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(AP photo)

The Washington Capitals finished the regular season with 108 points, the most in franchise history. But that meant absolutely nothing to the New York Rangers, who came to the Verizon Center as the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference and stole game one, 4-3.

Capitals goalie Jose Theodore went 32-17-5 during the regular season, but came into the game with a pedestrian 19-26 career playoff record. To say all eyes were on him heading into the series would be a vast understatement.

The Rangers scored an average of just 2.44 goals per game during the regular season, third lowest in the league. And yet, their offense exploded for four goals on 21 shots – none of which were particularly impressive. Any questions on whether Theodore is a dependable goalie come playoff time remain unanswered.

“For playoff hockey, obviously, [I was] not good enough,” Theodore said. “They only had a couple of shots in the first, and after that, I tried to find a rhythm. I’m not happy with my game. I wasn’t good enough. But in the playoffs, you bounce back and that’s it – you have to turn the page. I’ve been around long enough that there’s really no excuse. When you’re out there, you have to be ready to make a couple of key saves and key moments, and tonight, that just wasn’t the case.”

One of the first questions Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau faced in his post-game press conference was essentially, “Theodore said he wasn’t good enough tonight. What do you say to that?”

“He’s right,” Boudreau said. “There’s times when you sit there and you can say that I didn’t make the save that was needed. But I’m sure he’s going to bounce back. He’s a professional and he’s played this game long enough. I’m sure he feels bad enough.”

So coach, did you consider making a switch in net – pulling Theodore in favor of your talented, but unproven backup Simeon Varlamov?

“Not during the game. They scored the fourth goal and there were seven minutes to go in the game. That’s not the time to put your backup goalie in. You never want to look like you are panicking and that’s what that would have looked like.”

What about for game two?

“There’s a chance anything can happen,” Boudreau said. “I said earlier, when you lose, you make changes. I’m not saying in goal, but there’s a possibility of changes in a couple of positions out there.”

While on the subject of possible changes for game two, may we humbly suggest that defenseman Jeff Schultz be scratched from the lineup. Longtime readers know our stance on Schultz – he’s got a big body and loads of potential, but he’s allergic to contact and as a wise man once said, “potential just means ain’t done shit yet.”

Watching Schultz get embarrassed by Rangers center Brandon Dubinsky on the eventual game winner just reinforced our belief that the 23-year-old defenseman is not ready for prime time. As Dubinsky skated down the wing Schultz crossed himself up while attempting to slow the speedy forward. Next thing you know, Schultz has tripped over his own feet and Dubinsky is celebrating a back breaking goal with just over eight minutes left to play.

We don’t want to make this just about Schultz. Truth be told he’s not the only reason the Capitals now trail the Rangers one game to none. But with the Caps already concerned about reliability issues with their goalie, the team would be wise to shore up the defense in front of whoever is in net. If that means sitting Schultz in favor of Brian Pothier or someone else, then so be it.

One final note, Theodore has gone 0-2 with a 5.00 goals against average and a .838 save percentage over the last two games. That’s bad. Add in the fact that the Florida Panthers and Rangers were 17th and 28th in scoring this season and that’s really bad. Theodore’s got two choices – he can either get it together now or spend his rapidly approaching offseason trying to figure out what the hell went wrong.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

Yesterday we presented five reasons why the Washington Capitals could very well take home their first-ever Stanley Cup championship. Today we’re playing devil’s advocate, so here are five reasons why the Caps won’t win.

1. They’re a finesse team.

Alex Ovechkin hits anything and everything in his path. Brooks Laich crashes the net with reckless abandon. The rest of the roster? Not so much. This offense has the firepower to go toe-to-toe with anyone in hockey and when they’re clicking, this team scores some of the prettiest goals you’ve seen. But the funny thing about a high-risk, high-reward mentality is that whole “high-risk” part.

This is a team that would much rather make the highlight reel than dig in and get their hands dirty. The thing about the postseason is that brand of hockey rarely wins. The Philadelphia Flyers defeated the Capitals in the playoffs a year ago because they played ugly hockey. They used muscle, grit and determination to outlast the Caps. If things are going to be different this time around, then the home team needs to adapt and overcome. Just know that if the Capitals settle for long-range shots from the blue line and no one creates traffic in front of the net … well … it might be a short playoff run.

