Daily Archives: January 1st, 2009

Another good win for the Caps AND on the road!  This win puts the Caps at roughly 0.500 on the road and they are 15-1-1 at home.  That will get it done!  The Caps kept their turnovers very low for the game and this effectively negated the Sabres forecheck which is very good.  It is how the Sabres generate their offense.  Accordingly, the Sabres were lackluster in their play and effectiveness, although the score indicates a closer game.  A power play goal was scored with a few seconds left in the game long after it had been decided.

Gordon scored an empty netter as the Caps were short two men and continues to do all the little things that help the Caps win.  Brooksie had another goal from the front of the net only two minutes into the game.  It took the crowd out of the game and the Sabres as well.  Even Chris Bourque got in on the action scoring his first NHL goal on a rebound of Steckel’s shot.  In fact, 3 of the 4 goals were scored off rebounds.  When you play a goalie of the caliber of Miller you have to score off rebounds because chances are the first shot will be saved.  The Caps were very good at going to the net in this game and it paid off with three goals.  Theo continued to look good in this game as he showed good energy, quickness, and timely saves.  Hopefully, this will continue.

For the first time in many games, the Caps were outshot (33-31) and were beaten in the faceoff circle (31-24).  Theo’s play saved the day on this one.  However, the difference was the lack of turnovers and the Caps going 2 for 4 on the power play versus 1 for 5 for the Sabres.  Again, the one came with 11 seconds left to play.  Overall, it was another good win for the Caps in a building that has been very unfriendly to them over the past several years.  Keep it up!!!!

Thoughts?