CFN – The odd and odder keeps rolling on in this 2011-12 NHL hockey season. After roaring out of the gate this season the Washington Capitals have been drifting downwards. A look at their player stats shows that marquee star Alex Ovechkin is having another non Ovechkin season.
Actually since becoming team captain Ovie’s play seems to have suffered. Coach Bruce Boudreau’s name has been bantered for the firing line for over a year now; especially after Washington’s early exit in the play offs last season.
Alex is a team leading -6 and is putting out less than a point a game. Can dumping the coach really change his performance? In today’s world of sports coaches usually are more disposable than star players. If Ovie isn’t hurt and is pouting what message would be sent if you dump your coach? Could Washington take the C from his jersey instead?
Of course we in the media rarely know the full story. What Washington fans do know is that their team is 3-6-1 in their last ten games; far worse a level than this squad should be performing at.
Don’t look now Hab fans but Scott Gomez has three assists in his last two games. That’s good news for Montreal; especially with Andrei Kostitsyn injured and Andrei Markov not back yet. Montreal has hesitated in band aid moves like reaching out for Bryan McCabe and is seeing what their young D-men’s mettle is.
So far the results are positive. Montreal shut out the Rangers 4-0 Saturday night; the key being the shut out which I’m sure had the D corps smiling afterwards. Patience is a virtue. In the peak levels of professional sport something that not every team can afford.
Toronto walloped the Caps 7-1 Saturday night. The Monster was on and the Leafs padded him a mighty fine lead which always makes goalies look better. With Mike Komiserak going down with a broken arm, Cody Franson was on the ice and he notched two goals on the evening.
See that’s the difference between winners in losers; like in life as in the NHL. The difference between winners and losers is how you deal with adversity.
For today the Leafs and Habs are hanging in there. Washington still is searching.
We’ll be doing our game 20 report cards starting on Monday. And of course you can leave your comments below.
