Game #35 Panthers W5-2

Keep on rolling

We had a set back last week when we faced 2 of our division rivals but we started off this week just fine and continue to roll with another big win heading into our first match up against our hated rivals (and Winter Classic opponent) Washington Capitals.
I knew my friend Drew Carter was coming up for holidays and I asked him a while back if he wanted to go with me to this game. Of course he did but he needed to work out his trip schedule as this would be a day or so earlier than what he originally anticipated coming up. Luckily he was able to swing this and he left the day before so he had plenty of time to get up here and get back into sorts (after the 12 hour drive). He was right on time picking me up and as usual we loaded up on foods and drinks and headed down to the lot.

NHL.com recap

• Ben Lovejoy scored the first goal of his NHL career (31 games) and added his first fight for good measure before leaving the game after taking a shot to the face.
• Matt Cooke scored in consecutive games for the first time since March 27-28, 2010.
• Brent Johnson earned the victory and was credited with an assist before leaving after the second period with a groin injury.
• Beej also let up a goal on the first shot as we seem to be doing a lot this year.
• Crosby kept his scoring streak alive (22 games) with a rare blow-it-by-him slapshot down the left wing that beat Tomas Vokoun.
• Vokoun was pulled in the 1st period after Cookie made it 3-0
  

Drew was pumped to get his face in an All-Time Team picture. He loved the new arena as well. I was glad he was fit enough to book it up all those steps. I think he even bought me a beer or two when we were in there. I was super pumped he was able to make it out with me to see this game.

uwvark27's 2010-11 record: 6-2

Game #30 Leafs W5-2

We Are Unstoppable

Originally I had invited Matt Weyandt with me to this game for his birthday but he told me the week before that he needed to work so he couldn't make it. I had Nate scheduled to ask for a later game but after I told him I had an opening for this game he was all too willing and we were set. Since Nate was working in Moon today I didn't have to really go anywhere or wait for anybody so I shot right down to the lot. So quickly in fact that it was too early for me to get in at the reduced price! I had to go kill some time so I found a spot on the side of the road and read some Harry Potter on my phone until I could get in. Once I got in I started drinking and chatting with Ale waiting for Nate. Unfortunately for him he was stuck in Pittsburgh rush hour traffic on the wrong side of the tunnel and I couldn't wait any longer. I walked down to the Souper Bowl and got a table and ordered food. I saw a Toronto fan in there and asked them if they were here for the first game but they were not. Things in the standings were a lot different then at that time. As soon as our wings got there Nate walked in. Perfect timing. We ate and walked over to the arena.

NHL.com recap

• It only took about 8 mins for Crosby to get going with his first goal of the night he finished with 2 and I was worried I was going to lose another hat.
• Letestu also had 2 goals, his first since his season opening hot streak stopped (22 games).
  
• Orr and Engelland had a rematch fight and Engelland pounded the crap out of Orr for real. The NHL fighting torch has been passed. (Actually it was kind of close but still a win for our guy)
  
• There were a ton more fights too that kept the excitement level high the whole game.
• Some idiot behind us said something in the 3rd period about Fleury getting a shut-out. We both turned around and yelled at him and sure enough not 2 mins later Toronto scored. I should have kicked the shit out of that guy.
  
• We this victory we took over the #1 spot in the NHL with the most points (42).
• This was the 3rd game in the row Malkin sat out with a knee injury.
• Nate met and got a picture with Gene Simmons
• Dupuis had an amazing 2-on-0 shorthanded goal.
• I finally saw a win against Toronto!! (previously 0-4)
  

Since no one really reads my blog I decided to make an album in Facebook with all these pictures as well so more people can see them. Now when people come with me they should know that this action is required and I didn't have any issues dragging Nate over to the kiosk.


uwvark27's 2010-11 record: 5-2

Game #27 Thrashers W3-2

The Streak Continues

I decided to ask my good friend Billy (Carl) from work to go with me to this game. I often talk to him about hockey and sports in general around the water cooler when things slow down at work and since I was moving to a different department I figured this would be a nice thing for us to do as I wouldn't be seeing Billy around too much after that.
We left on the shuttle together to go back to the lot and we got in his car. I gave him a few suggestions of what the usual plan is and where I usually go to eat food before the game but he didn't seem to want to do any of that and he actually suggested Taco Bell to me. : I was not eating at Taco Bell sorry. We ended up doing something we haven't done in a while. We went to D's in Regent Square. We went there a few times when he first started for beers and food after work but we haven't done it in years. It was a good time. We got good food had a few beers and it wasn't packed at all.
Now I don't know why but when we left instead of shooting right down to the arena, Billy decided to go some weird way that I never would have guessed. He went back down Washington Blvd and sort of went down along the river, the North Shore, to get there. I was very trafficy on that side but we had time and there was really no hurry anyway. We made it with plenty of time and I guided him to the $5 lot. It was time for some hockey!!

