|
Iced in NYC – Caps Fly Home to Battle the Bullies |
|
|
|
|
|
Caps/Rangers ReCap
After racking up 7 goals in Toronto, the Caps were stymied by Broadway's finest puck-stopper. Henrik Lundqvist earned his 3rd shutout of the season and his New York Rangers defense corps was the story of the game last night. Outplayed by the Capitals for most of the game, the Rangers defense and their Vezina contending goaltender were up to the challenge and than some. Making 31 saves, Lundqvist watched his 'Blue Shirts' block a stunning 30 shots from making it to his net. The Caps attempted to fire 70 shots in the Rangers end, as opposed to the 45 opportunities attempted by the Rangers on Kolzig.
Leading the charge for the Caps on Broadway was Viktor Kozlov and Alex Ovechkin. Kozlov fired 8 shots on net, while AO had 6 shots. Outshooting the Rangers in 2 of the 3 periods of play, the Caps carried the momentum of their previous victory into battle with them. Yet, by the end of the night, all efforts would prove futile as this goaltenders duel would eventually be won by Lundqvist. Kolzig's effort was certainly equal to his counterparts, but would be undone by a 5 on 3 Rangers PP in the 3rd period. The Caps' Brian Sutherby and John Erskine served simultaneous minors for hooking and elbowing at 9:01 of the 3rd, leading to Scott Gomez finding Michal Roszival on Kolzig's doorstep, adding a little insurance to a 1-0 Ranger lead. Stopping 26 of 28 shots, Olie was strong in his crease, even after a 1st period collision with Chris Drury dazed him for a couple minutes. The inability to bury pucks is what cost the Caps in the end.
All in all, though, it was a satisfactory effort for Glen Hanlon's troops. Returning home from their 3 game road trip with a 1-2 record, sitting at 5-7 (2 games below .500) for the season, the Caps have been playing much better as of late. Clearly the Rangers goaltender stole the show last night, but without 3 of their top players, the Caps have turned up their efforts and are starting to play much better as a team.
So after getting iced in New York by a hot goalie and stellar defensive performance, the Caps get a brief stop at home at the Verizon Center, only to battle the Broad Street Bullies. With barely any time to regroup from respective losses, both teams will be tired, yet desperate, for 2 points and a return to the win column.
________________________________________________________
Caps/Flyers
Thursday night saw the Caps endure their first blanking of the season. It also saw the Philadelphia Flyers take their third loss in their fourth game of an 8 game road trip. Both teams are suffering through momentum swings at the moment and are hampered by injuries. The Caps are minus 3 of their top players - Clark, Semin and Poti will yet again miss tonights tilt with the Flyers – whilst Philly is without their top scorer from last season in Simon Gagne.
The Caps might be looking forward to this game, as they dominated the season series in 06-07. AO had three 1st star performances en route to the Caps winning all 4 games and outscoring the Flyers 20-9. Brent Johnson and Olaf Kolzig won 2 each. This may not exactly be the case this season, taking into account the changes to each franchise, yet the Caps are starting to see much better play from all lines and the young defense is playing surprisingly solid in Tom Poti's absence.
The Flyers and Caps both made big splashes in the off-season that have balanced their teams out and have given these 2 cellar dwellers from year a much better chance to succeed. The Flyers acquisitions are perhaps more notable, yet the Caps additions are just as key.
Therefore tonight's key matchups will be the important off-season acquisitions.
_______________________________________________________
The Capitals
Michal Nylander vs the Flyers – career numbers -
GP: 32
G: 10
A: 22
+/-: 7
GW: 0
SOG: 59
Viktor Kozlov vs the Flyers – career numbers -
GP: 39
G: 10
A: 8
+/-: - 6
GW: 1
SOG: 114
________________________________________________________
The Flyers
Daniel Briere vs the Caps – career numbers -
GP: 17
G: 6
A: 10
+/-: - 1
GW: 2
SOG: 30
Kimmo Timonen vs the Caps – career numbers -
GP: 9
G: 0
A: 5(4 ppa)
+/-: 0
GW: 0
SOG: 23
_______________________________________________________
As opposed to last night's defensive showdown with the New York Rangers in Manhatten, this evening's matchup with the Flyers should see an increase in offensive output. Although without major players, both squads still have the ability to fire tons of rubber and play the game at a high speed. AO will want to continue his romp over the Flyers, there is no doubt there! But, after an evening of being hounded by the boo-birds in Montreal, Daniel Briere will look to guide the Flyers to a better game in the Caps end. The Flyers managed only 18 shots last night in defeat and will certainly be gunning for more than that tonight. The Caps will have the same lineup as the previous 2 games and there is a good chance of seeing Brent Johnson in nets. This is usually the tactic employed by Hanlon when playing back to back games.
The Caps are playing smart. They are taking fewer penalties and playing a better defensive system - as well as taking more shots on their opponents net. These are tremendously vital keys to focus on for the game vs the Flyers. If they continue to successfully do these things, the results will certainly follow.
Go Caps!!!
Washington Capitals Blogger • 
Join the Discussion:
»