My Outtakes on the Capitals Second-Round Loss

"I think this group feels until we win a Stanley Cup, it won't be a successful season," said Capitals coach Barry Trotz after his team's 6-game loss to the Pittsburgh Penguins. 

“The wound obviously is very fresh and we’ve seen this far too often, so pardon me if I sound crushed,” added Joe Beninati, the play-by-play man for CSN Washington. “I am. I am crushed because I believed there were a couple of instances in the third period where the Capitals defied death — they did — and once you get into overtime, it’s anybody’s game. It’s a roll of the dice, but the longer the overtime goes between these teams, especially on a night when you lose Karl Alzner, the longer it goes it favors the team that’s faster. And the team that was faster from the outset in this game was Pittsburgh. They were taking away the boards magically in the first period. The Capitals couldn’t get out of their own zone. It seemed like time after time after time, somebody in black and gold was in their way. But, the way Washington rallied is a sign that this is a different team. Please do not say the word ‘collapse’ to me. Do not say the word ‘choke’ to me. This is not one of those. This is a very good Pittsburgh team that’s moving on to a conference final.”

"It's a failure," Justin Williams said, upset, "The only thing I've processed is that it sucks."

Nicklas Backstrom was adamant. "It's getting old... [on the fans] I love them. They are the best fans. ...I promise we're going to do it."

Matt Niskanen teared up during his interview. "This is the most hurt I've been in my career. … This sucks. I can't believe we're talking about this right now."

But the question remained. Did the Capitals really deserve to lose? They dominated in Games 3 and 4, and they only lost the entire series by one goal. Not only that, but their overtime losses were those that could have been avoided.

And in Game 6, the resilience shown by these Capitals, coming back from 3-0 to 3-3 in the third period is a positive sign.

There were many factors as to why the Capitals lost, and some of those were beyond their control.

But, first of all, just a few points for Penguins fans who are all happy:

Look how the Penguins are right at the top. The referees clearly let a lot of Penguin penalties go. I will discuss these penalties here:

1. Kris Letang's one-game suspension. Brooks Orpik had the same exact same hit as Letang did, and he got three games. When Letang did it, after the protesting of Capitals fans and some more, the NHL agreed to give him a one-game suspension. ORPIK RECEIVED THREE GAMES FOR THE SAME EXACT HIT. They weren't even trying to hide their bias towards the Penguins. 

2. Evgeni Malkin's no-game suspension. Malkin headshotted Daniel Winnik. Seriously.

3. Kris letang's headshot on TJ Oshie.

4. The Capitals disallowed goal and Evgeny Kuznetsov's penalty. Why? I get the disallowed goal part, but why the penalty? It wasn't intentional.

5. Crosby holding Backstrom's stick. He got no penalty.

AND MANY, MANY MORE!!! Also, just for the record, THE REFS LET THE PENGUINS GET AWAY WITH 99% OF THEIR PENALTIES.

So, in conclusion, Penguins fans who are happy, admit your team was handed the series win by the Penguins loving refs.

SHOUTOUTS TO AWESOME CAPITALS PLAYERS WHO DESERVE IT

John Carlson!!!!!

Carlson is the first defenseman in franchise history to record twelve points in the first twelve games of the postseason. Well done!!!!

This guy, along with TJ Oshie, were the best in the series. If anyone deserved to go in a Conference Final, it was those too. Shoutout to Jay Beagle and TJ Oshie. 

TJ Oshie!!!!!

He scored all the Caps game-winning goals in the Penguins series. Also, his hat trick in the first game was epic. YAY TJ!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jay Beagle!!!!

THAT SAVE THOUGH. Also, he's a unicorn in disguise. (Reference to Game 1). 

PENBC

IT IS QUITE CLEAR THAT MIKE MILBURY, DOC EMRICK, AND PIERRE MCGUIRE LOVE THE PENS. IT IS ALSO QUITE CLEAR THAT THEY ARE PENS FANS. Whenever the Penguins did a cheap shot they praised the player and justified it, but when Orpik did it he was a "predator." Also, when Orpik was on the Penguins, he was apparently the best player ever but now he is bad. In the eyes of PENBC at least. Well, honestly, I'd rather listen to the Penguins radio. At least they are more objective. Also, PENBC kept saying how the Penguins deserve to win and how the Capitals are really bad. YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO BE OBJECTIVE, PEOPLE.