NHL.com recap

• All fans in attendance received a free scarf.
• Crosby had his first ever natural hat trick.
• I had to throw my scarf.
• It was his 2nd consecutive hat trick at home.
• Has 21 goals in 27 games. Tied for league lead, fastest he's ever scored that many.
• Bryan Little scored on the power play breaking our streak of 30 straight kills. We're still 1st in the league in that stat.
• Ass Ham had a sweet fight with former Penguin Chris Thorburn 2 mins into the game.
• After the 1st period one of the ice girls rammed into the boards at a high rate of speed when she went to hop off the ice. She appeared to be okay afterwards.
• After the 2nd period while attempting to get out of the way of the zamboni a guy fell and then the guy with him fell when he tried to help him up. Luckily the zamboni was able to steer around them before they got creamed.
• I saw a cameraman up in the upper bowl for the 1st time this year. He may have been up there because some section won free hot dogs and he needed to get footage of that and he wasn't just up there randomly. We'll see.
• Fleury is 9-0-1 in his last 10 games after that horrific start.
• Pens winning streak is at 8 and we took sole possession of 1st place in the division with this victory.

When I was telling Billy about the picture thing and steering him up the stairs over to the corner he fell behind or something and used his ticket to get in before we got the picture. He couldn't get back out after that and I was a little distressed. Luckily they allow you to go down there after the 1st period and we got to snap our photo at that time so we didn't miss this opportunity. You can see here that I did own one of those scarves for a few hours.

uwvark27's 2010-11 record: 4-2

Game #21 Hurricanes W5-4

Staying on top!

I asked Jason to come with me to this game. We haven't hung out in a while but like my other buddies I know he is a hardcore Pens fan and I knew he would love to see a game with me and check out the new arena.
I had to go back to the Sheetz in Murrysville to pick him and up after work since he did not drive. I was okay with that since they saved me from going the whole way top Greensburg. We loaded up on some food and drinks and shot down to the lot. It was Light-Up Night tonight in Pittsburgh and there was a little extra traffic. After we parked and bullshitted a bit we finished off our drinks we went over to Pizza Milano to meet up with some other buddies. We chilled there for a while and had another beer until it was time to walk over for the game. I got a huge souvenir cup too!


NHL.com recap

• Fleury let up another first shot goal in the first minute of play.
• TB's Steven Stamkos had a huge night the day before (8-7 win over Flyers) and pulled away from Crosby in the scoring races. Crosby stormed right back with a goal and 3 assists to continue to keep it close.
  
• Malkin had 3 assists putting him over 400 points in his career.
  
• This is the fastest Crosby has gotten to 14 goals.
  
• Fleury let up another last shot goal in the last minute of play which sent the game to overtime.
  
• Fleury did not let up a shootout goal.
• Tanger and Crosby scored shootout goals FTW!!
  

I made sure we did the picture thing. I was scared for a bit because it never got sent to my email until the next day. Usually I get it right away and when I didn't I thought there was a problem and I wasn't going to get it. When it finally showed up in my email the next day I was extremely happy. Now I realize how much I love these pics.


uwvark27's 2010-11 record: 3-2

Game #7 Senators W5-2

Now we are rolling!

I asked Joel to come with me to this game. He works at the Tribune Review so he is going to trade me the complete Penguins All-Time Team Medallions Set for his ticket. He gets some kind of special email to get a set since he is an employee. I think that's a fair trade for a ticket.
I got home, ate something and made a drink and then he showed up before I was even expecting him. That was a change of pace from what I usually get from the people I know (everyone is always late). Not too much traffic so we got there well ahead of schedule. We hung out in the parking lot for a bit and then went down to Shale's for a beer before going in.

