Well I'm not gonna rave and rant like Chris does, I just don't have that kind of knowledge quite yet. I will however talk about what I do know, the Capitals.
Washington, the fan favorite. The town that has dominated the Eastern Conference for the last 4 years. The team that just seems to suck in the playoffs. I know it, you know it, and they all most certainly know it. It's time, and I really feel like this year is going to be Washington's year.
Yea, it's a season trailer, what of it?
First off, let's start with on the ice. Washington made some massive moves in the off-season. Getting Vokoun for $1.5mil was just one. Washington has been plagued by inconsistent goaltending for years. Last year we had Varlamov, who was great (and he started out great for the Avs, good for him, good for them, let's see if he stays healthy). Varly was plagued by a nagging groin injury. That kept him out for a bit and let Michael Neuvirth get some NHL experience. Neuvy is also pretty good, but we haven't had a real all-star goalie between the pipes in years. Vokoun is a two time all star (2004 and 2008) who has had some stellar performances. People were calling for his head after the game against Tampa. I was there, I heard the chants for Neuvy. However, he came out, called it his worst game ever, and vowed to change. Change he did, coming back and stopping 39 shots (missed shot number 1, but more than recovered) to help us beat rival Pittsburgh. Vokoun may have been one of the biggest acquistions of the off-season.
Nice save on a breakaway chance
Then you have the role players, guys like Roman Hamrlik, Joel Ward, and Troy Brouwer. Three guys that were brought in to fill roles like checking and shot blocking. All three of these guys have come up big, with Hamrlik 3rd in the league in blocked shots, Joel Ward providing serious offensive support and shutdown on the third line, and Troy Brouwer 2nd in the nhl in hits. These guys were brought in to really change things up and they are doing it quite admirably.
Off the ice, Boudreau has really changed things. He has always been a less then stern disciplinarian and this hurt Washington against Tampa in the playoffs last year. This year, that's gone. BB has already gone out of his way to call out Ovi. Saying that Ovechkin is not playing the game like he should be and really needs to turn it up. Ovechkin was less than pleased by this, but seems to have at least started to ratchet up his game. He still isn't producing like he was two years ago, but I think a large part of this is the coverage he is facing. Once he learns to shake that or play around it, he will be back to full stride.
Less of these would be great, but winning is always good. 2points is 2 points.
Washington has been playing some crappy hockey. Carolina, Tampa, and Pittsburgh were all OT wins (with Tampa going to a shootout). Washington only beat Ottawa by one goal. However, the Caps looked extremely dominant last night, especially in the first period. They kept Florida to only two shots in the first, with the first shot coming at almost the 12 minute marker. The real challenge for the Capitals is going to be this Thursday though, against an extremely dominant Philadelphia team. They have some serious power going for them and an outstanding goalie to boot. These guys are going to be the ones to beat, at least while half of Pittsburgh is still injured or suspended.
Yes, we may be 5-0, but it will all mean nothing if we crash and burn.
~Ben Plotsky (GO CAPS!)
(Also, just another little tidbit, the last time the Capitals went 4-0 was the year they went to the Stanley Cup finals and got swept by the only other team that is also undefeated this year).
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