Caps Cough Up Lead, Lose In OT

Washington Capitals Hockey

It was Ken Hitchcock of the Columbus Blue Jackets who said last year that "once the Capitals learn how to play with the lead, they're going to be a hard team to beat". Well, apparently the Capitals haven't learned how to do that as of it, because they seem unable to put games away, having given up the lead in a couple games already this year. Championship caliber teams know how to play with the lead. Think of the New Jersey Devils and Detroit Red Wings of recent years. These teams know how to play with the lead. With the Devils, if they had a lead in the third period, it was usually lights out. Of course it helps that they have a goaltender named Mary Brodeur but still the Devils knew how to win close games and play with the lead. The Capitals haven't shown that ability as of yet, and while it is extremely early in the season, they're starting to develop a bad habit of not being able to hold on to the lead.

P.S. Hats off to Jose Theodore who played an excellent game and if not for his play, the game wouldn't have even made it to overtime. At some spots late in the third period, it was as if the Devils were on the power play, keeping the puck in the Capitals zone for far too long, and in one case led to a Devils goal. It should also be noted that the vaunted Capitals power play has been A.W.O.L so far this season. A couple of goals here and there, and the Capitals would likely have a couple more games in the win column.