Recap: Caps 5, Bruins 3
by J.P. on Jan 24, 2012 9:36 PM EST
in Game Recaps
Email
Print
[GameCenter - Ice Tracker - Game Summary - Event Summary - Faceoff Summary - Play-by-Play - Home TOI - Visitor TOI - Shift Charts - Head-to-Head - Fenwick/Corsi - Zone Starts - Fenwick Timeline]
No Alex Ovechkin. No Nicklas Backstrom. No Mike Green.
Since they were drafted (Ovechkin and Green in 2004, Backstrom in 2006), the Caps haven't played a single game without at least one of their "three best players" in the lineup. Needless to say, the storyline for Tuesday night's game against the defending Stanley Cup Champion Bruins (and quite probably the next two games as well) was going to be about whether or not the trio's teammates in the lineup would step up in their absence. And, with a few minor exceptions - and one huge (but at the same time pint-sized) exclamation point - they did just that en route to a somewhat improbable 5-3 win.
Ten more notes on the game:
- Stepping up: The whole team, for the most part, in the latter half of the first period. Double-digit shots on goal for the stanza (five of which came off the sticks of nominal third-liners Jason Chimera, Jeff Halpern and Mike Knuble), a handful of quality scoring chances, and more than a few big saves (a trend which Tomas Vokoun would continue all night).
- Not stepping up: That said, one bad breakdown found the team trailing after one period after Alexander Semin was softer than a Damien Rice song along the boards, Dennis Wideman lost his man, Mathieu Perreault was spinning like a top, and Karl Alzner ultimately put the puck in his own net. The only thing that was missing was Yakety Sax.
- Stepping up: The fourth line, early in the second, as a Cody Eakin shot trickled through Tuukka Rask somehow and across the goal line to tie the game. It was Eakin's first goal since December 5, Joel Ward's second assist since December 13, and Jay Beagle's first point of the season. Put pucks on net - you never know what's going to happen. Novel concept, that.
- Stepping up: The "first" line, just 41 seconds later, as Perreault drove the center lane, Semin found him, and Perreault beat Rask for his second goal in four games (and second since October 22).
- Stepping up: Chimera, taking two Bruins defenders (Chara and McQuaid, no less) off the ice at once with a trio of coincidental roughings. It was one of the rougher three-ways I'd seen since... nevermind.
- Not stepping up: John Carlson, who had an easy clear up the boards around midway through the second, but instead went to the middle of the ice with his pass, which was thieved and soon thereafter deposited in the Caps' net by Tyler Seguin. That said, he did have the team's top Corsi rating on the night, so there's that.
- Stepping up: Perreault. Again. This time, picking off a Johnny Boychuk pass and beating Rask on a breakaway (though we need ding this "stepping up" a bit for the offensive-zone hooking penalty he took that preceded the Bruins' third goal, scored on the ensuing power play, and the offensive-zone high-sticking penalty he took in the third).
- Stepping up: Perreault. Yet again. A nice keep-in by Roman Hamrlik (who had two assists on the night), followed by a get-it-on-net floater from the blueline rebounded off of Rask to Perreault, who made no mistake on the rebound for his first career hat trick. Huge night for the little man, who now has five points in his last two games as the team's top center.
- Stepping up: Dale Hunter. Not that this game was necessarily a referendum on the Caps' bench boss, but if a guy's going to get blamed when his team comes out flat and fails, he deserves some praise when they put forth an honest effort and succeed. So good on coach for rallying the troops.
- Not stepping up: Joe Corvo. Big surprise.
There's a temptation to label this win with all sorts superlatives, many or even most of which are probably well-deserved. But, ultimately, it's two more points in the standings, a bit of a confidence boost... and an awfully nice way to head into the All-Star break.
Game highlights:
141 comments
|
2 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
(Btw, I’ll swap out that pic for a better one once a better one’s available)
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
As far as I know, Chara is alive and kicking.