2. They take bad penalties at bad times.

First it was Alexander Semin. Then it was Shaone Morrisonn. Lately it’s been Sergei Fedorov. For whatever reason, someone on this team feels the need to take ill-advised penalties in pivotal moments of a game. Coach Bruce Boudreau has often referred to these hooking, holding and tripping calls as “lazy penalties” and has pleaded with his players to be smarter. Referees tend to put their whistles away and give more leeway to teams during the playoffs, but a safer bet for the Caps would be for players to hustle more and clutch and grab less.

3. Their defense is a work in progress.

Even with a healthy Tom Poti and Brian Pothier in the lineup the Capitals’ defense isn’t going to strike fear into any opponent. The Steel Curtain they are not. That’s why a team like the Florida Panthers, who had already been eliminated from the playoffs, can monkey stomp a Washington team 7-4 even though the Caps were trying to set a franchise record for most wins in a single season.

In fact, four different times this season the Capitals gave up seven goals in a game. That’s simply unacceptable. Mike Green (31 goals), is a rare breed – a defenseman who is capable of scoring every time he touches the puck. But while Green contributes both offensively and defensively, the rest of the defense should be squarely focused on their defensive responsibilities. Why? The 13 Caps’ defenders who aren’t named Mike Green scored a total of 14 goals this season. So stop trying to jump up in the play and be more responsible in your own end.

4. Their goaltending situation could be a problem.

A hot goalie can be the difference between playing in or watching the Stanley Cup Finals. History has proven that a mediocre team like the Anaheim Ducks can catch lightning in a bottle if a goalie like Jean-Sebastien Giguere gets into a groove, but teams never, we repeat – NEVER – win despite their goaltender in the playoffs.

Seemingly all season long there have been questions surrounding Caps goalie Jose Theodore. When he’s on, he looks great. When he’s off, it’s ugly. Theodore won 32 games for Washington this season, but the 32-year-old has the lowest numbers (2.87 goals against average and .900 save percentage) out of the eight starting goalies in the East Conference playoff race. Brent Johnson is injured and no one else in the mix has even appeared in the NHL postseason. For better or for worse this Capitals team will live or die with Theodore.

5. They lack a killer instinct.

The Caps finished with the fourth-best record in hockey, but how many times this season did they lose to a cellar dweller? Colorado. Atlanta. Phoenix. Toronto. Los Angeles. They were shut out twice against Columbus. True championship contenders show up with the same level of intensity against the doormats as they do against the league’s elite.

5b. They lack a true leader.

Because of his stellar play, Ovechkin leads by example. But the Capitals lack one guy who commands respect in the locker room and is willing to say, “Sit down, shut up and listen.” Boudreau is a first-rate coach, but sometimes that kind of talk needs to come from outside the coaching staff. When the Denver Nuggets had Allen Iverson they were a middle-of-the-road franchise that barely qualified as the eighth seed in Western Conference. Too many players with too many motives.

After a 1-2 start this season Denver traded Iverson for Chauncey Billups, who won a ring in 2004, and he immediately changed the complexion of that team. He refused to let his teammates “half ass” it and called out players when the situation dictated. Now, the Nuggets are 54-27 and will likely enter the playoffs as the second seed. While the Caps win more games than they lose, they could still use a Chauncey Billups on the roster.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

The Washington Capitals just completed arguably their most successful regular season in franchise history. They tied the franchise mark for wins with 50, racked up the most points ever in a single season and even managed to set a new attendance record – while the rest of the sports landscape is dealing with economic woes. There’s a lot to like about the Caps these days.

With that in mind, we’d like to present five reasons why this could very well be the year the Washington Capitals finally capture their first-ever Stanley Cup championship.

1. They have the best player on the planet.

We’ll start by stating the obvious – Alex Ovechkin is good. The all-star winger finished the regular season with 56 goals and 54 assists for 110 points in 79 games. The only reason the 23-year-old forward finished second in the scoring title race is because fellow Russian Evgeni Malkin, who finished with 113 points, played in three more games. Otherwise, Ovi would have easily taken home his second-consecutive Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer. That being said, Ovechkin did earn his second straight Maurice Richard Trophy as the league’s top goal scorer and is one of only two active players to record three 50-goal seasons (along with Teemu Selanne). Oh, by the way, Wayne Gretzky and Mike Bossy are the only two other players in NHL history to record three 50-goal seasons in the first four years. Like we said – Ovechkin is good.

