Capitals vs Islanders, a first round game.

Today, August 12th, sees the Caps, back in action. It’s the start of the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. This has become a bit of a rivalry, although not as big as Pitt. I’ll get into the history in a bit.

The Penalty Kill has been excellent so far through the round robin games. This is good because a lot of penalties have been called. I believe there were about six penalties called on the Caps, when they played the Flyers. Now, for the other positives.

Braden Holtby, has been steller. When Covid-19 put a hold on the season, Holtby, was in the middle of a slump. When the bubble play started, Holtby showed everyone, that the slump was over. He has made some really good saves that looked impossible. The few goals, that have gotten past him, were funky goals. Some took unlucky bounces, he was screened very well, ect. Now, for some of the negatives that need to be addressed.

The power play is abysmal. With as many penalties, that have been called, the Caps, have done very little with it. Everyone who is on the power play has looked like they are uninterested in scoring.

The Caps, have also taken way to many penalties. To go shorthanded six or seven times in a game, is unacceptable. That gives the opponent way to many chances to score while being down a man. Hopefully, this has been addressed and they will play with more poise. Now, to explain the little rivalry between the two.

When the Caps, won the Stanley Cup in 2018, they did not renew Barry Trotz contract after he led them to a championship. He then signed with the New York Islanders. He has turned that team around and made them competitive. Now, every game between the two has a bit more fire than in the past.

The game is at 3:00 est time. It can be watched on NBC Sports Network or you can listen on 106.7 fm.