Game #70 Recap: Caps 4 Chicago 3 (OT)

In a great game played between the Capitals and the Blackhawks, Washington found a way to come away with the 4-3 win in overtime. It was a back and forth affair with Chicago taking a 1-0 lead in the first only to have Boyd Gorden even the score shorthanded. A misplay at the Caps blue line allowed Gordon to race down the right wing and fire home a slapshot from just inside the face-off circle. Mike Gartner would be so proud. The Caps took the lead late in the first while on the power play. Jason Arnott unloaded a low hard slapshot from the left point that found two goalposts before going in. The second period was pretty even but Chicago evened the the score at 2-2 when a shot behind the goal line caught Caps goalie Braden Holtby leaning and the puck deflected off his back into the net. The Caps regained the lead in the third period with a grinding effort along the boards. Eric Fehr won a puck battle along the rear wall and feed Brooks Laich in the slot. Laich shot home the puck for his 14th goal of the season. The Caps held the lead until the final minute and with a man in the penalty box faced the Blackhawks power play plus an extra skater with the goalie pulled. Chicago tied the game to force overtime. In overtime the Capitals really went for the win picking up all 6 shots on goal in the extra period. The game ended with Marcus Johansson making a nice pass to Mike Knuble who was camped in front of the Chicago net. Knuble calmly moved the puck from backhand to forehand and elevated the puck over the goalie's outstretched leg pad. The Caps record their 8th consecutive win and climb to within 1 standings point of the Eastern Conference leading Philadelphia Flyers.

Of Note:

• Braden Holtby won his 4th game of the week and allowed just 4 goals against in those games.
• Mike Knuble scored the game-winner for his 15th goal of the season. It was his 6th GWG in his Capitals career.
• The Caps 21 shots by Chicago with Jeff Schultz leading the team with 5.
• Boyd Gordon scored the 7th shorthanded goal of the season for the Capitals, for Gordon it was his 5th career shorty.
• The Caps went 1 for 2 on the power play and stopped 3 of 4 Chicago power plays, The Caps have allowed only 3 power play goal against on their current 8-game run.
• Dennis Wideman picked up 2 assists while Brroks Laich, Alexander Semin, Matt Hendricks, Eric Fehr and Marcus Johansson each had 1.
• Scott Hannan was +3.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game Highlights:

Game #70 Preview: Chicago Blackhawks at Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When:  March 13, 2011, 12:30 PM

History:           

Caps Record on this Date: 5-6-1-0

Caps Game 70 Record: 15-14-4-1

All-Time vs. CHI: 35-38-11-1

All-Time at home vs. CHI: 22-15-5-1

Last Season vs. CHI: 1-0-0

Last Meeting: 3/14/10, WAS 4 CHI 3

Season Series: 0-0-0

This Year:

WAS Record: 39-20-10

Standings Points: 88

Division Rank: 1st

Conference Rank: 2nd

Last Game: 3/11/11, WAS 2 CAR 1

Streak: Won 7

CHI Record: 37-24-7

Standings Points: 81

Division Rank: 2nd

Conference Rank: 5th    

Last Game: 3/9/11, CHI 3 TAM 4 (OT-SO)

Streak: Loss 2

Probable Line-Ups:     

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 90 JOHANSSON, 22 KNUBLE

Forward Line 2: 18 STURM, 44 ARNOTT, 28 SEMIN

Forward Line 3: 25 CHIMERA, 21 LAICH, 16 FEHR

Forward Line 4: 26 HENDRICKS, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 23 HANNAN, 6 WIDEMAN

