Caps vs. Panthers 11-7-2009 Wrap Up

The Local Yokels:

(Com)Post.  Times.  Caps.com.

The Neutral Observers:

NHL.com.  AP Wire.

The Other Side:

Miami Herald: late burst, powerless play.

Final Thoughts:

Well that was a real defensive struggle wasn't it?  First of all, the demotion of Alexander "Slappy" Semin to the second line really seemed to spark him and the first line at the same time.  Though we don't fault him for taking another two offensive zone penalties as one was just a cheap call on him and the other was clearly a retaliation penalty.  We don't have a problem with Slappy sticking up for himself.  However overall the team's discipline was good.  Florida had only two power plays last night and none in the third period.  Milan Jurcina was a -4 last night which is notable because it was the worst of anybody on either team. Congratulations to "Mighty Mouse" Mathieu Perreault on his first NHL goal.  That seemed to get the ball rolling in the third period and before anybody gets too excited, remember that Tomas Fleischmann got off to a great start last year before fading.  Let's see if he can keep it up.  We'd go on but because it is Sunday and we go to Church, we'll wrap this up by saying once again that we understand and share in the frustration people have with the Caps because they show in brief flashes a willingness to go to the net and score the "ugly" goals but for some reason, keep reverting to the highlight reel plays.  We also happen to think that the Caps are team that absolutely cannot take their foot off of the gas pedal.

17 down, 65 to go.