NHL.com recap

• Sergei Gonchar's first game back to Pittsburgh since he left us via free agency on July 1st.
• Brett Johnson's 3rd consecutive start (and win)
• He's now 4-0
  
• Power play was clicking tonight : 2 for 3
• Mark Letestu is leading all rookie scorers with 7pts (4G, 3A)
• Ottawa pulled Brian Elliot after we notched our 5th goal.
  
• Deryk Engelland had another fight. This time with Chris Neil. Was not as good as his fight the other night. Score this one a boring draw.
• We're still tied for 1st with the Islanders in the Atlantic with 8pts but they have played 2 fewer games.
• First time both Geno and Sid scored goals in the same game in the new arena
  

Joel has seen the arena before because he went to the Paul McCartney concert that was the first event here ever. He said he used this kiosk to take his picture then but he must have typed his email in wrong because he said he never got it.

uwvark27's 2010-11 record: 2-2

MARIO MOSAIC

Well the Mario Mosaic has been posted online as well as hung in the new arena (which I will see live tomorrow for the first regular season game ever!!)

It was up yesterday but I guess so many people were trying to see it the website was not working properly and then they just took it down and replaced it with a jpeg for a few hours. It is up now though and working fine. I found my pic too!! CHECK IT OUT!!

Pretty exciting eh!

Winter Classic 2011 Announced: Official Now

Well now it's officially official.

The NHL and Gary Bettman announced today at a press conference at Heinz Field the 2011 Winter Classic.

Supposedly us Penguin season ticket holders will get a letter sent next week that details our window of opportunity to get tickets for this event. I wonder how many we are allowed to get? This is going to be so kick ass. I can't wait.

More Details:
ESPN.com
ESPN blog
NHL.com

LET'S GO PENS!!!

Only 71 days till hockey!!

2010 NHL Playoff Tracker - Round 4

2010 STANLEY CUP FINALS!!

#7 Philadelphia Flyers v #2 Chicago Blackhawks
Game 1 Flyers 5, Blackhawks 6
Game 2 Flyers 1, Blackhawks 2
Game 3 Blackhawks 3, Flyers 4 OT
Game 4 Blackhawks 3, Flyers 5
Game 5 Flyers 4, Blackhawks 7
Game 6 Blackhawks 4, Flyers 3 OT
#2 Chicago Blackhawks WIN 4-2

2010/06/11
It's over! The end of the world has been averted. The CRYERS have lost!! All hail the 2010 Stanley Cup Champion Chicago Blackhawks!!

2010/05/27
I cannot believe this is who is playing for the Stanley Cup this year. Ok the Blackhawks I have no problem with but the Flyers? What in the hell has gone on with the Eastern Conference? After the first round it looks like the Pens were good to go. Both of the teams we couldn't beat in the regular season (Devils, Caps) were out. Everyone sort of expected the Flyers to be a good match up with Devils. They were the one team the Devils couldn't beat all year but who would have predicted the Caps going down like that. They were up 3-1 and Montreal just caught fire and came back. I know I was cheering for them at that point. That was one of the greatest upsets to ever happen in sports. Little did we know that was just the start of the craziness in the Eastern Conference.

When the 2nd round started we all seemed to be confident that OMG the Pens got this. Easy road back to the Finals. Take out the upstart Habs and whichever team limps out of the other series and we're in. When depleted Boston went up 3 games to none of the Flyers that one seemed like it was a no-brainer, we'd play them, but the Flyers fought back. Just like the Habs in the first round they found their game and won one game at a game, eroding Boston's confidence and posting only the 3rd series win when down 3-0 in NHL history. I didn't get to see every game in that series but the difference from Game 1 to Game 7 was like nothing I've ever seen.

Well good for them but it didn't matter. The Pens took out the Flyers in the 2 previous years we went to the Cup Finals. It's no thing to do it again but first take care of these Habs and that was proving problematic. Just like the Caps before them the Pens dominated play for large stretches of time and pounded them with shots. We should have won every game 5-1 but it wasn't happening like that. They were just taking our punishment just like they did with the Caps and holding strong. Then one little turnover or slip up and they would charge back and put a shot past Fleury. I don't put all the blame on Fleury. He had to sit there for long stretches of time and not see any play then all of a sudden a guy would be barreling all alone on him and that's not exactly fair but still, you got to make those key saves. No doubt the Habs were in Fleury's mind and had his number for this series. We were still able to eke out some wins and Fleury did play exceptional in a few games (had 1 shutout, should of had 2) but the series still went win-loss up until Game 7 when it would have been our turn to win. However this was not to be. It was 4-0 at one point and we lost sending the Habs on to the next round and our dreams of repeating as Champions crashing down.

