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Number 700 for number eight: Devils beat Caps 3-2

By Chris Cerullo

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February 22, 2020 3:40 pm

The Caps entered action in New Jersey against the Devils on Saturday not having played a good hockey game in seemingly forever. The Devs looked to force them to continue that dry spell as Alex Ovechkin was still searching for history.

Jesper Bratt’s silky mitts on a breakaway beat Ilya Samsonov to open scoring. Wayne Simmonds in front made it 2-0. Tom Wilson tipped home a John Carlson power play point drive to bring the Caps back into the game.

Alex Ovechkin has scored his 700th career goal.

Damon Severson with the winner on the power play.

Devils beat Caps 3-2.

  • Let me know if you’ve heard this story before. The Caps were absolutely miserable at even strength in the first period. Let me know if you’ve heard this one too. The Caps gave up another breakaway chance. It doesn’t matter who they’re playing right now, the other team is doing literally whatever they want. I think it’s time for a defensive coach change. Yes, this late in the season. Sorry, Reid.
  • Lars Eller got benched after his turnover led to the first goal against. I have almost zero time for this kind of coaching when it does not extend to your bigger names.
  • Ian made this point on the most recent podcast. I think it’s very clear that teams really did not want to be ‘that’ team when it comes to giving Alex Ovechkin ‘that’ goal. Exhibit A is the Caps first goal. Too bad the Devils couldn’t escape the inevitable. Hopefully that frees the Caps up as a team as at least that “weight” has now been lifted.

  • I mean it’s beating that dead horse time again. Another garbage effort at even strength in the second period. The Caps cant even get anything going when they’re down in games right now. Someone needs to be canned. It’s past time for thinking they’ll just play their way out of this.
  • John Carlson is now tied with Calle Johansson (474) for the most points by a defenseman in franchise history after his second period assist. His 71st point of the season is also his new career high.
  • Despite the record, it feels like Carlson is either hurt or just doesn’t care. Dude has been god awful lately. Doesn’t deserve the Norris this season.
  • Ilya Samsonov was very good. Poor Caps goaltenders have had to carry the entire team for more than a month now.

  • Much, much better third period process wise, but can we please stop with only playing decent hockey at the end of games? That Michal Kempny penalty to end the game was utterly unacceptable and a game ender. The one before by Evgeny Kuznetsov was equally dumb.
  • The Caps power play still hasn’t changed and it’s still terrible. They got by for a week or two because TJ Oshie was shooting well. It’s past the point of understanding for me why Blaine Forsythe is still in charge of the unit.
  • As bad as things are, you cant help but smile and rejoice at how historic Alex Ovechkin truly is. It’s a reminder at how lucky we are that he has played his entire career for our favorite team. Congrats, Alex on number 700. Here is to many more in a Caps jersey, thank you for all of the absolutely joyous memories you legend of a man.
  • Only eight players in NHL history have ever scored 700 career goals and now Ovi is one of them. It’s arguable that we’ll ever see another.

The boys are right back at it tomorrow against the Pittsburgh Penguins, everyone’s favorite opponent. Don’t show up against them in a good way this season and you will be embarrassed.

Full RMNB Coverage of Caps at Devils

Headline photo: @LuceAntica

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