back in prime form, Alex Semin was invisible. He had two shots and one of his all-too-frequent lazy, hooking calls. He didn't pose any threats and too frequently looked out of place on a team that is trending up and rounding into a squad that looks (nearly) like one that would fit well into the rigors of a long postseason run.

Note: Reports surfaced today that the team might be headed to Sweden to begin next season. No official word from the Caps as of yet.

Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 26

2010-12-26T22:18:00.003-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

Record/Standings Position: 21-12-5 (47 points), T-1st Southeast Division/5th Eastern Conference/6th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Won, 5-1, vs. New Jersey Devils
* Lost, 3-2 (SO), vs. Pittsburgh Penguins
* Won, 3-2, at Carolina Hurricanes

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. New Jersey Devils (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Saturday at Pittsburgh Penguins in Winter Classic (1 p.m., NBC-HD)

Injuries: Jeff Schultz (2-3 weeks), Boyd Gordon (1-2 weeks), Matt Bradley (2-4 weeks), Tom Poti (day-to-day). Total Man Games Lost: 87.

Recent Transactions: None.

Top Storylines:
* The Caps had a much better week, going 2-0-1.
* The showcase is here, as the Winter Classic will be played on Saturday.
* It seems Michal Neuvirth is officially the No. 1 goalie.

Top Line (Who's Hot?): Mike Green (skated 34:03 Thursday against Pittsburgh, two seconds shy of his career high, and had a goal, six shots, eight hits, and five blocked shots); Brooks Laich (points in four straight and five of the last six); Caps' penalty kill (tied for ninth in the league coming into tonight's game and four-for-four against the Canes).

Scratches (Who's Not?): Ovechkin (despite an admirable number of assists, he doesn't look right); Semin (old Sasha has returned); Nicklas Backstrom (three points on Dec. 1, only five points since).

Pens Capture Dramatic Shootout 3-2 Victory over Caps

2010-12-23T22:10:00.002-05:00

It's apropos that two teams that are fit to be tied end up going to an extended shootout. And that's exactly what happened tonight with the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. The entire game was filled with drama, penalties, icing calls and lots of very interested parties. And in a seven-round shootout, Pascal Dupuis beat Michal Neuvirth to give the visitors the two points. The only other scorers in the so-called "skills competition" were the first shooters for each team: Alex Ovechkin and Kris Letang.

In the closest either team came to ending the game in overtime, Mike Green had a golden opportunity when he streaked in on the Pens' Marc-Andre Fleury and nearly put the puck into the net, but replays proved inconclusive despite the fact that the puck might have crossed the line. However, Fleury had already covered it by that point and it was hard to see whether the entire puck crossed the goal line. Therefore, the game continued.

The drama wasn't limited to only the extra session. It started from the outset, when the Caps came out with abandon, but it was the Penguins who struck first. Sidney Crosby parked himself next to the Neuvirth and somehow managed to stay long unmarked. Kris Letang fired a shot from the point and Crosby deflected it past Neuvy to give the Pens a 1-0 lead at 3:21.

Crosby was booed every time he touched the puck and it was clear throughout the game that this rivalry had evolved and the Pens somehow became more hated.

It took until13:43 of the second -- and a missed penalty shot by Evgeni Malkin -- for the Caps to even the score. On their second five-on-three power play of the game, Green unleashed a wicked wrister from the slot, with much of the team collapsing on net, to provide relief for both player and observers. Had Green not cracked the twine on that play, the Caps would have blown six power plays and looked back on too many missed opportunities.

But then it was the Pens turn. Just 17 seconds into the final stanza, Chris Kunitz backhanded a pass from Crosby to give the visitors an advantage yet again.

However, just when it might appear that the Penguins were taking control, the Caps scored to tie the game and enliven the sellout crowd. While shorthanded, the puck took a funny bounce as the Caps were clearing their zone and suddenly Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble had a two-on-one. Laich carried it down the wing and crossed it to Knuble, who fought off Alex Goligoski and beat Marc-Andre Fleury to even the game at two at 14:31.

The game then headed to the aforementioned overtime and shootout, where the team with the better record captured the two points. Much more drama most likely will ensue a week from Saturday at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, where an international audience will witness the spectacle known as the Winter Classic.

