The Fifth Liners

The Washington Capitals should no signs of fading in the absence of star player Alexander Ovechkin last night as they hammered the Philadelphia Flyers 7-0 at the Wells Fargo Center! Things almost got off the wrong start for the visiting capitals when Steve Downie, who was making his debut after arriving from the Colorado Avalanche in mid week, almost beat Capitals goalie Braden Holtby in the opening seconds! But Niklas Backstrom got the party started when after he rifled a shot past Steve Mason after 17.28 to put the away side in front! But it was in the second period that the Capitals should their offensive capabilities and a five goal flurry would soon follow- Joel Ward pushed the advantage to 2-0 after less than 1.24 of the second before Jim Chimera made it three on a breakaway! After Steve Mason's poor display, he was pulled from net shortly after the third goal and replaced by back up Ray Emery. Sadly Emery would fare just as worse when Backstrom grabbed his second off...

Washington Capitals are currently top of the Southwest Division, from Mike's previous post about this seemingly mundane division, we have learned it is one that is far from excitement. But this team does boast an impressive roster and based on their 6-5 win over Tampa Bay Lightning- we have learned that this team has plenty of fight in them and this is what counts come playoff time! Led by notorious Captain Alexander Ovechkin- the Caps have been a regular feature in the Eastern Conference playoffs over the last four years and this year their forward line has clocked up some impressive stats- Centre Nicklas Backstrom currently sits on 44 points while Mike Ribeiro has contributed 41 points and along with wingers Joel Ward and Troy Brouwer- we have some offensive lines crying out for progress! Former NHL player Adam Oates was installed as Head Coach earlier this season and so far the results seems to be paying off and with a true star in Ovechkin leading the way, we could well see...