Caps beat Lightning 5-2

[herrmag]

Despite the score, the Caps were BADLY outshot. I believe the official tally was 50 shots for Tampa, and 20 for the Caps (I believe that's what the final tally was, I might be slightly wrong). How do you score 5 goals on approximately 20 shots? How do you give up 50? It's unfortunate, but if our defense doesn't improve, I don't think we'll be grabbing that eighth seed. I'm not complaining, as I didn't expect them to make the playoffs until next year, but it is a little disappointing.

[DoGood28]

It's nice to see all 3 Washington teams emerging from their losing streaks in the last 3 days.

This has been the worst year for DC sports in a while. My life has been in shambles.

[bulldog]

Kolzig and Johnson have been outstanding for the Capitals. Especially Johnson who before last week had a save percentage of .925.

The Caps are short a playmaking centerman and in depth on the blue line. The good news is that Backstrom and Schultz should be making the jump in 2007 to the parent club and these moves plus the acquisition of perhaps one playoff-tested veteran defenseman should put Washington over the top and back into the postseason chase as more than a first round curiosity.

Remember, though, about the shots on goal........the Caps defensive scheme is to limit cage front chances by forcing teams to the outside and then letting Kolzig and Johnson have a clear view toward making the stops. The defense is allowing better than a half-goal per game less in 2006 than 2005, but I agree that the team needs to start moving out and defending the perimeter more as the confidence level and consistency of the defense increases over time covering their current responsibilities under the system.