What could be a better way to start 2009 than sitting in the Verizon Center to root for the Capitals as they faced Vincent Lecavalier and company? In our opinion - no better way at all, unless you were fortunate enough (and brave enough) to sit outside and watch the Winter Classic at Wrigley Field. We listened to a portion of the game as we drove to DC, and it sounded as though it was a total success for the NHL. At some point we'll browse through the DVR and catch up with the game itself, although we would have been much happier if the Blackhawks had been victorious in their home city.
The Verizon Center was loud on Thursday night, with a good crowd in attendance and a rivalry of sorts between the two teams. Olaf Kolzig would not make the trip from Tampa, which meant that the Capitals fans could heckle the Bolts all evening, and goaltender Mike Smith would hear many chants directed to him as the game progressed. Former Cap Steve Eminger would also receive many "whoops" from the fans every time he touched the puck, which was made funnier still by a lone Bolts fan nearby (yes, every city has to have one) who sounded like an emotional wreck. We were in fits of laughter when he cried out, "Stop doing that, you brain-dead monkeys!" I don't recall seeing or hearing from him again once the first period was over - maybe it was the last call for the bus trip back to the asylum!
It was a great evening for defenseman Sean Collins, who took a nice pass from Alexander Ovechkin and beat Mike Smith to record his first NHL goal. Way to go Sean! The Capitals are clearly happy to keep Sean in the lineup while Tom Poti recovers from his groin injury. Defensively the Capitals are looking better, although I still have serious doubts about the ability of Jeff Schultz. He has the potential to be a hard hitting defenseman, but seems cursed with a timid nature - something that has no place in a league like the NHL. Jeff either needs to step up his game, or clear out his locker. Right now Jeff is a detriment to the blue line. Admittedly, he may need more time to develop, but if that is the case, make room for him in Hershey. With Bryan Helmer and Tyler Sloan waiting in the wings, it is almost unfair that they are forced to remain in Hershey when Schultz is healthy. Bruce Boudreau, I trust you implicitly, but what exactly do you see in Schultz that many people do not?
Returning to the game itself, all of the goals scored by the Capitals on Thursday came from different players. This team is no one-man army, and along with Collins, goals came from David Steckel, Mike Green, Matt Bradley, Boyd Gordon, Chris Clark, and Alexander Ovechkin. For a while, the game was closer than the final score indicated, but the Capitals broke down the Bolts down the stretch to take the victory. Bradley would earn the number one star (much deserved) and Chris Clark would receive the hard hat from his teammates. It was nice to see Clark remove that goal-scoring monkey from his back! Way to go Captain!
The Capitals now await the New York Rangers, who roll into DC on Saturday night. With two victories over the Rangers already this season, New York will be certain to make this a fight to the end. As for the Capitals, this is an opportunity to extend not only their current winning streak, but their stronghold over the Southeast division.
PS - we are happy to hear that Jamie Heward was able to fly home the day after the game and that his injuries were not as severe as they appeared they might be when he was taken off the ice. It was a frightening time indeed when he lay there completely motionless, so we are very relieved that he will be okay.
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