Defense Pair 2: 27 ALZNER, 74 CARLSON

Defense Pair 3: 55 SCHULTZ, 4 ERSKINE

Goalie: 30 NEUVIRTH

Back-up Goalie: 70 HOLTBY

Chicago

Forward Line 1: 10 SHARP, 19 TOEWS, 88 KANE

Forward Line 2: 29 BICKELL, 36 BOLLAND, 81 HOSSA

Forward Line 3: 67 FROLIK, 28 DOWELL, 22 BROUWER

Forward Line 4: 25 STALBERG, 17 JOHNSON, 82 KOPECKY

Defense Pair 1: 2 KEITH, 8 LEDDY

Defense Pair 2: 51 CAMPBELL, 14 CAMPOLI

Defense Pair 3: 7 SEABROOK, 4 HJALMARSSON

Goalie: 50 CRAWFORD

Back-up Goalie: 30 TURCO

Injuries:

Washington – 3 POTI (upper body) IR, (upper body) IR, 52 GREEN (head) IR, 1 VARLAMOV (undisclosed) DTD, 19 BACKSTROM (hand) DTD

CHI – HENDRY (knee) IR

Caps Milestones:

Brooks Laich needs 2 goals to reach 100 in his career.

Jason Arnott needs 3 goals to reach 400 in his career.

Jason Chimera needs 4 goals to reach 100 in his career.

Alex Ovechkin needs 3 goals to reach 300 in his career.

Preview:

The Capitals hope to give the defending Stanley Cup Champs a rude welcome to the Verizon Center in a Sunday noontime game that will be broadcast nationwide. The Caps are rolling on a 7-game winning streak with 6 of those victories coming by one goal. The Blackhawks are 8-1-1 over their last 10 games so this will be a good measuring stick for the boys from Washington. I expect this to be a tight playoff type game with both teams playing a defense first system. During the only meeting between the two teams a year ago, Alex Ovechkin was ejected for a hit on Chicago defenseman Brian Campbell. Whether there will be payback remains to be seen. Ovechkin is an a 7-game scoring streak and has scored 3 goals in the last two games. Look for a physical grinding type game with the team making the most mistakes paying the price. I am thinking that the Caps pull this one out with the power play stepping up to the challenge.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 CHI 2

Game #2 Recap - Capitals 4 Blackhawks 2

After raising the 2007-08 Southeast Division Championship banner to the roof of the Verizon Center, the Caps started out right where they left off in Friday's game in Atlanta. Sloppy defense and soft goals left the Caps in a 2-0 hole halfway though the first period. The Caps got within one goal as Donald Brashear forced a turnover at center ice and David Steckel setup Matt Bradley for the put away.

The second period looked more like the team we were all excited about. Chicago was hemmed in their end for most of the period and steady goal tending by Jose Theodore who stopped all 6 shots he faced in the period. Alex Ovechkin knotted the score at 2-2 with a wrist rocket from the high slot. In the third period you got that inevitable feeling as the Caps poured on 16 shots and finally took their first lead of the season on a reviewed goal from Brooks Laich. With the Blackhawks scrambling, Ovechkin sealed the deal with his second goal of the game at 18:24. The Caps are back in action on Monday against Vancouver.

Of Note:

• All six goals were scored at even strength. The Caps had 4 power play attemps and Chicago had 5.
• The 2-goal effort by Ovechkin was his 31st multiple goal game in his career.
• Alexander Semin had a nice assist on Laich's goal and leads the team with 4 points.
• David Steckel, Donald Brashear, Tom Poti, Jeff Schultz, and Jose Theodore also assisted on Capitals' goals.
• The team was much better in the face-off circle tonight winning 50% of the draws. Sergei Fedorov led the Caps winning 13 and losing 4.
• The Capitals outshot the Hawks 34-21. After allowing 10 first period shots the Caps allowed only 11 in the second and third combined.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary

Game #2 Chicago Blackhawks At Washington Capitals

Where: Verizon Center, Washington, DC

When: October 10, 2008, 7:00 PM

History:

Caps Record on this Date: 5-10-2-0

Caps Game 2 Record: 10-20-3-0

All-Time vs. CHI: 24-16-5-5

All-Time At Home vs. CHI: 21-15-5-1

Last Season vs. CHI: 0-1-0

Last Meeting: 3/19/08, WAS 0 CHI 5

This Year:

