CAPS GOALIE REPORT: KOLZIG CLUTCH, VALIQUETTE OUTDUELED

Olie the Goalie got it done for the Caps on Sunday in a 3-2 (OT) barnburner where he got the #1 star for his 30+ save performance. Most importanly was that his best play was saved for the second half of the game which has been something he has struggled with as of late letting up late and sometimes weak goals.

Goal 1 saw an off winged Sean Avery pick O.K. near side / glove side. It was the obvious choice for the shooter as they know the scouting report is that he is going to go down to cover the lower half on the net.

Goal 2 was a bit sloppy since O.K. made the first save, was not able to cover the puck in front of him, got back up and went back down to the butterfly to stop an off angle shot. Problem was the stick blade was not down. A habit that many youth goalie get into.

After goal 2 O.K. got down to business and made not only the straight on saves he usually makes but 1 or 2 to worl class post to post saves.

At the other end of the ice Steve Valiquette did some fantastic work himself but got a little complacent with details. While his own team was on the power play numerous times the Caps iced the puck hard on goal and he stayed deep within the paint of the crease to "stop" pucks that actually left bouncing rebounds rather than step out to "handle" and "play" pucks to his teammates while they had the advantage.