February 12, 2013
Ceci Ferrara
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
After a three-game losing streak, the Capitals (3-8-1) and their fans were desperate for a win. At home Saturday against a division rival they finally got one, shutting out the Florida Panthers 5-0.
For a team that has struggled mightily during this shortened hockey season, the Caps looked to be back in good form against Florida. Troy Brouwer scored two goals, as did Alex Ovechkin, who has had a rough time adjusting to his new position at right wing. Mathieu Perreault and Joel Ward each added a goal and an assist, while goalie Braden Holtby stopped twenty-seven shots in the shutout.
The shutout was Holtby’s first of the season and the fourth of his career. “It was a great game all around tonight. Everybody chipped in,” Perreault said afterwards. He added that he believed the players-only meeting held the day before helped, saying, “I think everybody today bought in.”
Owner Ted Leonsis took to his blog to discuss the game, calling it “a good home win,” which he noted was needed as the Caps head out on a three-game road trip. They will face the Panthers in a rematch at BankAtlantic Center, before taking on the Tampa Bay Lightning and the New York Rangers. The two games in South Florida against division rivals will prove vital for the Caps, as they search to gain ground in the standings after a rocky start.
Wizards
Ever since John Wall rejoined the lineup, the Wizards have been a more productive, cohesive team, and the record reflects that: after a 4-28 start, the team is 11-7 since his return.
After sweeping home games against some of the league’s best teams–the Los Angeles Clippers, New York Knicks, and Brooklyn Nets–they won their fourth straight match last night in Milwaukee. For a team that has a 3-21 road record (the worst in the NBA), the win was a boost of confidence.
“It feels great,” Wall said of the win. “We are finally trusting each other and playing hard.”
While Wall has proved to be the injection of energy the team needed, other stars have begun to emerge this season. Rookie Bradley Beal stole the show Monday night, scoring a season-high twenty-eight points in the Wizards’ 102-90 win.
Brazilian forward Nenê, also new to Washington’s lineup this year, has also proved to be a force on offense. He scored twenty-one points and a season-high thirteen rebounds against the Bucs, in addition to having six assists. Wall even acknowledged his contribution to the team, saying, “When we get him going in the post, he can pass and he can score and he’s an unselfish big man.”
At 15-35 the Wizards no longer have the worst record in the league, but their playoff prospects are still a long shot. But Nene, like Wall, believes the team is finally coming together and their win streak is just starting. “We have the players together, all the
healthy players we start recognizing each other. And we going to play hard every time.”
