The post season is finally here and for die hard hockey fans it’s the best time of the year. Unless you happen to be a Washington Capital fan. In which case this time of the year brings nothing but anxiety and heartburn. It’s the time of the year for running into red hot goalies and overtime heartbreaks. Most hockey arenas hand out towels or pom-poms for the team’s fans. The Verizon Center hands out oxygen masks and gauze pads, knowing full well the bleeding will start soon. This team has the talent with Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom and Green, but possibly lacks the leadership and disciple needed to make deep runs into the playoffs.
The goal tending continues to be a concern. This season our Stanley Cup dreams rest on the shoulders of 23yr old rookie Michal Neuvirth, who during this season split time with everybody but Santa Claus. Not quite the Rock of Gibraltar Capital fans were hoping for but if we wanted “rocks” General Manager George McPhee wasn’t listening.
Enter Jason Arnott. His playoff experience just might make a difference and his “no bullshit” attitude has made an immediate impact with Ovie and Semin. Wednesday night‘s Game 1 was a must win for Washington. The Rangers are the type of team the Caps have struggled with in the past. Very solid in goal with Lundqvist and Marc Staal is not afraid to shadow Alex Ovechkin. New York is big and fast up front and will test the new defensive minded Capitals.
The match-up behind the bench is fun to watch as well, Gabby (Bruce Boudreau to the laymen) and John Tortorella are not going out for steaks anytime soon. Most hockey experts say if New York does not steal a game in Washington the series will be over quickly, some even use that naughty word; sweep. Capital fans know better than that. We know even two wins at home means nothing. The trip up 95 could even the series so quickly the Russia House won’t have enough time to restock the vodka.
Check back this weekend for more insight from Sean The Caps Fan.
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