Brian Sickles: WSH 1, NYI 4 - Washington Fails to Gain Ground in Standings + POLL

I feel like one of the few who'd rather they play the big dog Florida. I heard the Caps have a pretty good record against Bob historically and being such a massive underdog with no expectations would be perfect for this Caps team who is also very good on the road. I hope Ovi stays out until Mon/Tues when the playoffs start also like most fans I've heard. No reason to play as both Florida and Rangers would be the favorite. Surprising that the Caps went from goalie central to a wasteland in only a few offseasons. Prospects just have not panned out. I think if Bmac is serious about Ovi's last few years, he will sign a Keumper or Campbell type to good money to ensure that they have a serious chance the next two or three years.

Pretty horrendous game last night. The shorty Sammy let in reminded me of the goal he gave up to Boston last year in the playoffs. I prefer the Panthers to the Rangers for a first round match-up. Zibanejad seems to score at will against the Caps so I would like to avoid that unpleasantness for as long as possible.

How hurt is Ovie? Was any info released? And Oshie?

How hurt is Ovie? Was any info released? And Oshie?
- Doogs

Upper body injury for Ovie is all I heard. He was a game time decision last night. This makes me think it is not serious. I thought for sure Oshie broke his left big toe blocking that shot with his reaction immediately afterward. He came back after a bit and played. I think he is ok which is darn lucky considering his injury plagued season up to this point.

Upper body injury for Ovie is all I heard. He was a game time decision last night. This makes me think it is not serious. I thought for sure Oshie broke his left big toe blocking that shot with his reaction immediately afterward. He came back after a bit and played. I think he is ok which is darn lucky considering his injury plagued season up to this point.
- yossarian

No kidding. No matter how the standings finish, losing either of those guys going into NY or FLA is not a good thing. Hope they are both fine.

No kidding. No matter how the standings finish, losing either of those guys going into NY or FLA is not a good thing. Hope they are both fine.
- Doogs

If the Caps play like they do at times they can prove to be a tough out for either NY or Fla. I guess we will see shortly. The Pens seem to be flailing along here lately. That would worry me a bit if I were a Pens fan. What is up with them in your opinion?

A couple minutes left in the second game of the back to back with NY. Islanders up 5-0...maybe the Caps are on cruise control as the season ends, I don't know. Outscored 9-1 in these two games. Could be a quick conclusion to the season as once again the Caps looks horrendous.

If the Caps play like they do at times they can prove to be a tough out for either NY or Fla. I guess we will see shortly. The Pens seem to be flailing along here lately. That would worry me a bit if I were a Pens fan. What is up with them in your opinion?
- yossarian

Pens and caps seem to be tied at the hips. Success came in with Sid/Ovi being drafted and now as they are in the twilight of their careers they limp in to the playoffs together and soon will be in the basement together until they can draft some more superstars.

I think much like the caps the pens can get hot and go on a streak if the scorers score and the tender gets hot. But really we’re just hoping not to get embarrassed. I think most fans would prefer to go against Florida as it just sucks to lose to a metro rival like the rangers.

This has to be planned; there is no way they can be this bad two games in a row - against the same team.

I do think Florida is a "better" first round option than NYR, but they both are terrible (for the Caps). Rags too quick, Panthers just too good? We'll find out soon enough!

Meh; I'll take it game by game these next couple weeks.

If the Caps play like they do at times they can prove to be a tough out for either NY or Fla. I guess we will see shortly. The Pens seem to be flailing along here lately. That would worry me a bit if I were a Pens fan. What is up with them in your opinion?
- yossarian

Sorry, wasn’t on yesterday. Complete concern. Absolute frustration. But eternal optimism. What else as fans can we do?