CHIMRAWR

This season’s been nuts. Jason Chimera, of all people, lead the team in scoring until early December, the Caps fired their Coach, Ovie doesn’t have 20 goals yet, and consistency.

I talk about Chimera, not only because he’s found his scoring stick, but because he got the GWG last night. FOr a guy who’s supposed to add “character”, he’s been adding a whole hell of a lot of scoring “character”.

Not only does he have 4 more goals than he did last year, but he’s dominating in points as well only 5 away from his season total last year. Not bad for a career 3rd liner, eh?

Last night was only proof that Chimera is the kind of player the Caps need more of. He’s a solid all around player; being able to contribute to scoring, setting up plays, the occasional fight, and a key physical presence in front of the net.

Last night was really a corner turned for the Caps. Not because they won, but how they won. They won by listening to their Coach and following his game plan and playing as a team and not as a group of talented guys.

Albeit, the game didn’t exactly start out the way you want, but they got their act together part way through the second and it was on in the third. The Caps kept it simple and dominated the Pens, from a physical and scoring stand point.

The Caps did score only one goal in the first, but they had higher quality scoring opportunities. Not to mention Hendricks being on absolute fire last night, if half the pucks he shot at the net went in the Caps would’ve won by a land slide.

Last night was an example of how the Caps should play if they really want to be a threat this year. If they keep playing hard and with the same intensity exhibited last night, they’re going to be in good shape come Playoff time.

Lucky game 601

Tonight was another successful game for the Caps, with a 4-3 OT win against the Winnipeg Jets. While the win was great, as usual. Some other aspects of the game could be considered just as sweet.

After receiving a press pass the other night; Semin came out ready to show Boudreau nachos were not to his liking. Semin tallied first just over 5 minutes into the period via a beautiful pass from Ovie. How’s that for effort, Bruce?

While Chimera didn’t score on his 600th game, he made sure his 601st game counted! After Winnipeg scored to tie the game at 13:21, Speedy Feet came in just 12 seconds later as the Caps regained the lead.

Near the bottom of the second, Niklas Backstrom scored with 3:08 left, to have Washington regain the lead yet again after Winnipeg’s Wellwood scored at the bottom of the first. Not a bad 24th birthday present, eh Nicky?

The Jets tallied again, making it a tie game at 3-3, which eventually lead to OT. Caps fans best friend, I assure you. To quote Joe B “Pavelec will be seeing some more of Washington’s number 25 tonight, I’m sure” He couldn’t have been more true as Chimera scored lucky number two of the game with 1:52 left in OT.

Not only did Chimera get the GWG, he now leads the Caps with 8 goals. It may not have been Chimera’s 600th game, but number 601 will sure be one to remember.