Ovechkin Has Huge Night, But Theodore Was The Difference

Facing a four game losing streak, the Caps came up big tonight, beating Atlanta 5-3 at home. Ovechkin had a huge night with his sixth career hat trick, but it was Jose Theodore who was the difference...yes, Theodore. Jose has been inconsistent at best this year and he has many Caps fans missing Christobal Huet, but tonight he was the Theodore the Caps needed. Jose made a huge save very early in the game to stave off his team going down 1-0, giving the Caps the momentum they needed to score two quick goals. Theodore, at times, has been nothing short of unbelievable this year and other times, well, not so much. Tonight he was consistent, making the stops he needed to. With the Caps having eight, yes eight, injured players, Theo and Ovie made sure the Caps stayed the only team in the Eastern Conference not to lose in regulation at home, but without Theo coming up big in the first and again in the third to keep the momentum with the Caps, who knows what may have happened. Another pleasant surprise tonight were the newcomers from Hershey, they played steady, fundamental hockey, exactly what the Caps needed them to do. All in all it was a good win for the Caps, but Friday they face a bigger test when the 2009 All-Star team comes to town...oh, sorry, I mean the Montreal Canadians.