March 5, 2012
By Ceci Ferrara
Sports Writer
Sports Insider
Things seemed to finally be moving in the Caps’ favor, when they kicked off a five-home game stretch with an improbable 3-2 win over the New York Islanders last Tuesday. If there was ever a time for the Caps to reestablish themselves in the Atlantic League, it was going to be during their multi-game run at home. They play best at home, and it was absolutely crucial they win most, if not all, of the games to be serious contenders for the playoffs.
But the Caps have been unable to deliver. On Saturday, they got shut out 5-0 by the New Jersey Devils, who entered the match with a four-game losing streak. It was an embarrassing outing for the home team that was unable to score even one goal in the sold out Verizon Center. In comparison, the Devils’ capital Zach Parise scored three goals in less than two periods. The Caps’ deflating loss kept them in ninth place in the East and was met with boos from the sellout crowd.
The loss snapped a three-game winning streak and set the stage for more disappointment. Instead of returning to the ice with determination on Sunday, the Caps were once again shut out, this time in a less deafening 1-0 loss. Alex Ovechkin was without a goal for the seventh time in 10 games, while other Caps forward Troy Browner ended up in the penalty box for fighting Scott Hartnell (who was also penalized). The game was another low note for a team who had hoped to come home and shine.
While they have two home games left before they head back on the road, the home base advantage the Caps were hoping for doesn’t seem to be making much of a difference. The Caps seem to be a shadow of their former selves – the dominant team who at this time in the season is usually wondering who their first playoff opponent will be. Browner, along with the entire team, understands that something has to change – and fast. “We’ve got to find ways to score,” he said after yesterday’s game. “That’s two games in a row we’ve been shut out. That’s unacceptable.”
University of Maryland Women’s Basketball
While the Terps Men ended their season with a disheartening 75-72 loss against Virginia Tech, the lady Terps are champions once again. Alyssa Thomas led No. 6 Maryland to a 68-65 victory with a career high 29 points in Sunday’s ACC tournament title game against Georgia Tech.
It was a close game between the Terps and Georgia Yellow Jackets, with Maryland trailing by two points close to the two minute warning. Senior center Lynetta Kizer was able to tie it at 63 with 1:42 to play, which was closely followed by a layup by senior guard Anjale Barrett to put them ahead. Thomas followed by nailing two three throws, and Barrett sunk one more to seal the deal for the Terps.
The win is their second title under Coach Brenda Freese and record 10th division crown. They will advance to the NCAA tournament, where they hope to advance to the championship game they last won in 2006.
