Washington Capitals shutout homebound Florida Panthers 3-0

by Donny Rivette on Mar 17, 2009 11:16 PM EDT Comment 2 comments

For all of his specatacular abilities, Tomas Vokoun (bottom center) was destined to be less than the difference against the Washington Capitals on Tuesday.

Final - 3.17.2009	1	2	3	Total
Washington Capitals	0	1	2	3
Florida Panthers	0	0	0	0

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Prolly not gonna get back on here until after 2pm Wednesday - thanks, work - so it'll be a diminished recap for now.

A shortie by Washington's Brooks Laich opened the scoring in the second, during a span of three straight power plays. Ultimately one more goal in the htird would prove to be the difference. An open-netter late in the final fram sealed Florida's fate.

Perhaps moreso than the last two games, this was a tragically wasted "effort". The Cats were behind in every category, even those that aren't counted: jump, enthusiasm, prescience.

But at least Ovie didn't get his 50th in Sunrise, right?

At which point in what's known as "the stretch" do we begin to hang the fault of numerous losses on Pete DeBoer, penultimate three-month hero for this club?

Were the Panthers prepared for tonight's game? Were they properly informed about the opposition? Was a Plan B ready for implementation following a potentially - and ultimately - poor first two periods? I'm not calling for total destruction of the club. By no means. But these questions are fair and must be asked.

Had a lot of fun at Japers' Rink during the game (link below), and was treated like a true compatriot. Whatever that means. As always, great folks all around.

Panthers' goaltender Tomas Vokoun is currently speaking, so I shall allow the shallow sympathy I have left to flow in his direction. This loss was not his fault in any way.

Might be getting to the game on Thursday against Toronto...more to come soon...

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Coach DeBoer

Yes, the time has come for questions! Why are you playing Jay Bo, the great marshmallow, if he’s going to play so poorly? Why aren’t you benching other players who aren’t trying? Why don’t you ever seem to have a backup plan? When are you going to start calling out underperforming players? Besides Wade Belak and Nick Boynton, that is.

We had about a half team effort until that weak first goal and then it was more like a third or a quarter Skrastins, the CPR line, Frolik and Booth brought it all night. McCabe looked a little shaky a couple of times, but I’m cutting him some slack because the guy just had his face bolted back together. I’m sure he’ll look fine on Thursday.

Now, with Horton hurt and Jay playing like the season’s over, I’m thinking maybe JM should have taken what he could get from Vancouver or Philly. There were some scoring forwards in there. Scottie Upshall isn’t really a top-line center, but neither are Horton and Kreps.

by Johnny B on Mar 18, 2009 8:38 AM EDT reply actions

1) Disapointing effort for the Cats. Going against a team that is playing its 3rd game in 4 nights, and at home is usually a recipe for a W. Also getting ZERO shots on goal in the 3rd period is a stat that jumps out at ya!

by Fauxrumors on Mar 18, 2009 12:45 PM EDT reply actions

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