2. They have the best offensive defenseman in hockey.

Caps fans have known how talented defenseman Mike Green is for a while now, but this season was the official breakout campaign for 23-year-old blueliner. In 2007-08, Green scored 18 goals and 38 assists for 56 points in 82 games. One year later Green exploded for 31 goals and 42 assists for 73 points in just 68 games. Despite missing 14 games due to injury, Green finished with the most goals of any defenseman in hockey since 1992-93. Let’s not forget he set an NHL record by scoring a goal in eight consecutive games earlier this season. The most impressive stat in regards to Green? The Caps are 43-16-7 with him in the lineup and just 7-7-0 without him.

3. They have the firepower to compete with anyone.

The Capitals’ powerplay, led by Ovechkin, Green, center Nicklas Backstrom and wing Alexander Semin, finished second in the league (25.2 percent). Those four players each finished the season averaging more than a point per game and the offense as a whole was the third-best in hockey (averaging 3.27 goals per game). Speaking of powerplay goals, Ovechkin finished the season with 19. Green led all defenders with 18. Even Backstrom, who is primarily known for setting up his teammates, finished tied for eighth in powerplay goals. Opposing teams know its coming, they just can’t do much about it.

4. Their home ice truly is an advantage.

While the playing surface may be considered a sore subject with the players, no one can question the atmosphere at the Verizon Center for Caps games. The Capitals finished the season 29-9-3 and as previously mentioned, set a single-season attendance record, even in the face of this pitiful economy. There was a time, not too terribly long ago, when opposing fans outnumbered Caps fans. And while that still happens out at FedEx Field (just ask Redskins fans about the Steelers game), it’s simply not the case anymore for the Caps. Fans are lining up to “Rock the Red,” so much so that Ted Leonsis and friends are talking about having to start up a season ticket waiting list for the first time. Who thought we’d ever say that?

5. They have one of the best coaches in the game.

From Slapshot extra to minor-league journeyman to NHL coach of the year, Bruce Boudreau is easily the most loveable coach in D.C. sports since Joe Gibbs 1.0. Whether he’s coaching the best player in hockey or a minor-league call up, Boudreau always finds a way to connect with his players and get the best out of them. He knows when to push his players and when to back off, but he always holds his guys accountable. Since he took over the team, Boudreau’s Caps have gone 87-41-15. For that reason alone, you can never count out the Capitals.

(courtesy photo)

With two games left in the regular season, the Washington Capitals currently sit in second place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 49-23-8 for 106 points. Since the playoffs are just around the corner, we decided to look back over the last decade to see exactly what it takes to win the Stanley Cup. Here’s what we found:

2007-08 Detroit Red Wings, 54-21-7 record for 115 points, best record in hockey

2006-07 Anaheim Ducks, 48-20-14 record for 110 points, second seed in West

2005-06 Carolina Hurricanes, 52-22-8 record for 112 points, second seed in East

2003-04 Tampa Bay Lightning, 46-22-8-6 record for 106 points, top seed in East

2002-03 New Jersey Devils, 46-20-10-6 record for 108 points, second seed in East

2001-02 Detroit Red Wings, 51-17-10-4 record for 116 points, best record in hockey

2000-01 Colorado Avalanche, 52-16-10-4 record for 118 points, best record in hockey

1999-00 New Jersey Devils, 45-24-8-5 record for 103 points, fourth seed in East*

1998-99 Dallas Stars, 51-19-12 record for 114 points, best record in hockey

Right out the gate one thing stands out – every team who went on to win it all over the last decade had at least 100 points and all but one finished as one of the top two seeds in their respective conference. The lone exception was the 1999-2000 New Jersey Devils, who had the second-most points in the Eastern Conference but dropped to fourth because the Caps and Maple Leafs each won their divisions (the Devils finished behind Philadelphia in the Atlantic Division). Therefore recent history would seem to indicate that only four teams have a legit chance this upcoming postseason: Detroit, San Jose, Boston and, as of today, Washington.

While fans know that the Capitals are in a fight with the New Jersey Devils (the Caps lead by four points with two games remaining for each franchise) for that second slot, we don’t think folks truly understand how vital it is that the Caps lock down one of the top two seeds. If they fail to hold on to the second seed, history suggests that the Caps might as well pack their bag and start reserving their tee times now.

