Feel the Swedish excitement. (Photo: Len Redkoles)
Sometimes hockey makes sense. Sometimes it doesn’t. File Capitals at Flyers under Column B. The Capitals stunk in the first period, defecated on the Flyers in the second, and then managed the s-show in the third. Let’s get into it.
The first period was one of the worst ever played by the Capitals …and then they scored. Nick Backstrom snagged a turnover and put a shot top-shelf to make it 1-0.
The second period was one of the funnest ever played by the Capitals. Joel Ward got the last touch on a series of swats he and Mikhail Grabovski lobbed to make it 2-0. Red hot Jason Aloysius Chimera combined speed and skill to roof a breakaway shot. Nicky Backstrom got his second goal of the night on what I’m not even sure was a deliberate shot attempt. A Joel Ward shot destined for the post somehow hit the back of the net, and then Troy Brouwer converted the power play.
Third period. Joel Ward. Hat trick. Amazing. Then everything got pear-shaped, which we’ll talk about below.
Caps absolutely demolish Flyers 7-0.
Joe B suit of the night: all of the things
Quick story. My buddy Johnny was the person who got me into hockey in the first place. Johnny brought me to games with him in the late 90s to watch rinkside as Chris Simon smeared dudes into the glass. We ate pizza and bedgrudhingly cheered Mario Lemieux on his final run. Together we watched Ray Bourque finally raise the Cup.
Johnny turned 30 last week, and he was at tonight’s game with his wife. The flood of pics and text messages from him reminded me of watching those games with him 15 years ago. If you’re reading this, Johnny, thanks for everything.
Ovi who? After a rough 15 minutes, the Capitals really stepped up. The Flyers played their typically shitty style of hockey, but the Caps kept their composure. Can’t ask for more.
Good game. See you tomorrow night.
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