Plus: Umm… John Carlson scored a goal? Minus: The Caps had six power play chances and somehow came out -1 in goals-for with the man advantage. It doesn’t help their own penalty kill let up a goal as well, so they went -2 in special teams. Key Moment: Right before the Rangers took a 3-1 lead, the Caps had a couple grade-A chances but Igor Sheshterkin came up huge. So instead of … [Read more...] about Capitals vs. Rangers Recap: Caps Fall to 0-3 in Series after 3-1 Loss
The Narrative: Is it Ov-er?, Icing on the Cake, and Such Close Brothers
Three things we’re talking about today when we’re talking about the Caps… 1. Is it Ov-er? Two games into this series, Alex Ovechkin has registered just one shot on goal, which is the same total as the number of soul-crushing power play turnovers that he’s made that have ended up as game-winning shorthanded Ranger goals. And so, as is so often the case when the Caps have trailed … [Read more...] about The Narrative: Is it Ov-er?, Icing on the Cake, and Such Close Brothers
The Narrative: That’s More Like It, But Not That, and Zebra Show
Three things we’re talking about today when we’re talking about the Caps… 1. That’s More Like It Playoff series are about adjustments and counter-adjustments. It’s often what separates good coaches and teams from great ones, or, more accurately teams with a lot of talent from true contenders. Clubs can win a lot of regular-season games with a talent advantage because the amount … [Read more...] about The Narrative: That’s More Like It, But Not That, and Zebra Show
Capitals vs. Rangers Game 2 Recap: Better Effort, Same Result in 4-3 Loss
Plus: A lot was said about how excited Dylan Strome was to finally get to a real postseason series, so it was awesome to see him pick up his first playoff goal as a Cap (his third overall) to tie the game on the power play. Minus: Officiating is always uneven in the playoffs these days, and it’s gone both against the Caps and in their favor through these first two games … [Read more...] about Capitals vs. Rangers Game 2 Recap: Better Effort, Same Result in 4-3 Loss
The Narrative: Gone in 126 Seconds, No Offense, and Attention to Detail
Three things we’re talking about today when we’re talking about the Caps… 1. Gone in 126 Seconds If the Caps are going to have any success in their first-round series against the Rangers, they’re going to have to keep games close. Falling behind by a goal is by no means fatal, but digging a two-goal hole makes for a big ask and going down three is probably lights out for a team … [Read more...] about The Narrative: Gone in 126 Seconds, No Offense, and Attention to Detail