Also, Injuries!
There was a number of injuries unknown to people that the Capitals players played through.

1. Alex Ovechkin - lower back injury

2. Karl Alzner - groin injury. He felt it "pop" during game 6. Also, a broken thumb, strained oblique, and pulled hip flexor.

3. Brooks Orpik - cracked femur, concussion, and neck injury

4. John Carlson - broken foot and ankle

5. Marcus Johansson - undisclosed, but he will miss Worlds because of it

The Question of the Day: Why did they lose so badly???

1. Brooks Orpik's poor decisions.

2. Bad defense.

3. Matt Murray.

4. Over-Reliance on the powerplay. 

THE REFEREES LOVE THE PENS!!!!!!!!!!

What do you think happened? Did the Caps deserve to win the series? I say take it to 7 games at least. But, for now, go Lightning!!

P.S. I feel like I didn't get all the missed calls by the refs. please add the ones you saw in the comment boxes. See chart above for proof the league loves the Pens the best. "Golden team"

Washington Capitals Offseason Recap

12 days until the Capitals' preseason starts, 31 days until their opener against the New Jersey Devils. Can't wait, eh? Well, there is much to be optimistic about this season. From the acquisition of T.J. Oshie to the signing of Justin Williams, be prepared for an exciting year. I expect the Capitals to at least reach the Final this year, if not hoist the Cup.

The Caps made several huge offseason moves:
Their earliest was signing advanced stats deity Justin Williams, who last played for the LA Kings. Williams, known as Mr. Game 7, is a huge playoff performer, and scored one of the goals in Game 5 of the Cup Final 2014, where the Kings won the Cup.
However, they lost Joel Ward, who signed with the San Jose Sharks and was also a clutch playoff performer.
The Capitals also aquired T.J. Oshie from the St. Louis Blues in exchange for Winter Classic game-winning-goal scorer Troy Brouwer, as well as AHL-caliber goalie Pheonix Copley and a 2016 draft pick. T.J. Oshie is best known for his performance in the 2014 Sochi Olympics, where he singlehandedly helped Team USA beat the Russians in a seven-round shootout.
The Capitals also re-signed playoff performer Evgeny Kuznetsov. Expect a lot from him his sophomore year; his playoff numbers were no joke. Kuznetsov should combine with fellow sophomore Andre Burakovsky for at least 60 goals.
Bottom-sixer Jay Beagle was also re-signed; he should help the Capitals acheive their goal.
Marcus Johansson, who should assume the role of third-line centre, was also re-signed; he hit career highs in goals, assists, and points last season. He might be able to do it again.
Last, but not least, Braden  Holtby, one of the elite NHL goalies, was resigned. If Holtby puts up the numbers he did in 2014-15, expect him to be a Vezina finalist, if not the winner.

The Capitals should go deep into the playoffs this year. I nominate them to represent the east in the Final. Are you optimistic heading into this season? You should be. Let me know in the comment box.

Evgeny Kuznetsov Tallies Two Goals In Washington's 5-1 Win Over the Islanders in Game 5

Evgeny Kuznetsov had a wonderful game - tallying two goals and three points, and Jason Chimera, Jay Beagle, Marcus Johnasson, and Karl Alzner each registered two points.

In the background however, it was Joel Ward doing most of the work - setting up goals unnoticed, and helping Kuzetsov get his first playoff goal and his first playoff multi-goal game. What a huge night for Kuzya and the Capitals.

After Kuznetsov's first goal, he said in Russian that "his heart jumped from happiness", but he was able to control his emotions for the rest of the game, and he was able to tally his second goal. When asked about which was his favorite goal of the game, he said Alzner's was, because it "was the game-winner and a very important goal". World, meet Evgeny Kuznetsov.