Dale, the...
by Penguin Hunter on Jan 24, 2012 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
Giant ego killer
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Jan 24, 2012 9:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Our Bears are better than your bears.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
by EmilyB on Jan 24, 2012 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
This recap leads the league in quickness.
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 24, 2012 9:39 PM EST reply actions
___
“… Commerce, Education and the – what’s the third one there? Let’s see. OK. So Commerce, Education and the…. The third agency of government I would… I would do away with the Education, the… Commerce and — let’s see — I can’t. The third one, I can’t. Sorry. Oops.”
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
by J.P. on Jan 24, 2012 9:43 PM EST reply actions 38 recs
one of them sounds like a fart, the other one is a referee
RAMPAGE
by JediChewbacca on Jan 24, 2012 9:44 PM EST up reply actions 2 recs
Saul Alinsky. Bill Ayergs. And some black guy…..
by ShootTheBullets on Jan 24, 2012 9:47 PM EST up reply actions
Oh man , that ‘oops’ at the was just the cherry on top of a brain fart
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Jan 24, 2012 9:49 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
i accidentally a word
What doesnt kill you makes you stronger.
by BetterOffWith28 on Jan 24, 2012 9:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
not quite OSHP
but beautiful nonetheless
by Beakers Lab on Jan 24, 2012 9:44 PM EST reply actions 8 recs
Rec’d because of the result, and because it’s Greg “Colie’s Son” Campbell…
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 25, 2012 9:16 AM EST up reply actions
Semin and Matty working well together? That Semin pass was oh so nice.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
Laich and Brouwer were great on the forecheck; where’s that other games. And Knuble was great on the successful PK and during his shift with Rask pulled. Alzner was great, despite the own-goal. One shift in the third he took Marchand into the corner, and when Chara pinched, he pinned him and didn’t give him an inch. Like a boss. Chimera was skating so hard tonight, and causing problems for the B’s with his speed. That’s how he needs to play always (not that I’ve been disappointed with his play, generally, but tonight was particularly good).
Carlson needs to be a lot less slumpy. I have no idea what he was thinking with that turnover, but it was absolutely brutal. Just brutal. He needs to be smarter with the puck in his own zone; people are taught in mites not to do that. No excuse for that play.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 24, 2012 9:50 PM EST reply actions
Carlson
Risky pass, yes. But there was some reward on the end of that attempted outlet pass in the form of a two on one. Pretty sure Eakin and someone else were in the clear. It wasnt completely bone headed. He showed some good vision
by Dave Bizzle on Jan 24, 2012 10:58 PM EST up reply actions
Trying to pass up the middle through forecheckers in your own zone is the opposite of good vision (or decision making). Carlson can’t try to make that pass.
Release the Mackan!
by Killer_Carlson on Jan 25, 2012 12:31 AM EST up reply actions
The Hamrlik keep-in on the MP85 goal is my play of the game. Unbelievable, sick.
"You do that, you go to the box, you know. Two minutes, by yourself, you know and you feel shame" -Denis Lemieux
by leacha on Jan 24, 2012 9:50 PM EST reply actions 2 recs
Great keep-in by RomHam, very dangerous pass by Mackan. Not smart by #90 there.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 24, 2012 9:51 PM EST up reply actions
I may or may not have taken several minutes to exactly frame it that way
by Beakers Lab on Jan 24, 2012 9:53 PM EST up reply actions 12 recs
Lost in all the hubbub of today was Joe Corvo’s triumphant return to DC; I was disappointed we didn’t properly fete him in Clips today. His mention in the recap makes me particularly joyous.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 24, 2012 9:51 PM EST reply actions
He was feted with all the enthusiasm that marked his tenure in Washington. And Carolina. And Ottowa…
Dingos are involved. Best not to ask.
He’s not just among the greatest hockey players of our generation, he is one of the greatest men to ever grace this earth.
If wishes were horses, we'd all be eating steak.
by Hang a Laingtern on Your Problems on Jan 24, 2012 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
Joe Corvo: Feted, or fetid? Discuss.
