A Look Back at the Caps 2014-2015 Season

 So it's been a couple of weeks since the Caps season ended in the hands of the New York Rangers. While others are fighting for a spot in the Stanley Cup Finals the Caps sit and try to regroup. First before we get into the offseason which I will do in a future post I will give my thoughts on the season.

  My overall thought on the season now that I have had some time to think it over is a positive one. In my opinion Barry Trotz is starting to change the culture and the way the Caps played with heart and never gave up was something great. It didn't turn out the way we all hoped but tons of positives came from it.
  First, the Caps have a number one goalie for the future in Braden Holtby. Holts was great all season and in the playoffs. He is a RFA this offseason but Brian McClellan will give him a nice payday. Also, the emergence of Evgeny Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky in the playoffs gives the Caps a couple good young forwards.
  Most importantly is the maturation of Alex Ovechkin who had in my opinion the best all around season of his career. Even in the Game 7 loss to the Rangers OV was playing his tail off and you really can't blame anyone.
  Overall I feel optimistic about the direction this team is going in. This will be an important offseason has their a lot of guys that need to be either resigned or let go. I will touch on all that later on. However, this season was full of great moments and tough defeat. I will say one thing, the Caps don't need to hang their heads after this Game 7 loss. With that we are now here at the offseason as the Caps embark on rebuilding and reloading for yet another run to the playoffs in 2015-2016.

Postgame Recap: Rangers 2 Caps 1 OT (NYR win series 4-3)

 The Caps played with everything they had last night, and in overtime were applying the pressure. However, the puck would find it's way to Derek Stephan and he would send the Rangers back to the Eastern Conference Finals. Here is the highlights.


Caps/Rangers Game 7:

My Thoughts:

*Braden Holtby was great, he did everything he can. He had no chance on the overtime winner. However, I think this season has put Holts on the map.

*Alex Ovechkin played his heart out, he scored the Caps only goal. I know all the media will be after him but the truth is he came to play last night.

*The young guys got a lot better this season. Evgeny Kuznetsov and Andre Burakovsky did some very good things in last night's game.

*Mike Green had a rough night, taking two penalties and one that lead to the tying goal. I'm not sure what will happen this offseason but I am not sure he is resigned by the Caps.

*This game was their for the taking and it will be a long offseason, however with Barry Trotz there is plenty to look forward to. This one stings no doubt but Brian McClellan will need to make a few changes this summer to make the team even better.

*This team again played hard all season and were able to get back to the playoffs after a very bad season the season before. It hurts now, but for the first time in a long time I feel like there is a plan for this team.

*The Hershey Bears also lost in OT 5-4 to Hartford, the Bears now trail that series 3-2. I will keep you updated on that series.

*Overall I enjoyed blogging this season about the Caps, it didn't end well but that's life in sports. The trill of a Game 7 win at home, followed by a hard fought heartbreaker on the road to the best team in hockey. It was a roller coaster. I don't care about what people say I love my team and I will be there next October when they start a new season. Till then I wish the boys a good summer, hopefully they get some good time in with their families and are ready to go back at it again.

Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals at. New York Rangers Game 7

 It all comes down to this, the Caps will have a chance to rewrite history as they will try to win a Game 7 against the most talented team in the Eastern Conference. Here is the projected lineup.



Forwards:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Johansson
Chimera-Kuznetsov-Ward
Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer
Laich-Fehr-Wilson


Defense and Goalies:

Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Gleason-Green


Holtby
Peters


More Notes:

*It looks like Eric Fehr will be in tonight, Fehr has been out since Game 3 of the Islanders series. He will take Curtis Glencross's spot.

*Alex Ovechkin said the Caps will win, it is time for him to make the next step in his career. The Rangers have done great against him so far this series and OV will have to give it everything he has tonight.

*Braden Holtby I thought had an off night in Game 6, he will need to be his best tonight if the Caps are to advance to play Tampa Bay.

*Henrik Lundqvist has been great as well, and the Caps will need to find ways to score a couple on him tonight.