Caps Show No Sympathy for the Devils, 5-1

2010-12-21T22:00:00.002-05:00

The Washington Capitals seem to have their mojo back and the New Jersey Devils could be step No. 2 in what might turn out to be a quick ascent back to the top of the league for the red, white and blue. Tonight, the Caps took control of what had been a back-and-forth contest to win their second consecutive game, 5-1, before the 80th consecutive sellout crowd at Verizon Center.

The Caps' final goal came off the stick of Mike Knuble, who was one of three or four Caps parked in front of Martin Brodeur, on a series at 12:01 of the third period. Brodeur looked like a shell of former self. It was the icing on the cake on a night that was dominated by the home team.

Once again, the second period -- specifically a six-minute, 31-second stretch -- was the turning point. John Carlson capped a strong game by unleashing a lethal slapshot on which Brodeur had no chance to give the Caps a 4-1 lead. Alex Ovechkin whiffed on a shot milliseconds earlier, but ended up leaving the puck for Carlson, who scored his fourth goal of his rookie campaign. It was an odd play but the latest in a string of events that went the home team's way.

About four minutes earlier, Jason Chimera got off the schnide with a beautiful breakaway goal that was started with a nice chip pass from Andrew Gordon. "Chimmer" fended off a Devils' defensemen Mark Fayne on the play as the crowd started to chant "Marty, Marty." It was a refrain that went on all night.

At exactly the midway point of the game, Jay Beagle poked in a rebound from a David Steckel shot to give the Caps a 2-1 lead. It was another grinding goal and the latest example of the Caps' continuing evolution.

The Devils' only strong play occurred at the beginning of the second stanza, when they were able to draw two power plays, both on hooking calls (on Alex Semin and Matt Bradley). On the latter, the Devils stormed the crease and Patrik Elias was able beat Michal Neuvirth to tie the game.

The Caps' first goal gave Andrew Gordon his first NHL goal. The play started when John Erskine chipped it ahead to Marcus Johansson, who skated hard into the Devils' offensive zone and whipped the puck into the crease for Gordon. Johansson had a strong game all night, excelling on the penalty kill and flying around the ice throughout the evening.

The goal was part of a first period showed the Caps might have turned a corner. They took smart shifts, played responsible hockey and, for the most part, looked like an energetic, dedicated bunch. It certainly set the tone for the night.

Another vital cog in tonight's win was Neuvirth, who made a string of strong saves and kept his poise. He very much looked like the goalie that not too long ago led the NHL in wins and was amongst the leaders in goals-against average and save percentage. He's going to be a big part of the team has they transition into a more playoff-ready bunch.

As the game concluded, and the result no longer in doubt, the crowd started to chant "we want Pittsburgh" in anticipation of Thursday's visit by the Penguins and ultimately the Winter Classic a week from Saturday. It was the latest -- and perhaps greatest sign -- that winning hockey has return to the nation's capital. The game ended with a standing ovation for a team that is in a much better mood than they were at this time last week.

Weekly Snapshot, Dec. 19

2010-12-19T23:33:00.000-05:00

A weekly peek at the state of the Washington Capitals.

Record/Standings Position: 19-12-4 (42 points), 1st Southeast Division/2nd Eastern Conference/6th NHL

Last Week's Games:
* Lost, 2-1 (OT), vs. Anaheim Ducks
* Lost, 3-2, at Boston Bruins
* Won, 3-2, at Ottawa Senators

This Week's Games:
* Tuesday vs. New Jersey Devils (7:30 p.m., Versus-HD)
* Thursday vs. Pittsburgh Peguins (7 p.m., CSN-HD)
* Sunday at Carolina Hurricanes (7 p.m., CSN-Plus-HD)

Injuries: Boyd Gordon (day-to-day), Alexander Semin (day-to-day), and Jeff Schultz (out 4-6 weeks). Total Man Games Lost: 77.

Recent Transactions: Recalled Jay Beagle and Andrew Gordon from Hershey (AHL) and assigned Brian Fahey to Hershey (Dec. 15); assigned Andrew Gordon to Hershey (Dec. 13).

Top Storylines:
* The Caps finally broke their eight-game losing streak.
* Even though they had a rough start against Ottawa, they carried some great momentum from the third period against Boston, when they fired a whopping 26 shots in the third period against Boston -- despite the implementation of a more defensive-minded mentality.
* John Erksine signed a two-year contract extension earlier this week, continuing the head-scratching nature of a stay in the red, white and blue.

