CAPS DEFEAT BLUES 4-1

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Final Score: Capitals 4- Blues 1

W: Varlamov L: Halak

Goals: Wash- Laich (Backstrom, Semin), Gordon (Poti, King), Backstrom (Knuble, Carlson), Backstrom (Ovechkin, Erskine)

StL- Steen (Crombeen, Johnson)

DC Hockey Spot Recap:

The Capitals accomplished three things in their win over the St Louis Blues that have not happened often:

1) Scored any goals on Halak - After Halak almost by himself ended the Capitals quest for the cup last year, the Capitals made him look human.

2) Played a complete 60 min games- The Capitals are famous for falling asleep for 5 minutes a game and letting teams back into the game. They came close to falling apart late in the 2nd, but only a deflection was able to make its way past a stellar Varlamov.

3) Won in St Louis- The Caps were 0-7-1 in their previous 8 visits to Scottrade Center in StL.

Highlights, LowLights, and Fun Observations

- MVP: Varly- Made a TON of saves he had no business making. Reminds you of a young Hasek at times. Queue the goalie battle in DC.

- Highlight of the Game: Lots to choose from, but I loved Ovechkin's hit on Sbokota behind the net.

- Lowlight of the Game: Karl Alzner's 'stach.

- Positive Observation: Matt Hendricks and Boyd Gordon are very valuable to this team. And John Carlson might be our most complete defenseman, as a rookie. Always seems to be in the right place and is an equal contributor on both ends of the ice.

- Revalation of the Night: Ovechkin needs a new move. The cut across from the left wing to the middle does not work anymore.

- Disappointment of the Night: DJ King did not fight. What good are you???

- The Counts:

- Chimera "I'm faster than you": None that stuck out. Hendricks had a few though.

- Green Slips: 2-3, although some might have been Semin's

- Semin Stick Penalties: 1

Final Thoughts

The Capitals really seem to have put that awful stretch of three games behind them. They looked good in all aspects of the game tonight. Varlamov was spectacular in net and seems to have much better rebound control this year. And you really are beginning to see why everyone was calling for more grit in the offense as Hendricks, Gordon, and Co were at times the best players in the building. And the impressive thing is they have done it without their superstar lighting the lamp. Tomorrow against Dallas will be a real test as it is the second of a road back to back against a team playing very well right now. But when the Capitals are on their game, they are tough to beat. And that is without the Great 8 being his great self.