The Washington Capitals played an excellent road game and defeated the Carolina Hurricanes in a shoot-out Tuesday night, 3-2. The desperate Caps usually had a step on the Canes and out-shot them in each and every period. But the Hurricanes did match them hit for hit and played with a lot of intensity themselves.
Thanks to the outstanding efforts of Cam Ward and a little luck, (2 unusual goals), they were able to steal one point and almost skated away with two, on a night which they obviously didn't play their best hockey.
Some quick thoughts and 2-bit observations....
Kudos to Cam Ward who had another excellent game. "Wardo" tied a career high while making 42 saves.
Sometimes it's better to be lucky than be good? Jeff Hamilton's weird, pinball powerplay goal in the opening period wasn't a thing of beauty, but it counts.
Carolina had 41 hits with Tuomo Ruutu leading the way with 8. That's playoff hockey baby.
No love for Timmay? Tim Gleason deserves a star in that game. I thought he played extremely well. Give him the "Canes Country Blog" 4rth star of the game.
The Keith Aucoin, Ryan Bayda, and Scott Walker line continues to impress. It will be a sad day when those three are broken up, but when the healthy regulars return, something's gotta give.
Eric Staal played 25 minutes plus again. It seemed like he was out there every other shift in OT.
Alexander Ovechkin is a beast. The official scorer only gave him 4 hits for the game, which must be some kind of a joke because it seemed like he had 4 hits per shift. His 11 shots on goal seems a bit high because believe it or not, the Carolina defense didn't seem to do that bad of a job on him.
Down but not out...
Sorry that I am later than normal with this post. I came down with a case of the "blogger's flu" after the game last night, and temporarily joined the ranks of the Carolina fallen. Put me on "day-to-day" status and hopefully I'll be back with more self-indulgent, outsider's insight tomorrow.
Thank you Janeybell for holding down the fort today and providing your info about the return of the "Chuck Norris of Hockey!"