The Washington Capitals are looking better, but not Stanley Cup-winning better. Last night's game against the Penguins proved the Capitals would have to play their very best game to stay with the elite of the NHL.
Pittsburgh proved that they could make more than a few mistakes and still beat a team they may see in the playoffs.
The Penguins didn't convert a power play chance and even allowed a shorthanded goal in winning the game. Washington needed two two-man advantages to even get on the board. The most promising turn of events for Washington seems to be the emergence of rookie goalie Michael Neuvirth. Making his fourth consecutive start, Neuvirth kept the Capitals in the game by making 25 saves.
Just 22 years old, Nevirth is currently the number-one goaltender over the other 22-year old goalie on the roster, Semyon Varlamov. Varlamov has battled injuries this season but Boudreau has still given him a shot to battle for the number-one designation. Neuvirth appears poised to emerge as the guy the Capitals are going to rely on.
Counting the shootout, Neuvirth stopped Evgeni Malkin and Sidney Crosby on two separate brea ...
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Article written by Alan Zlotorzynski
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December 24th, 2010 by Alan Zlotorzynski Leave a reply »
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