Bruins 3, Capitals 2

It is really disappointing to have such a good game end in such a terrible way.  The Caps controlled the shots against the Bruins as they ended with a 36-28 advantage and they carried the play throughout the game.  If Thomas wasn’t great for Boston this would have been 10-2.  Whatever.  Ovie’s stupid pass through the middle allowed Thornton to score for Boston despite a good effort from Theo.  Still, a bad play.  Green is guilty of this a lot as well.  You must go up the sides people!

The Caps and Bruins were physical in this one as well which made it even more exciting.  I read the Caps were outhit 31-21, but it seemed like the Caps stood up for themselves.  I am thinking that since the Caps were in the Bruins’ zone most of the night it allowed them to hit more.  Still, my main concern right now is the PK.  The Caps cannot go into the playoffs with a PK south of 80%.  When the Caps went to the Cup in ‘98 their PK was above 90%.  That is insanely high, but it allowed the defense to play aggressively.  Right now, the Caps cannot take stupid penalties because they lose games as a result.  I stupid hooking call on Backstrom lost this game.  Enough said?

I am encourage by Theo’s continued good play.  Hopefully, this is the Montreal goalie we knew and the Theo of October and November is gone.  Chara’s hit on Ovie was clean and fair.  As much as it upset me to see Ovie laying there I couldn’t fault Chara.  It looked like Ovie just caught a toe in the ice and his speed left him vulnerable.  That is good, hard hockey.  It wasn’t dirty.

Semin sucks.

Thoughts?

Capitals 2, Bruins 1

Wow!  Very cool game.  Jurcina made a super defensive play (which he wouldn’t have needed to make had he not made an errant pass to Schultz, but whatever, it turned into a goal) and poke checked Boston’s St. Pierre.  They puck ended up on Semin’s stick and he beat two Bruins down the right side and ripped a slap shot over Thomas’ shoulder.  I don’t think Thomas expected the shot to be that fast.  It was by him before he even reacted.  Very cool!

The other Capitals goal, scored by Greenie, was a picture perfect backside pinch.  Boston was focused on the puck and not who was rotating.  Nylander, in his fashion, made a perfect pass and Green roofed it to tie the game.  The goal was scored about 2 minutes after the Boston goal and effectively put the momentum back in the Capital’s end.  Nice power play guys!

Theo was so lazy on the Boston goal.  He didn’t even try to recover to the other side of the net until it was way too late.  I have seen him do this two or three times and get burned.  It was a bit ironic for me because earlier in the game Theo really jumped into position to make the save.  I thought to myself that Theo was up for the game.  Whatever.  He only gave up the one goal and I will take that all day long.

The Caps won the faceoff circle war after losing the first 10 faceoffs.  Erskine was great in the Caps zone with three hits and clearing the front of the net.  The penalty he took was ill-timed, but the PK bailed him out.  Overall, the Caps carried the play all night.  They still need to go to Beantown two times, but they won both games in Washington.  A very good win!

Thoughts?