*One positive the Caps can look back at is the way they played in the last two periods of Game 6, they were dominating the Rangers but just couldn't get one more past Lundqvist. The Caps have to bring that intensity from the get go.

*The Hershey Bears are tied 2-2 in their second round series with the Hartford Wolf Pack, Game 5 is at Giant Center tonight.

*Overall the only way to stop the questions about Game 7 losses is by changing history. This will be the toughest game of the season for the Caps. Win or lose the Caps have to play for 60 minutes and leave it all on the ice and leave no regrets.


Gametime 7:30 p.m on NBCSN

Game 6 Recap: Rangers 4 Caps 3 (Series tied 3-3)

Caps/Rangers Game 6:

What's Next: Game 7 Wednesday May 13th at. New York Rangers 7:30 p.m on NBCSN

Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Game 6

 The Caps are back home as they will once again try to clinch a spot in the Eastern Conference Finals as they will battle once again with the Rangers. Here is the expected lineup for tonight.

Forwards:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Chimera
Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer
Glencross-Laich-Wilson

Defense and Goalies:

Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Gleason-Green

Holtby
Peters


Other Notes:

*The Caps have to let go what happened the other night, it was a tough loss but they are still the ones who can advance tonight on their home ice.

*Braden Holtby gave up a couple tough goals at the end of Game 5, it's over and done and I expect him to have a good game tonight.

*The Caps top line played well in Game 5 and I think they are due for a break out game, tonight might be it.

*The Caps bottom six are starting to produce little by little, they will need to be good again tonight.

*Overall I don't much to say and it's Mother's Day so I have to be quick. The boys have faced adversity well this season, and with each game in the playoffs the pressure gets tougher too. However, this team needs to realized the chance they have. They can win the series at home, and prove once again that this team is truly a different one. We will see.

Gametime 7:00 p.m on NBCSN

Highlights from Wednesday's Hershey Game 1 against Hartford

Game 1 they lost 2-1 on overtime, however last night they were able to even the series at a game a piece with a 6-4 win. I will post those highlights when available.

Game 5 Recap: Rangers 2 Caps 1 OT (WSH leads 3-2)

Caps/Rangers Game 5:

*I only have on thing to say today, Caps fans bring your vocal cords to Verizon Center tomorrow.


What's Next: Game 6 Sunday May 10th vs. New York Rangers 7:00 pm on NBCSN

Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals at. New York Rangers Game 5

 Tomorrow the Caps will have a chance to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals as they head back to New York for Game 5. With a busy day for myself tomorrow I figure I give you my thoughts now. Here is the projected lineup for Game 5.


Forwards:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Chimera
Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer
Glencross-Laich-Wilson

Defense and Goalies:

Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Gleason-Green

Holtby
Peters


Other Notes:

*I don't expect any lineup changes for the Caps in Game 5, the current lineup has had a lot of success since Trotz switched it up against the Islanders. I do expect the Rangers to make some line combination changed with them being down 3-1.

*Braden Holtby has been the Caps best player in the postseason, and he will need to be again tomorrow because I expect the Rangers best effort of the series. It will be key that Holtby turns them aside an plant the seed of doubt in their players.

*Jason Chimera has played very well this postseason as well, he has fit in well with Evgeny Kuznetsov and Marcus Johansson.

*The 3rd line of Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer are starting to make a difference in this series. They were quiet to start the playoffs but they are coming to life now.

*With Tim Gleason's health being fine the Caps reassigned Nate Schmidt to Hershey so he can join the Bears in their 2nd Round series.

*It is clear that the additions of Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik has been huge this season. Their steady play on the back end has been something the Caps haven't had in a long time.

*A huge key for tomorrow in my opinion again will be the first goal, if the Caps can score first the fans at MSG will start to tense up and then there is a chance the Rangers grip their stick too tightly. Also the Caps are unbeaten when they score first in the playoffs.

*Overall this is a chance to advance, and it is a great opportunity to show the world that this Caps team is truly a different team. It will be the toughest win to get, the 4th one is always the toughest. However, if Braden Holtby continues to play well the sky is the limit. We will see!


