Washington Capitals Hockey
The Washington Capitals started off like gangbusters but reverted back to old form committing a penalty and consequently giving up a power play goal and it's been all Pittsburgh since then. Chris Clark has had a terrible series committing several penalties and while Boudreau has made many great calls during the year, putting Clark in for the playoffs hasn't been one of his best ones. The Capitals are just not playing like the Capitals the last couple of games. Perhaps this is going to be a series where the home team carries the games, we have to hope that's the case because the Capitals are not looking like winners in this game.
Hockey Talk
Friday, May 8, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Capitals Confident, But Recall What Happened to Rangers
Washington Capitals Hockey
Going into tonight's game three against Pittsburgh, the Washington Capitals have every reason to feel good about their position; they have their star player Alex Ovechkin on fire, getting fantastic goaltending from their rookie sensation, Simeon Varlamov, have a two game advantage in the series, and have won five games in a row. Having said that, the Capitals are fully aware of how quickly the worm can turn in a playoff series as they witnessed firsthand the Rangers with a 2-0 and 3-1 advantage in the last series, and wound up losing it to the Capitals. Having recently experienced that scenario firsthand, I wouldn't figure on the Capitals coasting in tonight's game and fully expect them to try and put a nail in the Penguins chances by going up 3-0 in the series. It will be a difficult task however because the Penguins will be playing at home and will feed off the energy of the home crowd, and I would also expect that Malkin will awaken from his zombie like state and show that he is indeed a part of the series by having a big game. While the Capitals would love to win both games in Pittsburgh and sweep the Pens out of the playoffs, I would think that they would be quite content to win one game in Pittsburgh, and head back to Washington with a 3-1 advantage, and two games at home.
Hockey Talk
Sports and Culture
Going into tonight's game three against Pittsburgh, the Washington Capitals have every reason to feel good about their position; they have their star player Alex Ovechkin on fire, getting fantastic goaltending from their rookie sensation, Simeon Varlamov, have a two game advantage in the series, and have won five games in a row. Having said that, the Capitals are fully aware of how quickly the worm can turn in a playoff series as they witnessed firsthand the Rangers with a 2-0 and 3-1 advantage in the last series, and wound up losing it to the Capitals. Having recently experienced that scenario firsthand, I wouldn't figure on the Capitals coasting in tonight's game and fully expect them to try and put a nail in the Penguins chances by going up 3-0 in the series. It will be a difficult task however because the Penguins will be playing at home and will feed off the energy of the home crowd, and I would also expect that Malkin will awaken from his zombie like state and show that he is indeed a part of the series by having a big game. While the Capitals would love to win both games in Pittsburgh and sweep the Pens out of the playoffs, I would think that they would be quite content to win one game in Pittsburgh, and head back to Washington with a 3-1 advantage, and two games at home.
Hockey Talk
Sports and Culture
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Game 1.....We'll Take It
Washington Capitals Hockey
The Capitals played just well enough to win. They had moments where they dominated such as the first part of the second period, but on the other hand they were also very fortunate that the penalty killers did the job as they were in the box a bit too much. Can't do that every game and expect to get a win against the Penguins. Varlamov again showed great poise after giving up an easy goal to the Penguins. He didn't seem to let it bother him, as he then made the save of the game and possibly the playoffs against Crosby later in the period. The defense also did a great job on Malkin, as he was pretty much a none factor in the game. While I heard one of the announcers criticize the teams for "sloppy play" several times, I would reply that the two teams have some great offensive players and are going to force some of that "sloppy play" on the other team. Bottom line; a win is a win. Just one game, but better than being down 1.
Hockey Talk
Sports and Culture
The Capitals played just well enough to win. They had moments where they dominated such as the first part of the second period, but on the other hand they were also very fortunate that the penalty killers did the job as they were in the box a bit too much. Can't do that every game and expect to get a win against the Penguins. Varlamov again showed great poise after giving up an easy goal to the Penguins. He didn't seem to let it bother him, as he then made the save of the game and possibly the playoffs against Crosby later in the period. The defense also did a great job on Malkin, as he was pretty much a none factor in the game. While I heard one of the announcers criticize the teams for "sloppy play" several times, I would reply that the two teams have some great offensive players and are going to force some of that "sloppy play" on the other team. Bottom line; a win is a win. Just one game, but better than being down 1.
Hockey Talk
Sports and Culture
Lots of action, incredible saves.
Washington Capitals Hockey
What an exciting period. Constant up and down the ice action. The Capitals dominated the first 8 minutes or so and should have scored at least one goal, and probably more. Then the Penguins score on a bad goal given up by Varlamov but then he turns around and makes an incredible save on Crosby to keep it 2-2. While many goaltenders would have lost their edge or confidence after giving up an easy goal, Varlamov has incredible poise and also has excellent athletic ability. This should be a great goaltending match between Varlamov and Fleury.
Hockey Talk
Hockey Talk
What an exciting period. Constant up and down the ice action. The Capitals dominated the first 8 minutes or so and should have scored at least one goal, and probably more. Then the Penguins score on a bad goal given up by Varlamov but then he turns around and makes an incredible save on Crosby to keep it 2-2. While many goaltenders would have lost their edge or confidence after giving up an easy goal, Varlamov has incredible poise and also has excellent athletic ability. This should be a great goaltending match between Varlamov and Fleury.
Hockey Talk
Hockey Talk
Good First Period
Washington Capitals Hockey
Although the Capitals looked a bit tentative for the first ten minutes or so, they turned in around in the latter part of the first period with Steckle's goal, and then Ovechkin drawing a penalty, and scoring on a five on three. That's why Ovechkin is much more than just a scoring machine. He also draws penalties and hits like a power defensemen. I also liked the way Varlamov didn't seem to be fazed by the goal scored by Crosby. He made some good saves, and seems to be as cool as a cucumber. On the downside, the Capitals had far too many turnovers, and if they don't correct that, it will cost them big time.
Hockey Talk
Sports and Culture
Although the Capitals looked a bit tentative for the first ten minutes or so, they turned in around in the latter part of the first period with Steckle's goal, and then Ovechkin drawing a penalty, and scoring on a five on three. That's why Ovechkin is much more than just a scoring machine. He also draws penalties and hits like a power defensemen. I also liked the way Varlamov didn't seem to be fazed by the goal scored by Crosby. He made some good saves, and seems to be as cool as a cucumber. On the downside, the Capitals had far too many turnovers, and if they don't correct that, it will cost them big time.
Hockey Talk
Sports and Culture
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