Streaks can be fun, streaks can be good, but sometimes streaks can paint an unclear picture.
In this case, for the Washington Capitals, the streaky team has made a new benchmark for themselves, and at what cost?
Washington is home to some of the biggest "bandwagon" fans of any sport. Thus being said, obviously any team that wins will attract fans. These "bandwagon" fans will now expect wins, wins, wins, and more wins;therefore, any loss will just about be considered intolerable.
Through this recent 14 game win streak, the Capitals relied on goal scoring, because they had to come back in eight of those games to win it.
Come playoff time, this new "rely on goal-scoring" philosophy will not cut it. The problem is defense, and goaltending not always associated in this statement. The goaltending has been stellar at times, but throughout the season has been left out to dry.
Defensively, with the exception of two defenders, Washington plays the puck and doesn't take the physical approach. Evident in why the Capitals lost in overtime to the Canadiens. If Jeff Schultz had played body the Caps would've been in the shootout. That ...
Read Full Article at Bleacher Report - NHL
Article written by Billy Armstrong
Washington Capitals State of the Union: Post-Winning Streak
February 12th, 2010 by Billy Armstrong Leave a reply »
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