Next up we wanted to gauge how the eventual Stanley Cup champions looked heading into the playoffs, so we went back and tracked their record over the last 22 games of the regular season. Here’s what we found:

2007-08 Detroit Red Wings went 13-7-2 for 28 out of 44 points

2006-07 Anaheim Ducks went 13-4-5 for 31 out of 44 points

2005-06 Carolina Hurricanes went 10-8-4 for 24 out of 44 points

2003-04 Tampa Bay Lightning went 15-5-1-1 for 32 out of 44 points

2002-03 New Jersey Devils went 10-4-6-2 for 28 out of 44 points

2001-02 Detroit Red Wings went 10-6-4-2 for 26 out of 44 points

2000-01 Colorado Avalanche 15-4-1-2 for 33 out of 44 points

1999-00 New Jersey Devils went 9-11-1-1 for 20 out of 44 points

1998-99 Dallas Stars went 12-7-2-1 for 27 out of 44 points

Again, the 1999-2000 New Jersey Devils squad is the odd-team in the pack, posting the only losing record to close out the regular season. Otherwise, every other team finished by picking up at least half of the possible points available over the final quarter of the season. So the question then becomes, how have our big four done down the stretch this season?

Red Wings – with three games left, they’ve gone 12-6-1 for 25 points
Capitals – with two games left, they’ve gone 11-6-3 for 25 points
Bruins – with three games left, they’ve gone 11-6-2 for 24 points
Sharks – with two games left, they’ve gone 11-7-2 for 24 points

Holy hell. That’s as evenly matched as humanly possible. Every team has already ensured they’ll finish with a winning record, and have earned at least half the points possible available. So which team will win it all? Honestly, any of the Fab Four seems to have a realistic chance. As a Caps fan, can you really ask for anything more than that?

(photo by Alex Brandon)

Those who missed the Washington Capitals’ 6-4 win over the Atlanta Thrashers yesterday might think the home team breezed to an easy victory over a lesser opponent. Those who watched the regular season home finale know that wasn’t the case at all.

Adding fuel to the notion that this team loves to sleep in and simply hates playing early games, the Capitals looked downright sluggish the first 40 minutes of the game.

“Our guys were sleepwalking through the first two periods,” said coach Bruce Boudreau. “It seemed like they wanted it more. It happens a lot when you depend on your power play to win you games and then the power play wasn’t going very well, so it was time the five-on-five stepped up a little bit.”

The one exception was forward Keith Aucoin. While his teammates were “sleepwalking” through the first two-thirds of the game, the minor-league call-up was flying around the rink doing anything and everything he could to impact the game.

During the second period Aucoin recorded a goal on his first-ever power-play shift with the Caps and later added an assist for his first multiple-point game with Washington. On a team in dire need of production from someone other than guys named Ovechkin, Semin, Backstrom and Green he’s quietly racked up points in four of his last five games (two goals, three assists). And let’s not forget that right now he’s tied with Hershey Bears teammate Alexander Giroux for the AHL lead in points with 94.

For a guy who has played just eight games for the Caps this year, you sure do look right at home out there. What’s really going on?

“I think playing with Carolina the last half of the year last season helped out coming into this year,” Aucoin said. “You know, getting the jitters away being on a new team and finally getting more ice time. I’m playing well and with a lot more confidence. I’m just having a lot of fun right now.”

You scored your second goal in three games. Can you walk us through the play?

“It was my first powerplay shift since I’ve been here and I didn’t know what to do, so [Brooks Laich] just said ‘go to the goal line,’” he said. “I saw Ovi go to the slot and I just went backdoor. He made a great pass and I had an easy job to do.”

[Editor’s note: Thank you Brooks. Now this team has two guys willing to crash the net.]

For our money, the Alexander Semin goal you set up was even prettier. How were you able to read the play and create a turnover against Ilya Kovalchuk, one of the league’s premiere players?

“Kovalchuk got the puck in the slot and I have a long stick, so I kind of got under his stick a little bit,” Aucoin said. “He lost it and I heard [Tomas Fleischmann] yelling for it and those two did the rest of the work. It was fun to be a part of it.”

Fans may not know much about Aucoin yet, but if he keeps playing like this that’ll change in a hurry. The Washington forward may be listed as 5’9”, but he’s making a big impact each and every time he hits the ice for the Capitals.

“Keith Aucoin has been great,” said forward Eric Fehr. “Every time he is in the line-up he’s been a spark plug for us. He’s a great passer, he’s got a lot of energy, and he hits well for a smaller guy.”

Defenseman Mike Green agreed with Fehr’s assessment and was quick to endorse Aucoin as well.

