Final Score: 2-1
W: Raycroft
L: Neuvirth
Goals: Wash- Knuble (Green, Fehr)
Dal- Riberio (Richards, Neal), Segal (Morrow, Woywikta)
DC Hockey Spot Recap
The Capitals came in to Dallas fresh off a complete game in St Louis, yet fell to the Stars in game two of the road back to back. The Capitals never seemed to really get going and had quite a few mistakes that cost them quite a few scoring chances. From Fehr missing a more or less open net to Oveckin falling down on the back door look, nothing really went the Capitals way in Big D. Dallas was able to survive with only two goals due in large part to the play of Andrew Raycroft. Yet the Capitals still have a chance to tie the game late, only to have a goal by the Real American Hero John Carlson disallowed on what looked to be a good goal. Not the Caps night in Dallas.
Highlights, Lowlights, and Fun Observations
MVP: Raycroft. Made the saves he needed to to keep the Stars lead safe.
Highlight of the Night: The Knuble goal was nice, particularly given his struggles, but I liked Ovechkin coming to the aid of Marcus Johansson at the end of the 1st. He took a penalty for it, but leaders are suppose to stand up for their team.
Lowlight of the Night: Ovechkin falling down on the back door look late in the 1st and fanning on a shot off the faceoff in the 3rd. Never seen him with such a stretch of bad luck.
Pleasant Surprise: Alan May in the booth. He is a lot smarter than I first gave him credit for. His rough sense of humor also balances Lockers corny humor.
Revelation of the Night: Johansson can skate. Given him some time and he will be protecting the puck and creating plays just like fellow Swede Nick Backstrom. Also, I am beginning to think Green cannot skate.
Disappointment of the Night: That the refs seemed too involved. Seemed to make the wrong call on the tying goal and missed a few obvious calls, most notably the slash of Schultz. But refs are not an excuse.
The Counts
- Chimera "I'm Faster than You": 2 I think
- Green Slips: 1 obvious one on the PP
- Semin Stick Penalties: None!!!!!!!!!!
Final Thoughts
Ovechkin might never score a goal again. That is obviously hyperbole, but defenses have him figured out. He is not always going to have as much bad luck as he does now, but he needs some new moves. I like the idea of moving him back to the right side. Or maybe structure the offensive breakout so he is not carrying the puck but skating to space on the break. That way he can be set up rather being tempted into the "cut to the middle move" or the toe drag. Just a thought. I was also looking forward to seeing Hannan play, but did not notice him much. This was confusing at first, until I remembered that a stay at home defenseman is not suppose to be noticed. He does seem to have more offensive instincts than advertised. He also got burned up the middle once and was in the box for the PP goal. I am sure he played well for the most part, particularly since I did not notice him most of the game.
Can't win em all.
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