Washington Capitals Hockey

tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89892613344424615402011-11-27T16:23:35.391-08:00Washington Capitals HockeyTalk and commentary about Washington Capitals NHL hockey.Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.comBlogger461100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-66300646598557035212011-03-08T05:31:00.000-08:002011-03-08T05:36:36.996-08:00New System Starting to Bear Fruit?

Well, the Capitals made their annual father-son trip down to Sunny Florida, and again it was a huge success winning both games in the extra session. The Caps are a different breed of team this year. While last year's team was a frontal assault version with offense being their main weapon, this year's team has a new look with a more responsible defensive system, and with rare exception the Caps

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-39777232628310348262011-03-05T08:42:00.000-08:002011-03-05T08:42:47.579-08:00Heading into the Stretch Drive

With a little over a month to go, the Capitals hope to build some momentum and consistency heading into the playoffs. While the Capitals have improved defensively, the offense has been mediocre for most of the season, and if not for a good start, the Capitals would be fighting for a playoff position, as they have barely played .500 hockey since December. The last two games are prime examples, as

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-12515333865753248422011-02-28T20:34:00.000-08:002011-02-28T20:46:54.661-08:00Caps fill needs with Arnott, Wideman

While I have been critical of G.M. McPhee on many occasions, I will give him credit for picking up an established center in Jason Arnott that will fill a need as a second line center that can only help the Caps in the playoffs. While it's quite likely that Arnott will only be a rental for this year's playoffs, I don't believe the Capitals overpaid by giving up David Steckel and a 2nd round draft

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-28228249197593576002011-02-28T06:46:00.000-08:002011-02-28T07:11:33.407-08:00Any moves Mr. G.M.?

Here we are just hours away from the trade deadline and so far nothing much has taken place as far as trades other than adding Marco Sturm from waivers. While it's apparent that the Caps have pressing needs such as 2nd line center and shut down defensemen, I believe one of their bigger issues is that of goaltending. The Caps decided before the season started to stake their fortunes on two young

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-83369180803706918032011-02-27T11:45:00.001-08:002011-02-27T12:00:20.575-08:00

After taking a long hiatus from the Internet and the world of sports, I have decided to once again offer my inconsequential thoughts on the world of Washington Capitals hockey. As we are quickly moving towards the playoffs, I would be less than honest if I said that I am confident of the Capitals chances of going far into the playoffs. Comparing this years team to the President's Cup winners of

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-41568695309847097762009-10-14T23:01:00.000-07:002009-10-14T23:24:09.812-07:00Nylander Has to Make Room in the Doghouse for Schultz

Washington Capitals HockeyIt seems as if Michael Nylander will wile away the rest of his time as a Capital somewhere other than on the ice. His sightings in D.C.have been almost as rare as a fiscal conservative. While it's been stated by some in the know that his style of play just doesn't fit in with the fast paced Capital offense, still one would think that his addition on the third or fourth

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-785205118856760572009-10-13T06:10:00.000-07:002009-10-13T06:30:32.621-07:00Caps Cough Up Lead, Lose In OT

Washington Capitals HockeyIt was Ken Hitchcock of the Columbus Blue Jackets who said last year that "once the Capitals learn how to play with the lead, they're going to be a hard team to beat". Well, apparently the Capitals haven't learned how to do that as of it, because they seem unable to put games away, having given up the lead in a couple games already this year. Championship caliber teams

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-12969772709392412042009-10-10T18:46:00.000-07:002009-10-10T19:10:40.900-07:00Solid Game but Penalties Continue to Kill Caps

Washington Capitals HockeyPlaying the Red Wings, one knew that the Caps would have to play a solid game and keep the mistakes and especially penalties to a minimum. For the most part they accomplished it, with Theordore having a very good game in goal, the defense played much better, and the 3rd and 4th lines stepped up and produced both of the Capitals goals. Unfortunately, the Capitals had some

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-71939222211012958692009-10-07T20:40:00.000-07:002009-10-07T20:54:41.416-07:00Offensive Talent on Display

Washington Capitals HockeyWatching last night's hockey game between the Capitals and Flyers, you couldn't help but marvel at the talents of some of the key players in the game. They say that great players rise to the occasion and Mike Richards certainly did that scoring a hat trick and going one better than Ovechkin's two. Richards has averaged about 30 goals and 80 points his last two seasons

