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WASHINGTON TAKES OUT THE CHAMPS
After being swept in last year's playoffs by the Hartford Whalers, the Capitals front office took note. They quickly realized they didn't have the team to push for a championship and so began the complete rebuild/refresh with their target being the Hartford Whalers. They ended up getting them in the 1st round this year and it appears, at least as far as being able to compete with Hartford, mission accomplished. The Capitals closed out the series in 5 games in Hartford with a 7-1 victory. Kurri started the scoring with his 5th of the series just over 6 minutes in. Then, at the 13 minute mark, Krutov would score his 2nd of the series and after one period of play the Capitals had the Whalers on the ropes. The fans in Hartford got to cheer pretty loud when Langway scored just 30 seconds in to cut the lead to 2-1. After that though the Capitals would take control of the game. Brown scored his 1st of the series at around the 5 minute mark. Then 2:16 later Carpenter scored his 1st of the series on the only PP in the game. Before the period would end, Carpenter would add his 2nd of the game and series at the 13 minute mark and Beaupre would once again head to the showers. After two periods the score was 5-1 for Washington. In the third period the Whalers came out firing but just had no answers for Moffat who stood tall all night. Then at the 5 minute mark Jonsson would score his 1st of the playoffs to push the lead to 6-1. About 2:30 later Krushelnyski would add his first of the series. The score was 7-1 for the Capitals and would end the scoring and also the series. The Capitals clinched the series 4-1, winning two of the games in Hartford. Mike Moffat took home the win with a 25 save performance. He ended the series going 3-1 with a 3.28 GAA and .881 save percentage. Special teams had a successful night going 1-1 and the club didn't give up any man advantages. The last 4 games they only allowed 3 PP chance against, as the team discipline was excellent. After an initial 0-7 on the PP and giving up 3 SH goals the PP unit ended the series at 23.5%. Good enough for 6th in the playoffs. The PK unit which did struggle early also picked it up late going 66.6% finishing last. This will need to be worked on for the next series. 1st star - Bobby Carpenter - 2 goals, 3 points, +2 on 5 shots 2nd star - Mike Moffat with 25 saves on 26 shots 3rd star - Tomas Jonsson - 1 goal, 2 points, +1 on 4 shots For the series, Jari Kurri was the top Capital. In 5 games, he not only got a point in each game but also scored in each one. He ended with 5 goals and 10 points, +4 and 1 game winner. Mark Messier was also solid with 6 goals, 8 points, a +3 and 2 GW'ers. Wayne Gretzky also produced a point in every game scoring 1 time and setting up 6 for 7 points with a +4. Ray Bourque, playing against his former team, led the defense in Washington. He had 1 goal, and 7 assists for 8 points and was a +5. Every Capital player actually had a point in the series as far as starters go except for Adam Creighton. Moffat even contributed a point. "It was a very solid team game and great effort, especially after Game 1. We knew how potent the Hartford PP was and worked hard, not just on the PK, but to stay out of the box," said Coach Herron. Game 1 the Capitals gave up 6 PP chances. Game 2 only 1. Game 3 just 1 again, Game 4 yet another 1 chance only, and Game 5 none. So the last 4 games of the series the Capitals only allowed Hartford 3 PP opportunities. The Washington Capitals final record for the season against the Hartford Whalers was 7-2 combined playoffs and regular season. Bubba Smith Sr. |