The Caps opened their season with a bang tonight. Washington took down last years Eastern Conference points leaders Boston, 4-1. The Great 8 did not disappoint as he found twine twice and had an assist. Brooks Laich had the other two tallies against Tim Thomas. Backstrom, starting his third year had three assists, picking up right where he left off.
A lot of expectations surround the Capitals this year, and their performance tonight only raised them. Tonight's game may be the most complete game I have ever seen the Caps play against a quality opponent, let alone on the road. A key reason why, is that the Caps were able to control the tempo of the game throughout. At no point did it seem like the Bruins were in control of the speed of the game. The Caps out shot Boston 34-20. Although the defense deserves a lot of the credit for the low shot tally, the Caps ability to possess the puck and keep it out of the sticks of Boston's scorers. Washington's D has a lot of room to improve when it comes to keeping the opponents puck out of the net (it should be said that they have a fantastic scoring D) but if the Caps can maintain control of the puck like they did tonight, their D doesn't need to be amazing for the Caps to make a great run at the Cup. Oh yea, it doesn't hurt when your goaltender is stopping 19/20 shots either. Well done Jose….Well done.
A lot of expectations surround the Capitals this year, and their performance tonight only raised them. Tonight's game may be the most complete game I have ever seen the Caps play against a quality opponent, let alone on the road. A key reason why, is that the Caps were able to control the tempo of the game throughout. At no point did it seem like the Bruins were in control of the speed of the game. The Caps out shot Boston 34-20. Although the defense deserves a lot of the credit for the low shot tally, the Caps ability to possess the puck and keep it out of the sticks of Boston's scorers. Washington's D has a lot of room to improve when it comes to keeping the opponents puck out of the net (it should be said that they have a fantastic scoring D) but if the Caps can maintain control of the puck like they did tonight, their D doesn't need to be amazing for the Caps to make a great run at the Cup. Oh yea, it doesn't hurt when your goaltender is stopping 19/20 shots either. Well done Jose….Well done.
So overall a marvelous start to the 2009-2010 season for the Caps. Clearly going forward goaltending and defense will still be questions. That being said though I will sleep well tonight and my hopes will be high for a memorable run...In the words of Paul Aufiero, "Its gunna be a great year."
-JG
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