The Habs took out the (arguably) two best teams in the conference. Was this their year of destiny? Alas it was not to be. The Flyers much as they easily handled the Devils trapping style took care of Montreal in 5 games and punched their ticket to the Finals.

No matter what happens. I strongly dislike the Flyers and their fans. They are our hated rivals and they probably want us to win as much as I want them to: NOT AT ALL!! I would have been okay with the Habs winning. To lose to the eventual winner is one thing but the stinkin' Flyers? They didn't even make the playoffs until the last day of the regular season. They had to win in a shootout versus the Rangers to get in. I'll accept that they have played their best games at the best times but I will not accept that they will win this year.

The problem is if the Blackhawks win then Marian Hossa will finally get his Cup. This will be the 3rd year in a row he made it to the Finals. Amazing! Three years in a row on three different teams even. First player to ever do that. Boy would it suck to lose all three times. Now I know some people in Pittsburgh have a huge problem with him. He made some regrettable comments when he left Pittsburgh to go to Detroit and yeah so what? He may be a douchebag but he's suffered enough. Losing in the Finals is bad enough but two years in a row is worse. It's not like he is the reason the Blackhawks are doing so well anyway. He was mainly a passenger on all his Finals trips except for when he was a Penguin. Crosby made him better and he's not contributed that much at all this year either but him winning doesn't matter to me at all. Good for him.

Much as I can't imagine how my sporting life as a Steelers fan would have gone on if the Patroits would have completed that undefeated season I don't know how I'd cope having to call the Cryers the Stanley Cup Champs!! Not going to happen. Chicago in 6!

Winter Classic 2011 Announced

The Winter Classic has been announced for next year. Source

Apparently there will be a more formal announcement tomorrow than I will link here then.

The game will be played on JANUARY 1, 2011 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

between our hometown PITTSBURGH PENGUINS and our hated rivals the WASHINGTON CAPITALS

Luckily Matt and I have season tickets. There better be no way that we get screwed out of this like how we couldn't get tickets for when it was in Buffalo. I was on the website and the phone from 30 min before ticket sales started to 15 after and they could not get us 6 tickets. Needless to say I was not happy about that. I have faith though that since it's in Pittsburgh this time we will find a way to hook up with tickets. We'll have to book a room down Pittsburgh that night and have ourselves a New Year's party for the ages!!

LET'S GO PENS!!

2010 NHL Playoff Tracker - Round 3

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#7 Philadelphia Flyers v #8 Montreal Canadiens
Game 1 Canadiens 0, Flyers 6
Game 2 Canadiens 0, Flyers 3
Game 3 Flyers 1, Canadiens 5
Game 4 Flyers 3, Canadiens 0
Game 5 Canadiens 2, Flyers 4
#7 Philadelphia Flyers WIN 4-1

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks v #2 Chicago Blackhawks
Game 1 Blackhawks 2, Sharks 1
Game 2 Blackhawks 4, Sharks 2
Game 3 Sharks 2, Blackhawks 3 OT
Game 4 Sharks 2, Blackhawks 4
#2 Chicago Blackhawks WIN 4-0

Marc's Penguins Playoff Beard Progress

2010

Playoff Beard Week 3
Playoff Beard Week 2
Playoff Beard Week 1

Well I guess I don't have to keep doing this since we lost. It didn't seem to work this year. :(

2009

The playoff beard worked last year here is the video of me shaving on the successful 2009 Stanley Cup Champion Pittsburgh Penguins playoff run beard off.

Pens vs Habs Game 7 POST

Well I feel like saying 'I can't believe it!!' but for some reason I can. Getting beat in Game 6 must have prepared me for this. Truthfully I don't even feel as bad now as I did after Game 6 even though the season is over. No Stanley Cup for us this year. All the top seeds fell and we had a clear, easy shot to the finals but we couldn't get it done. We can't even make fun of the Caps fans that much now because we lost too. It's crazy! We all need to root for them to win the Cup now so neither of us look that bad.

