Washington Capitals Hockey
As I sat there watching time running down in game 7, my thoughts flashed back to game 7 of last year's playoff series against the Flyers and I started to feel a bit of apprehension about the prospects of going into overtime against the Rangers. Fortunately, Federov was able to put one in the net, and the Caps held on to complete an unlikely comeback by winning the last three games of the series. The thing that had me concerned was what losing another game 7 in overtime would do to the Capitals psyche going forward into next year. While the coaches and players will tell you that what happened in the recent past has no bearing on the present, when watching teams such as the San Jose Sharks, who have have had excellent teams the last few years but can never seem to get it done in the playoffs, and you have to wonder if it does in fact become a head thing. If the Capitals had lost again in the first round, it would have definitely tarnished the great regular season that they had regardless of their coming back from being down 3-1 in the series. Regardless of what happens in the series against the Penguins, the Capitals I believe took a large step forward in their progression by winning the series against the Rangers.
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Thursday, April 30, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
More Drama Than a Reality T.V. Show
Washington Capitals
The Capitals have once again shown their resilience and never quit attitude by coming back and winning the last two games when it looked as if this series would be done by now. That's the great thing about a seven game series; it is full of plots and subplots and has more twists and turns than the Mississippi River. One day it looks hopeless, the next day you're riding high. Who could have figured Simeon Varlamov would have stepped up and become the biggest factor for the Capitals in this series so far? How could one have known that Sean Avery would be neutered from playing his normal game by being sat down for game five when the Rangers were riding high. And lastly, who would figured that John Tortarella would go berserk and get himself suspended for game 6. A seven game NHL playoff series is about as good as it gets in professional sports as far as I'm concerned. The only thing to be decided for the Capitals is if this series is going to have a happy ending or another heartbreak?
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The Capitals have once again shown their resilience and never quit attitude by coming back and winning the last two games when it looked as if this series would be done by now. That's the great thing about a seven game series; it is full of plots and subplots and has more twists and turns than the Mississippi River. One day it looks hopeless, the next day you're riding high. Who could have figured Simeon Varlamov would have stepped up and become the biggest factor for the Capitals in this series so far? How could one have known that Sean Avery would be neutered from playing his normal game by being sat down for game five when the Rangers were riding high. And lastly, who would figured that John Tortarella would go berserk and get himself suspended for game 6. A seven game NHL playoff series is about as good as it gets in professional sports as far as I'm concerned. The only thing to be decided for the Capitals is if this series is going to have a happy ending or another heartbreak?
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Saturday, April 25, 2009
Tortorella Suspended for Game 6
Washington Capitals Hockey
It was announced tonight that John Tortorella, coach of the New York Rangers was suspended for game 6 of the playoffs for squirting water on a fan, and then throwing a water bottle that hit another fan. The Rangers in command of the series seem to be self destructing and doing their damnest to give the series back to the Capitals. First Sean Avery acts the fool by taking stupid penalties in game 4 that if not for the play of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist would have cost them the game, then the coach loses his cool and causes more disruption on a team that was seemingly headed for a quick series win over the Capitals. While it's hard to say what type of effect it will have on the Rangers players, it can't help the Rangers cause, and if the Capitals can do the unlikely by winning the last three games of the series, the Rangers will look back and have no one to blame but themselves.
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It was announced tonight that John Tortorella, coach of the New York Rangers was suspended for game 6 of the playoffs for squirting water on a fan, and then throwing a water bottle that hit another fan. The Rangers in command of the series seem to be self destructing and doing their damnest to give the series back to the Capitals. First Sean Avery acts the fool by taking stupid penalties in game 4 that if not for the play of goaltender Henrik Lundqvist would have cost them the game, then the coach loses his cool and causes more disruption on a team that was seemingly headed for a quick series win over the Capitals. While it's hard to say what type of effect it will have on the Rangers players, it can't help the Rangers cause, and if the Capitals can do the unlikely by winning the last three games of the series, the Rangers will look back and have no one to blame but themselves.
