Caps, Varlamov shutout Lightning

The Washington Capitals have won their sixth consecutive game shutting out Southeast Division rival Tampa Bay, 3-0.  The Caps remain the only team in the NHL to remain perfect against their division rivals, now 7-0 against the Southeast. The game marked the return of Alexander Ovechkin, the greatest player on the planet, after a two game suspension.  Ovechkin responded by scoring two goals to lead the Caps offensively.

The first period ended in a scoreless tie, both teams garnering 7 shots on goal.  The Caps really did not look that impressive in the first period.

Second period was much different.  The Capitals responded with all 3 of their goals in the second.  The first Ovechkin goal put the Caps up 1-0.  Ovie and Alexander Semin caught the Lightning defense on a 2 on 1 and Semin made a pretty pass over for the Ovechkin sniper shot that wen right through the legs of a sprawling Mike Smith.  The second Caps goal came less than 5 minutes later, when Eric Fehr planted a juicy rebound in the net for his 8th goal of the season and extending his scoring streak to an NHL current high 7 games.  The final goal, Ovechkin’s 2nd of the game and 20th of the season, was likely the weirdest goal of his career, as it barely grazed his stick, went into the net along the gaol line, before hitting off Smith’s skate and across the line.  Ovechkin would take it.  The second period ended with Caps leading 3-0 and out shooting the Lightning in an frenzied period 16-14.

The third period was marked more by intensity and tempers than scoring.  In fact, there was no scoring.

Semyon Varlamov was masterful once again in goal, picking up his second shutout of the season and improve to an impressive 12-1-2.  His winning percentage is the highest among NHL goalies this season.  Varly stopped all 26 shots.  It is high time that Varlamov begin to receive serious discussion for the Calder Trophy consideration, given to the NHL’s top rookie.

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Caps, Varlamov shutout Lightning