2

5

Amidst one of the biggest snowstorms in D.C. history this winter, the Caps managed to pull out another firewagon-type game and extend their winning streak to a whopping thirteen games. It was more in the mold of recent games, where nothing seemed sure and the Caps didn't necessarily bring their A game, but a few outstanding efforts lifted them for the evening.

Michael Neuvirth was outstanding, and if it wasn't for Alex Semin ripping off some Luis Mendoza stopping skill (from D2), he would have managed a 44-save effort with only one goal against. Alas, he'll have to settle for first star honors and another big win. Here are a few more thoughts on the baker's dozen:

• The Caps have reached the 40-win plateau in only 58 games. They've got scored 72 more goals than their opponents. If they play this well in the playoffs, there will be no stopping them...if only...
• We'll ignore Semin's own goal for the night, considering he was busting his tail to get back and help his rookie netminder (even if it was his turnover that caused the breakaway in the first place). His goal was nice and he played a really solid game on both ends of the ice.
• Jason Chimera had some giddy-up tonight. His slap shot goal was a thing of beauty, and it gave Matt Bradley a well-deserved assist.
• Can we just stop it with the retaliatory fights for clean hits? Chris Thorburn is still trying to get his panties out of a bunch in the locker room as I type.
• Karl Alzner had zeros across the board in the box score. That's not such a bad thing for him right now.
• Max Afinogenov needs to really control his temper. Someone might confuse him for an unhappy Russian playing for the Thrashers. Didn't they just get rid of one of those guys?
• Solid showing for Brooks Laich, who seemed to be in front of the net whenever he was out there. Three shots and three hits to go with an assist make for a good night. He's been basically a point-per-game player since Gabby settled on consistent lines.
• Alex Ovechkin has just been filthy. He's averaged almost two PPG since being named captain. M-V-P, M-V-P.
• Nick Backstrom gets some major credit for playing with the flu and still dominating. If the McPhee can sign him to a long term deal at $5-6.5 Million, I might faint.

I've already established that Neuvi was the Caps' best player tonight, but I have to give the hero to someone else...

This afternoon, Brian Burke's son Brendan was killed in a car accident in Indiana. Brendan was a manager for the Miami University hockey team, and came out to his father a little more than two years ago. Since that day, Brendan had been a strong voice for the gay community in the hockey world, and had worked hard to teach us all to respect one another, no matter our background, race, or sexual preference. The hockey community lost a great one of their own today, and he will be sorely missed.

Image Courtesy of ESPN

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