....when the truth is if they knew anything about the game, they'd be in it.
--GMGM
by redlineblue on Jan 24, 2012 10:00 PM EST up reply actions 6 recs
.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
According to Mike Green, that’s Hendy!
by David C. Rothman on Jan 24, 2012 9:53 PM EST up reply actions
Well, wait, who is that then?
lolz
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Was there whooping?
If any ex-Cap should be whooped…
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2012 11:09 PM EST up reply actions
There was. I noticed it in the third period and seriously could not figure out why, I could only see #14 on the guy’s back. I kept looking around in confusion, going “why are we whooping??”
Finally had to look it up. Swear to god, I forgot he even played for them.
…good story, right? :D
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
Bruins will be here in March, and I would love to sit near the ice and whoop my damned fool head off. That would be such a blast. Everyone would be so confused.
Better not invite my wife to the game. I’m not sure I’d end the game still married.
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2012 11:16 PM EST up reply actions
So you must be married to a Bruins fan.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
er, no. Just someone who looks at me funny when I whoop
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 25, 2012 12:07 AM EST up reply actions
Ok, I will be Mr. Naive and ask, other than Corvo being a big bust when he was brought here, is there more to the story that I am unaware of? I am always curious with the numerous mentions. Apologize if missed something.
There was just the impression that he really didn’t care during his time here. He was basically a hired gun who ran right back to the Canes when the season ended. IMO, it really seemed like he was still a Cane at heart.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 24, 2012 11:33 PM EST up reply actions
Even keel recap, JP. Nice to see the team step up, but the flaws are still there and very real. Two point night. On to the next game. Lots of work to be done.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps "fan."
by Christoph J on Jan 24, 2012 9:51 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Tough to judge the flaws without 8, 19 and 52 in the lineup, IMO. This one was about getting it done.
No, it’s not.
Every NHL team, in a season of parity, has had their share of lumps, injuries, obstacles, setbacks, suspended players, etc and yet a several (see Penguins, Avalanche, Florida, Nashville, St. Louis found ways to either be very competitive, night in and night out, and force their opponents to earn a win or actually win games they “shouln’t have” on paper.
There was a reason I was anticipating this game and looking forward to it. Opportunity. Who would seize it? How would this year’s addition of the Washington Capitals respond to adversity?
I wanted to see whether this squad were capable of stepping up, sans 3 of the ‘Young Guns’, and able to put up a dogfight. I wanted to see whether Perreault had it in him to elevate his game when given the opportunity. I wanted to see whether Semin would totally buckle under the pressure when he doesn’t have his fellow ‘Young Guns’ to relieve him of the burden of being the marked man. I wanted to see how the vets (Knuble, Halpern, Hamrlik, Hendricks, Erskine) would lead by through their own play. I wanted to see whether Brouwer and Ward would step up to the plate as the off-season additions promising depth. I wanted to see whether Johansson would be assertive and bounce back from an injury. I wanted to see how the defensive pairings would fare. I wanted whether Orlov would continue to hold his own and then some. I wanted to see whether Carlson and Alzner would move one step closer to becoming the leaders on the d-corps that we’ve been expecting. I wanted to see whether Carlson would begin busting out of this lame sophomore slump he’s in. I wanted to see whether Wideman would validate why, in a team short of puck moving and transition orchestrating, he’s an all-star caliber player. I wanted to see if Coach Hunter would convince the guys they have a fighting chance against the Boston juggernaut, put them in a position to be competitive and then see his team actually execute. No extra points for style and flash. They kept it simple, executed, played opportunistically and within their limitations while putting in a pretty damn good effort.
