Ouch...Rangers, Sabres make Caps look bad

Will the real 2007-2008 Washington Capitals please stand up? Are they the team that effectively controlled the puck and clogged up the neutral zone in the first two games against the Thrashers and Hurricanes for wins? Or, are they the team that ineffectively played dump & chase, took stupid penalties, didn't convert on power play opportunities and lost 3-1 to the Rangers and 7-3 to the Sabres over the weekend? It's too early to tell at this stage, but these last two losses convinced me this team still has a lot to do to improve and make it into the playoffs this year. The Caps played terribly this weekend and it looks like they've gotten progressively worse since squeaking out a win at the Islanders in their 3rd game of the year.

Yes, the Rangers are supposed to be a really good team this year and the Sabres don't seem to have lost a step with their offseason departures, but the Caps flaws were on full display, like those 53 shots on goals during the Sabres game. That stat reminded me too much of last year's team. Some fans on the message boards say things like, "it's only two games against good teams, the sky isn't falling yet" while other fans say things like, "these losses point to more serious problems". Count me in with this second group because if the Caps are still allowing 53 shots on goal in any game, then, Houston, we've got a problem.

The only good news from this weekend is that Ovie netted his 100th goal in just 167 games. He's playing like a monster out there. I'd like to see that much hustle and motivation from other Caps.

The Caps get a break until Thursday when they play the Islanders again at home. Bring your A-game Caps.

Let's go Caps!