The Caps Beat the Trap

The New Jersey Devils play the defensive trap style of hockey - a clog the neutral zone and force turnovers there kind of game- and they play it effectively against the Washington Capitals, particularly, with Martin Brodeur in net. Saturday, however, the Caps brought their "A" game and beat the Broudeur led Devils with a 4-1 victory.  A better Christmas present I couldn't imagine, except for my brand spanking new #74 red Caps jersey.  Yeehaa.

Okay, back to the game of hockey.  The only standard by which I judge games and individual performances by the Caps are whether or not they are playoff worthy because nothing else matters now.  The Caps have proven they can win the Southleast Division.  They haven't proven they can win the Stanley Cup.  On Saturday, they gritted out a win against the Devils and proved they can play against the trap and the number 1 net minder in the NHL when they put their minds to it.   In case you don't remember, the Caps lost to the Devils the prior 3 times they've played them this season.  So, beating them is an accomplishment.

More importantly, beating the trap is taking a step towards winning that ultimate goal. Teams have to play defensive hockey effectively to win the Cup and that means playing against the trap and the defensive style of hockey that wins playoff games.  

Good job Caps!

Next up, the Carolina Hurricanes.

Let's go Caps!