Caps had plenty of chances to pull this one out even with the zebras deciding to make a little “History” (thanks for that tweet Neil, I needed a little levity during this debacle).

Imagine if the Caps had won, though. Rags crying about the disallowed goal after the green light. Would have been unbearable.

Is this a remnant of the wishful thinking that we could have played Carolina?

“Eight minutes into the third, Vinny Prospal gave New York a 3-2 advantage. . . ”

I do believe that should read: “Prospal gave New York a 2-1 advantage. . . ”

Anyways, even with all the penalties we battled back. Minus that deflection off of Alzner’s shoulder the outcome could have, better yet would have been entirely different. The Caps have shown the ability to rebound this season and with that I think Wednesday’s game will be most excellent. I excpect to see crisp, smart hockey form the Caps and they WILL NOT let the Rags get into their heads.

like 28isGreat said: ‘Merely a matter of “when”. . .

Go Caps!

Rangers needed what – 6?, 7? power plays to get the momentum going in their direction. We battled back each time to tie the game up. But for a flukey goal, Sunday’s game was destined for OT – where I don’t doubt we would have converted. (on a side note – its amazing how my confidence in the Caps ability to perform in OT has grown since mid-season!)

The Thugs in Blue gave it their all yersterday, and we still looked like the better team. Avery and Prust will get their come uppance – and I hope its in the final minutes of Game 5 when we’re coasting to a series win.

Rangers are toast. Merely a matter of “when” – not “if.”

Amen. What the Rangers have been trying to do in games 2 and 3 is goad the Caps into playing to the Rags strengths and the Caps weaknesses. As much as I love the discipline and determination shown this year by our Boys in Red as they changed their game to a new system, the core of this team is still built for speed and scoring. When they were playing that way, the Rangers killed them twice during the regular season. I suspect that the message from New York’s coaches is “get in their heads and they’ll revert to their old ways…and refs always see the second hit”. Thus cheap shots to Neuvy and Green and a commitment to hits right out of the gate.

IMO, the Caps need to take the initiative to impose their will in this and future series. If they focus on “not letting the Rangers take them off their game” it’s like focusing on “not thinking about pink elephants.” I bet I know what you’re thinking right now. They need to forget about anything New York is trying to do and focus their minds on being unstoppable. Neuvy is a wall. Ovie is a tank. Every line is a threat. Brads eats Averies for breakfast. BL21 is a handsome man. Green gets goals. Caps kill PP’s and block shots like crazy people. CRASH THE NET.

That is all.

The fight at that Devil’s game you mention ended up more of a pile up than an actual fight. Carlson still isn’t credited with an NHL fight. Prust, however, has NHL Fight experience AND won a number of his fights. That wouldn’t have ended well for Carlson in this game and possibly for the run of the series.

Actually Carlson has been involved in an NHL fight — against the Devils early this year when the Caps were clobbering the Devils. I believe it was against the Devils’ goon who went after Johansson that day.

Other bloggers have actually complained about Carlson’s lack of restraint yesterday for letting the Rags get to him and taking 2 costly penalties. You guys are pointing out how he could have reacted a lot worse than he did.