Washington Capitals

If there is one lesson we can learn from this series so far, its that no matter which team is the best on the ice, it doesn't necessarily mean it will  translate into a win.
 
The Capitals last night were outplayed for the better part of 3 periods.  In the first period the Rangers looked alive: they had a strong forecheck, managed to keep the puck in the offensive zone and didn't give up a ridiculous amount of shots on goal.  Going into the first intermission, they were down 2-0.   Make sense?   No, but has this series so far?

The Capitals are down 2-0, and 4 residents of Sweden are to blame.

Before the playoffs started, I mentioned in my blog, that Capitals success would depend on the play of role players such as Brooks Laich and Tomas Fleischmann. So far  they haven't produced, but their Swedish counter-parts on the Rangers have taken their game to a whole new level.

Henrik Lundqvist has shown Capitals fans why in New York they call him 'King.' Photo by Nick PerrettiIn the nation's capital, Swedish goalie Henrik Lundqvist showed the Capitals why he is called 'King.'

The Capitals took the ice this morning in preparation for tonight's game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.  Here are my observations and notes:

The day after an exciting shoot out victory, Coach Bruce Boudreau decided to give most of his players the day off.
 
Thursday's Capitals practice was more of a pick-up game than practice, as only 10 players took the ice--3 of them forwards.
 
Viktor Kozlov returned to practice for the first time in weeks--he spent about 30 minutes on his own working on skating and agility drills.
 
About 15 minutes into practice, the Caps moved a goal, just above the blue line, effectively splitting the ice in half.
 

There was nothing but smiles as the Capitals took the ice at practice today.Alex Ovechkin is all smiles at practice. Photo by Nick Perretti

Here are some of my observations and analysis:

First of all, injured forward Viktor Kozlov did not skate today--probably will not play tomorrow.

The Washington Capitals successful road trip shows the potential of the team.

After a 3-game, week long road trip, the Capitals came back to Washington, D.C., with 5 points in hand and a new-found confidence oozing from their leaders.Mike Green broke a record for consecutive games with a goal for a defenseman, while Alexander Ovechkin scored a hat-trick the next game, all in a winning effort.

Wednesday night against the New York Rangers, Mike Green registered two goals, tying the record for most consecutive games with a goal scored by a defenseman, with 7.

If you have had the opportunity to watch Mike GreenMike Green play this year, you have seen something special.  Green is having nothing short of a magical year.