Thursday, January 24, 2008

CAPS GOALIE REPORT: "CLUTCH PLAY" NOT THERE

It looked good for Ollie on paper but the trained eye knows better. It's easy to say the Caps didn't finish, which of course they didn't, but they also didn't get the clutch situational play in front of the net that could have gotten them at least a point.

RLH Observations:
  • Again, Kolzig gets tangled up in defensemen who are trying to aide his flanks to stop rebound shots that come from the side. This is happening over and over.
  • When those rebounds do end up turning into shots from the side, Kolzig's recovery is poor and is typically a head first flop rather than a quick and explosive one leg slide. This is why the D keep overcompensating as they do.
  • Giving up a goal with :30 left in a tie game is not the "clutch situational play" that is needed when every play counts.

Washington Post Observations:

Boudreau Hopes for a Happy Homecoming

By Tarik El-Bashir

Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, January 23, 2008; Page E07
"If we can continue to improve defensively, we'll be in good shape."
The Capitals are averaging 3.5 goals per game since Boudreau took over, up from 2.2. But they're also yielding an average 3.2 goals per game under Boudreau.


Boudreau said he plans to start goaltender

Olie Kolzig against the Maple Leafs before turning to backup Brent Johnson for Thursday's rematch with Toronto at Verizon Center. Kolzig has been in net for 17 of the Capitals' 22 wins, but he surrendered five goals on 15 shots against the Penguins on Monday and has seen his save percentage dip to .885 with a string of uneven performances.

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