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Friday, April 24, 2009
Varlamov...The Story of This Series for Capitals
Washington Capitals Hockey
Regardless of how this series turns out, one thing has become quite apparent. Simeon Varlamov is proving that he is ready for prime time, and even though Theodore has another year on his contract, this series has shown that if necessary, Varlamov is ready to take the lead role in the nets. For a 20 year old to step into the playoffs for the first time and not only do well, but to have two shutouts to his credit in four games is amazing. This young Russian netminder has gone toe to toe with one of the NHL's premier goaltenders in Lundqvist and seems to possess a coolness about him that belies his age. Perhaps he's too young that he should be nervous but whatever the case, I hope he keeps on doing what he's doing for at least two more games!
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Regardless of how this series turns out, one thing has become quite apparent. Simeon Varlamov is proving that he is ready for prime time, and even though Theodore has another year on his contract, this series has shown that if necessary, Varlamov is ready to take the lead role in the nets. For a 20 year old to step into the playoffs for the first time and not only do well, but to have two shutouts to his credit in four games is amazing. This young Russian netminder has gone toe to toe with one of the NHL's premier goaltenders in Lundqvist and seems to possess a coolness about him that belies his age. Perhaps he's too young that he should be nervous but whatever the case, I hope he keeps on doing what he's doing for at least two more games!
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Rangers Defense Trumps Caps Offense
Washington Capitals Hockey
As quite often happens this time of year, a team with a good defense and a stellar goaltender negates a great offensive team and moves on in the playoffs while the team with loads of offensive talent takes an early summer vacation. While the series between the Rangers and the Capitals isn't quite over yet, it's hard to foresee the Capitals beating the Rangers and Lundqvist three times in a row with the way the Rangers netminder is playing. Other than Alexander Semin, the Rangers celebrated goaltender has completely shutdown the Capitals scoring machine giving up only one goal to Alexander Ovechkin and none to Mike Green. While the series has revealed that the Capitals might have that type of goaltender in the future with Simeon Varlamov, unfortunately, the Capitals for all intents and purposes lost this series in the first two games at home, and unless they can now do the unlikely, and win out against the Rangers, this season will be remembered not for the great season and winning the division crown, but another early exit in the playoffs.
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As quite often happens this time of year, a team with a good defense and a stellar goaltender negates a great offensive team and moves on in the playoffs while the team with loads of offensive talent takes an early summer vacation. While the series between the Rangers and the Capitals isn't quite over yet, it's hard to foresee the Capitals beating the Rangers and Lundqvist three times in a row with the way the Rangers netminder is playing. Other than Alexander Semin, the Rangers celebrated goaltender has completely shutdown the Capitals scoring machine giving up only one goal to Alexander Ovechkin and none to Mike Green. While the series has revealed that the Capitals might have that type of goaltender in the future with Simeon Varlamov, unfortunately, the Capitals for all intents and purposes lost this series in the first two games at home, and unless they can now do the unlikely, and win out against the Rangers, this season will be remembered not for the great season and winning the division crown, but another early exit in the playoffs.
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Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Semin, Varlamov Lead Caps to Victory
Washington Capitals Hockey
Last night's game started off pretty much the way the first two games did with the Caps putting pressure on Lundqvist in the early stages of the game and he coming up with the saves. I started thinking here we go again, but then Semin was able to get one in the net, and then another, and that was more than enough as the Caps were able to turn the tables shutting out the Rangers 4-0 and getting back in the series. While this was a team game, the two stars of the game were Alexander Semin and the 20 year old goaltender Simeon Varlamov. In his short career, Semin has shown the ability to take his game to another level in the playoffs. He impressed me last year with his inspired play against the Flyers, and he's been the best offensive player for the Caps again so far against the Rangers. Varlamov was simply sensational in last night's game, and has given up 1 goal in two games against the Rangers. If the Caps can turn this series around and get by the Rangers, much of the credit will have to go to this young Russian goaltender who played a brilliant game in the Lion's den known as Madison Square Garden completely shutting down the Rangers and allowing the Caps to get back within one game of the Rangers.
The bottom line is the Capitals have to feel a lot better about their chances today than they did before last night's game. They managed to score 4 goals against the stellar Rangers goalie, and Alexander Ovechkin hasn't even scored a point yet. One knows that #8 can't be held down forever, and if the combination of Ovechkin and Semin can get rolling, the Caps will make this a series to remember.