As for the flaws, the team definitely has them regardless of whether 8, 19, and 52 are in or out of the line up. They did struggle even with them in the line up. Consistent effort, smart disciplined play, sticking to and executing the fundamentals, keeping it simple emphasizing substance over style, playing as a team, protecting the puck while possessing it during transition from their own defensive end and through the neutral zone then into the offensive zone. SOGs. Capitalizing on quality scoring chances. Actually clearing the puck when absolutely necessary. Being more cognizant indiviually and as a team on defense. Making it difficult for opposing netminders to see shots clearly. Growing a pair. Relentless and effective forechecking. Sandpaper. Collective swagger. Mental toughness. I can go on and on. There’s so much to improve on and it’s the all star break. The trade deadline nears, and the cliche that every game counts couldn’t be more evident to the Caps and something to be addressed with urgency.
Speaking of 52 … It can be argued the team is used to playing without Green, so I’m not so sure the argument of having him in the line-up would drastically change things if he can’t even stay healthy and have a significant impact throughout an entire game these days.
Anyways. All that being said, a victory over Boston was something to savor if only briefly. Tomorrow it’s hopefully back to getting into that, even keel, hard working lunch pail mentality. Here’s hoping they’ll get it and actually commit to it.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps "fan."
by Christoph J on Jan 24, 2012 11:50 PM EST via mobile up reply actions 11 recs
Great energy tonight, unlike any game I’ve seen in a while. Where the friggin hell is that night to night??
The keyboard is mightier.
Not much love from Hunter, “he’s gotta forget about tonight and prove himself in the next game” response to how MP85 has to stay consistant.
"Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity"
by caps_shutterbug on Jan 24, 2012 9:56 PM EST reply actions
It’s not like that was his only comment. He said he knew Perreault had skill and that he stepped up. Hunter is exactly right; Perreault has not played well enough long enough to earn the benefit of the doubt to take games off.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 24, 2012 9:58 PM EST up reply actions
And such has been his rep.
by kingbonehead on Jan 24, 2012 10:19 PM EST via iPhone app up reply actions
9-5-1 since Christmas, for what it’s worth.
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
A 1.26 PPG pace (which if kept up over 82 games would clock in around 104 points).
"My favorite fan base in D.C. Is United's. Period. The end." - Steinberg
Which DC sports team has the Most Valuable Players? That would be DC United, a team being pushed out by the city. Help Keep United in DC so they can receive a fair deal on a lease and help develop a path to build a stadium with local investment and incentives.
by Bald Pollack on Jan 24, 2012 10:14 PM EST up reply actions
After Jonesy says he will miss Ovi in the ASG, Liam McHugh on Ovi’s shaving cream pie technique: “They should add that to the skills competition.”
Guess what? Florida edging close to another loser point.
This cracks me up. It has to be some kind of a record.
Now, I have to wind down and fall to sleep. Still riding the high of Caps’ win.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
And the loser point is not enough...
Given how I feel about how this season has gone, how is the following even possible?
Hey, atta dinnin stick a who!
by Gould Old Days on Jan 24, 2012 11:12 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs
Never seen a team’s goal differential teeter between +1 and -1 as much as the Caps’ goal differential has over the last month or so. Mildly ridiculous.
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
I just hope they can finally break through 7 games above 0.500 (pts wise).
http://www.sportsclubstats.com/NHL/Eastern/Southeast/Washington_GamesAbove500.html
Our late December/early January schedule has been pretty packed with non playoff teams. Since Christmas, we’ve only played 6 playoff teams, and we’re 3-3 against them. We’re 6-3 against non-playoff teams over the same span. Makes me wonder how we’ll do now that the schedule’s getting tougher.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 24, 2012 11:38 PM EST up reply actions
Tonight’s a good start, no?
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps "fan."
by Christoph J on Jan 25, 2012 12:05 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
To be honest, I’m not reading much into this game. In retrospect, this was definitely a “trap” game for the Bruins. It’s a lot easier to step up when there are no expectations, especially against a team with the distraction of visiting the White House the day before (I heard something earlier today about how teams tends to lose after their WH trip). How the Caps do against an unfocused team, with no pressure because of the missing stars, really doesn’t tell me anything about how they’ll do down the stretch fighting for a playoff spot, let alone in the actual playoffs.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 25, 2012 12:28 AM EST up reply actions
So if the Panthers keep collecting loser points, the Caps just have to stay above .500 to win that division. (Okay, that’s a great exaggeration but ….)
