Following Ovie’s first goal, the fourth of the game, Nicklas Backstrom cradled Alex Ovechkin by the face and showed him how to celebrate the French way. Enjoy.
Credit: Your boy Neil Greenberg
UPDATE: Bonus video from @ClancyKolzig! Thanks!
By Peter Hassett 13 years ago
It’s game day, Caps soldiers! We’re only a few minutes from puck drop, so we’ll keep this quick.
I’ve got a wedding on Friday, but I ain’t shaving. I’ve gotta grow this facial hair because I know that John Carlson and Nick Backstrom cannot. Way up in frozen Canadia, I feel certain that the Capitals know we’re at home supporting them. And by supporting, I mean we look like idiots.
Hey, how are the RMNB souljahz?
By 13 years ago
Semyon Varlamov takes over for Jose Theodore (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
In his last appearance in net, Jose Theodore allowed two goals on two shots and was subsequently given the hook. Russian boy wonder Semyon Varlamov stepped up and did an acceptable job (.863) in a game fraught with defensive missteps. But now that the Washington Capitals have traveled to the Canadiens’ home territory of Montreal, who should start in net?
By Peter Hassett 13 years ago
Whew! How ’bout that game last night? The Washington Capitals beat the Montreal Canadiens in a plum zinger of a hockey game. John Carlson and Nick Backstrom summoned some playoff heroics for us, but there’s a problem: they’re both clean-shaven. Do they know something we don’t?
Just between you and me, RMNB might have taken the celebration too far. The word hangover seems understated; it’s more like an aftermath. Compounding the problem, Caps Nation is looking increasingly more haggard. Scanning the #beardpact channel, I’m seeing a broad spectrum of growth. Before we get to the parade of stubble, let’s check in with the Russian Machinists.
By 13 years ago
[Ed. note – Our apologies, but tonight’s game mandates celebration. We’re going to cut the recap short so that we can celebrate!]
Nicky Backstrom secures his first playoff hat trick
Nearing the end of the second period, the Washington Capitals trailed the Montreal Canadiens 4-1. But there was still the tiny matter of Nicklas Lars Bäckström. The blonde swede superstar (who is still waiting on that new contract) made this a historic game all by his damn self. Sinking his first playoff hat trick, Backy is definitely worthy of the “Nine Million Dollar Man” nom de guerre that Craig Laughlin bestowed upon him. We’ll be talking about slapshot goal 31 seconds into overtime for months.
Captain America John Carlson scored the tying goal at the tail end of the third period, instantly carving his name into franchise history. The 20-year old is frankly phenomenal, playing with more consistency than Norris slam-dunk Mike Green.
Also, Alex Ovechkin finally got on the board, tipping in a shot from… JOHN CARLSON.
By Peter Hassett 13 years ago
How much did last night suck? True story: Peter and Ian had a big fight about writing the game recap. Peter was too grumpy to write it, and Ian was too grumpy to put up with Peter’s hissy fit. Today, they exchanged LOLcats and everything seems fine again. For now.
Is the change of mood due to the Caps’ pathetic overtime loss, or is something more sinister behind it? Could it be that our nascent facial hair is turning us into hyper-masculine, moody bastards? The intention of #beardpact was to create levity and togetherness among Caps fans, but it may have gone awry. Let’s take this time to redouble our efforts. No change from yesterday: sixteen wins stand between our team and glory. Within that increment there must be a lot of dudes with itchy necks and annoyed girlfriends/wives/platonic opposite-sex companions.
Let’s check in with the RMNB staff, all of whom could use a hug today.
By 13 years ago
Caps Nation begins its parallel march to victory. Fans across D.C., Virginia, and Maryland, have shaved their last shave until summertime. Russian Machine is here to solemnly document the personal hell that we put ourselves through in the name of our team. Here we shall offer moral support and gentle mocking in equal portions. #beardpact brings fans together.
Let’s begin our daily recap of the RMNB scruff, most of whom started with a fresh shave yesterday.
By 13 years ago
In accordance with no one in particular, Russian Machine Never Breaks proudly presents #beardpact. From Thursday morning until the night Alex Ovechkin hoists the Stanley Cup, we vow not to shave.
That’s stupid. Why?
Beards are the zenith of manliness. First, they are scratchy and unpleasant to womenfolk. Second, they look awesome. Third, if you have something tasty for lunch, you can enjoy the smell all the way until dinnertime.
By Peter Hassett 13 years ago
Via Tarik El-Bashir, Bruce Boudreau has confirmed what we all freakin’ knew: Jose Theodore is our man.
Jose has a .911% save percentage this season, and sterling numbers across the board since early January. Jose is a former winner of the Vezina and Hart Trophies, and has simply marvelous facial hair. Many (i.e. – me) consider Theo the main architect of the Caps’ historic winning streak. Fun fact: He also has two assists this year.
Obviously, Jose has a history with Montreal — which is a good thing, because this Stanley Cup Playoffs thing was running a little low on drama.
By Peter Hassett 13 years ago
Hot off the presses, people!
SERIES A TIME (ET) #1 Washington vs. #8 Montreal Thursday, April 15, 2010 7 p.m. Montreal at Washington Saturday, April 17, 2010 7 p.m. Montreal at Washington Monday, April 19, 2010 7 p.m. Washington at Montreal Wednesday, April 21, 2010 7 p.m. Washington at Montreal *Friday, April 23, 2010 7 p.m. Montreal at Washington *Monday, April 26, 2010 7 p.m. Washington at Montreal *Wednesday, April 28, 2010 TBD Montreal at Washington
Asterisks mean this game will not occur because Caps will win in 4 straight.
UPDATE: Thanks to Tarik, we know that Versus will air the first two games and CSN (Craig Laughlin, kthx?) will cover the two in Montreal.
By Peter Hassett 13 years ago