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Last night's game started off pretty much the way the first two games did with the Caps putting pressure on Lundqvist in the early stages of the game and he coming up with the saves. I started thinking here we go again, but then Semin was able to get one in the net, and then another, and that was more than enough as the Caps were able to turn the tables shutting out the Rangers 4-0 and getting back in the series. While this was a team game, the two stars of the game were Alexander Semin and the 20 year old goaltender Simeon Varlamov. In his short career, Semin has shown the ability to take his game to another level in the playoffs. He impressed me last year with his inspired play against the Flyers, and he's been the best offensive player for the Caps again so far against the Rangers. Varlamov was simply sensational in last night's game, and has given up 1 goal in two games against the Rangers. If the Caps can turn this series around and get by the Rangers, much of the credit will have to go to this young Russian goaltender who played a brilliant game in the Lion's den known as Madison Square Garden completely shutting down the Rangers and allowing the Caps to get back within one game of the Rangers.
The bottom line is the Capitals have to feel a lot better about their chances today than they did before last night's game. They managed to score 4 goals against the stellar Rangers goalie, and Alexander Ovechkin hasn't even scored a point yet. One knows that #8 can't be held down forever, and if the combination of Ovechkin and Semin can get rolling, the Caps will make this a series to remember.
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Sunday, April 19, 2009
Can Caps Turn the Series Around?
Washington Capitals Hockey
After watching the Capitals lose the second game in a row at home, you have to wonder if the Capitals have it in them to turn this series around. There are precedents where teams have lost the first two games of the series and game back and won the series but it doesn't happen very often, and the odds are that the Rangers will win the series and could do it in four games. That's the beauty and the heartbreak of the playoffs; you can have a fantastic regular season, but you run into a hot team, or you're not at the top of your game when the series starts and lose a couple of close games, wham, the series and your season is over before it even gets started. The problem is as much psychological as anything. It's not like the Capitals have been badly outplayed. Both games were one goal games, and they put a barrage of shots on Lundquist. Still, having played sports myself, there comes times when it seems like no matter what you do, you're not going to win against a particular team. On the bright side, after giving up a goal early on in the game, Varlimov played very well only giving up one goal himself. Should the Capitals play him in game 3? I think they should. What else can the Capitals do differently. Well, for one thing they need to get in Lundquist's face more. While they don't necessarily want to take penalties, at this point, it's probably a risk worth taking to try and get him off his game. If Brashear is able to play, they should also throw him in there, and get some physical stuff going. They really need to get some people in front of the net, and other than Laich, there doesn't seem to be a lot of Capitals willing to pay the price. They really need to let it all hang out and play like a desperate team, because the reality is, they are. Lose the next one, and the series is done. While the odds are against the Capitals pulling out the series, they have been a resilient bunch throughout the season and as a fan, I'm hoping that they show it again in Game 3.
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After watching the Capitals lose the second game in a row at home, you have to wonder if the Capitals have it in them to turn this series around. There are precedents where teams have lost the first two games of the series and game back and won the series but it doesn't happen very often, and the odds are that the Rangers will win the series and could do it in four games. That's the beauty and the heartbreak of the playoffs; you can have a fantastic regular season, but you run into a hot team, or you're not at the top of your game when the series starts and lose a couple of close games, wham, the series and your season is over before it even gets started. The problem is as much psychological as anything. It's not like the Capitals have been badly outplayed. Both games were one goal games, and they put a barrage of shots on Lundquist. Still, having played sports myself, there comes times when it seems like no matter what you do, you're not going to win against a particular team. On the bright side, after giving up a goal early on in the game, Varlimov played very well only giving up one goal himself. Should the Capitals play him in game 3? I think they should. What else can the Capitals do differently. Well, for one thing they need to get in Lundquist's face more. While they don't necessarily want to take penalties, at this point, it's probably a risk worth taking to try and get him off his game. If Brashear is able to play, they should also throw him in there, and get some physical stuff going. They really need to get some people in front of the net, and other than Laich, there doesn't seem to be a lot of Capitals willing to pay the price. They really need to let it all hang out and play like a desperate team, because the reality is, they are. Lose the next one, and the series is done. While the odds are against the Capitals pulling out the series, they have been a resilient bunch throughout the season and as a fan, I'm hoping that they show it again in Game 3.
