Ovechkin Returns. Caps Top Rags 4-2

Tonight’s billing was all about two of the most prolific goal scorers in the NHL, and both Gaborik and Ovechkin made their mark. This was Ovechkin’s first game back since suffering an upper body injury on November 1 against Columbus. All eyes were on OV but Marian Gaborik scored first as the Rangers capitalized on a very sluggish start by the Caps. The first three minutes of game were played almost entirely in the Capital’s defensive zone and Gaborik finally made them pay by stuffing home a rebound. It wasn’t long until Ovechkin made his presence felt by scoring a power play goal. Ovechkin was placed back at the point after an a lack luster effort on the team’s first power play. During the first power play Ovechkin was assigned to the front of the net due the impressive performance of Brendan Morrison who was the power play quarterback during Ovechkin’s absence. The Caps clicked at 35% while OV was out. Not wanting to disrupt a good thing, Boudreau kept Morrison at the point for all but one power play tonight. However it was during the second power play that OV scored on a one-timer from the point. I thought for sure OV would remain on the point, but he remained in front of the net for the remainder of the night. Personally, I like OV on the point. With a shot like his why not utilize it? Ovechkin and Green have created such a great chemistry as the pointmen. Ovechkin and Green combined for 37 power play goals last year. Perhaps Boudreau is just mixing things up and finding his best combination of players. I won’t blame him for that.

The Caps had the lead mid way through the first period when Gaborik struck again from a sharp angle. Varlamov played generally well, but continued to have rebound control issues. This was the case in both Gaborik goals. Juicy rebounds are equivalent to chum in the waters for Marian Gaborik. To nobody’s surprise Gaborik collected those rebounds and made the Caps pay. So far Gaborik has been the best off season acquisition. Gaborik now leads the league in goals and is on pace for 50+ goals. The issue with Gaborik has always been injuries. The Rangers have trouble scoring goals. If Gaborik is injured for any extended period of time, the Rangers are dead in the water.

Tonight’s hero was Matt Bradley. Talk about blood and guts, Bradley had his face caved in by Aaron Voros during a first period fight. It was this fight that really energized the Caps. The Rangers were controlling the first period up until this fight. Bradley, who fights occasionally, knew something had to be done to energize a sluggish Caps team. He made the sacrifice and the Caps looked like a different team there after. Matt Bradley then scored the game winning goal with about 4 minutes left in the game on a breakaway. Blood and guts describes Matt Bradley and he was the best player on the ice for the majority of the game. It’s players like Matt Bradley that every team covets. A player who isn’t scared to get hit, punched, and beat up for the great good of his team.

All in all a great win for the Caps. The Caps are 11-2-2 in their last 15 games and have now regained the first overall spot in the Eastern Conference. This marks the first regulation victory for the Caps in Madison Square Garden since 2004 (not including playoffs). MSG is an incredibly tough place to play so points are at a premium. Stealing two points is an extra bonus.