[AP Recap – Game Summary – Event Summary – WashingtonCaps.com Postgame]
For the first twenty minutes of last night’s 7-4 win over Tampa, the Caps were thoroughly engaged and, not surprisingly, thoroughly dominant, out-shooting their guests 15-8 and out-scoring them 3-0. Thereafter, however, the interest level dropped significantly and the overall skill and system differentials between the two teams allowed the Caps to hold on to an easy win. On most nights – especially the important ones – that won’t be enough.
Some thoughts on the game:
So the Caps open the new year with a win and two points, but they had best make a resolution to quit the bad habits they’ve developed when playing the League’s weaker teams, or they’ll find themselves in trouble when playing the stronger ones. With the Rangers coming to town on Saturday night, they’ll be tested and should pass… if they can focus for sixty minutes.
Elsewhere ‘Round the Rinks:
Kevin Allen thinks AO hits the 60-goal mark again this season. Anyone disagree?… Happy 40th Birthday to today’s Cap of the Day…. Braden Holtby notched his third shutout of the season last night…. Finally, on this day in Caps history back in 1982 Mike Gartner scored his 100th goal as a Cap, and in 1999 Brian Bellows had a goal and an assist to hit the 1,000 point mark.