Anyway, it seems that the Panthers have the art of overtime losses down to a science.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
Remind me to call you when it’s raining, to find out if I should carry an umbrella.
by Aliceanna on Jan 25, 2012 12:08 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs
The Cats are on pace for just under 19 overtime losses. If they can make it to 19, they’ll break Tampa’s record from 08-09. I really wonder if they can hit 20, that’d be absolutely ridiculous.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 25, 2012 12:14 AM EST up reply actions
Caps didn’t have a single shot in between Perreault’s third (7:18 of the 3rd) and the empty netter.
Japers' Rink: Hockey blogging from the most powerful city in the world
That’s … not encouraging.
Once you take the fisting element out, it's not romantic anymore.
by Steckel Me Elmo on Jan 24, 2012 10:00 PM EST up reply actions
Yeah. Caps haven’t topped 24 shots since the Sharks game. Tough to win games with 20-23 shots per.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 24, 2012 10:05 PM EST up reply actions
I thought if they were going to win this won it would be with smoke and mirrors. That is why they play the games.
But how many did Boston have in that same period? Because it looked fairly stifled at both ends for a while there.
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
by CapitalCentre on Jan 24, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions
...
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 24, 2012 10:01 PM EST reply actions 14 recs
Typo on nhl website.
Perreault collected his first NHL hat track, including the game-winning goal in the third period
Maybe the writer was thinking fo a hat rack?
We may never know.
"One of the most difficult things everyone has to learn is that for your entire life you must keep fighting and adjusting if you hope to survive." -George Allen
Must have been the same writer who had Neuvy picking up that amazing 3-1 shutout the other night.
by creasemonkey on Jan 24, 2012 10:04 PM EST up reply actions
This is cool
@Adam_KOL
Sitting on Perreault’s stall. pic.twitter.com/7Ewr1izr
"You can want to get to April but when you get to April you may not like the answers you get, so you might as well enjoy the ride while it's going on." - Brian McNally on JRR, 8/29/2011
by bagace on Jan 24, 2012 10:04 PM EST reply actions 13 recs
Goddamnit that’s my hat!
Capitals goal scored by #22, Mike...
by KNUUUUUUUUUUBLE on Jan 24, 2012 10:11 PM EST up reply actions
Congrats to Matty. The guys needed someone to step up and they guy with the (ahem) “litte ball of Hair”. I’m ashamed of myself for the terrible pun.l
This is what happens when you find a stranger in the Alps.
by That Beardy Guy on Jan 24, 2012 10:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
yeah for like the next 3 days. Its not like he did this in the playoffs, like how Joel Ward is a “clutch guy” for his preds ’offs scoring.
Bruce Boudreau when asked about Brooks Laich's return to the lineup, he said: "He just adds another dimension to our team. If it was puzzle, he just fits that thing. He completes us."
Brooks Laich completing everything from teams to tires and everything in between.
Someone has to GIF the Bob dance after the win.
by icehammer97 on Jan 24, 2012 10:21 PM EST up reply actions
I fear unless we get a 90+ percent healthy 52 back by late Feb/early March (as well as 19) we’ll be fighting for the last few spots with those teams until the bitter end.
Whatever it takes. Just want them in.
Hi. My name is Christoph J. I'm a Caps "fan."
by Christoph J on Jan 25, 2012 12:09 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
Quite the recap.
I had to watch bits of the game on Slingbox, but what an awesome result.
Winterion Game Studios
Visit us online at : http://winterion.com
Best NHL headline!
I'm on the twitters! Currently Watching: Catching up on Walking Dead
Jeff Schultz is my spirit animal!
by Ovechwin on Jan 24, 2012 11:21 PM EST reply actions 8 recs
I'm Ross Perot...