Top Line (Who's Hot?): Mathieu Perreault (looked great again tonight, and seems like, when healthy, he's cemented a spot in the NHL); Eric Fehr (played his best game in a while on the top line with Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom); Michal Neuvirth (maintained his solid play despite the losing streak).

Scratches (Who's Not?): Ovechkin (goal-scoring still way down); Semin (here we go with another injury); Marcus Johansson (his play hasn't exactly instilled confidence that the team has found a second-line center).

Caps-Ducks Live

2010-12-15T19:45:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Verizon Center, where the Caps will try to snap out of their six-game losing streak against the visiting Anaheim Ducks.

First Period
After some holiday-themed pomp and circumstance, the Caps tried to get their mojo back. The arena is emptier than normal tonight, at least midway through the first period. So far, the Caps have been doing a decent job of sticking to the game plan but it certainly doesn't look like they're skating with desperation. The other notable thing is that it seems the Caps are passing when they should be shooting (and vice versa). Not a good sign.

The funk is continuing, at least from early appearances. They're not skating in sync, although the grinders seem to be doing a decent job and Alex Ovechkin has had one or two good chances. So far, it's pretty much a quiet crowd watching a quiet team.

But the momentum swung in the Caps' favor when the ever-energetic Brooks Laich scored at 14:22. Laich was parked in the crease and backhanded it past Jonas Hiller (top shelf) off a great bang-bang feed from Nicklas Backstrom and John Carlson.

Laich nearly had another a couple minutes later when the puck trickled through Hiller's legs, but an Anaheim defensemen grabbed it just in the nick of time. Laich was wide-open in the slot and couldn't bury it entirely, but the it seems the team is started to play with a little more energy.

That energy led to the Caps' first power play with 2:29 left after Saku Koivu was called for hooking. They didn't score on the man advantage but they did play much better in the latter half of the first period.

After one: Caps 1, Ducks 0.

Second Period
The Caps had a few near misses at the beginning of the period. Ovechkin hit the post on a breakaway and then Backstrom and Knuble had a two-on-one, but they inexplicably waited for a trailer and ended up with nothing because they tried to be too cute and not just attack the net. There's no reason with a two-on-one to not try to convert instead of waiting somebody to join the rush and also give the Ducks an opportunity to recover.

(We have an Alex Semin sighting in the press box.)

At the midway mark of the game, the Caps are outshooting the Ducks, 22-9, but only are up 1-0. It's the kind of effort that makes you wonder if there is such a thing as too many shots. My independent sources say that, once the Caps hit 35 shots, their success rate goes down. Quality over quantity is paramount when it comes to shot selection.

The Caps went to the penalty kill on a blatant trip by Mike Knuble at 12:08. And it didn't take long for the Ducks to tie it up on a tap in by old Flyers foe Joffrey Lupul after some sustained pressure by the visitors in the Caps' zone.

This isn't the best development for a Caps' team that hasn't been playing that well lately. They need some better bounces for the luck to go their way. But they did manage to return to the power play when Ovechkin was tripped while charging towards the net.

The power play looked inept and, despite outshooting the Ducks, 26-14, it's a tie game heading to the final 20 minutes.

After two: Caps 1, Ducks 1.

Third Period
The Ducks got an early power play but the Caps were able to kill it off quickly. Then again, they haven't really mounted any kind of threatening effort either. This is really the saddest performance I've seen from the Caps in a long time. They need to find some inspiration to make a major turnaround -- and I'm not just talking about in this game -- to meet their lofty preseason expectations.

It's hard not to get the feeling that, in their 33rd game of the year, either things are going to majorly turn around or doom will be coming. There's certainly precedent from much of NHL history of teams waking up in the second half of the season but it's quite difficult watching the Caps these days. Yes, they have one of the best records in the NHL, but they're not playing like it -- and haven't been for several weeks. Maybe teams have adjusted and they can't counter, or maybe the injuries and other factors really have hampered them. But, either way, the Caps are not playing like Stanley Cup contenders. Even the crowd isn't as raucus as usual.

The Caps took a timeout with 3:31 left in the final period. Not sure what Coach Bruce Boudreau can say in 30 seconds that he hasn't already uttered already tonight -- or over the last couple weeks.

After regulation: Caps 1, Ducks 1.

Overtime
After some back-and-forth action, the Ducks took advantage. Ryan Getzlaf dug for the puck in the corner, made his way to the slot and fired it back Semyon Varlamov to pad the Caps' losing streak to seven.

Final: Ducks 2, Caps 1.