Gametime Tomorrow 7:00 p.m on NBCSN

Game 4 Recap: Caps 2 Rangers 1 (WSH leads 3-1)

 The Caps got help from a different face on Wednesday night, the youngest on the team. After Derek Brassard scored in the 2nd period to give the Rangers a 1-0 lead, Andre Burakovsky scored not one but two goals to give the Caps the lead. Braden Holtby and the defense would shut it down from there giving the Caps a 3-1 series lead. Here are the highlights.


Caps/Rangers Game 4:

My Thoughts:


*The Rangers still had a better first period then the Caps but again Braden Holtby was up to the task. The biggest moment in the 3rd though could have been Holtby's save on Carl Hagelin on the penalty shot. That was a huge save.

*I thought the officiating was the best it's been all series, the powerplays were even and they got a lot right.

*The Caps needed bottom six scoring to win this series and the last two games the "Killer B" line has delivered. Beagle and Burakovsky have scored, Brouwer should have got an assist on the game winner but has of last night he didn't have one.

*Henrik Lundqvist again was great, the Caps got chances at times but he was very good. The goals Burakovsky scored were on perfect shots.

*The Caps did a great job once again at blocking shots, there were times in the game were it looked like the Rangers were frustrated. In years past that would be the other way around.

*Faceoff percentages have been one way in this series for the most part as the Caps have been very good at getting the puck right away.

*The Hershey Bears fell to the Hartford Wolf Pack 2-1 in overtime in Game 1 of their Second Round series last night. Former Caps draft pick and Hershey Bear Chris Bourque scored the winner in OT. The Bears loan goal was scored by Chris Conner.

*Overall this was a huge win as the Caps put the Rangers in a 3-1 hole, and are one win away from making to their first Eastern Conference Finals since the 1998 season. This series is far from over as the Rangers are a resilient group and they will have home ice in Game 5. The fourth win will be the hardest but the Caps have put themselves in a good position.


What's Next: Game 5 Friday May 8th at. New York Rangers 7:00 p.m on NBCSN

Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Game 4

 The Caps look to take a 3-1 series lead over the Rangers tonight as Game 4 from the Verizon Center is about an hour and a half away. Braden Holtby stole Game 3 and looks to keep it going. Here is the lineup.


Forwards:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Chimera
Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer
Glencross-Laich-Wilson

Defense and Goalies:

Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Gleason-Green

Holtby
Peters


Other Notes:

*The Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer line was able to strike in Game 3. If the Caps can get some production from the bottom six they can take their game to a different level.

*Braden Holtby has again been great but what has also helped is that the Caps have done well blocking shots. They had 27 in Game 3, and that can frustrated a team. If it is hard just to get the puck to Holtby then it helps tremendously.

*The Caps have to have a better start to tonight's game. The Rangers have been the better team in the first period in this series. It hurt them in Game 2 but hasn't in Game's 1 and 3. They just need to establish some sustained pressure and get physical with the Rangers defense.

*Henrik Lundqvist has been very good as well, I think the Caps need to deflect puck and get maybe a little more traffic infront of him tonight. I expect Hank to be on his A game so the Caps will have to fire away tonight.

*Another thing is tonight they Caps have to make sure they get pucks out of their zone and dump it deep into the Rangers zone. The Rangers have been good at blocking some of those and they can lead to odd man rushes the other way. So, just take care of the puck.

*The Hershey Bears open up their 2nd Round series tonight at the Giant Center against the Rangers affiliate the Hartford Wolf Pack. Now the series in the AHL are regular best of seven.

*Overall this is a huge chance for the Caps to put the Rangers in a 3-1 hole. Not that is a automatic series win in the NHL but it would give the Caps a good chance to knock down the defending Eastern Conference Champions. A loss means the series turns into a best of three with two games at MSG. So, tonight is a big game in this series.