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Friday, April 17, 2009
Theordore, Schultz and Other Observations
Washington Capitals Hockey
With two days having passed since the Capitals opening game loss, a few things come to mind. First, as it's been said, "offense puts the fans in the seats, but defense wins championships". The Capitals have plenty of offense, but the defense is another matter. Of course the first line of defense is the goaltender and after watching Theodore give up 4 goals on 21 shots, my doubts about he being able to take the Capitals far into the playoffs remain. I just don't know if Theodore is capable of putting together a stretch where he shuts down the kind of teams that he's going to face in the playoffs. One thing is certain, if Theodore doesn't have a better performance than he did on Wednesday, the Capitals will be looking at a crater of a hole to climb out of. As far as the rest of the Capitals defense goes, while they don't have a defensemen of the Chris Pronger or Scott Neidermeyer caliber, Poti, Erskine, Pothier, and Morrison are serviceable defensemen, while Green is a superstar in the making. After this however things drop off pretty quickly. While Jurcina's game has improved a bit this year, Schultz showed in the play that allowed the Rangers to score the deciding goal, that he is a young player with good size, and little quickness or mobility. While I could live with the fact that Schultz isn't the most nimble player on the ice, he doesn't seem to possess much of a physical side to his game, and if he doesn't develop that aspect of his game as he matures, well, I don't know if he'll be a long term NHL player. The thing about the playoffs is that everything is amplified, and you don't have a lot of chances to make up for mistakes. Here's hoping that we don't see another blunder of the Schultz variety in tomorrow's game.
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With two days having passed since the Capitals opening game loss, a few things come to mind. First, as it's been said, "offense puts the fans in the seats, but defense wins championships". The Capitals have plenty of offense, but the defense is another matter. Of course the first line of defense is the goaltender and after watching Theodore give up 4 goals on 21 shots, my doubts about he being able to take the Capitals far into the playoffs remain. I just don't know if Theodore is capable of putting together a stretch where he shuts down the kind of teams that he's going to face in the playoffs. One thing is certain, if Theodore doesn't have a better performance than he did on Wednesday, the Capitals will be looking at a crater of a hole to climb out of. As far as the rest of the Capitals defense goes, while they don't have a defensemen of the Chris Pronger or Scott Neidermeyer caliber, Poti, Erskine, Pothier, and Morrison are serviceable defensemen, while Green is a superstar in the making. After this however things drop off pretty quickly. While Jurcina's game has improved a bit this year, Schultz showed in the play that allowed the Rangers to score the deciding goal, that he is a young player with good size, and little quickness or mobility. While I could live with the fact that Schultz isn't the most nimble player on the ice, he doesn't seem to possess much of a physical side to his game, and if he doesn't develop that aspect of his game as he matures, well, I don't know if he'll be a long term NHL player. The thing about the playoffs is that everything is amplified, and you don't have a lot of chances to make up for mistakes. Here's hoping that we don't see another blunder of the Schultz variety in tomorrow's game.
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Tuesday, April 14, 2009
The Avery Factor
Washington Capitals Hockey
While much of the credit to the Rangers turnaround can be credited to John Tortorelli, one can't overlook what the acquisition of Avery has meant to the Rangers. I watched a Ranger games a while back, and the team seemed dead in the water. The Rangers exhibited little in the way of energy on the ice, and it appeared as if they would suffer the ignominy of missing the playoffs after having one of the best starts in team history. Watching the Rangers over the last couple of weeks, I saw a different team. It was a team that seemed to have an 'edge' once again, and much of it could be contributed to Sean Avery. Although he's known as much for his mouth as his performance on the ice, the guy brings more to the game than just the ability to get under people's skins. He not only possesses some decent offensive ability but also has one of the better +/- ratings on the team. There's little doubt that Avery will try and target some of the young Capitals stars such as Ovechkin and in particular Semin to try and get them off of their game. The Caps will have to avoid taking retaliatory penalties against the Rangers provocateur extraordinaire if they want to have success against the Rangers.
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While much of the credit to the Rangers turnaround can be credited to John Tortorelli, one can't overlook what the acquisition of Avery has meant to the Rangers. I watched a Ranger games a while back, and the team seemed dead in the water. The Rangers exhibited little in the way of energy on the ice, and it appeared as if they would suffer the ignominy of missing the playoffs after having one of the best starts in team history. Watching the Rangers over the last couple of weeks, I saw a different team. It was a team that seemed to have an 'edge' once again, and much of it could be contributed to Sean Avery. Although he's known as much for his mouth as his performance on the ice, the guy brings more to the game than just the ability to get under people's skins. He not only possesses some decent offensive ability but also has one of the better +/- ratings on the team. There's little doubt that Avery will try and target some of the young Capitals stars such as Ovechkin and in particular Semin to try and get them off of their game. The Caps will have to avoid taking retaliatory penalties against the Rangers provocateur extraordinaire if they want to have success against the Rangers.
