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FINAL SCORE: CAPITALS 4- PANTHERS 0
GOALS: WAS (PERREAULT, OVECHKIN, CHIMERA, OVECHKIN)/ FLA (NONE)
GOALIES: VOKOUN-W/ CLEMMENSON-L

In a game Coach Hunter called a playoff game, the Capitals produced a game that shows that the new system and personnel is capable of performing when it counts. Led by a stellar game from Vokoun and an energized Ovechkin, the Caps retook the top seed in the Southeast at least for the day with a convincing 4-0 shutout of the Florida Panthers. It was a game reminiscent of the rock star Caps of 2008 and served some notice that the Panthers have some work to do before they unseed DC. Will the play continue or will the inconsistent Caps return? Only time will tell, but it's nice to know the Capitals that to many offer the only hope for DC sports still can be found at 7th and F.

Recap

1st: It was clear the Caps showed up for this one, as the crowd was on their feet quickly. The Caps controlled the opening draw and a Chimera feed from behind found its way to a sudden red hot Matheiu Perreault alone in front just 13 seconds into the clash of Southeast Titans. The power play even clicked in this one, with an Alex Ovechkin strike making the score 2-0 at around the 10 minute mark. The Panthers started to make noise late in the period, but Vokoun shut down his old mates repeatedly and kept the score 2-0 at the end of the 1st.

2nd: The Capitals again stuck early in the 2nd, this time thanks to a pretty passing display that ended with a Chimera chip in. The Panthers continued to push, but Ovechkin ended all doubt of the outcome with an incredible individual effort after a physical Troy Brouwer caused a turnover. Ovechkin almost completed the trick on a 2 on 1 with MoJo, but Clemmenson made an impressive pad save to deny the Great 8.

3rd: Not much to say about the 3rd as Vokoun continued his stellar play and Ovechkin hunted for the hat trick. The defense held strong all period and the Caps skated off the ice to the roar of the red clad Verizon faithful as the video board updated the Southeast standings.
 
HERO OF THE NIGHT: Vokoun, Ward, and Laich
Vokoun Is a given. The Capitals won this game not because of the offense (which was timely and opprotunisitc for once) but because of the stellar 42 save performance by Vokoun. He got lucky a few times, but was spectacular at other times. Hop on the Vokswagon.

The telecast gave Player of the Game to Chimera, and rightly so, but DC Hockey Spot is going with the maligned Joel Ward. Ward signed a big deal this offseason and has not been as advertised thus far. But, he was signed for the playoffs and if his performance in the February playoffs was any indication, the deal MIT not be that insane.

Laich gets a shout out for playing on one leg. Heart and soul guy.

GOAT OF THE NIGHT: Shots on goal

The Caps only fired 24 shots on Clemmenson. That is not enough,particularly when the opposition fires 42. Without even a good Vokoun, the Caps lose that game.

Final Thoughts

This game can either be the beginning of a run or another blip on the radar of a disappointing season. There were many positive signs, such as an energized and high flying Ovechkin and a stellar Vokoun who normally streaks. Caps also got superb performances from the likes of Brouwer, Ward, and Chimera, who are the guys you need playing well to be a complete team. The Caps outhit the Panthers and won many puck battles. But, this game does nothing to prove the Caps have solved their 3 major problems: shots on goal, consistency, and the road. It was a big win, but it only means something if the Caps follow up with a similar effort against the Jets tomorrow and maybe more importantly the Rangers at MSG on NBC on Sunday. They do not need to win both (although it would help), but they need to prove they can string games together both at home and on the road. Only time will tell whether their February playoff win is a statement or a lie.