I enjoyed the game last night. It was played like a playoff game.
It was an intense game with lots of hitting; lots of drama; lots of ref intervention with two goals called back (one for each team); and our stars eventually shined through in a 2 to 1 win.
I think people forget that we are a tough team to play against. We are one of the biggest, fastest and most skilled teams in the league. We have a terrific power play and we are now gelling on the penalty kill. And our goaltending has been top notch as well.
Our combination of size, skill and toughness makes us hard to match up against. We have some game breakers too now and I believe the best player in the league is on our team. Check out how many game-winning goals Alex Ovechkin has and how many third period goals he has as well. Isn’t that what is expected of an MVP?
We have played very well against the best teams in the East. I was not surprised that we won 2 to 1 against Philly in their barn. We are now at that time in our development that we expect to win against really good teams.
With 13 games left to play in the season, we now have 90 points and a 12 point lead in the division.
The sky isn’t falling. The clouds are lifting. We have work yet to do. Go Caps!
Having been a Sharks fan since I started watching the league (in the mid 1990s, as soon as I spoke English well enough to understand the game) I recently found myself questioning if I am now a bigger Caps fan. There are two reasons for this; first you have put together the most exciting team in the league, I know that when I watch a Caps game I will be entertained regardless of the outcome, and not only is the product entertaining on the ice, it is interesting off the ice as well- your group of players have great personalities, give interesting interviews and seem to have a genuinely fun time together. The second reason is the Caps’ online presence- I have recently left the USA to complete a Master’s program in the UK and can’t really watch the games on television (or online), so I get my hockey fix through online highlights, blogs and team sites- the way that you have managed the team’s online community is masterful; everything from your blog (and other Capitals blogs), to the team site and the message boards seem designed to bring you closer to the team (no other team does this better)- to make you care about the team and the players. In the year and a half that I have been following the Caps I have learned more about the team, management and coaching staff than I have learned in 14 years of following the Sharks. The more I learn about the organization the more I care about them and the bigger fan I become- hopefully I will get to visit the Verizon Center and have the privilege to rock the red in person- once again, thank you for the great product and the way you support it!
Maybe the best game we played all season. Why? Everyone seemed very focused. Offensively we were clicking (although period 2 was not so great). No errant highlight attempt passes, 2 goals scored close to the net, great defense (again minimal lapses or bad clearing passes) and great goaltending. We often score and then soften up and let the opponent back into the game. Not last night, especially not in period 3. 2 points super well earned.
Huge W. I think the game against Nashville helped us…they are a steady disciplined group that forced us to play 5 on 5. You could see the carry over vs Philli.
Philli fans never dissappoint either, with a unified majority calling the refs “a–hole” after a questionalble no call…what a place for a family.
I do hope Verizon/Caps remains a mostly, family-friedly environment.
The Caps are such a great product. From the players on the ice, to the farm system, on down to the ticket sales staff and customer service reps. The Caps are the only team in town that I don’t have to cringe and think twice before spending my money on them.