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Sunday, April 12, 2009
Caps Throw a Dud in Last Regular Season Game
Washington Capitals Hockey
It was sort of expected that the Capitals might be in for a bit of a letdown after winning three straight road games, and securing the second seed in the playoffs. Still, you hate to see the Caps finish the regular season in that manner with the Panthers putting up as many goals as they did. While the game meant nothing to the Caps, it does bring to mind the question of whether Theodore can carry the Capitals far into the plays. While his play has been all in all good this year, the rap on Theodore is his inconsistency, and these questions will continue until he either wins a cup or he is at least able to carry the team far into the playoffs. I for one would have rather seem Simeon Varlimov in goal for the last game being that the last game meant nothing for the Caps, and there was little to be gained by playing Theodore, and Varlimov would have been able to get another game under his belt.
In the scheme of things, yesterday's loss means nothing once the playoffs begin, but yesterday's showing revives that lingering doubt about Theodore's ability to shut down the caliber of players we'll be facing in the playoffs. I hope that my doubts are unfounded.
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It was sort of expected that the Capitals might be in for a bit of a letdown after winning three straight road games, and securing the second seed in the playoffs. Still, you hate to see the Caps finish the regular season in that manner with the Panthers putting up as many goals as they did. While the game meant nothing to the Caps, it does bring to mind the question of whether Theodore can carry the Capitals far into the plays. While his play has been all in all good this year, the rap on Theodore is his inconsistency, and these questions will continue until he either wins a cup or he is at least able to carry the team far into the playoffs. I for one would have rather seem Simeon Varlimov in goal for the last game being that the last game meant nothing for the Caps, and there was little to be gained by playing Theodore, and Varlimov would have been able to get another game under his belt.
In the scheme of things, yesterday's loss means nothing once the playoffs begin, but yesterday's showing revives that lingering doubt about Theodore's ability to shut down the caliber of players we'll be facing in the playoffs. I hope that my doubts are unfounded.
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Thursday, April 9, 2009
Caps Grab 2nd Seed With Win
Washington Capitals Hockey
The Washington Capitals nailed down the important 2nd seed with a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay tonight. Just how important is it to have the second seed? Just all the difference in the world, or least the beginning round of the playoffs. With all due respect to the Canadians and Rangers, I would much rather match up against them in the first round than either the Flyers, Penguins or Hurricanes. If the Caps had finished behind the Devils in third, it would have been their fate to play one of these three teams in the first round, not an easy draw regardless of who your opponent is. The Capitals found out last year why the 3rd seed can be one of the least advantageous in the playoffs, losing a tough 7 game series to the Flyers. As in now stands, the Capitals will play one of two teams that they have had good success against this year, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them win the first round in five or six games. Meanwhile, the Flyers, Penguins, Hurricanes and Devils all face a tough opening round matchup, regardless of how the teams finish. I can't help but believe that this should be an advantage for the Capitals going forward into the playoffs.
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The Washington Capitals nailed down the important 2nd seed with a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay tonight. Just how important is it to have the second seed? Just all the difference in the world, or least the beginning round of the playoffs. With all due respect to the Canadians and Rangers, I would much rather match up against them in the first round than either the Flyers, Penguins or Hurricanes. If the Caps had finished behind the Devils in third, it would have been their fate to play one of these three teams in the first round, not an easy draw regardless of who your opponent is. The Capitals found out last year why the 3rd seed can be one of the least advantageous in the playoffs, losing a tough 7 game series to the Flyers. As in now stands, the Capitals will play one of two teams that they have had good success against this year, and it wouldn't surprise me to see them win the first round in five or six games. Meanwhile, the Flyers, Penguins, Hurricanes and Devils all face a tough opening round matchup, regardless of how the teams finish. I can't help but believe that this should be an advantage for the Capitals going forward into the playoffs.