And I approved this message… and need a shorter podium.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 25, 2012 9:21 AM EST up reply actions
Maybe I need to go more often with a "who cares?’ attitude. We were just chillin’ out and the Caps decided to play some meaningful hockey. After MP85 came out of the box after his second penalty, I turned and said, “Two goals, two penalties, I’m calling the hat trick.” I didn’t know I could be clairvoyant. ;)
"The Caps fan doesn't say, 'is the glass half full' or 'is the glass half empty'. He wonders when the glass is going to spill."
I totally went into it with that same attitude – it was great!
I basically figured we’d lose but if we did it would be at least in part because our three best players were out against a moderately talented (yeah, moderately…that’s all you get, Bruins) team. And if we happened to win, it would not only mean two points and a win going into the break but also that the Bruins lost to a team without their three best players……….. :D
And nice work on the psychic abilities!
The definition of being a Caps fan is watching the same team over and over and expecting different results.
It’s a lot easier to succeed when no one expects you to. Who knows, maybe going into the playoffs as a 7-8 seed is just what to Caps need to put a run together.
by Flash in the Pan on Jan 24, 2012 11:29 PM EST up reply actions
Chara and Semin were having quite the game-within-the-game tonight. I get the feeling they don’t like each other very much.
You perhaps knew me better as "Your Nation's Capital." Same great commentary, now with 100% more transparency!
Usually I recall it’s Chara and Ovi having that particular game within the game. There was at least one time where Ovi got so tired of dealing with Chara that he asked Semin to switch places with him on the line, with Sasha moving to LW and Ovi to RW.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
I was expecting absolutely nothing from this team tonight, which is my failing.
I have never respected Matthieu Perreault, and he made me pay for that tonight. I feel rather Boston Bruins-like.
So demanding of me, but I want that same effort the next two games Ovi is out.
I was nervous about tonight’s game, as well. But have always like MP for some reason.
But, I kept telling myself that I’ve seen games in my life where the odds were worse than for the Caps tonight. I told myself that a bad team will typically have a 1 in 3 chance of winning an NHL game, unless they’re historically bad. With that, I figured the odds for the Caps winning had to be at least as good, if not better, than a normal bad team.
I once actually saw my younger daughter’s HS swim team upset a team who hadn’t lost a meet in 10 years. So, there’s a contest where the odds of winning were downright horrendous. And the Caps had much better odds. (Hey, got to look for the silver linings where ever possible.)
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
In any case, I’m happy to owe some money now. I had pledged some money to Red Birdie’s charity the next time the Caps could win a game after giving up the first goal.
Maybe I should make it a pledge for the rest of the season and then a certain charity will be very happy.
Rocking the Red for teams on the banks of the Potomac and at the Gateway Arch and Singing the Blues about Hockey.
All I can say is I started MP85 on my fantasy text tonight … Boooyaaahhh
Be Utterly Facinating @ http://www.thirstdc.com
by TheFuryUnleashed on Jan 25, 2012 12:34 AM EST reply actions
Such a satisfying win. With so much lauded talent on the team, it felt kind of different—and nice—to be the decided underdog for once. I imagined it like an #8 seed playing over its head against a #1 seed (which could still very well happen with these two teams, btw), and the #8 winning with sheer effort.
Watched the Boston feed and everyone from Jack Edwards on down to the guys in the studio said the Caps out-efforted the Bruins throughout the second and third periods.
When’s the last time you could say that?
Great way to go into the Break…
Belated Observations From Section 421...
“Bang! Bang! Mathieu’s silver hammer came down upon their heads…
Bang! Bang! Mathieu’s silver hammer made sure the B’s were dead!”
The organist played the Beatles’ “Maxwell’s Silver Hammer” after warm-ups… not often you start the night off with a cheery, upbeat song about a serial killer, but hey…whatever works.
1) Speaking of Mathieu Perreault…he’s been studying at the school of Sasha hasn’t he? A beautiful one-timer for a goal, a stolen-puck break away goal and a nice rebound goal to complete the hat trick; along with two stick fouls in the offensive zone. Quite the night. Still he played well and it was great to see what his potential really is. And the shaving cream pie at the end of the game from Ovechkin…well, that was the icing on the cake.
