The Washington Captials are off to a 2-0 pre-season start, thanks to NHL reigning MVP Alexander Ovechkin. The MVP rallied the Capitals with 2 goals and an assist, an impressive 3 point night in his first pre-season start.
Carolina opened the scoring in the first period, charging to a 2-0 lead in the first period. Just like the previous pre-season opener against Carolina, the Caps were out shot by Carolina 15-9 in the first period. Rookie goalie Michale Neuvirth allowed the 2 Canes’ goals, but on the night, stopped 24 of 26 shots.
The Caps narrowed the Canes’ lead to 2-1 six minutes into the second period on a power play goal by Michael Nylander. The goals was assisted by Ovechkin and Chris Bourque. It was one of two points coming from Bourque last night as he tries to make an impression with HC Bruce Boudreau, who is familiar with him from Hershey. Bourque is the one Hershey prospect that could find himself in the midst of a serious run for the roster. His skating and style have improved, as was evidenced last evening.
Almost 9 minutes later, Ovechkin would net his first goal on a penalty shot to even the scores at 2-2. That’s exactly how it ended at the end of the second period. Caps out shot Carolina in the final period 11-3. Poor Machesney was probably pretty bored back in the net.
A little over 2 minutes, Michael Nylander scored his second goal of the game, assisted by Chris Clark. Less than 4 minutes later, Bourque would notch his second point of the night on his first goal of the pre-season to lift the Capitals to a 4-2 lead. Clark added his second assist of the night, joined by D John Erskine. The final goal came at a little over 12 minute mark, a power play goal by Ovechkin, assisted by D Mike Green and Boyd Gordon.
The Caps are now 2-0 in the pre-season. Up next — a 4PM show down in Boston on Saturday.
It was a two point night for the Capitals. Here are your multi-point scorers…
Alex Ovechkin: 2 goals, 1 assist
Michael Nylander: 2 gaols, 2+ rating
Chris Bourque: 1 goal, 1 assist
Chris Clark: 2assists
Game MVP: Tied: Alexander Ovechkin and Chris Bourque
In the news …
Washington Post has a good article up on the development and progress of Brooks Laich. Laich was rewarded with a 3 year contract extension worth $6.3 million after putting up a 37 point season (21 goals). Laich became instrumental to the success of the Capitals playoff push when Michael Nylander went down to a season ending shoulder injury. Asked to step up by Boudreau, Laich responded in a big way, becoming the other offensive power other than Ovechkin and Mike Green. Now with Nylander back and healthy, Laich still looks to increase his ice minutes while maintaining some presence in front of the net, especially on power play special teams. We’ll see how it plays out.
One of the problems an NHL franchise has, particularly one that went through the rebuilding process, building from youth first, veterans as supplements, is that as the youth develops into legit NHL talent, some fringe guys that work hard and play hard suddenly find themselves with little options on the roster. So be it for Quintin Laing.
Despite his efforts last season, Laing is back in the same position he was in a season ago. It likely would take others’ misfortunes for Laing to find a spot among the team’s 12 to 14 forwards that open the season with the Caps.
If there isn’t room, Laing will have to pass through waivers to play for Hershey. It is possible another NHL team will take notice of his work from last season and poach him for their roster.
Laing became a popular Cap with fans and blogs because of his old style of play and his ability and willingness to sacrifice3 his body with diving body stops in front of the net, saving several shots on goal from ever reaching Kolzig or Huet last season. But, towards the end of the season, Laing found himself still on the Washington roster, but inactive. More difficult for Laing too is not just the lack of possible spots for him, but a healthy Boyd Gordon and Dave Steckel provide the same kind of mischief in front of the goal tender.
Again, expect more cuts today as Hershey begins training camp.
More Caps info on our Caps page
more
Comment!