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Sunday, April 5, 2009
Capitals Capture 2nd Straight Southeast Crown
Washington Capitals Hockey
Although it has been largely a formality of when and not if the Washington Capitals would clinch the Southeast division, considering that the Capitals have only won four division title in their 35 year existence, I don't think it's something we should take lightly. While this years's race had little of the suspense of last year's winning of the title on the last day of the regular season, it's an accomplishment none the last. While many would say that the Capitals haven't really accomplished anything yet and the real challenge lies ahead, it's still worth noting that this team is the only Capitals team to win the division two years in a row. While winning the division means virtually nothing when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin, it still is worth noting that a franchise that was mired in mediocrity, is now among the league's best, and should be for the foreseeable future.
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Although it has been largely a formality of when and not if the Washington Capitals would clinch the Southeast division, considering that the Capitals have only won four division title in their 35 year existence, I don't think it's something we should take lightly. While this years's race had little of the suspense of last year's winning of the title on the last day of the regular season, it's an accomplishment none the last. While many would say that the Capitals haven't really accomplished anything yet and the real challenge lies ahead, it's still worth noting that this team is the only Capitals team to win the division two years in a row. While winning the division means virtually nothing when the Stanley Cup playoffs begin, it still is worth noting that a franchise that was mired in mediocrity, is now among the league's best, and should be for the foreseeable future.
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Thursday, April 2, 2009
Capitals Power Play Tops Since All Star Game
Washington Capitals Hockey
The Capitals power play has been getting better all year, and has been the best in the NHL since the All Star break, clicking at just under 30%. When you can throw a line out there featuring the league's MVP Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nichlas Backstrom, and Mike Green, opposing teams are playing with fire by giving the Caps a power play. While everyone knows about Ovechkin's goal scoring prowess, his Russian teammate Alexander Semin has one of the league's highest scoring average per game, and was leading the league in scoring until he sustained a couple of injuries early in the season. Nicholas Backstrom is quickly becoming one of the league's premier young center's, and it sometimes seems as if he has eyes in the back of his head with his unconscious passes to his linemates. Finally, you add Mike Green, who this year set a record for goals in consecutive games for a defensemen, and became only the 8th defensemen ever to score 30 goals in a season, and you have arguably the best line in the NHL working on the power play. With this kind of firepower, the Caps should have great success if they can draw their share of penalties and let the best power play in the NHL do its thing.
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The Capitals power play has been getting better all year, and has been the best in the NHL since the All Star break, clicking at just under 30%. When you can throw a line out there featuring the league's MVP Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nichlas Backstrom, and Mike Green, opposing teams are playing with fire by giving the Caps a power play. While everyone knows about Ovechkin's goal scoring prowess, his Russian teammate Alexander Semin has one of the league's highest scoring average per game, and was leading the league in scoring until he sustained a couple of injuries early in the season. Nicholas Backstrom is quickly becoming one of the league's premier young center's, and it sometimes seems as if he has eyes in the back of his head with his unconscious passes to his linemates. Finally, you add Mike Green, who this year set a record for goals in consecutive games for a defensemen, and became only the 8th defensemen ever to score 30 goals in a season, and you have arguably the best line in the NHL working on the power play. With this kind of firepower, the Caps should have great success if they can draw their share of penalties and let the best power play in the NHL do its thing.
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Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Caps Have Been One of the Most Consistent Teams
Washington Capitals Hockey
One of the most glaring things that jump out at you when you look back at the Caps season is how consistent they've been, never losing more than four games in a row. The NHL season is indeed one of the most grueling schedules of any in professional sports. Not only do you have an exhibition season, and a regular season of 82 games, but then you have up to two months of playoffs every other night for the last teams standing. The Caps have exhibited the kind of consistency a team needs and much of the credit has to go to Boudreau and his style of coaching. All teams are going to have their inevitable down periods through the course of the long season, and it's primarily up to the coaching staff to keep these bumps in the road from becoming major potholes. Boudreau has done a great job of keeping that from happening.
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One of the most glaring things that jump out at you when you look back at the Caps season is how consistent they've been, never losing more than four games in a row. The NHL season is indeed one of the most grueling schedules of any in professional sports. Not only do you have an exhibition season, and a regular season of 82 games, but then you have up to two months of playoffs every other night for the last teams standing. The Caps have exhibited the kind of consistency a team needs and much of the credit has to go to Boudreau and his style of coaching. All teams are going to have their inevitable down periods through the course of the long season, and it's primarily up to the coaching staff to keep these bumps in the road from becoming major potholes. Boudreau has done a great job of keeping that from happening.
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