Hockey Thoughts: Caps v. Habs Game #3 Wrap-Up

So, I'm a little late to the blogging party tonight because I had to come in to work again.  I'm actually still at work, but waiting for something to be available for me to do.  When its actual work on cars sometimes I have to wait my turn, for a task to turn up that is within my skill level.  Anyway...I did take a few hours away from the shop to do errands and chores and took in the majority of the game in the process.

Basically the Caps blew that one wide open.  They went with Varly, which wasn't a surprise but his performance was.  The Habs ended up pulling their goalie after the first three Washington goals, but they scored twice on Price as well.  Apparently the high glove-hand observation on Halak turned out to be accurate.  Whoever noticed that, player or coach, should be given a bonus.  That was dead-on.  Its never good when your goalie has a glaring weakness like that.  (Such as Dan Ellis' tendency to commit to quickly.)

Montreal showed their frustration in the form of stupid penalties, as well.  They managed to prevent a shut-out but their game plan, which had been almost flawlessly executed up to this point, started cracking.  It is still too early to say if this was a temporary breakdown due to in-the-moment frustration after an offensive explosion by the Caps in front of Montreal's home crowd or a longer-term breakdown of a team that was not on the same level in any way as the Caps.  The next game will tell the tale there.  After the first period it should be obvious which way the pendulum is swinging, but my guess would be that the Habs just put the first nail in their coffin tonight.

Ovechkin has finally found a way to get more space and generate some play.  The only advantage the Habs still have is the ability to break up Washington's laser-like passes.  Still, once Washington got on a roll stopping their passes was not enough.  Varly is probably emboldened by his win tonight, and nothing would make him (or the team) happier than Montreal having to eat their words about goaltending in Washington.  If they continue to crack Price as they did Halak, they will regret the day they opened their mouths on that subject.  And once again, the Caps have kept my birthday wish alive!  GO CAPS!!!