Washington Capitals Hockey

         Wednesday, March 26, 2008          

A Three Point Affair

It's an awful shame to see the Capitals' division hopes take a massive hit when they outplayed the Hurricanes at every turn (other than physically, or so the hit stats say).

First, they ran into Cam Ward, who was in Conn Smythe Trophy-winning form, as has been the case during Carolina's unexpected run. Add to that a couple of the ugliest goals  imaginable scored by the 'Canes and you have a 2-2 game headed for overtime.

Game. Set. Match. 

The extra point that the eventual loser gains will likely be enough to cost a team deserving of moving considerably closer a chance at winning the division. Take away that point, and the Caps could have had a somewhat realistic chance of catching up. One more head to head matchup remains.

But now things have become much more difficult because the Capitals likely will have to make up five points (not just the four that they currently trail by) in the last five games. This is because Carolina has three more wins than the Caps -- the NHL's first tiebreaker. But this is just one three-point game, you say. The Capitals have earned eight extra points this season because of it, you say.

Well, take a look at Philadelphia and Boston (both of whom won to make life for the Caps that much tougher). Both those teams have gained 10 extra overtime/shootout loss points compared with Washington's eight. If the Bruins and Flyers weren't handed those freebie points, the Capitals would be tied with Boston and two points back of Philly. That's much easier to overcome with just five games remaining.

It could be worse, though. The Capitals that showed up in Chicago last week could have been on display in Carolina. But since the Caps won, they have hope. 

However Boston and Philly also won. What the Caps need most is help.