From what I saw the Canadiens just wanted it more. They had nothing to lose so they just went for it. We could not win any battles in their end. It was extremely disheartening to watch. We could pound away at them over and over and with their collapsing five guys around the net strategy we could not get to any rebounds. Eventually the puck would squirt loose and they race away down to our end and put a wild shot on net and score. I love Fleury as much as the next guy and I don't want to pick on any particular player or call anyone out but the Canadiens just had Fleury's number this round. No one can deny that. They were just putting the most wild shots on net and somehow picking corners on Fleury. In any other game against any other team Fleury would be stopping those shots. I don't understand that either. Whatever it was I can only think what if we would have pulled him when it was only 2-0? At 4-0 it was just a little too much to come back from. I think everyone could just feel the security when Beej went in. Now we could concentrate on offense and not have to worry about some random flopper shot getting in. I hate saying that but it was true. What were you going to do? I have faith though that Fleury will work hard during the summer and be even better next year.

Very disappointed is the only way I can describe this year's playoffs. We had a great season but we wanted the Cup. We were supposed to win. :( At least it's only ~140 days till next season starts. I'm going to have a lot more time on my hands until then to get stuff done.

Pens vs Habs Game 7 PRE

Well on 05/12 there will be a game 7. I can't believe it. I have been in a mega sour mood since the loss last night but I am hoping to snap out of it soon. I don't know how the Habs are doing this to us. I didn't know how they did it to the Caps either but at least then I thought it was funny. I don't like it going on to us though. Fleury looked like he let in another couple of softies but for the most part we played a good game. It's just mind blowing to me. We've played excellent all series. It shouldn't even be close. We are dominating them for 5/6th of every game but it seems like one teeny tiny mistake and they get an amazing rush of it and score. Their goalie can't hold up like that to us for much longer. We will crack him and be victorious. All I can hope for is the Win one, Lose one game keeps playing because it should be our turn to win one next and that's all it will take. We will not go down like this!!

2010 NHL Playoff Tracker - Round 2

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins v #8 Montreal Canadiens
Game 1 Canadiens 3, Penguins 6
Game 2 Canadiens 3, Penguins 1
Game 3 Penguins 2, Canadiens 0
Game 4 Penguins 2, Canadiens 3
Game 5 Canadiens 1, Penguins 2
Game 6 Penguins 3, Canadiens 4
Game 7 Canadiens 5, Penguins 2
#8 Montreal Canadiens WIN 4-3

#6 Boston Bruins v #7 Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1 Flyers 4, Bruins 5
Game 2 Flyers 2, Bruins 3
Game 3 Bruins 4, Flyers 1
Game 4 Bruins 4, Flyers 5
Game 5 Flyers 4, Bruins 0
Game 6 Bruins 1, Flyers 2
Game 7 Flyers 4, Bruins 3
#7 Philadelphia Flyers WIN 4-3

WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks v #5 Detroit Red Wings
Game 1 Red Wings 3, Sharks 4
Game 2 Red Wings 3, Sharks 4
Game 3 Sharks 4, Red Wings 3 OT
Game 4 Sharks 1, Red Wings 7
Game 5 Red Wings 1, Sharks 2
#1 San Jose Sharks WIN 4-1

#2 Chicago Blackhawks v #3 Vancouver Canucks
Game 1 Canucks 5, Blackhawks 1
Game 2 Canucks 2, Blackhawks 4
Game 3 Blackhawks 5, Canucks 2
Game 4 Blackhawks 7, Canucks 4
Game 5 Canucks 4, Blackhawks 1
Game 6 Blackhawks 5, Canucks 1
#2 Chicago Blackhawks WIN 4-2

2010 NHL Playoff Tracker - Round 1

EASTERN CONFERENCE

#1 Washington Capitals v# 8 Montreal Canadiens
Game 1 Canadiens 3, Capitals 2 OT
Game 2 Canadiens 5, Capitals 6
Game 3 Capitals 5, Canadiens 1
Game 4 Capitals 6, Canadiens 3
Game 5 Canadiens 2, Capitals 1
Game 6 Capitals 1, Canadiens 4
Game 7 Canadiens 2, Capitals 1
#8 Montreal Canadiens WIN 4-3

