What is happening with the Washington Capitals of late? Is this a breakthrough, or just one big tease for an epic fall out of the playoffs for the first time in five years? Whatever the case, I must admit, I am some kind of pleased with what I have seen with this team for the last four games now, and not solely because they have resulted in an unheard of four game win streak. No, it's the little things that are going the Caps way all of a sudden, the intangibles, that make playoff teams and playoff runs, such as the following:
Tonight the Caps feel behind by three goals on the road, while in the midst of a three game win streak. They could have easily shipped it in, thinking "three of the last four is still pretty good," but they didn't. Alex Ovechkin put the Caps within two goals during the final minute of the second period, crashing the net and getting a dirty rebound goal, or a "playoff" type of goal. Young blue-liner Dmitri Orlov picked up his third goal of his rookie campaign, charging the net when an open passing lane presented itself early in the third, much as Mike Green has made a name for himself doing. Ovechkin got the tying goal in the third, getting a third wack in tight on Islanders' goalie Evgeni Nabokov, yet another "ugly" goal, though it was about as pretty as an ugly goal gets. Put Matt Hendrick's and his one move on the ice in a game-set-match shootout attempt, there's your fourth win in a row. Brilliant comeback, or better yet, a "vintage Caps" comeback.
Before that, the Caps shut out a desperate team on the outside looking in with the Toronto Maple Leafs in town. Michael Neuvirth was forced to make only 23 saves during his 60 minutes in net, and no more than a couple of them were legitimate scoring threats.
Mike Knuble finally got the very large monkey off his back, netting his second goal since December 5th, or 35 games. Believe it or not, Knuble's tally came in typical Knuble fashion: get to the net and see what happens.
Keith Aucoin, once a small plug-in when the Caps were in need of a little help (no pun intended), had a three point night and has averaged a point a night in his last five contests.
Jeff Schultz doesn't look like a defensive liability when he's on the ice of late, and has been able to contribute his fair share of puck movement in the offensive zone when called upon.
Michael Neuvirth has looked uncomfortable in the net, struggling to control rebounds and minimize his movements that have made his career thus far, but is still finding a way to win. Tomas Vokoun has picked up his play since two rough outings against Carolina and Ottawa, and figures to deserve a start in Winnipeg in the wake of Neuvirth's rough night.
Of course the Caps still have their struggles. John Carlson has largely been invisible of late, unless seen standing in front of his own net after a puck has gone in it. The Caps still are having to find ways to climb their way out of holes, trailing the Islanders by three tallies tonight and staging late comebacks against Tampa Bay and the Islanders during their last visit to DC. But even problems come with perks, such as seeing the Captain score two clutch overtime goals. And this serves as a sweet reminder of what could come in April if Washington's finest russian returns to top form for a playoff run.
Mike Knuble said after tonight's game that certain "leaders" stepped up vocally during the second intermission on the island, willing their teammates to find a way to win against the odds. Well, there's something we haven't heard much of this year. Having Knuble back in the locker room is a true asset to a young team in need of leadership and direction if anything is going to get done after game 82. With Nicklas Backstrom clearly not coming back anytime this year, everyone in the locker room will have to step up if there is to be any hope of playoff run in DC this spring.
Dale Hunter needs to let his veteran net-minder take his place between the pipes for the foreseeable future and prepare him for a playoff run, the one he was brought in to excel and lead. It will be a tough climb to chase down the red-hot Florida Panthers for this year's Southeast division crown. The Caps have quietly put together a three-game road winning streak, while the upcoming four road games in Winnipeg, Chicago, Detroit, and Philadelphia will determine if anything is to come of this season.
Just remember, it was the fourth seeded Capitals that made a run to the finals in 1998, not the division champion New Jersey Devils. Your move, Caps. Make it happen.
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