Good early season victory as the Caps were able to exact a small amount of revenge on divisional rival Tampa Bay who ousted the Caps in last season's playoffs.
I've watched much of the first two games and I have liked the play. Seems like we are much more aggressive and have gotten bigger and more physical. Last night was a good example as we got two goals by crowding the net. Ward and Knuble both set up right in front of Roloson and Schultz and Chimera were able to send pucks passed him for scores.
I also think we look steady on the defensive side of the ice. Hamrlik seems like a nice addition and provides steady and solid defensive play. It's good to get a healthy Wideman back as well as he has a nice shot from the point as evidenced by his goal last night.
The only real concern was Vokoun. He was disappointed by not getting the opening day start but he was pretty bad yesterday. He let in two VERY soft goals that hurt. It's only one game so I don't put too much stock in that but he will certainly have to step up and play the way he is capable of playing. However, the Caps find themselves undefeated right now with two exciting overtime victories.
Next up - Pittsburgh.
4 comments:
Vokoun gave up the two soft goals shot from awkward angles. He'll need to do better in those situations, but he was money during OT in the shootout. I'm not sure that our young guys would have made some of those stops.
I love the fact that we've come out of the gates looking hungry and appearing as though these early season games are just as important as the next. It's a sign that our guys are not content with making the playoffs anymore and that the objective this season is much more significant.
I like the additions of Ward and Brouwer. These guys are very different than our stars. They provide much needed grittiness and toughness.
It's nice to get Halpern back and I'm sure he is happy to be a back playing for his hometown team. To have him on the fourth line is a luxury.
I really like Hamrlik. I think he is better than Hannan so a nice addition.
What we've seen so far is that we don't need Ovie to be on to win. This was an issue before. It seemed like everyone was waiting for Ovie to save the day. It doesn't seem to be the case right now. It really seems like a more complete team.
It's a nice start but honestly the season will be a complete failure if we don't win the Cup.
Hannan was a gritty dude, but Hamerlik's reputation as a shot-blocker is legit. He's willing to do the dirty stuff that our team has been known to be lacking.
Ward seemed to add a spark yesterday, but I didn't notice him out there much. I didn't see enough of Brouwer while I was watching to see what he contributes, but I'll take your word for it.
It's really early, but I like the new additions. It will be interesting to see how the lines develop their chemistry during the season and hopefully it will translate into a championship.
Neither Ward nor Brouwer will post up big numbers. Their contribution will be what we have been lacking and that is veteran leadership, quality locker room guys that are vocal and positive, and guys willing to do the dirty work in front of the net.
We have the pretty goal scorers and the speed and skills and talent. We need to get more physical and not in a Donald Brashear kind of way. I'm not talking about fighting. It's doing the tough work in front of the net.
Will be interesting to see how this team comes together.
Post a Comment