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-10869639020743859462009-10-02T08:19:00.000-07:002009-10-02T08:41:43.530-07:00Maple Leafs Return To Their Old Ways

Washington Capitals HockeyWith the Maple Leafs coming to town Saturday, Cap fans(and especially players)should be in store for a rough and tumble physical style game since one of the primary objectives for the Maple Leafs in the off-season was to return to the physical style play they were known for in past years. With the Maple Leafs bringing in several "tough" guys to make them the kind of team

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-7307527685114572782009-10-01T18:44:00.001-07:002009-10-01T18:57:37.917-07:00Caps Start Off Regular Season in Grand Style

Washington Capitals HockeyThe Capitals started off 2009 with a bang by completely dominating the Boston Bruins, and even worse, this butt-kicking happened in the Bruins's house. The Capitals got two goals each from Alex Ovechkin and Brooks Laich, and Theodore gave up just one goal late in the game, when the game was pretty much decided. Not only did the Capitals dominate on the scoreboard, but

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-88167296317256155442009-09-15T20:42:00.000-07:002009-09-15T21:14:49.363-07:00Not Much Room in the Inn for Baby Caps

Washington Capitals HockeyThe Washington Capitals have developed one of the best minor league hockey systems with that being evidenced by two of their affiliates winning their respective championships last year. The Capitals future is looking bright indeed with the current lineup of young stars and a developmental system that has produced a goodly amount of talent the last few years. As with all

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-23119929632512526382009-09-12T16:33:00.000-07:002009-09-12T16:48:48.945-07:00Knuble Should Make Power Play Even More Dangerous

Washington Capitals Hockey While the Capitals were virtually non existent in the Free Agent market in the offseason, their one major pick-up was an excellent one. Mike Knuble, was picked up from the Philadelphia Flyers and should make one of the top Power Play units in the league even more potent. For while the Capitals have a few players that are willing and able to put the puck on net, the one

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-54741984640705053392009-09-11T19:41:00.000-07:002009-09-11T19:55:29.616-07:00Capitals Lacking an Enforcer

Washington Capitals HockeyIt seems apparent to me that the Capitals brain trust has decided to take the Detroit Red Wing path of building a team around skilled players and seem to want to move away from the physical play after letting Donald Brashear flee to the friendly confines of Madison Square Garden. Without the 'Donald' it seems to me that the Capitals are quite likely to be pushed around a

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-27958855603383469222009-09-07T07:24:00.001-07:002009-09-07T07:44:18.752-07:00The Smell of Hockey Is In the Air

Washington Capitals Hockey The recent cool weather has made me aware that Fall is right around the corner in this neck of the woods. While many people look forward to Spring and baseball, for me Fall is the time of year I look forward to as a Sports fan because the sports that I enjoy most, football and especially hockey will soon be starting a new season. After being away from the game for a few

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-2117457552994658412009-05-08T17:00:00.000-07:002009-05-08T17:08:48.016-07:00Capitals Killing Themselves

Washington Capitals HockeyThe Washington Capitals started off like gangbusters but reverted back to old form committing a penalty and consequently giving up a power play goal and it's been all Pittsburgh since then. Chris Clark has had a terrible series committing several penalties and while Boudreau has made many great calls during the year, putting Clark in for the playoffs hasn't been one of

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-87565765414879553932009-05-06T09:25:00.000-07:002009-05-06T09:42:40.372-07:00Capitals Confident, But Recall What Happened to Rangers

Washington Capitals HockeyGoing into tonight's game three against Pittsburgh, the Washington Capitals have every reason to feel good about their position; they have their star player Alex Ovechkin on fire, getting fantastic goaltending from their rookie sensation, Simeon Varlamov, have a two game advantage in the series, and have won five games in a row. Having said that, the Capitals are fully

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-38257550566060515232009-05-02T18:14:00.000-07:002009-05-02T18:34:26.705-07:00Game 1.....We'll Take It

Washington Capitals HockeyThe Capitals played just well enough to win. They had moments where they dominated such as the first part of the second period, but on the other hand they were also very fortunate that the penalty killers did the job as they were in the box a bit too much. Can't do that every game and expect to get a win against the Penguins. Varlamov again showed great poise after

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-15799888616102486222009-05-02T11:44:00.000-07:002009-05-02T11:54:55.454-07:00Lots of action, incredible saves.

