Caps/Anaheim Recap

The Caps started their trip out west in ideal fashion Wednesday night when they beat the Anaheim once mighty Ducks 6-4. Those who weren't able to nap during the day may have missed this late starter, but for those of you who watched saw the Caps jump out to a very early 3 goal lead only to see it cut to a single goal before the end of the first period. The Ducks are the most penalized team in the NHL and the Caps capitalized (say that 10 times) early, scoring two powerplay goals before the game was four minutes old. Backstrom continued his torrid pace by following shortly with a great backhand shot past Anaheim goalie Jonas Miller, who was pulled less than eight minutes into the game, a far cry from his shutout performance against the LA Kings on Sunday. All was peachy for the Caps, until Anaheim stormed back by putting two past Theodore, who played a very average game (which begs the question, Theodore or Johnson?) My concern after the first period was, the Caps came out strong, but they need to maintain pressure and seal the deal early. Granted, the second goal from Anaheim was scored even though the Caps had some decent defensive coverage, but still, the Caps need to go into the locker room with at least a two goal lead. Anaheim is struggling at home this season, but the Caps are just two days away from playing the San Jose Sharks, a team that refuses to lose at home this season (10-0-1). It was a nice win for the Caps, but I fear they will not be so lucky at the Shark Tank on Saturday. You play with Sharks, you lose an arm...or in this case, some standings points.