The Caps lost again. This time it went to the Detroit Red Wings, a team that suddenly includes Jakub Vrana again.
Detroit defenseman Robert Hagg fired a shot from the slot that assisted Trevor van Riemsdyk on his way to the net. A shorthanded goal from Pius Suter put the Wings 2-0 up, but Tom Wilson’s tip-in still got the Caps on the board.
The Caps pressed early in the third game, but Suter’s second goal of the night sealed the deal.
Caps lose 3-1. Their fifth loss in a row. A waste of your time.
- A beloved ex-cap, Jacob Vrana had not played for Detroit since October 15. Forgive my editorial comment, Vrana was expelled from Washington by head coach Peter Laviolette and things were going horribly for him in Detroit. He had a serious upper-body injury and spent time in the NHL’s player assistance program before apparently falling out with his team. I don’t think anyone expected him to play again, especially against his former team for the first time. Check out the tribute video. I found it touching.
- Coincidentally, Vrana’s fellow trader, Anton Manta, suffered an upper body injury in the second period and did not return to the game. I watched his last shift again and didn’t see what happened to him.
- When Dylan Larkin checked TJ Oshie’s face in the first half, the Caps got a five-minute power play. They had some decent looks on offense but allowed two shorthanded rushes, the latter of which was converted by Wings forward Pius Suter, who I feel is an underrated part of this burgeoning team. For his part, Larkin was kicked out of the game.
- Before the five-minute major was over, the Caps picked up an extra-man goal Tom Wilson, who has now scored two goals in as many games. I doubt he’s 100% but at least he scores when the team needs it.
- Tuesday night was a night of law enforcement appreciation at Capital One Arena.
- Nick Dowd returned to action for the first time since January 16. It was good to see him reunited with Garnet Hathaway, although Lars Eller is an odd third for them. They were on the ice for the Hagg goal, although that was really hip Trevor van Riemsdyk.
- Four regular wins in the last twenty games. A total of three wins in the last ten, two of them by regulations. The last time they scored more than four goals was on January 5th. They have scored two or fewer in twelve of their last twenty goals. Basically they are ass.
- In Discord, we discussed what Peter Laviolette will say when it’s time to deflect responsibility. I’ve criticized him for ‘lack of effort’ and ‘too many passengers’, but Ian thinks we could see that ‘more traffic jams and hopping are needed’. I’d like to know what you think HCPL will say to cover up a fact so blatant I won’t even say it here.
I don’t want to say what color it is because I was wrong last time. Anyway, I like it and Craig looks great too. #joebsuitofthenight pic.twitter.com/82QP8GFUps
— good tweet Pete 🌮 (@peterhassett) February 22, 2023
I’m quickly losing the ability to be surprised at how poorly the Caps are playing. When a team falls behind on the scoreboard, they usually take more offense, but the Caps are the opposite. It’s like they’re giving up. Either that or they are old and slow. Either that, or they’ve given away their goalscoring talent in recent years. Either that or they’re devastated by injuries. It’s either that or their trainer’s well-established pattern of depressing insults she loses games. It’s either that or the mood is gone. Maybe it’s just the vibes. I don’t know.
Anyway, Thursday is dog night at Capital One Arena! It’s “Pawsented” by Pedigree. I haven’t checked but I think that means you can bring your dog to the game. I say just do it. No additional ticket is required. Bring your dog and ask to be admitted. If your dog can fit in a bag, try an escape. send pictures.
Headline Photo: @johnmdonnelly