Washington Capitals HockeyWhat an exciting period. Constant up and down the ice action. The Capitals dominated the first 8 minutes or so and should have scored at least one goal, and probably more. Then the Penguins score on a bad goal given up by Varlamov but then he turns around and makes an incredible save on Crosby to keep it 2-2. While many goaltenders would have lost their edge or

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-88839883247352153032009-05-02T10:52:00.000-07:002009-05-02T11:02:40.926-07:00Good First Period

Washington Capitals HockeyAlthough the Capitals looked a bit tentative for the first ten minutes or so, they turned in around in the latter part of the first period with Steckle's goal, and then Ovechkin drawing a penalty, and scoring on a five on three. That's why Ovechkin is much more than just a scoring machine. He also draws penalties and hits like a power defensemen. I also liked the way

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-62900950837249040402009-04-30T06:43:00.000-07:002009-04-30T07:06:12.568-07:00Caps Take Giant Step Forward With Series Win

Washington Capitals HockeyAs I sat there watching time running down in game 7, my thoughts flashed back to game 7 of last year's playoff series against the Flyers and I started to feel a bit of apprehension about the prospects of going into overtime against the Rangers. Fortunately, Federov was able to put one in the net, and the Caps held on to complete an unlikely comeback by winning the last

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-15335829443967300912009-04-28T07:02:00.001-07:002009-04-28T07:22:11.003-07:00More Drama Than a Reality T.V. Show

Washington CapitalsThe Capitals have once again shown their resilience and never quit attitude by coming back and winning the last two games when it looked as if this series would be done by now. That's the great thing about a seven game series; it is full of plots and subplots and has more twists and turns than the Mississippi River. One day it looks hopeless, the next day you're riding high.

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-68968635840795416402009-04-25T21:34:00.000-07:002009-04-25T22:00:34.934-07:00Tortorella Suspended for Game 6

Washington Capitals HockeyIt was announced tonight that John Tortorella, coach of the New York Rangers was suspended for game 6 of the playoffs for squirting water on a fan, and then throwing a water bottle that hit another fan. The Rangers in command of the series seem to be self destructing and doing their damnest to give the series back to the Capitals. First Sean Avery acts the fool by taking

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-65334969965004492352009-04-24T21:19:00.000-07:002009-04-24T21:38:39.595-07:00Varlamov...The Story of This Series for Capitals

Washington Capitals HockeyRegardless of how this series turns out, one thing has become quite apparent. Simeon Varlamov is proving that he is ready for prime time, and even though Theodore has another year on his contract, this series has shown that if necessary, Varlamov is ready to take the lead role in the nets. For a 20 year old to step into the playoffs for the first time and not only do

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-6961770528909188342009-04-24T06:39:00.000-07:002009-04-24T06:52:57.990-07:00Rangers Defense Trumps Caps Offense

Washington Capitals HockeyAs quite often happens this time of year, a team with a good defense and a stellar goaltender negates a great offensive team and moves on in the playoffs while the team with loads of offensive talent takes an early summer vacation. While the series between the Rangers and the Capitals isn't quite over yet, it's hard to foresee the Capitals beating the Rangers and

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-79955979781439017252009-04-21T06:16:00.000-07:002009-04-21T06:56:35.207-07:00Semin, Varlamov Lead Caps to Victory

Washington Capitals HockeyLast night's game started off pretty much the way the first two games did with the Caps putting pressure on Lundqvist in the early stages of the game and he coming up with the saves. I started thinking here we go again, but then Semin was able to get one in the net, and then another, and that was more than enough as the Caps were able to turn the tables shutting out the

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-47640879176513852262009-04-19T07:40:00.000-07:002009-04-19T08:04:12.032-07:00Can Caps Turn the Series Around?