“He always seems to be in the right spot at the right time and his vision is incredible,” he said. “If he could hang around here for a little while longer I think he could produce a lot of points for us.”

Luckily for Aucoin, his teammates aren’t the only one taking notice of Aucoin’s high level of play.

“He’s definitely played very well for us,” said Boudreau, when asked if Aucoin’s play of late has earned him a roster spot come playoff time. “We’ll probably have to make a decision here sooner or later. He’s done really well.”

Aucoin was realistic when asked if he thinks his play should merit a roster spot in the postseason.

“You know, it’s out of my hands,” Aucoin said. “The only thing I can do is go out every shift and work hard. If they need me here, then I’ll be here. I’ll do what they need me to do.”

No offense to guys like Boyd Gordon and Matt Bradley, but we’ve always been of the mindset that your team’s fourth-line should be comprised of young (i.e. – hungry) minor-league type players in the mold of Aucoin. He’s scrappy, fearless and will absolutely do whatever he’s asked to.

“I think when you’re playing on the third and fourth line that’s what you got to do – create energy for the team,” he said.

The fourth line doesn’t get much in the way of ice time, but guys like that typically find a way to impact the game regardless. If he keeps playing like this, Boudreau and the rest of the coaching staff will have little choice but to find a roster spot for Aucoin come playoff time.

One final note – the quote of the night goes to Green, who earned a chuckle when asked about his team’s inspired play in the final period.

“Bruce came in here and gave us heck between the second and third and we responded well,” Green said.

Thanks to Aucoin for leading by example and to Boudreau for giving his players “heck” and waking up the rest of the locker room the Caps were able to pick up another two points in the standings.

(photo by Brian Murphy)

Thanks to their 5-3 win over the New York Islanders Wednesday night the Washington Capitals reached a special milestone – reaching 100 points for just the fifth time in franchise history. We decided to look back at the previous four times, as well as one other memorable season, to see how the Caps fared as a possible gauge for how the upcoming postseason might play out.

1983-84 – a record of 48-27-5 for 101 points

Led by legendary defenseman Rod Langway, the Capitals reached the 100-point mark for the first time in team history. In the first round of the playoffs the Caps breezed by the Philadelphia Flyers, sweeping them in three straight games. The promising season came to an end though in the next round when the New York Islanders reeled off four-straight games to win the second round matchup four games to one.

1984-85 – a record of 46-25-9 for 101 points

The good news? Mike Gartner and Bobby Carpenter each scored 50 goals and the Caps reached the 100-point plateau for the second-consecutive season. The bad news? The Islanders eliminated the Caps yet again, this time in the first round.

1985-86 – a record of 50-23-7 for 107 points

Led by an amazing nine players who registered 50 points or more, the Capitals earned the most points in franchise history and reached 50 wins for the first time. That secured them the right to face the New York Islanders in the playoffs for the fourth-straight season. After sweeping the Islanders, the Caps were eliminated by New York’s other team, the Rangers, in six games.

1999-00 – a record of 44-24-12-2 for 102 points

The Capitals, led by goalie Olaf Kolzig, bounced back from a disappointing season to earn the second-most points in franchise history. Kolzig was outstanding all season long, going 41-20-11 with a 2.24 goals against average, a .917 save percentage and five shutouts and earned the Vezina Trophy as the league’s top goaltender. Unfortunately, a promising season came crashing down when the Caps were foiled once against by the Pittsburgh Penguins four games to one in the first round of the playoffs.

And lets not forget …

1997-98 – a record of 40-30-12 for 92 points

Talk about new beginnings. The Capitals started the season with new coach Ron Wilson and moved from the outdated Caps Centre in Landover, Maryland to the new state-of-the-art MCI Center downtown. Backed by goalie Olaf Kolzig, the Capitals finished in third place in the conference and outlasted Boston, Ottawa and Buffalo to head where no D.C. hockey team had gone before. Unfortunately, the Caps were swept in their one and only trip to the Stanley Cup Finals, losing four games to none to the Detroit Red Wings. Even so, this season holds a special place in the hearts of Caps fans.

Twice the Caps were bounced in round one. The other two times their season ended in the second round. Not too promising. But then again, those teams never had a player like Alex Ovechkin. If the Capitals get solid play from their goaltenders, the defense plays smart in their own end and the offensive players understand that the only way to win in the postseason is to get down and dirty (i.e. – crash the damned net) … well, things could play out differently this year.

If nothing else, it sure is nice to have a local team even be in the discussion.