Caps Running Journal

In the first game after the All-Star Break, the Caps take on last year's playoff nemesis, the Montreal Canadiens. This is an important game for the Caps, because they're at home and they need a win to keep pace with the Tampa Bay Lightning in the Southeast Division. To the game!

Note: I'll post the time at the beginning of each entry. Time is CST.

6:33- I'm watching this game online, so I've got a Canadian crew broadcasting, and their announcer just said that the Caps aren't really ready to compete in the NHL because they're too young. What? They won the President's Cup last year! Freakin' Canadians.

6:43- And we're underway! Not a good start as the Caps have a bad early turnover, but a nice save by goalie Semyon Varlamov keeps it even.

6:45- GOAL! Young Caps Center Mathieu Perreault tallies the important first score. I love Perreault as a player, he always seems to make things happen out there.

6:52- Caps continue their power play struggles.

6:53- GOAL!! In my face! Mike Knuble puts it away with a great pass from Mike Green. It's

2-0 Caps and Perreault was involved again with a nifty give and go. First power play goal in 6 games for the Caps.

6:55- One thing I love about hockey: the PA guy announces the goal scorer afterwards, firing the crowd up again.

6:58- Habs (Canadiens) hit the post, they're getting good looks on their power play.

7:06- My friend Mark texts me, "first good first period they had all year."

7:08- With 4:22 left in the first, the Caps need to finish strong here.

7:10- Habs get another power play. Crap. So much for finishing strong.

7:14- Caps kill the power play after a good clear by LW Brooks Laich.

7:16- Ovechkin draws a stupid slashing penalty as the first period ends. The Habs player flopped like he was shot. Good first period overall for the Caps, but 2 bad penalties to close.

7:38- 2nd period underway, and 3 good saves already in the first 4 minutes for the Russian Varlamov.

7:46- Tampa Bay leads Philly 3-0. Bad news for the Caps.

7:47- More bad news for the Caps as #21 Brian Gionta scores to cut the lead to 2-1.

7:49- Even MORE bad news as the Habs go on the power play.

7:55- Great 8 (Ovechkin) more aggressive this shift, leading two separate rushes.

7:58- Terrific save by Habs Goalie Carey Price on a shot by Boyd Gordon.

8:01- Caps with a great but fruitless chance after a fancy move by Ovi in front.

8:03- Damnit! Habs tie the game on 2nd Gionta goal after a careless drop pass by Caps Defenseman John Carlson.

8:05- The tables have turned completely here in the 2nd period. Habs playing with energy and momentum.

8:07- End of 2nd period. Game tied 2-2. BIG 3rd period ahead for the Caps.