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Capitals 4, Maple Leafs 3 |
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Three Takeaways:
1. Second Period – The Capitals were able to take advantage of the momentum they had built to end the first period and really took it to the Leafs. During a flurry of scoring chances, the Capitals scored three goals in a 1:18 time frame. This was the turning point of the game! In previous games this season (DAL, CAR, COL), the Caps dominated similar stretches but didn’t have the goals to support their play. After blowing multiple third period leads this season already, I probably wasn’t the only Caps fan holding their breath after Tavares scored with the extra man to make it 4-3 with 2:33 left on the clock. Phew.
2. Physical Play – I thought the game plan constructed by the coaching staff was perfect. Play physical and just take it to the Leafs who were on the second half of a back to back. The Capitals lead in Hits 31-9. Wow! You could see the Leafs slowing down as the game progressed. It also didn’t help that their backup is just mediocre. Babcock loves putting his backup in on the second half of a back to back. The Capitals were winning every battle for the most part in the second and third period. In the second frame, they earned a 5 on 3 power play and were able to Capitalize on it. I thought for the most part, the Toronto PK was pretty damn good last night. I am surprised to see them only ranked 16th in the league.
3. Shining Stars – Samsonov has played very well for the Caps so far this season. He should be 3-0-0 but I guess he was credited for the loss when he came in after Holtby let in three goals on three shots against COL. Lame. He currently ranks 7th for both GAA (1.84) and SV% (.931) in the entire NHL. On a separate note, John Carlson (American Hero) is third in scoring (14 points) and leads all defensemen across the NHL. Carlson for Norris!
The Caps took care of business last night to earn their first win on home ice. This could very easily be an Eastern conference finals matchup and if so, boy would we be in for a treat. Next game against Toronto is 10/29 @ Toronto and they will have plenty of rest next time. Should be a doozy of a game.
Next game for the Caps: Friday 10/18 vs Rangers
What to watch for: Assuming Holtby gets start here, let’s just see how the hell he responds to basically being benched. He played terrible against COL and I expect him to rebound strongly here. Call me crazy but I am predicting a shutout for Holtby on Friday.
Other notes from around the Metro Last night:
PIT 3, COL, 2 (OT)
1. Brandon Tavev and his egregious contract scored the game winner for the Pens. Sidney Crosby continues to go full Marshawn Lynch and put the team on his back. Not even Darren Sharper can stop him right now.
COL 3, DAL 2
1. Sonny Milano with an early goal of the year candidate. Just filthy. Expectations for Milano have always been fairly high in Columbus and he has quite ever seemed to reach his potential. Maybe this will give him
PHI 3, EDM 6
1. Carter Hart gets lit up for 4 goals on 14 shots and his taken out of the game. He has come back down to planet earth. Hart wont be the only goalie the EDM offense torments this year.
CAR 2, SJS 5
1. I didn’t read up on the game but it appears Canes played very well but Martin Jones played better. Reimer, just okay.
Thanks for reading!
Brian S.
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