Washington Capitals HockeyAfter watching the Capitals lose the second game in a row at home, you have to wonder if the Capitals have it in them to turn this series around. There are precedents where teams have lost the first two games of the series and game back and won the series but it doesn't happen very often, and the odds are that the Rangers will win the series and could do it in four games

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-243662115580875712009-04-17T20:01:00.000-07:002009-04-18T03:02:32.645-07:00Theordore, Schultz and Other Observations

Washington Capitals HockeyWith two days having passed since the Capitals opening game loss, a few things come to mind. First, as it's been said, "offense puts the fans in the seats, but defense wins championships". The Capitals have plenty of offense, but the defense is another matter. Of course the first line of defense is the goaltender and after watching Theodore give up 4 goals on 21 shots,

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-53063359020812919012009-04-14T20:29:00.000-07:002009-04-14T21:26:11.757-07:00The Avery Factor

Washington Capitals HockeyWhile much of the credit to the Rangers turnaround can be credited to John Tortorelli, one can't overlook what the acquisition of Avery has meant to the Rangers. I watched a Ranger games a while back, and the team seemed dead in the water. The Rangers exhibited little in the way of energy on the ice, and it appeared as if they would suffer the ignominy of missing the

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-51628958387360503412009-04-12T11:40:00.000-07:002009-04-12T12:05:07.097-07:00Caps Throw a Dud in Last Regular Season Game

Washington Capitals HockeyIt was sort of expected that the Capitals might be in for a bit of a letdown after winning three straight road games, and securing the second seed in the playoffs. Still, you hate to see the Caps finish the regular season in that manner with the Panthers putting up as many goals as they did. While the game meant nothing to the Caps, it does bring to mind the question of

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-83069947382686280392009-04-09T19:33:00.000-07:002009-04-09T19:54:58.765-07:00Caps Grab 2nd Seed With Win

Washington Capitals HockeyThe Washington Capitals nailed down the important 2nd seed with a 4-2 win over Tampa Bay tonight. Just how important is it to have the second seed? Just all the difference in the world, or least the beginning round of the playoffs. With all due respect to the Canadians and Rangers, I would much rather match up against them in the first round than either the Flyers,

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-49721435592803986452009-04-05T06:21:00.000-07:002009-04-05T07:03:38.847-07:00Capitals Capture 2nd Straight Southeast Crown

Washington Capitals HockeyAlthough it has been largely a formality of when and not if the Washington Capitals would clinch the Southeast division, considering that the Capitals have only won four division title in their 35 year existence, I don't think it's something we should take lightly. While this years's race had little of the suspense of last year's winning of the title on the last day of

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-60243308463304708312009-04-02T20:51:00.000-07:002009-04-02T21:26:16.875-07:00Capitals Power Play Tops Since All Star Game

Washington Capitals HockeyThe Capitals power play has been getting better all year, and has been the best in the NHL since the All Star break, clicking at just under 30%. When you can throw a line out there featuring the league's MVP Alex Ovechkin, Alexander Semin, Nichlas Backstrom, and Mike Green, opposing teams are playing with fire by giving the Caps a power play. While everyone knows about

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-37705312750795591902009-04-01T07:17:00.000-07:002009-04-01T09:38:12.078-07:00Caps Have Been One of the Most Consistent Teams

Washington Capitals HockeyOne of the most glaring things that jump out at you when you look back at the Caps season is how consistent they've been, never losing more than four games in a row. The NHL season is indeed one of the most grueling schedules of any in professional sports. Not only do you have an exhibition season, and a regular season of 82 games, but then you have up to two months of

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-15029182379714828002009-03-30T22:30:00.000-07:002009-03-30T22:50:08.569-07:00Michael Nylander

Washington Capitals HockeyIt seems that Michael Nylander has been a big disappointment this time around for the Caps. Last year he was injured and it was pretty much a lost season. This year a lot more was expected from him and he just hasn't put up the kind of numbers that he did with the Rangers back in 2005 and 2006 when he scored 23 and 27 goals and had career numbers with 79 and 83 points.

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-35430929295000497262009-03-28T06:57:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:15:41.429-07:00Watching the Baby Caps

Washington Capitals HockeyI went up to Hershey last week to catch a game with the Washington Capitals affiliate team, the Hershey Bears. First off, I must say that I was pleased to find that the Giant arena was a first rate facility situated in a real nice location. There's plenty of parking, and leaving after the game was relatively easy. The complex itself was top notch for a minor league

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-50779046556802503992009-03-23T20:10:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:16:52.911-07:00Caps In Good Position To Grab 2nd Seed

