Wonder what the outcome would have been like if the Washington Capitals played hockey in the first two periods? In case you missed the game, the Caps simply did not show up, played sloppy, missed passes, played poor defense, and got exposed with D Mike Green on the ice, the entire first two periods.
The Kings made the Caps pay for it to, building a 4-2 lead at the end of the second period. Despite a resurgence in the third period and a decision to actually play Capitals hockey in the last period, it was too late, as the Caps fell to the Kings 5-4. The Kings exposed the fact that the Caps love Mike Green to pull up into the offensive zone, because of the offensive prowess, by hitting long passes down the ice and frequently coming up with either full breakaways or 2 on 1 charges. Surely, Bruce Boudreau will need to make an adjustment, which could mean a bit less offense for Green.
Speaking of Green, congrats to Mike Green for setting a Washington Capitals franchise record last night, becoming the first Caps defenseman to score in 5 consecutive games. In addition, at the young age of 23, Alexander Ovechkin notched his 200th NHL goal last night. Despite the night for Alex, he clearly was upset by the away the Caps played, and rightfully so, because the first two periods were just horrific to watch.
“We didn’t play well for two periods, and they just used our mistakes,”
Ovechkin said, his voice a low monotone. “I don’t want to talk about my
personal stats today.”“I don’t know what’s happening with us, but after (Semin’s) goal, we just
stopped playing,” Ovechkin said. “Didn’t play our system. We didn’t finish
checks. We didn’t shoot the puck. We didn’t play our game.”
Alexander Semin (20) scored just 15 seconds into the game to give the
capitals there only lead, in what appeared to be a game that was
destined to go the Caps way. It didn’t last though as the Kings fired
back with three straight goals to stun the Capitals at the Verizon
Center. The Kings were using their speed and taking advantage of poor
defensive lapses on part of the caps in building what would become an
insurmountable lead. Green pulled the Caps back within 1 on his 17
goal of the year, 12th on the power play. But the Kings fired back yet
again and ended the second period with a 4-2 lead.
The Kings
amazingly out shot the Caps in the first two periods, something Caps
fans are not used to. In the first period alone, the Kings put up 18
shots on Jose Theodore, while the Caps mustered only 5 shots. Kings
out shot the Caps in the second period 18-14.
The third
period was a different tune, the Caps began playing the game of hockey,
something they failed to the first two periods, out shooting the Kings
22-5 and beating the Kings in scoring 2-1. But, it was not enough to
climb back, despite some very late splendid opportunities, including
Ovechkin’s wicked wrister that brought he Capitals back within 1, as
the Caps fell for only the 4th time at the Verizon Center.
Comments form Burce Boudreau via the Washington Post.
“The first two periods were as bad as we’ve played all year,” Boudreau
said. “We weren’t playing anywhere near what we were supposed to be
playing. The first wasn’t pretty, but the second was downright ugly.”
“I don’t like to use the word ‘sleepy,’ but we
weren’t paying attention at all. They’ve got good speed, and they were
coming up the middle well, but our guys – looking at the tape already -
we were all over the place. We weren’t playing anywhere near what we
were supposed to be doing.”
So, the Washington Capitals and Jose Theodore saw
respective 3 game winning streaks vanish at home. The Caps also failed
to even it up with the Kings, as the Kings head back to the Western
Conference defeating the Capitals both times this season.
Brent Johnson Update . . .
It
is appearing more certain that the Capitals will face most of the
second half of the season without backup G Brent Johnson. Johnson has
been plagued all season with an aggravating hip injury,
similar in nature to Olie Kolzig’s injury last season, but not as
serious. But, Johnny clearly believes the injury has limited his
effectiveness.
“It just wasn’t cooperating,” said Johnson, who is 12-6-2 with a 2.81
goals against average and .908 save percentage. “Sometimes it doesn’t
let me go one way. I noticed it a lot in games, especially the other
night in the first period. It ended up killing me. It’s something that
has to be done.”
Boudreau responded the way one would expect him too …
“It means we suck it up,” Boudreau said. “We’ve lived with injuries all
year long, so we’re going to continue to face adversity and play
through it. With Varlamov out, we have Neuvirth or Daren Machesney to
choose from.”
So
who backs up Theo? The Caps have a dilemma unfolding. The logical
choice would be super Russian prospect and 2006 first rounder Simeon
Varlamaov. Varlamov has played in two Caps games this season, winning
both, allowing 1 goal against Montreal in Montreal and 2 against St.
Louis at the Verizon Center. Perfect! Problem there, Varlamov is
injured and not playing in Hershey. And would you want Varlamov
sitting or would you rather have him playing full time in Hershey?
But, with Varlamov out, Daren Machesney is handling full time duties
with the Bears, making him unavailable as well. The current backup the
last two games is fellow 2006 draft pick and prospect Michael
Neuvirth. His problem? He has yet to play an NHL game. He is just
getting wet at the AHL level. The only other option is to obtain a
veteran netminder elsewhere.
Stay tuned.
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