Quoting: capsfan2121
I kinda feel dumb for not watching because people say it’s one of the most entertaining games in a while from us. But I fell asleep at 8:30 so I would have missed it anyways.
How did we look.
Also remember when we wanted to fire Blaine. Some still do.
Sorry you missed it, and this post is not meant to make you feel like you missed out. But that was an excellent game to watch.
Let me first start by addressing your last comment about Blaine. Caps fans (myself included) are really the worst. After every loss, we need to "fire this guy" or "let go of this person" etc etc. I remember when people were calling for Trotz to be fired (even during the 2018 season!). Anyways, not the point.
I thought the Caps looked fantastic, specifically through the first 2 periods. Starting with the team defense, the Caps were incredible at attention to detail. Puck got into the Caps zone, you could see the defenders working together with the forwards to get the puck out. Truly an example of team defense. And team defense tends to generate offense - Caps outchanced the Oilers through 2 periods by a lot. Really great job all the way around.
Some spotlights:
Ovi looked like a man on a mission - truly one of the best performances I have seen from him in recent years. Almost like he wanted to prove to the audience that he is still a top player in the league.
Kuzy - great to see him get on the board (twice). He started slow, but really got revved up in the 2nd - one of his best games. And looked great in the dot for faceoffs.
Gus - wow, I mean what a pick up. He has looked great and NEEDS to stay on the Powerplay #1. 3 assists - incredible. And was always in the right place on defense - loved his game.
Strome - see above. Great pick up, great player. Needs to be resigned.
Shoutout to the 3rd line - by FAR the best possession line of the game for either team. Kubel-Eller-Mantha -> they just dominated. Created many many chances by an aggressive forecheck. That line needs to stay together. I was really really impressed with Kubel as well (only one game I know gotta temper expectations a touch).
I mean, I could go on and on about individual play because everyone looked really solid. Nice to see Johansen get some playing time as well. Not a bad 8th guy as of now. Irwin really helped him out as well.
Easier said than done, but if the Caps can play like that every night, they will be a really tough team moving forward. I could use Orlov back, but honestly, I am in no rush to get Carlson back. I have been a defender of Carlson in past, but when he is on the ice, the whole team just looks lazy, slow, and out of sink.