Ovechkin scoooooores and Caps win 3-2 over Sabres

Alex Ovechkin scored another highlight reel goal midway through the 3rd period from an outlet pass that hit his stick from the AHL journeyman blue liner Bryan Helmer.  Ovie blasted past two Buffalo defenders, dangled around the third and shot the puck to the back of the net while sliding on the ice on his stomach after losing his edge.  It's one of those goals that make Caps fans jump up and down with joy and, also, misbelief because Ovie is a Cap.   Many fans, including myself, frequently believe the Caps are cursed.  When you look at this season's injury report, you'll understand why and that's just this season.  But, the Caps have Alex Ovechkin and the opportunity to see him play hockey 82+ times during the year is a precious gift that keeps on giving.   

The highlights:

• The Caps, 14-1-0 at the phone booth, beat the Buffalo Sabres.  This isn't something they do very often and I hate Buffalo as much as I hate Pittsburgh and Philadelphia.
• Jose Theodore looked solid in net saving 22 of 24 shots and not letting one get past him until the 3rd period.  That's two wins in a row for Theodore.
• Bryan Helmer had 2 assists, played +2 hockey and was awarded the 1st star of the night. Not bad for a 36-year old that hasn't played all that many NHL games.
• Viktor Kozlov scored the first goal via Nicklas Backstrom (24 assists in 24 games) and Bryan Helmer.  The top line is picking up where it left off last season after a slow start from Backstrom and Ovie and Kozlov's injury.
• Donald Brashear, 2nd star of the game, and Chris Clark led the team in hits with 4 for each of them.
• The call-ups from the Hershey Bears keep on winning with the Caps and I can't ask for anything more than that as the Caps sit in 2nd place in the Eastern conference (tied with the Rangers) with 47 points.

The lowlights:

• Hmmm, I'm so happy the Caps beat the Sabres I'll skip the lowlights for today.

The Toronto Maple Leafs come to the phone booth and Mike Gartner gets his jersey retired.

Let's go Caps!