RED ALERT: It really is about DEFENSE!

It is here.  game Day!  Game One!  NHL Playoffs!  And what a better day to start it out than by reporting, Ottawa 5, Pittsburgh 4.  Cant get any better than that! 

First, let’s get you the pre-game, preview links:  Official Caps, NHL.com,  Japers Rink/SB Nation, Russian Machine that Never Breaks, Caps Nut,  Storming the Crease,

Reading some previews and pre-series hoopla, there seems to be some criticism leveled a the Caps and the style of play.  They are daring, they are an offensive juggernaut that takes chances for the breakaways, often getting caught on odd man rushes.  And some of it is true.  But, let’s not forget, the Capitals still won the President’s Trophy and demolished the NHL in terms of scoring.  Does that mean anything?  Just for my part here, the Caps defense has a ton to prove.  The spot light is on them, and will shine brightly.  

On to the Verizon Center tonight.  Wasn’t Caps hockey declared dead just three years ago?  Not anymore, respect is given.  (Calgary Sun)

Across the Potomac River, the Verizon Center is going to be the loudest rink in the NHL playoffs Thursday night when the Caps host the Montreal Canadiens in the first game of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal. Emotion is peaking like the Washington Monument here.

And Alex Ovechkin for one, rejects all the criticisms leveled at Caps hockey.

Read more after jump.

Discuss the Caps.   

Read it all at

http://dcprosportsreport.com/2010/04/15/red-alert-it-really-is-about-defense/