Author Archives: Elisabeth Meinecke

Common Theme in Caps’ Watershed Moments This Season: Pittsburgh

Posted on May 15, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

The Capitals’ first season under Coach Adam Oates has come to a close, and it’s fascinating to see the storyline that took this team from ugly beginning to ugly end—with a lot of magnificent moments in between, and some positive … Continue reading →

Posted in Adam Oates, Washington Capitals | 4 Comments

The Excuse That Won’t Hold Water; a Silver Lining; Breaking Down the Broken-Down Defense; And a Lesson in Execution

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

Sitting, waiting, and waiting at Metro Center for an Orange line train to come and take me home after Monday’s game concluded, I was reminded there are still a few things in Washington less effective than the Capitals offense was … Continue reading →

Posted in Washington Capitals | 12 Comments

Blueprint Emerging?

Posted on May 11, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

Joel Ward has basically played the equivalent of one power play with some change this postseason on the Capitals’ man advantage. His presence on the Capitals’ first power play of Friday’s game, however, was exactly what the team needed to … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Points | 4 Comments

Capitals Relished Intensity in Game 2’s Closing Moments

Posted on May 5, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

Nail-biting, heart-pounding hockey. And the Capitals relished it. The Capitals and Rangers fought long and hard, literally, Saturday afternoon, culminating in an overtime that saw Mike Green make the only successful shot past either team’s goalie all game. For those … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Points, Eric Fehr, Marcus Johansson, Troy Brouwer | 6 Comments

Caps Learned Their Lesson About the 2-Goal Lead

Posted on May 3, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

The atmosphere is one of importance. The crowd noise reverberates through your body like the music at a rock concert. You can tell the players feel it—they’ll strain a little bit harder, focus a little more intently. It’s playoff hockey. The … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Points, Adam Oates, NHL playoffs | 4 Comments

Chimera Says Capitals “Really Earned” Postseason Berth

Posted on April 28, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

They didn’t end up with the goals, but the Capitals’ third line of Jason Chimera, Mathieu Perreault and Eric Fehr was on the ice when Boston took three penalties against Washington in the third period. Those penalties were crucial, as … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Points | 3 Comments

Home Stretch: Caps Get a Taste of Playoff-Style Hockey in Thursday’s Loss

Posted on April 26, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

It seems odd to lead off talking about a game the Capitals lost on a penalty kill in overtime by praising said penalty kill units.

But if it hadn’t been for some quality shorthanded time by Washington Thursday, a tight contest could have devolved into a serious letdown.

In their 2-1 loss to Ottawa, the Capitals ended up with their biggest total of minor penalties since March 22, and their largest total of penalty minutes overall since February 21, although Thursday’s numbers included a 10-minute misconduct for Jason Chimera. Continue reading →

Posted in Karl Alzner, Washington Capitals | Tagged , | 3 Comments

Closing My Jaw: Capitals Win Southeast

Posted on April 24, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

Three gritty goals. One pretty goal. One empty-netter. It’s a ratio the Capitals will have to remember from here on out, because it’s almost “that” time of year, when making highlight-reel shots usually means you’re on the golf course. The … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Points, Adam Oates | 2 Comments

Adam Oates’ Winning Coaching Philosophy: Be Professional

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

There are many ways we categorize coaches in the NHL: players’ coach, offensive-minded coach, defensive-minded coach—there’s a label for every situation. When a new guy steps into the head coaching position, he’s peppered with questions about his system, players’ positioning … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Points, Adam Oates, Washington Capitals | Tagged , | 10 Comments

A Praiseworthy Triumvirate

Posted on April 14, 2013 by Elisabeth Meinecke

What looked like a cool-headed decision by Matt Hendricks in the first period might well have been the reason the Capitals eked out their seventh straight win Saturday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning. Late in the first period, Tampa’s … Continue reading →

Posted in 2 Points, Mathieu Perreault, Matt Hendricks, Steve Oleksy | 2 Comments