Since we have been red hot no one has really been talking about the Caps. Do you realize they have ONE regulation loss in 18 games (against us) after their W tonight over the Avs. That is ridiculous. Out of a possible 36 points they have gotten 30...wow. As well as we have played we are 2 points behind the Caps (we do have 3 games in hand). Amazing stuff from them.
Nobody talks about them because they have a bunch of half ass players, playing over their head. In that stretch they had 11 one goal games. Most which they won. In other words, they aren't blowing teams out of the water. The puck is bouncing right for them. There isn't much on that team that would scare me in the playoffs. The Rangers should seriously keep the Flyers tape from last night and use it to get a clue on how to beat the Lightning. The Flyers who suck bent Tampa over last night. Especially on the PP.
I am not 100% sold on the Caps being a big team this season, but no matter how you do it losing once in regulation in 18 games is impressive. Getting 30 of a possible 36 points is impressive. They are right there at the moment, and need to be taken very seriously for now. As a side note, I have always liked Holtby. I think he is a very solid # 1 goalie.
He's one of my fantasy goalies. Some moron dropped him early in the season. As long as you make the playoffs, the regular season is pretty much worthless other than to tell you what you need to add for a run. This would be the second measuring stick game to me for the Rangers. They have been poor vs. deep, offensive teams with speed to match them. Islanders also play every game vs. the Rangers like it is game 7 of the finals. Rangers tend not to rise to their intensity level. Tlusty is a FA after this year. He's 26 with some size and scoring ability. He might be a guy the Rangers target. Though, I'm warming to going after Riley Nash because our team other than D. Moore is a freakin embarrassment on draws.
Caps win every game it seems. Have to give them credit. 1 regulation L in 19 games now. That is great. I am a touch concerned for us right now. No Stepan tonight. Talbot in goal tonight. Boston playing really well right now. That will be a very tough game to win. Then back to back tomorrow night in CBL. Will Stepan be back? Then wrap up this crazy hard stretch at Pitt Sunday afternoon on NBC. Will Stepan be back? I could see a rough little patch here after 14 games of greatness.
Hockey is a game of streaks. Isles took the wind out of the Ranger's sails. Rangers need to dig deep. There are players on this roster who need to start scoring goals. If not, Ranger will struggle and a downward trend will take shape........in other words, a losing streak will begin. And when was the last time the Caps won a 1-0 game in regulation?t So, why do I think the Isles, Pens & Caps are shoo ins for the playoffs? And, do not have the same feeling about my Rangers? Because they are the Rangers.
Cap playing great hockey right now. Wont be long though before the Niskanen and Orpik deals will look horrible