It’s Monday, it’s a new Hockey season, that means it’s time to break out the Caps Recap!
The Caps had two games last week facing the Northeast Division Champion Boston Bruins in their season opener followed up by the familiar face of Ron Wilson and his Toronto Maple Leafs in their home opener. The Caps came out of the gate swinging scoring 10 goals in their first two games. Alex Ovechkin having three goals in his first two games is hardly a surprise, but for him to be tied with Brooks Laich certainly may raise some eyebrows.
The race for the cup starts here, so lets get to some recapping!
10/1/09 Season Opener @ Boston – Caps 4, Bruins 1
Washington looked like they might be in trouble after allowing 10 shots in the games first 13 minutes, but Jose Theodore held down the fort until the cavalry could arrive. The Caps woke up in a big way allowing only 10 more shots for the rest of the game. Brooks Laich got the scoring for the Caps started when he scored on the power play with less than three minutes left in the first period. Ovechkin chimed in with a goal of his own in the second period. Laich and Ovie would add another goal a-piece in the third and by the time Bergeron had gotten a mark on the scoreboard for the B’s, the game was over.
Star Power
Alex Ovechkin’s first goal of the season touched each of the Caps’ “Young Guns” before finding it’s way to the back of the net. It started when Mike Green entered the attack zone and left a drop pass for Backstrom. Backstrom slid the puck across to Alex Semin who tee’d up a backhand pass to Ovechkin for the score.
“No Way” Jose
Many (including myself) have questioned Bruce Boudreau’s decision to start Jose Theodore in the team’s season opener. Theodore answered those questions by stopping 19 of 20 shots; 10 of which came in the first period alone. Theodore had a great game and hopefully has shown us visions of things to come for the Caps netminding this year.
10/3/09 Home Opener vs. Toronto – Caps 6, Leafs 4
Alex Ovechkin needed only 77 seconds to get the crowd on it’s feet chanting “MVP! MVP!” at Verizon Center Saturday night. The fans in Washington love their superstar because he rarely disappoints! The Caps had this game well in hand by the end of the second period leading 6-1. The home crowd was treated to goals from both of the Caps new veteran players in Mike Knuble and Brendan Morrison before the Caps decided to take their foot off the gas. Toronto began to sneak back into the game scoring three goals in the third, but the 5-goal deficit was just too much to overcome.
I Laich Where This is Going
Brooks Laich is personally one of my favorite Capitals. Not simply because of all the fun puns you can have with his name, but also because he is a smart player. He is a student of the game, and he learns well. Citing Sergei Federov as his model, Brooks said “That guy never seemed to be in a hurry. He was just very calm and poised and I watched him like a hawk day in and day out. I think that has really helped me.” Laich’s studying is starting to pay off. He now has three goals and two assists for the season. If you include last season, Laich has scored a goal in each of his last four games and has scored seven goals in his past six.
Hey guys, there’s still a-whole-nother period!
If the Caps’ game versus Toronto was to be judged by the third period alone, the Caps would be in real trouble. Coach Boudreau expressed some concerns with the way the team played in the third period, but fell just short of criticizing the team that had just rang up six goals in the first two. “I was once told that anytime you win, you shouldn’t complain because there’s so many times you lose.” Said Boudreau, “I told the guys that it was a great win and a great start but that we have to learn how to win 6-1 when we are in this position and not think we are going to win 9-1”
Coming Up
Tuesday, 10/6/09 @ Flyers 7:00pm
Thursday, 10/8/09 vs. Rangers 7:00pm
Saturday, 10/10/09 @ Red Wings 7:00pm
Parting Stat
With Saturday’s effort, Alex Ovechkin now has 100 more points (426) than games in which he’s played (326).
It’s been a great week to be a fan in Washington. The Caps won both their games, the Redskins won their game, and Dallas lost. Does it get much better? We’ll see you next week!
They are definite contenders this year… with better goaltending, they would even be considered a front runner. Theodore just isn’t consistently good enough IMO, and Varlamov isn’t quite there yet.
Other than that, this might be the most balls out pure offensive team since the 80’s Oilers.
It should be a good game tonight against the Flyers, and for my fellow Canadian Capitals fans, you should be able to watch the game on TSN2 if you don’t have the center ice package.