Washington Capitals HockeyWhile it's unlikely that the Capitals will be able to overtake Boston for the number one seed in the Eastern Conference, there's a good chance that they can grab the 2nd seed as the Caps on paper have a much easier remaining schedule than does New Jersey. While the Capitals have only one game remaining against a team currently in the playoff hunt(Florida), The Devils

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-30300850792038287052009-03-22T07:32:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:17:49.436-07:00Caps Need Some More Toughness

Washington Capitals HockeyWith Donald Brashear out, the Caps seem to lack "toughness", and teams are taking liberties with them. The high sticking of Green, and the slamming into the boards of Ovechkin by Brind'Amour are two examples. Outside of Brashear, the two main "tough guys" on the Capitals are Bradley and Erskine. While Bradley is willing, he's not the kind of figure that throws fear into

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-3121272951371016162009-03-21T07:05:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:19:02.825-07:00Brian Pothier Returns to Caps

Washington Capitals HockeyBrain Pothier of the Washington Capitals returned to the ice this week after being out since January of 2008 after sustaining a concussion in a game, and suffering from "concussion syndrome" afterwards. Whether or not Pothier can return to his top form only time will tell as some players are never quite the same after suffering this type of injury. Eric Lindros is a

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-42916872109168208332009-03-20T06:57:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:20:11.355-07:00Pens-Flyers Playoff Matchup?

Washington Capitals HockeyThere was a thread on the Washington Capitals discussion board about whether the Penguins will do everything in their power to avoid a matchup with the Philly Flyers in the first round like they did last year. My thinking on this is that the circumstances are a whole lot different this year, and will probably keep them from slacking unless it comes down to one game like

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-17829140039115637882009-03-18T21:56:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:21:02.705-07:00Can Theodore Carry Caps Far Into the Playoffs?

Washington Capitals HockeyWhen the Caps signed Jose Theodore in the off season, many people were left wondering if he was the guy capable of allowing the Caps to take the next step in the playoffs. Coming to the end of his first season with the Caps, many of us are still not all that certain that he can. Theodore has played well for the Caps this year, and when Brent Johnson was alternating with

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-76869739556667589752009-03-17T19:44:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:21:48.815-07:00Caps Get Defensive

Washington Capitals HockeyIt was just what the doctor ordered after the disaster in Atlanta yesterday. A Capitals defense that stifled the Panthers, not even allowing a shot in the third period. It didn't hurt that the Panthers have all of a sudden forgotton how to score and were shutout for the second game in a row, but all in all it was an excellent showing for the Capitals as they killed off

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-10775856167574053692009-03-16T21:30:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:22:29.902-07:00Playing the Spoiler Teams

Washington Capitals HockeyOn nights like tonight, it doesn't matter that you have the league's best goal scorer on your team, or that you have the third highest goal scoring team in the league. When a goaltender has a night like Kari Lehtonen had, the puck must look like a beachball coming at him. Lehtonen stopped 49 of 50 shots, and only let one get by him at the end of the game. The Thrasher

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-14206312305274003722009-03-16T06:55:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:23:15.834-07:00Positioning For the Playoffs

Washington Capitals HockeyWhat a difference a year makes. Last year the Capitals were fighting to make the playoffs, being forced to win virtually every game and needing everything to break right in order for them to make the playoffs. I was at the last game of the year against the Florida Panthers and it was exciting and nerve wrecking. This year barring a total collapse, the Capitals are in the

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-23682083626757048922009-03-15T12:09:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:23:51.904-07:00Alexander Semin

Washington Capitals HockeyOne of my favorite players for the Capitals is Alexander Semin. I really started to like this guy after watching his play against the Philadelphia Flyers in last years playoffs. While he's always had excellent offensive skills, I was impressed with his tenacity and physical play during that series. His game carried over into the beginning of this year and he was headed

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8989261334442461540.post-32735824655982376352009-03-15T09:10:00.000-07:002009-03-28T07:24:33.729-07:00Hello to all Washington Capital Fans

Washington Capitals HockeyI decided to start this blog because I enjoy hockey so much that I thought it might be kind of neat to post my observations and comments about the Washington Capitals and hockey in general. I live about 40 miles outside of Washington in Baltimore and therefore don't get to see them as much as I like, but thanks to the NHL hockey package, I seldom miss a game. I should

Bill Thomashttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03435642340780372133noreply@blogger.com0