2) And speaking of cakes and partying, how in the heck does Perreault high stick someone who routinely gets calls from Logan Airport to move his head so the planes can take off? It reminded me of a kid trying to bust open a pinata…
3) Despite the great game from up front, this was a pretty bad game for the back line. Alzner’s own goal (how the hell can the scorer award two assists for that???), Carlson’s give away, and Wideman being caught out of position against Marchand on the PK. Three tallies on the scoreboard.
4) Nice to see Cody Eakin score again… nice to see a video of a fellow redhead of his, Shaun White, when the goal was scored. Maybe next time we get some Ron Weastley from the Harry Potter books?
5) Did anyone notice the officials last night? I sure as heck didn’t. Amazing that a game can be called well these days. Of course, there’s a reason Don Van Massenhoven is officiating in the Olympics and Stanley Cup Final.
6) Chara was getting booed after taking a high stick… that’s a first.
7) Face offs were 50-50 split down the middle, mostly due to Halpern winning 11 of 15 to overcome Brooks’ winning on 5 of 15. MP85 only won 2 of 9…. Beagle continues to impress, going 4-1.
8) The top shooting forward for the B’s last night: Danny Paille. If he’s their top shooter, their top line is getting stuffed up… nice work.
So the Caps hit the All-Star Break in first place in the division. Nice! This is good news. Good luck in Ottawa D-Wide!
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
Chara was getting booed after a very late check on Semin after he had already dumped the puck. The NHL is still not calling the game by their own rules…
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Jan 25, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions
I didn’t see that as being that late after he dumped it. Chara’s stride is bigger, so he can be in another time zone a bit farther away and make a reasonable hit.
Occasionally reporting from Section 421 of the Verizon Center...
by MikeL-Pivonka on Jan 25, 2012 12:32 PM EST up reply actions
Most players at the most bump the opposing player chasing the puck or stand them up a bit. Chara straight up knocked Semin down… obviously part of that is the matchup, but it was pretty late.
Tu ne cede malis
by _Skullduggery_ on Jan 25, 2012 1:52 PM EST up reply actions
Just a comment about Beagle. I thought it was his best game of the year(or one of them). He played well in the dot, had some nice hits, had energy on the forecheck, an assist. Beyond the stats though, it is the first time in a while I noticed him making an impact on the game. More of that please
http://thecapitaloffense.blogspot.com/
by JRJD928 on Jan 25, 2012 11:48 AM EST via mobile up reply actions
You know what I think was the best aspect of the game?
Per – Time – Team – Goal Scorer – Assist – Assist
2 – 2:14 – WSH – 50 C.EAKIN – 42 J.WARD – 83 J.BEAGLE
2 – 2:55 – WSH – 85 M.PERREAULT – 28 A.SEMIN
Too often lately, the Caps have been on the wrong end of that trend.
Campaign Promises fantasy team: Hamrlik To Fall
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Related FanPosts on Japers' Rink
Related FanShots on Japers' Rink
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recent FanShots
The Vault
In Association With
Latest Puck Daddy - NHL from Yahoo! Sports
- Who are the Non-Smythe candidates for the Devils, Kings?
- End is near for Rick Nash, Blue Jackets as trade discussions set to resume
- Why the Devils and the Kings are evidence the Capitals shouldn’t trade Alex Ovechkin
- Eulogy: Remembering the 2011-12 New York Rangers
- Stanley Cup Final: 5 keys for New Jersey Devils and Los Angeles Kings
Latest stories and headlines from NHL.com
- Marty McSorley hopes LA Kings reverse his curse
- Driven DeBoer delivers Devils back to NHL's elite
- Driven DeBoer, fired by Panthers, delivers Devils back to the land of elite in just one year
- Bruins acquire son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque
- Bruins add a Bourque: Chris Bourque, son of Hall of Famer Ray Bourque, acquired from Capitals
