Tuesday, Bloody Tuesday
Quick, name the only team in the National Hockey League that can take two four-minute power plays and turn them into three goals against...
That's right, it's your Nation's Capitals.
That was pretty much the story of the game for the Caps. Montreal wasn't especially impressive, but when you are blessed with a four-minute double minor and follow it up with three (three!) penalties, you are going to lose the game. Period. Sure, the Caps played great even strength hockey and even managed to find their way on the penalty kill, especially in the third period. And two goals from the blueline are certainly encouraging. (EDITOR'S NOTE: It has been brought to my attention tha tthe Caps first goal was ultimately credited to Brian Sutherby. Which is bulls***.)And Alex Semin's goal at the end of the second period was a thing of beauty. And, yes, it certainly seemed like tonight's officiating crew had been instructed by the league brass to make up for the goalie interference call on Saku Koivu from the last time these two teams met. But, seriously, three goals against off of two four minute double minors. Pathetic.
It serves to underscore a rather important point, though. The Habs won tonight by virtue of three-for-seven power play efficiency. Special teams are as important as ever these days and the Capitals simply don't have what it takes in that area of the game. I get that he is going to be rather expensive (and that I am probably one of the only people that holds this opinion), but if the Caps don't make a very serious play for Sheldon Souray I will be very upset.
Recaps From People That Matter:
-A View From the Cheap Seats
-Bleatings From a Caps Nut
-Capital Fanatic
-Capitals Corner
-Japers' Rink
2 comments:
It would have been nice to see them get a little aggressive after giving up the three power play goals. That's exactly where someone should have dropped the gloves and tried to make a statement.
While I too would love to see Souray in a Caps jersey, I think he's going to command serious dollars, and I don't think the Caps are willing to take on that much salary this year. As much as I hate to say it, I think they'll probably wait to address this need until next offseason, when they've signed Ovechkin to a long term deal and know a bit more about what the salary structure of the team looks like long term. That said, if I were a low first or high second tier defenseman in the East, and I had the chance to make sure I never had to play against the Russian Machine (and got to play with him on the power play), I'd jump on it.
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