Caps Need DC Traffic in Game 7

Shortly after getting "Halaked" in Montreal the Capitals players and head coach praised the Canadians goalie and their own effort.  Many said it was their best game of the series, but sometimes in hockey the goalie is the great equalizer.  Not sure if anyone said Halak was "standing on his head", but they should have because he was that good.  I feel like I have seen this series every year as a Capitals fan.  Caps run into hot goalie and lose despite outshooting opponent. I promised myself I would not talk about "Ghosts of Playoffs Past" because most these players were not born or in another country.  Also, let me first admit for those of you that don't know.  I am not to be confused with the great Don Cherry, Barry Melrose, or hell even Peter Puck (remember that cool cartoon?) when it comes to breaking down hockey.  However, I do know when to shut up and listen to those that do like Melrose and Alan May on Caps Post Game Live with Smokin' Al Koken. 

So here's what the experts had to say, first yes they credited the goaltending (I mean the dude had 53 saves), and secondly they said the Capitals just did not get enough traffic in front of the Montreal netminder. (I mean how ironic a team from DC not knowing about traffic!) Melrose (great mullet) pointed out only one guy is not enough and May also added they needed to shot at the blocker side of the goalie.  Hopefully Bruce Boudreau (the Penguin) will see this after watching the film too.  I like Boudreau although lately he seems A LOT uptight and I understand why because IF the Caps choke this series away he might get fired OR perhaps GM George McPhee might get fired for failing to find a true blue line defenseman or dominate netminder for this roster OR maybe both get the gate.  Someone will likely pay the price. 

You can not win The Presidents Trophy and get iced in the first round after a 3-1 series lead with the two time reigning MVP on your team.  Boudreau has never coached in a playoff series that has not gone 7 games.  Is that all his fault?  OF course not however, changing the guy in front of the room is always the easiest and usually most effective move in hockey.  I do worry that his team is feeling the pressure and griping their sticks too hard because of the tone he is setting in the locker room. This will also be an indictment on The Great 8 if the Caps go down to Montreal.  First the disappointing run in the Olympics with Team Russia and then losing in Round 1 to an 8 seed.  In order to make this Magic/Bird comparison between Crosby and Ovechkin, eventually Ovie has to win more than just individual awards.  The safe bet still is Ovechkin will come out guns blazing on Wednesday night and the Caps will dominate the Canadians much like the Penguins did to them just a year ago in round 2 after they forced a Game 7.  If they don't we will be talking about getting "Halaked" all off season.