Neuvirth, Capitals strangle Panthers 4-1

by Donny Rivette on Jan 29, 2010 9:43 PM EST Comment 8 comments

Final - 1.29.2010	1	2	3	Total
Florida Panthers	0	1	0	1
Washington Capitals	1	1	2	4

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Long story short: Washington played Capitals hockey. The result is precisely what would be expected.

Stephen Weiss got back on the board with a goal in the second to tie the score at 1-1, but it was all Caps afterward. The effort of Tomas Vokoun - with 36 saves - simply could not keep pace with four lines of freight trains which Washington effortlessly employs.

Mike Knuble netted two goals while Nick Backstrom and Jeff Schultz tallied as well to keep this one out of Florida's reach.

Michael Neuvirth stopped 35 Panthers shots to gain the win.

What else can be said? The Cats came out strong in the opening minutes, but more importantly finished strong - with 17 SOG in the third - to keep the storyline interesting, if nothing more.

Not only can the Capitals play ridiculous offense, but defense as solid as any in the league. This club is built for the postseason.

The Panthers, however, are not. Whichever path the organization decides to travel in addressing their apparent holes, tonight's opponent should be the target model.

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It’s becoming more and more obvious every night. This team simply does not have the talent to win on a consistent basis. They streak, they have good nights, but nothing resembling consistency. Been without Booth most the year, and now especially without Horton, it’s obvious. I love the effort this team puts out. It’s been a long time since we’ve sleptwalk through the first 10 minutes, or failed to show up for a game. They’ll outwork a lot of teams, they’ll outchance the other guys on a lot of nights, but the goals just aren’t there. And that’s kinda the point… Tonight it was Seidenberg missing an open net, Rheinprecht clanking iron on a breakaway. I don’t know how many 2 on 1’s we’ve had over the last couple weeks that don’t result in a shot on goal, let alone a marker.

7 goals in 6 games (and that includes a penalty shot). Says it all.

by Karl Selvig on Jan 29, 2010 10:07 PM EST reply actions

Generally speaking, that’s the same argument we collectively sprout after each loss to a “superior” team. And I agree with it completely.

The Litter Box - Your Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 29, 2010 10:43 PM EST up reply actions

Your team right now reminds me so much of the Caps of a few years ago – they’d outwork any team in the league but just didn’t quite have the talent (yet). And without two of your best scorers in the lineup…it’s tough. And like I said over at the Rink, the fact that you’re right in the middle of the playoff pack is impressive considering the injuries.

This was probably the toughest win the Caps have gotten on this streak, that’s something to be proud of – heart and work ethic are so important, the talent will come. You guys have some great young players in the system that I ~~fear~~ look forward to seeing on a regular basis.

Hey, maybe the Panthers will take it out on DiPietro’s glass hip on Sunday? :)

by Becca H on Jan 29, 2010 11:06 PM EST reply actions

I prefer to call it “porcelain”.

Thanks, Becca. Not watching the Caps every night we don’t see the effort-to-payoff results.

Still, you folks have an incredible team.

The Litter Box - Your Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 29, 2010 11:09 PM EST up reply actions

Oh, porcelain works too!

And thanks – we’re starting to believe in our team, that’s for sure…we’ll see what happens. You guys’ll be up there soon enough! (Although when you are, maybe you could start a less disturbing tradition than the rats on the ice, yeah? :P)

by Becca H on Jan 29, 2010 11:17 PM EST up reply actions

The rats remain. Period. ;)

The Litter Box - Your Florida Panthers Colossus

by Donny Rivette on Jan 29, 2010 11:19 PM EST up reply actions

I didn’t watch the game, but AFAIC it was going to be the toughest in the last 12 or 13 before the break, because the Caps are that good. There’s just too much offense for the Panthers to contain, and if they aren’t scoring, forget, they’re not beating the Capitals. Last year’s Capitals took games off. Not this year. I expect to see them in the Conference Final this year.

If the Panthers can’t beat the Isles tomorrow, they have problems. The Islanders lost in Philly this afternoon and have to travel to play here. Roloson was in, so I’m guessing we see DiPietro’s hip tomorrow.

Speaking of, when do we see Clemmensen again? Tomorrow or Monday? Next set of back-to-back games? March?

Florida Panthers: Giving the league a punching bag since 2000.

by Johnny B on Jan 30, 2010 5:34 PM EST up reply actions

should we ever return to the glory days of Panthers Playoff hockey, I call for the rats to make a comeback!

by alterego6487 on Jan 30, 2010 1:48 PM EST reply actions

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