All these smiling faces.
With less than a week to go, the Capitals got an important win on the road from the Detroit Red Wings– drawing ever closer to making their playoff fate a lock.
The Caps got an early lead off Evgeny Kuznetsov’s stick (and a sick bounce). Mike Green’s Easton made it 2-0 in the second period, but Darren Helm got a power-play goal after a great pass from Pavel Datsyuk. The Caps held off a brilliant empty-net attack late to earn two crucial standings points in #rego.
Caps beat Red Wings 2-1.
- The magic number is now 1. The next point the Caps earn or the Senators lose will guarantee a playoff appearance. No, I’m still not using that awful “clinch” idiom.
- Washington’s penalty problems continue. Joel Ward got yet another goaltender interference, Troy Brouwer closed his hand on the puck, and Mike Green put the puck over the glass with his precious Easton. Are those penalties indicative of bad coaching or are they merely rotten luck? A question to be answered later this month…
- A few of those penalties nearly lead to a worst-case scenario in which Braden Holtby seemingly injured himself during a 5v3 in the final week of the regular season. Braden looked a bit awkward going to the splits. Greg Smith came out to attend him, at which point I began breathing into a paper bag. False alarm. This was Holtby’s 100th career win.
- Alex Ovechkin recorded his first point against the Red Wings this season with a secondary assist on Mike Green‘s goal, which Ian documented. Tim Gleason’s keep-in/assist was even more vital.
- The bottom line, aka the roommate line, was dominant. Michael Latta, Tom Wilson, and Andre Burakovsky were in the offensive zone all night (~80 percent possession during 5v5). Burakovsky got a sweater only because Eric Fehr is laid up with a shoulder injury, but Andre looks every bit the NHL player. But why can’t he smile?!
- Tom Wilson‘s night ended a bit early. He slid to block Danny DeKeyser‘s shot late in the game and absorbed cold vulcanized rubber to the side of his face. He laid motionless for a minute before he was helped to the locker room. I expect we’ll have an update… and a gruesome photo in coming hours and days. Too scary.
- The name of Detroit’s goalie makes me go hmm.
- There’s a lot to discuss regarding the Capitals’ puck management strategy when protecting a lead, but here’s one thing we can all agree on: icing it over and over is not a good plan. Looking at you, Troy Brouwer.
Joe B suit of the night
Good win for the final road game of the year. All that’s left is Wednesday night against the bubblelicious Bruins and Saturday against the roost-ruling Rangers. Then, the real game begins.
Get ready.