Game 6 in Nassau Coliseum is an important one - the Capitals can make it or break it.

Kuzya was mic'd up for his first goal - check it out:

http://cdnapi.kaltura.com/index.php/extwidget/openGraph/wid/1_xo5tpf8r

Here are both of Kuznetsov's goals:

Here's a chunk of the winning locker room:

http://www.monumentalnetwork.com/videos/capsisles-game-five-winning-locker-room-4-23-15

So, great game to Joel Ward, who played the best today (quietly, in the background), Jay Beagle, Jason Chimera, Karl Alzner, and Marcus Johnasson, who each registered two points in the game, Evgeny Kuznetsov, who tallied two goals and three points and became the third rookie in Capitals history to tally three points in a playoff game,

And congratulations to that Russian on being able to be unselfish and with his limited ability to speak English on being able to deflect every single question praising him to the team as a whole. 

And best of all, Tom Wilson was his usual hard-hitting self. GO BABY WILLY! BEAT THEM UP!

Oh, and Tom WIlson's best friend/roommate Michael Latta was so happy during Alzner's game-winning goal, he gave him a big kiss on the helmet. 

Let's go, Caps!

Why is Barry Trotz Messing With the Capitals Lines?

I have a message for Barry Trotz: Since when does Jay Beagle belong on the top line - and Troy Brouwer on the bottom? Because of Barry Trotz's messing with the Caps lines, the Caps ended up losing to the Carolina Hurricanes 3-0 because he put four forwards and one defenseman on the ice (Uh, what?), and Troy Brouwer and Jay Beagle switched roles.

My ideal lines are this:

Ovechkin - Backstrom - Glencross

Johansson - Kuznetsov - Brouwer

Chimera - Fehr - Ward

Latta - Beagle - Wilson

Honestly, I do not mind Burakovsky in Hershey as long as Glencross is here, but I do think the Capitals should trade Laich, because his possession numbers are hurting more than helping.

Also, don't forget to tune in to the #CapsNYR game tonight at 8 p.m. Lets go Caps!

Capitals-Oilers Recap: WHAT HAPPENED THERE?!?!

I have one question: WHAT THE HECK?!?!?!
How did the Edmonton Oilers beat the Washington Capitals?

Alex Ovechkin opened the scoring for the Capitals in the first period, scoring his 26th and 27th goals of the season, and his second goal was from the Ovi Spot. Oiler Derek Roy scored soon after to make it 2-1 Capitals by beating Matt Niskanen to the net and firing his shot past Holtby. Jay Beagle returned that with a goal right before the intermission, ending the first period 3-1 Capitals. 

No scoring in the second, except Nikita Nikitin made it 3-2 late in the period.

In the third period, Nicklas Backstrom took a wonderful pass from John Carlson to make the Oilers' one-goal deficit a two-goal deficit, but Edmonton would not give up. Teddy Purcell made it 4-3 in the final five minutes, then Ryan Nugent-Hopkins tied it in the final 100 second.

A long, uneventful overtime period occurred, with no scoring, then came the shootout:

• Kuznetsov scored.
• Yakupov did NOT score.
• Backstrom did NOT score.
• Eberle did NOT score.
• Ovechkin did NOT score.
• Roy scored.
• Fehr did NOT score.
• Purcell scored.

Ugh! So Capitals lost 5-4 to Edmonton in shootout. No comment.

Capitals Beat Devils 4-0, Ovechkin Scores One of the Best Goals of his Career

The Capitals beat the Devils 4-0, earning Holtby his 13th career shutout.
And Ovechkin had one of the most incredible goals I've ever seen... we should call it his The Goal II!

Even this GIF does not capture the amazing goal in a respectable way...

Anyway, the first goal of  the game was scored by Mike Green, and assisted by Jack Hillen and Nicklas Backstrom, the second was by Backstrom, assisted by Jay Beagle and John Carlson. and the third was scored by the Russian machine (Alexander the GR8), and the fourth by Backstrom and assisted by Beagle and Carlson.

Let's go, Caps!