If you read the Washington Post or watch Comcast Sports Net (which I will assume you don't unless you are a Caps-faithful), you'll hear the following analysis as to why the Caps kick so much ass this year:
1) They have offensive firepower spearheaded by probably the best and most exciting player in professional hockey; arguably the world. That person is Alexander Ovechkin aka "Alex the Great." (Sidenote: since MJ, Tiger Woods, or Gretzky, I don't think we've seen such an electrifying player in professional sports. Doubt me? Watch the Caps for a few games and witness the way he plays the game -- it's pretty sick) Ovechkin, like all great players, exponentially improves his teammates so now the Caps get above-average goalscoring from Alexander Semin, Victor Kozlov, a renaissance Federov (when he's healthy), and others.
2) They have role players effectively stepping in for injured starters; back-ups to the role players playing past their expectations; and a strong AHL pipeline which now reaps countless dividends. Witness the rise of Laich, Alzner, Jurcina, Fleischman, and Boyd Gordon. With seven of the Caps starters out with injuries these young guns stepped in and filled the void. And when the Caps get healthy again, they will be even better than they've been so far....
3) Despite injuries, the team is not only surviving, but thriving under less than optimal circumstances. This is attributable to their coach who once made a cameo in Slap Shot and deserves a lot of the credit for keeping this team together AND winning. Thanks, Coach B.
4) Goal tending that is exceeding expectations and providing a pleasant surprise. Brent Johnson is emerging as the go-to-starter for the Caps, while the somewhat inconsistent Theodore still comes through with big saves when he's properly motivated. This is the biggest obstacle for the Caps when they get healthy: will their goaltending allow them to win playoff games this year?
I guess this means you should watch the Capitals if you get a chance during the holidays. I know the NHL doesn't have a major TV contract, but you could always get Center Ice or go over to Nick's house for a Whalers' game...wait, no you couldn't. (Final sidenote: the Caps' announcer is a Bowdoin College graduate for all you Polar Bears out there. His name is Joe Bennanati and I think he's class of '84, but I'm not sure; he also does play-by-play on Versus and he's very good)
Merry X-mas, everyone!
2 comments:
Comcast Sports Net is interesting because I think it shows the local shows and sports teams in each area. For example, I watch the Celtics on there and sometimes sit through horrible shows that talk about the Patriots. But, last year I was in California and they had it but it was totally different people and shows.
I think you're right -- I should have said "DC-area Comcast Sports Net"
Post a Comment