Gametime 7:30 p.m on NBCSN

Game 3 Recap: Caps 1 Rangers 0 (WSH leads 2-1)

 The Caps were able to take the series lead back after a hard fought win at Verizon Center Monday night. Jay Beagle scored the loan goal and Braden Holtby shut down the Rangers who kept coming in waves. The win marked the first time the Caps have won Game 3 of a series since the 2010 playoffs. Here are the highlights.

Caps/Rangers Game 3:

My Thoughts:


*The Caps needed a goal from the bottom six and with Jay Beagle's goal they got one. It was a little lucky has he threw it off Keith Yandle's skate but in the playoffs you take whatever you can get. Jay Beagle overall played a great game so it was nice to see him get one.

*Braden Holtby was dominant, he was calm during the sequences where the Rangers were putting heavy pressure on him. When he plays like that the Caps are hard to beat.

*Officiating was better till Rick Nash hit Brooks Orpik from behind. That play is a penalty in every single game this season expect for this one apparently. However, when Tom Wilson hit a Ranger literally 10 seconds later they called the penalty on Wilson. It's just getting laughable now. However, I can't complain about number of calls because atleast they were even, but that was a dangerous hit Orpik took. Thankfully he was fine and played the rest of the way.

*Alex Ovechkin continues to play outstanding hockey. Not only did he get chances but he blocked a shot in the third and is overall defensive game was strong. It has been fun to watch how he has grown as a player this year.

*Matt Niskanen had himself a solid game last night as well. It seemed like the Rangers forwards could not get by him and then when they shot the puck Niskanen blocked it.

*The Caps had about 28 shot blocks last night which goes to show you the commitment this team has to winning this spring.

*Overall it was a fun game even though it was a nail bitter at the end. It was a very entertaining game for a game that was 1-0, but that's why hockey is great. Even in a low scoring game a lot is going on. It is a huge win for the Caps as they have an opportunity to put the Rangers in a hole if they can win on Wednesday.


What's Next: Game 4 Wednesday May 6th vs. New York Rangers 7:30 p.m on NBCSN

Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals vs. New York Rangers Game 3

 The Caps were able to split the first two in New York at Madison Square Garden. Now the series shifts to D.C as the fans will be in red to see if the Caps can swing the momentum back in their favor tonight. Here is the projected lineup tonight.


Forwards:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Chimera
Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer
Glencross-Laich-Wilson


Forwards and Defense:

Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Gleason-Green

Holtby
Peters


Other Notes:

*The Caps need more production from the bottom six this postseason. Look for Troy Brouwer or a guy like Curtis Glencross to try to pot one tonight. Brouwer had a good regular season but has not produced  in the playoffs.

*Braden Holtby in my opinion has played pretty well overall in this series. Holtby has also stayed calm and cool in the postseason this year and it's helping the team.

*Tim Gleason was a little banged up so Barry Trotz called up Nate Schmidt just in case and will take the warmup tonight but it looks like Gleason will be fine to play.

*Evgeny Kuznetsov has come alive along with Alex Ovechkin. If those two continue what they are doing the Caps will have a chance to win.

*First key is to get off to a better start. The first period was not good in Game 2, but the Verizon Center crowd will be ready to explode if the Caps score first. I say it a lot but when they score first they seem to win.

*Another key is to make sure they pick up forwards that try to sneak behind the defense. The Rangers greatest asset is their speed, clog up the neutral zone and that will slow them down a bit.

*Henrik Lundqvist has been pretty good and I expect him to play well tonight. The Caps have to score a dirty goal or two. Have to screen him and get shots through. I know it's tough because the Rangers can block shots but they can get a few through.

*The Caps have to have sustained pressure and try to draw some penalties to get their powerplay on the ice. The Caps only got one powerplay in Game 2.

*Overall I feel the the Caps are in decent shape right now. They have an opportunity to take the series lead back. They are battling against a good team and at times playing darn well. The playoffs only get tougher as they continue but the way they are playing they are giving themselves a chance.


