Hockey Thoughts: Caps vs. Habs Game 1 Wrap-Up

Where to begin? That was a failure of massive proportions on the part of the Washington Capitals. I didn't expect it to be easy for them, but I certainly didn't expect THAT.


First, Washington's lack of defence hurt them like I initially predicted. They did show some improvement in that area, but it then showed up in their offence, which is critically dependent on an offensive defense. (That was quite a sentence. Reminds me of "The Coach" our offense is our defense commercial!) No one can fault Theodore. He did not let in any softies, IMO. Still, Washington still displayed a near complete inability to clear the puck out of their zone.


Second, Washington's offence really wasn't terrible, despite the change in MO by keeping the defense back where they belong. Over fifty shots on goal can't be called a weak effort. However, they showed a complete inability to get rebounds which is atypical of this team. They also seemed to get no opportunities close to the net, which isn't always their style--they score from the blue line plenty--but ugly goals count, too.


Third, Montreal completely shut down Ovechkin. If the Caps have any chance at pulling out of this series, let alone winning the Cup, they have got to find a way to give Ovechkin space on the ice. He's good at maneuvering around multiple players but they were on him like white on rice. They need to figure out a way to draw attention away from Ovechkin, and I'm not exactly sure how because every time he has the puck he's dangerous, and his style is go-go-go, so having him drop back isn't likely to fool anyone, really. Plus it really screws with his playing style which won't produce positive results, either, I think.


Fourth, the penalties were atrocious! STOP IT! I don't have anything else to say about that, even though the penalty kill did well, allowing only one goal on four or five power plays.


The Caps played well. They skated fast and hard and they weren't afraid to take the body (although Ovechkin didn't hit as much as I'd like to see). The problem was Montreal brought their A game, and skated fast and hard and weren't afriad to take the body. Montreal came with a plan and they executed it flawlessly (except the too many men penalty). Washington has to find a way to rattle them up, get under their skin a little. They definately need to watch the video from this game and dissect Montreal's plan. The Caps really don't have but one way of playing, so I'm not sure how many adjustments they can--or should--make. I didn't see much passion or purpose from the Caps tonight, and maybe this game was the slap in the face they needed to get their shit together and start the march to the Cup!? I sure hope so......