WAS Record: 0-1-0

Standings Points: 0

Division Rank: 4th

Conference Rank: 14th

Last Game: 10/10/08, WAS 4 ATL 7

Streak: Loss 1

CHI Record: 0-1-0

Standings Points: 0

Division Rank: 4th

Conference Rank: 12th

Last Game: 10/10/08, CHI 2 NYR 4

Streak: Loss 1

Probable Line-Ups:

Washington

Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV

Forward Line 2: 21 LAICH, 91 FEDOROV, 28 SEMIN 14 FEHR

Forward Line 3: 14 FLEISCHMANN, NYLANDER, 17 CLARK

Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 39 STECKEL, 10 BRADLEY

Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN

Defense Pair 2: 4 ERSKINE, 3 POTI

Defense Pair 3: 55 SCHULTZ, 23 JURCINA

Goalie: 60 THEODORE

Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Chicago

Forward Line 1: 16 LADD, 19 TOEWS, 24 HAVLAT

Forward Line 2: 88 KANE, 10 SHARP, 33 BYFUGLIEN

Forward Line 3: 32 VERSTEEG, 36 BOLLAND, 11 SKILLE

Forward Line 4: 37 BURISH, 46 FRASER, 28 ADAMS

Defense Pair 1: 4 HJALMARSSON, 51 CAMPBELL

Defense Pair 2: 2 KEITH, 7 SEABROOK

Defense Pair 3: 5 SOPEL, 6 HENDRY

Goalie: 38 HUET

Back-up Goalie: 39 KHABIBULIN

Injuries:

Washington – 2 POTHIER (concussion) IR

Chicago – 43 WISNIEWSKI (torn acl) IR

Caps Milestones:

Victor Kozlov needs 3 points to reach 500 in his career.

Matt Bradley needs 5 points to reach 100 in his career.

Michael Nylander needs 4 points to reach 100 with the Capitals.

Preview:

The Capitals were given a dose of reality last night falling to the Atlanta Thrashers 7-4. The team will attempt to rebound from the loss against a familiar foe. Cristobal Huet who helped to lead the team to the SE Conference Championship last season returns to Verizon Center as a member of the Blackhawks. Huet’s debut for the Hawks was not a pleasant one as the NY Rangers defeated Chicago 4-2 last night. The Caps will raise the Championship banner tonight and they had better lift their play. Look for the Caps to be much more disciplined in their system and play much tighter defense. This should be a very competitive game but I think the team will rebound for the victory.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 3 CHI 2

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Game #75 Recap - Capitals 0 Blackhawks 5

I think Head Coach Bruce Boudreau's comment pretty much sums up the effort by the Caps last night:

“We had a gear missing and they played well,” Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau said. “I just think we had a real stinker. We stunk in the first period.

“I can’t say it any more clearly: We were all horrible together."

The Caps were completely outplayed and went into the first intermission down 4-0. Chicago added a goal in the second and then Chicago's goalie, Nikolai Khabibulin, shut down the Caps with a couple of acrobatic saves to preserve the shut out. To make matters worse, Carolina pounded Atlanta to take a 5-point lead in the SE Division race, and Tampa was was unable to hold onto a 4-1 lead over Buffalo and giving up 6 goals in the third period. Buffalo moved ahead of Washington into 9th place in the conference. The Caps play again on Friday in Atlanta.

Of Note:

• The Caps were out shot 42-25. After the first period, Chicago held a 18-6 advantage in shots.
• The Caps took twice as many penalties as Chicago and gave up 1 power play goal.
• Alex Ovechkin was held pointless for the 17th time this year and his frustration showed as he amassed 7 hits and got into it with Jonathan Toews. Both received matching minors for roughing.
• According to the Super Stats (link below) the Caps committed no giveaways on the evening. Not so sure about that one.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Super Stats