#2 NJ Devils v #7 Philadelphia Flyers
Game 1 Flyers 2, Devils 1
Game 2 Flyers 3, Devils 5
Game 3 Devils 2, Flyers 3
Game 4 Devils 1, Flyers 4
Game 5 Flyers 3, Devils 0
#7 Philadelphia Flyers WIN 4-1

#3 Buffalo Sabres v #6 Boston Bruins
Game 1 Bruins 1, Sabres 2
Game 2 Bruins 5, Sabres 3
Game 3 Sabres 1, Bruins 2
Game 4 Sabres 2, Bruins 3
Game 5 Bruins 1, Sabres 4
Game 4 Sabres 3, Bruins 4
#6 Boston Bruins WIN 4-2

#4 Pittsburgh Penguins v #5 Ottawa Senators
Game 1 Senators 5, Penguins 4
Game 2 Senators 1, Penguins 2
Game 3 Penguins 4, Senators 2
Game 4 Penguins 7, Senators 4
Game 5 Senators 4, Penguins 3 3OT
Game 6 Penguins 4, Senators 3 OT
#4 Pittsburgh Penguins WIN 4-2


WESTERN CONFERENCE

#1 San Jose Sharks v# 8 Colorado Avalanche
Game 1 Avalanche 2, Sharks 1
Game 2 Avalanche 5, Sharks 6 OT
Game 3 Sharks 0, Avalanche 1 OT
Game 4 Sharks 2, Avalanche 1 OT
Game 5 Avalanche 0, Sharks 5
Game 6 Sharks 5, Avalanche 2
#1 San Jose Sharks WIN 4-2

#2 Chicago Blackhawks v #7 Nashville Predators
Game 1 Predators 4, Blackhawks 1
Game 2 Predators 0, Blackhawks 2
Game 3 Blackhawks 1, Predators 4
Game 4 Blackhawks 3, Predators 0
Game 5 Predators 4, Blackhawks 5
Game 6 Blackhawks 5, Predators 3
#2 Chicago Blackhawks WIN 4-2

#3 Vancouver Canucks v #6 LA Kings
Game 1 Kings 2, Canucks 3 OT
Game 2 Kings 3, Canucks 2 OT
Game 3 Canucks 3, Kings 5
Game 4 Canucks 6, Kings 4
Game 5 Kings 2, Canucks 7
Game 6 Canucks 4, Kings 2
#3 Vancouver Canucks WIN 4-2

#4 Phoenix Coyotes v #5 Detroit Red Wings
Game 1 Red Wings 2, Coyotes 3
Game 2 Red Wings 7, Coyotes 4
Game 3 Coyotes 4, Red Wings 2
Game 4 Coyotes 0, Red Wings 3
Game 5 Red Wings 4, Coyotes 1
Game 6 Coyotes 5, Red Wings 2
Game 7 Red Wings 6, Coyotes 1
#5 Detroit Red Wings WIN 4-3

Capitals Lose To Montreal in Game 7

Can anyone believe this? This is one of the biggest upsets in sports playoffs in history. No #1 seed had ever lost to a #8 seed after being up 3-1.

Washington

scored 101 more goals

had 33 more points

15 more wins

They were almost unbeatable at home in the regular season.

They were favorites to take on Crosby and the Penguins and take their crown as the new Stanley Cup Champions.

None of that mattered. None of that happened.

Game 1 Canadiens 3, Capitals 2 OT

Game 2 Canadiens 5, Capitals 6

Game 3 Capitals 5, Canadiens 1
Game 4 Capitals 6, Canadiens 3

Game 5 Canadiens 2, Capitals 1

Game 6 Capitals 1, Canadiens 4

Game 7 Canadiens 2, Capitals 1

ESPN's Series Page
Scott Burnside - This wasn't a loss; this was a collapse
Ovechkin LOLs
Montreal fans jubilant after Habs knock out Capitals

Some things they're saying in Washington

Tarik El-Bashir - Top-seeded Washington Capitals knocked out of Stanley Cup playoffs by eighth-seeded Montreal Canadiens
Tracee Hamilton - Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals come up short
Barry Svrluga - Montreal's stunning upset of Washington ends Capitals' season much sooner than anyone expected

Dan Steinberg - Caps lose Game 7, D.C. fans suffer again