Bolts Postgame Musings

 Last year, all across the interweb the rockers of the red were up in arms that we needed defense.  The record was unbelievable (something like 54–15–13, 121 points and a little bauble you may have heard of called a Presidents' Trophy not to mention a 14 game winning streak). Well Caps Fans, you got what you wished for. Our defense has stepped up immensely since the "dark times" of December.   I have seen a huge improvement in Mike Green in particular defensively and I see a whole heck of a lot of potential from John Carlson.  I'm also thrilled that Scott Hannan has seemingly found his groove alongside Greener after an extremely rough start.  The problem is that offense is now virtually non-existent, especially from 2 Russians and a Swede you may be familiar with.  The highest scoring team in the league has turned into the Buffalo Sabres.
 Nothing against Buffalo,  but I want to watch some Caps Hockey!  For some ungodly reason, when the offense is hot, defense is cold and vice verse. The most fantastical choke of hockey history aside, I miss our 09-10 Caps and their ridiculous offensive talent.  I am a Caps fan because I, like others I assume, actually like seeing my team score some goals and if I hear the term "ovechtrick" one more time, I might actually cry from embarrassment.

Now back to Tuesday night,  I have to say that was one of the most BORING games I've seen in a very, very long time.  Not that it was poorly played, there was just no rhythm or momentum.   Our "superstars" looked like they had cement in their skate boots all night and I have no idea what Poti was thinking in OT, although he gets a pass since it's his first game back.  There was one incredibly bright spot, and that was Semyon Varlamov.  Varly stopped 37 of the 38 shots he faced and looked absolutely solid in net.  Defensively, the Caps were also quite good.  The Penalty Kill looks great as well, Tuesday's game brought our heroes' streak to 23 strait successful PK's. The issues I have are the lack of offense and the absolutely horrible Power Play.  I also take issue with the lack of net presence that has been lingering all season.  It is a proven fact that when they crash the net consistently, they are rewarded with goals a-plenty.  It is proven to work, yet we rarely see it.  Gabby needs to drive this home every single day until they do it consistently because that, my friends, is how they are going to win games for the remainder of this season.  Shooting from the point does NOT work.  Ovi's famous"curl and drag" has become too famous and is no longer effective.  It's time to change the strategy, and camping out in the blue paint is the way to go.   It's hard to get there (ask Grandpa Slippers) and you will probably go home bruised and bloody, but this is hockey.  Deal.