Image Courtesy of ESPN.com

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Tonight's game was exactly what the doctor ordered for the Washington Capitals. They weren't really perfect in any facet of the game, but they certainly played tighter defense, battled back from a disappointing goal against, and ultimately pulled out an energetic win. I think it's certainly safe to say that the Caps really played a full sixty minutes tonight, and it showed when grinder Matt Bradley was rewarded with the game-winning goal. Here are just a few thoughts on tonight's franchise record-tying win:

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I'm getting a little tired of writing "the sky is falling" type posts about the currently underachieving Caps. They aren't playing well right now. They're starting out slow and have been showing a lot of weaknesses in the defensive zone over the past week or so, but that doesn't mean the season is over and they'll be eliminated in the first round. Let's just take a look at some facts and you all can draw your own conclusions after the jump.

Please make sure to join us for our pre-Easter Washington Capitals/Columbus viewing party at Prime Time Sports Bar & Grill in Fairfax, Virginia to root on the Caps with fellow fans and food/drink specials galore! Come join us and Rock the Red for good fun, good food, and even some shirt giveaways - because it is for the kids, after all. We hope to see you there!

Image Courtesy of the DC Sports Bog

Over the last day or so, I've heard at least three radio shows discuss the issue of booing. After the Caps stunk up the joint by giving up four first period goals on Sunday afternoon, they were serenaded with a flock of boo birds, and some people didn't like it. Rather than throw my hat in with the likes of Lavar and Dukes, Holden Kushner and co. on this debate, I thought I would make this fun little flow chart as a guide to booing in the DMV. After the jump check it out and offer your suggestions. I hope you guys enjoy it!

Despite yesterday afternoon's lethargic effort, the Washington Capitals still managed to clinch the top seed in the Eastern Conference by virtue of a Devils' 5-1 loss to the Flyers. Now that we know that the Eastern road to the Stanley Cup goes through the Verizon Center, it's time to look ahead at what teams have the misfortune of playing opportunity to slay the Beasts of the East in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs.

First of all, let's take a look at the standings as of today:

As of today (3/29), it appears that the Flyers, Canadiens, Bruins and Thrashers all have a legitimate chance at snagging the eighth seed in the conference. They're all within four points of one another, and while Philly and Montreal sit in the 6/7 spots, they've played two more games than the Bruins, and one more than the Thrashers. Both Atlanta and Boston play tonight, so these seedings could shuffle quite quickly, but the point is that each of these teams could reasonably find themselves in Verizon Center in mid-April. Let's take a look at each and I'll offer my opinion on who we'd rather see in a few weeks.

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Let's just get down to facts. The Flames wanted and needed this game way more than the Caps. It doesn't make the effort OK, and it's not something we want to see any more of, but it's probably nothing to panic about. Here are some thoughts from this afternoon's poop-your-pants fest at the Verizon Center:

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Once again, the Caps allowed a slow start to handicap a game, and dug themselves out of a hole. Unfortunately for Washington, this game didn't end with any winning hunches or celebrations. The salvaged a point against a hard-luck but hard-working divisional opponent, and failed to clinch the Eastern Conference on the road. It's not the type of performance you'd like to see, but it was a very solid finish after such a sluggish start.

Let's keep this in perspective and chalk the slow start up to a letdown after such a big game last night. This team has now broken the franchise record for points in a season, and is quickly approaching several other franchise marks as well. That's nothing to be ashamed of. Here are some thoughts on tonight's shootout loss:

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Tonight marked the third installment of the ever-popular Caps/Pens series for the 2009-2010 regular season. The rivalry is always hyped as Ovechkin-Crosby-Malkin, but tonight those individual rivalries took a back seat to one simple fact: these are two very well-rounded, deep hockey teams. Malkin sat out due to illness, while Ovechkin and Crosby chimed in with one assist each. The secondary stars shined for both teams with guys like Eric Fehr, Max Talbot, Mike Knuble and Bill Guerin all potting regulation goals.

Image Courtesy of ESPN.com

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Sorry guys, but I kept hearing McBain, and I couldn't resist using that clip. Between him and Kostopoulos, I feel like I'm living in a 1990s TV world when we play the Canes. Either way, tonight was not the type of game the Caps were looking for after such a dominating performance on Monday. They established a lead, managed an aggressive forecheck, but allowed a few breakdowns to cost them in the end.

Let's just be glad there's no 4-on-4 overtime in the playoffs. Yuck.

Here are a few thoughts on tonight's overtime loss to the division rival Hurricanes: