Deflection City: Caps lose 4-3 (OT)

Written by The Miz

Monday, 23 November 2009 21:14

The Caps could not keep it simple this evening, and they weren't able to hold onto a two-goal lead. These are things that no one is surprised about these days. Third period penalties and a lack of a true lock-down defender really hurt them against the Senators, and they walked away with a third consecutive loss against a team they should have soundly beaten. Considering the injuries, I'm not hitting the panic button, but the undisciplined play is carrying my finger in that direction.

Based on Brendan Morrison's current contract ($1.5M for one year), Brendan Morrison makes $18,292 per game. With 18 points in 24 games, he's making $24,390 per point. I don't know that you'll come across many second line centers that play so well at such a bargain.
It's just a matter of time before John Carlson nets his first NHL goal. The dude has an absolute laser.
For as much as we get on Alex Semin for offensive zone penalties, Alex Ovechkin looked pretty bad on his roughing penalty in the third period. Untimely and unneccessary Ovi.
John Erskine may look slow lately, but that was a good thing tonight. He took his time to calm down rather than risking a fight with a two goal lead in the second period. His cross check to Fisher's head in the third? Not so much.
Chris Clark, nice goal, but like the last two points, welcome to the penalty parade. Another offensive zone infraction. Vomit.
Can we please find someone to clear out the front of the net? Ottawa scored on three tip-ins right out front, and their third goal on the power play was a result of a screen. Varly needs some help out there boys.
Varly was the Caps best penalty killer again tonight. Things could have been out-of-hand without him.
Mathieu Perreault reminds me a lot of Cody Grimm for my Virginia Tech Hokies. A little guy with skills and a huge heart. That will help him be a successful pro down the road.
Congrats to Jay Beagle for his first NHL goal. However, not so good for his line, managing to go -3 overall on the night. That's not what you want out of your fourth line.

The Caps stuck to their standard model of playing an incomplete game and settling on their achievements after gaining a two-goal lead. They must get over their injuries and the stupid play, or this road swing could really sting their place in the standings come playoff time.

Kudos Go To:

Mathieu Perreault. Quebec Jesus had four blocked shots and a takeaway. That's getting things done in your own end.

Comments (2) Add Comment

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written by tdbowles, November 24, 2009

agree with your assesment on everything. i love the way Perreault plays. i think Ov's penalty was a little bit of a shaky call as the ottawa player ducked as he was hit.
big game against the sabres tomorrow night.

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written by p.haggerty, November 24, 2009

It just seems to me that at the start of the 3rd period the team just stopped playing. They gave up and let the Senators gain back important points at a vital time in the game.