The Washington Capitals and those wiley Arizona Coyotes matched up in a game that was the last of a Caps homestand before they head westward into much colder land. The Caps didn’t do too hot, falling 4-1 after their penalty kill imploded once again.
The Capitals out-shot the Coyotes 39 to 22 and out-attempted them at five-on-five 47 to 36.
By Chris Cerullo 5 years ago
The Washington Capitals fell to the weary Arizona Coyotes 4-1 at Capital One Arena Sunday night. The Coyotes played the night before against the Pittsburgh Penguins while the Capitals had a day of rest.
“Overall this wasn’t our best effort,” Nicklas Backstrom said.
“Just that little extra seems to be lacking,” John Carlson added to the Washington Post’s Isabelle Khurshudyan. “Just call it a little blah. We’re just a little blah right now.”
NBC Sports Washington analyst Alan May took his evaluation of the team a step further, indicating the Caps seem uninspired due to a Stanley Cup hangover.
The Capitals long homestand came to an end Sunday night as they took on an upstart Arizona Coyotes team led behind the bench by former Capital, Rick Tocchet. Could the Caps be the Road Runner to Tocchet’s Yotes and head out to Minny and Winny on a high note?
Vinnie Hinostroza, after preparing your sfogliatelle, opened scoring on a Coyotes man advantage late in the first. Richard Panik doubled the Arizonan lead with another rush goal midway through the second. Nicklas Backstrom, with his kids in attendance, opened scoring for the Caps only seconds later. Alex Galchenyuk restored the two goal lead with another power play strike.
Derek Stepan empty netter. Shudders.
Coyotes beat Caps 4-1.
By Chris Cerullo 5 years ago
Nicklas Backstrom brought his two children onto the ice after practice on Saturday, but the family’s hockey bonding didn’t stop there.
Vince and Haley were at the Caps-Coyotes game Sunday, and during warmups, their papa gave them a special gift they’ll cherish forever.
RMNB’s Peter Hassett wrote Saturday that it was time to break up Alex Ovechkin and Evgeny Kuznetsov on the first line. Apparently, head coach Todd Reirden agrees.
In the coach’s pregame press conference, Reirden told reporters that Alex Ovechkin will be reunited with Nicklas Backstrom and TJ Oshie during Sunday’s matinee game against the Arizona Coyotes.
The Washington Capitals’ real long homestand ends today, which is 11/11 btw. After the Caps dispatch (maybe?) the Coyotes, they’ll hit the road – America and Canada’s middle west to be specific – for dates with Minny, Winny, the Avs, and Habs. But first they’ll have to find an answer to Arizona, who are getting a terrific performance out of defenseman Oliver Ekman-Larsson so far.
It’s a matinee game, starting at 5:00 PM on NBC Sports Washington. You can stream the game with NBCS Washington on your phone or whatever beginning at 4:00 PM. Chris Cerullo will be recappin’ for ya.
By Peter Hassett 5 years ago