Gametime 7:30 p.m on NBCSN

Game 2 Recap: Rangers 3 Caps 2 (Series tied 1-1)

 The Rangers came out hard and put two goals past Braden Holtby in the first period. After that the Caps tried to bounce back but at the end of the day fell just short of forcing overtime as the Rangers were able to tie the series. Here's the highlights.


Caps/Rangers Game 2:

My Thoughts:

*Alex Ovechkin remained the best player on the ice. He scored to cut the lead to 3-2 with about 9 or so minutes left in the game.

*Evgeny Kuznetsov scored his 4th goal of the playoffs to get the Caps started in the 2nd period. I thought Kuzzy play overall pretty well as Lundqvist would rob him as well in the 2nd period after a great pass from OV.

*The Caps penalty kill is no longer perfect after Dan Boyle's seeing eye shot sailed past Holtby, but the PK came up big late in the 3rd with a kill that gave the Caps a chance.

*The officiating was one sided. The Caps PK had to go to work four times, including a penalty late in the 3rd period when they called Troy Brouwer for a high stick. The replay showed the stick never hit Keith Yandle but is acting got the Rangers a power play. Most officials though even things out but that wasn't the case. So, I don't want to hear their coach complain about none calls anymore.

*With all that said the Caps one powerplay got a couple great chances but then a lucky bounce right after the PP was over lead to Derek Brassard scoring the goal that made it 3-1 NYR.

*The Caps first period was not good, and the Rangers were desperate and the Caps looked like they were asleep. When the Caps got into the game they at times looked like the better team. It just has to be a 60 minute effort and things may turn out different. Nothing to take away from the Rangers they are a very good team and I have said the Rags are the favorite in the East. However, I think the Caps when they play their game can compete with them.

*Overall let's look at the grand scheme of things. The goal was to win one of two at MSG. The Caps accomplished that. Now the boys get to come home with a chance to maybe win two and put the Rangers in a whole. Now with that said it will be tough to win two in a row but it is doable. I see this though being a long hard fought series.


What's Next: Game 3 Monday May 4th vs. New York Rangers 7:30 p.m on NBCSN

Pregame Notes: Washington Capitals at. New York Rangers Game 2

 We have an early matinee today at MSG as the Caps look to get greedy and take Game 2 after their dramatic Game 1 win on Thursday. Here is the lineup for Game 2.


Forwards:

Ovechkin-Backstrom-Ward
Johansson-Kuznetsov-Chimera
Burakovsky-Beagle-Brouwer
Glencross-Laich-Wilson

Defense and Goalies:

Orpik-Carlson
Alzner-Niskanen
Gleason-Green

Holtby
Peters


Other Notes:

*Barry Trotz gave the boys the day off yesterday after looking a bit tired after Game 1. Trotz is hoping the batteries are recharged and they can play with a little more energy.

*Alex Ovechkin was great on Thursday, but what is impressive is that it seems his leadership role has grown during this run in the playoffs. If the Caps are to take two in New York he will have to continue his strong play along with Nick Backstrom and Joel Ward.

*Speaking of Ward he is performing in the playoffs yet again, he has been strong on the boards and protecting the puck.

*Braden Holtby I thought helped the Caps weather the storm in Game 1, and again if the Caps want to win another on the road Holts will have to play a solid game again.

*First key today is to match the intensity that the Rangers are no doubt going to have at the beginning of the game. The Caps can do that by playing physical and having good defensive gaps. They can frustrate the Rangers if they Caps play well defensively.

*Another key is again like I said in Game 1, if the Caps score first they seem to play better. The scored first in Game 1 and would have won before Ward's buzzer beater if it wasn't for a lucky goal.

*Special teams will be important today too, the Caps powerplay made a difference by getting a goal on Thursday and the penalty kill has been very good. That can help the Caps today as well.

*Overall the pressure is on the Rangers to try to tie the series. However, on the flip side the Caps have a tremendous chance to steal both at MSG and put themselves in a great situation coming back home for Game 3. It is going to be a battle but it should be lots of fun to watch.


Gametime 12:30 p.m on NBC

Highlights of Hershey's 10-4 win over Worcester (Hershey wins series 3-1)