Game #75 Washington Capitals at Chicago Blackhawks

Where: United Center, Chicago, IL

When: March 19, 2008, 8:30 PM

History:
Caps Record on this Date: 4-5-1-0
Caps Game 75 Record: 14-14-2-1
All-Time vs. CHI: 33-37-11-1
Last Season vs. CHI: Did Not Play
Last Meeting: 1/10/06, WAS 3 CHI 4 (OT)

This Year:
WAS Record: 36-30-8
Standings Points: 80
Division Rank: 2^nd
Conference Rank: 9^th
Last Game: 3/18/08, WAS 4 NAS 2
Streak: Won 4

CHI Record: 34-32-7
Standings Points: 75
Division Rank: 4^th
Conference Rank: 13^th
Last Game: 3/16/08, CHI 2 CAL 4
Streak: Loss 1

Probable Line-Ups:
Washington
Forward Line 1: 8 OVECHKIN, 19 BACKSTROM, 25 KOZLOV
Forward Line 2: 28 SEMIN, 91 FEDOROV, 14 FEHR
Forward Line 3: 24 COOKE, 15 GORDON, 10 BRADLEY
Forward Line 4: 87 BRASHEAR, 21 LAICH, 43 FLEISCHMANN
Defense Pair 1: 26 MORRISONN, 52 GREEN
Defense Pair 2: 55 SCHULTZ, 4 POTI
Defense Pair 3: 23 JURCINA, 42 LEPISTO
Goalie: 37 KOLZIG, 33 HUET
Back-up Goalie: 1 JOHNSON

Chicago
Forward Line 1: 10 SHARP, 20 LANG, 88 KANE
Forward Line 2: 16 LADD, 19 TOEWS, 29 WILLIAMS
Forward Line 3: 12 BOURQUE, 36 BOLLAND, 28 C. ADAMS
Forward Line 4: 55 EAGER, 17 K. ADAMS, 37 BURISH
Defense Pair 1: 2 KEITH, 7 SEABROOK
Defense Pair 2: 27 ZYUZIN, 42 HENDRY
Defense Pair 3: 5 SOPEL, 25 BARKER
Goalie: 40 LALIME
Back-up Goalie: 39 KHABIBULIN

Injuries:
Washington – 17 CLARK (groin) DTD, 92 NYLANDER (shoulder) IR, 2 POTHIER (head) IR, 39 STECKEL (broken finger), 4 ERSKINE (undisclosed) DTD
Chicago – 94 PERREAULT (fractured wrist) IR

Caps Milestones:
Alex Ovechkin needs 2 Goals to reach 60 for this season
Alexander Semin needs 6 Shots on Goal to reach 500 for his career

Preview:
The Capitals visit Chicago for the first time since February of 2004. The team is coming in with a season high 4-game winning streak. With a win tonight the Caps would tie Philadelphia in standings points at 80 with Philly having a game in hand. Carolina is still 3 points in front of the Caps and takes on Atlanta tonight. Buffalo is 1 point behind the Caps and Tampa visits them tonight. The Caps will watch the scores but need to focus on the game at hand. It shouldn’t be too hard as this game features the leading contenders for rookie of the year. Chicago’s Patrick Kane has 17 goals and 45 assists for 62 points this season while Capitals’ rookie Nicklas Backstrom has 12 goals and 49 assists for 61 points. If it weren’t for an injury, Jonathan Toews would be right there with Kane and Backstrom. Despite only playing in 55 games Toews has 20 goals and 27 assists for 47 points. The Caps will need to jump on the Blackhawks early, Chicago has losses in 5 of its last 6 games, and not let them think they have a chance. Look for another big 1^st period from the Caps who have scored 15 first period goals in their last 9 games, including 3 against Nashville last night. The Washington power play is ranked 6^th in the league and has scored in 6 consecutive games. However, they need to stay out of the box as they have allowed the opponent to score 6 power play goals in the last 6 games. The Caps are currently ranked 25^th in penalty killing. The game should be fast paced with both teams playing to score. The Caps need this one badly and have a little more than Chicago can handle.

Joe’s prediction: Caps 5 CHI 2

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