The Decision Point

At the second intermission last night, the Caps were at the decision point... they were down 4-2, and they could pull themselves back or roll over. With the help of 18,277 of us screaming at the top of our lungs, they showed the heart of champions and came back to win the first game of the playoffs.

The atmosphere was as you might expect - live, loud, and passionate. After the game, dozens of us honked our way down 9th Street and Constitution in DC, with bemused tourists looking on and probably wondering what had caused this sudden insanity on the part of so many people.

Mike Wise's Washington Post column describes the insanity well. What I hope is that the hordes who have swarmed to the Verizon Center over the past few weeks will stick around regardless of the playoffs' outcome; in other words, I hope this is a long-term relationship and not just a momentary crush. It's past time for Washington to be a true hockey town and not simply a collection of other teams' fans.

Capitals Coverage

The Washington Post has a couple of great articles:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/

article/2008/04/10/AR2008041003923.html


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/

article/2008/04/08/AR2008040803547.html


From the Washington Times:


http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/

20080411/SPORTS04/447294200/1001


http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/

20080410/SPORTS04/84840049/1005/SPORTS

Time for Ovie and the guys to shine

So Friday is finally upon us, and the Washington Capitals are ready to take control of their destiny and their run to Lord Stanley's grand prize.  After playing some of the finest hockey in the entire NHL over the last few weeks, the Caps can prove tonight that they are contenders, not pretenders.  It is time to showcase that talent against a Flyers team that relies on intimidation and hard hitting to win games; a style that the Caps will not shy away from, but will come out prepared, pumped, and with a determination to claim the first two points of the series.

 

Having seen a live mediocre performance from the Flyers earlier this season, I am confident that the Caps will have their number tonight. We certainly have the momentum right now, and a team spirit that has grown out of mutual respect in the locker room and the phenomenal support of the 18000 plus 'red rockers' at the Verizon Center.  We shall be proudly rockin' the red tonight among those 18000 fellow fans, and we shall be cheering on the Caps for a full 60 minutes of post-season hockey. 

 

On a final note: to Sam the Horn Man - play it loud, and play it proud "Let's go Caps!!!".

One Down, Three to Go

I watched the Habs for the first time in several weeks (between Caps and Bears games, it's been hard to get home to watch TV lately!) and they looked thoroughly solid and in control last night against the Bruins... I was pleased to see them playing so physically and checking Boston regularly and willingly; I think that's going to be crucial as they proceed through the playoffs. Now that Carey Price has worked through some playoff jitters, I think he'll be solid between the pipes. The Kostitsyns certainly didn't look nervous either! Hopefully the Habs can put together another game like this on Saturday night - they certainly didn't seem to have that playing-at-home hex on their back that they've had so often over the season.

(Oh, and Guy - love the tie!)

Lepisto Called Back Up to Capitals

The Capitals' website is reporting that Sami Lepisto has been called back up to the Capitals in advance of the first playoff game on Friday... while I'm thrilled for Sami, this is bad news indeed for the Bears, who only need 2 more points to clinch a playoff spot but must gain them in 2 games against the Phantoms and a finale against Binghamton. At least with Josef Boumedienne healthy, we still have that experienced spark anchoring the blueline, but this just makes a tough job even tougher. Still, I hope Sami goes out there Friday night and rocks the red - he had some really great shifts in his previous stint with the Caps and I'd be happy for him if he could have a breakout game.

And About My Neglected Habs...

From reading this blog, you wouldn't know that the Habs have first place in my hockey heart, but the Capitals have just been so exciting, you know? At any rate, the Canadiens begin their playoff series with Boston tonight, and while I haven't seen anyone who expects Boston to win, I worry that they'll make it a tougher, more physical series than we're anticipating. I can see them coming out with that season sweep by the Habs functioning as a big chip on their shoulders and a major motivation to prove everyone wrong. The Habs also desperately need to keep a lid on Chara, which is one reason I hope Komisarek returns to the lineup quickly.

A lot has been said already about Price and his lack of NHL playoff experience. However, having seen him in a Calder Cup final game last year against Hershey, I think he'll be just fine, especially with the confidence he's had since becoming the #1 between the pipes.

Quarterfinal Predictions - Just 'Cuz...

Det/Nash:
Lesley - Det in 7
Martin - Det in 6

SJ/Calg:
Lesley - SJ in 6
Martin - SJ in 7

Min/Col:
Lesley - Col in 6
Martin - Min in 6

Ana/Dal:
Lesley - Ana in 6
Martin - Ana in 5

Mon/Bos:
Lesley - Mon in 5
Martin - Mon in 5

Pit/Ott:
Lesley - Pit in 5
Martin - Pit in 5

Was/Phil:
Lesley - Was in 6
Martin - Was in 6

NJ/NYR:
Lesley - NJ in 7
Martin - NYR in 7