Photo: Greg Fiume
The Washington Capitals reclaimed the Southeast Division lead with a thunderous victory over the Florida Panthers, who kind of sucked. It’s possible that the Panthers expected to play the doughy 2011-2012 Capitals. When the Caps came out all tumescent instead, the Cats were probably bewildered. Great game.
Mathieu Perreault scored on the games first shot, a plucky shut set up by Jason Chimera just 13 seconds into the game. Alex Ovechkin zipped past the Florida D to convert on the power play. Jason Chimera opened the second period with a shorthanded goal, his second of the year. 10 minutes later, Alex Ovechkin’s blazing fast wrister surprised Scott Clemmensen. No goals in the third period. Caps beat Cats 4-0.
Good win. Let’s rock out before we get to the bullets. Here’s a very appropriate new single by The Darkness, “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us.”
- Despite our panicked warbling, Brooks Laich is nigh-invulnerable. After taking what looked like a nasty hit to the knee on Sunday, BL21 dressed and played tonight– albeit with abbreviated ice time. If only Cal Ripken were at this game, we’d have two steely eyed iron men that can make even the straightest dude in straighttown go whoa.
- During this afternoon’s media time, Alex Ovechkin made a point of how much pressure is on him right now. His two goals and relentless pursuit of that hat trick put deed to those words.
- Betcha a shiny buffalo nickel that some schlub in the Canadian hockey media calls Ovi selfish for going after the hatty so hard.
- Tomas Vokoun was dialed in like a transcendental freak. He was sensing puck vibrations on the breeze or something, as he solved Kris Versteeg‘s line (which is awesome) at every turn. Vokes also got plenty of luck along the way; the Panthers missed a whopping 15 shots. This was Voke’s second shutout in the last three games. 42 saves.
- Jason Chimera‘s two shorthanded goals represent the entirety of the Capitals 4-on-5 conversions this season. Chimmer had two points, including a very smart pass to Matty Perreault on the game’s opening shift. He is good at hockey and deserves applause.
- #KnubleWatch: Mike Knuble recorded 0 shots in 10:07 of ice. Dude makes a little bit of money, but after going unused by Dale Hunter for so long has the Old Man finally given up the ghost?
- I know you guys don’t like him, but I think Jeff Schultz is awesome. Reasons: 1) he’s 8 feet tall; 2) Brittany spaniel named Riley; 3) nickname is Giraffe; 4) has played stolid defense since returning to active duty. You’re gonna say something about how he’s not physical enough, but if physicality were that important, Joel Rechlicz would be crashing in Ovi’s 10th guest bedroom right now. Tell me how I’m wrong.
- Matt Bradley didn’t fight anyone, so I didn’t have to cry tonight. Small victory on top of a big one.
- Feels weird to be on the right side of one of these blowouts, don’t it?
The Washington Capitals now lead the Southeast Division. They’re back in the playoff picture.
They fired shots like crazy in the first half– and didn’t really need to in the second half. Finishing up with only 24 shots is below what we wanted, but it’s understandable given the blowout up on the scoreboard.
Nothing’s gonna stop us now. Jets, you’re next.
