Walker, Knuble lift Caps over Lightning

Everyone wondered how the new Washington Capitals, obtained at the trade deadline, would mesh.  How long before any impact.  Answer, at least for one player, 24 hours.

Newcomer Scott Walker, obtained from Carolina for a 7th round draft pick, scored two goals, including the game winner, to help lift the Caps to their second consecutive win in as many nights, and start the post-Olympic break off at 2-0.  Both Walker goals were pretty backhands in front of the net.  It's called, net presence.  Best thing is, Walker had a total of three goals on the season, and nearly equaled that in his Caps debut.  Let's face it, there are no easy chances in Carolina.  But even further, you had to love the grittiness Walker brought to the ice.

Mike Knuble also continues his hot stick, scoring two goals as well, as the Capitals downed the Lightning 5-4 at the Verizon Center.  The Caps improved to 24-3-3 at home and improve to 43-13-8 on the season and hold a 14 point lead in the Eastern Conference over the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Eric Fehr scored the game opening goal a little over the 6 minute mark on a nasty, Ovechkin-type slapper that went through Tampa goalie Mike Smith.  Speaking of Ovechkin, he was held scoreless last night, but you can't say Ovie did not have the opportunities.  Ovie had several scoring chances, some of them pretty significant, including a breakaway.  The bottom line last night was --- Mike Smith just has Ovechkin's number.  Tampa pest Steve Downie scored the equalizer half way through the first period.  Caps out shot Tampa in the first period 14-9.

Read more at

http://www.dcprosportsreport.com/articles/washington-capitals/wlaker-knuble-lift-caps-over-lightning.html