While the Caps sent the Leafs packing with a 2-1 win, it seems like the bigger story was the hotdog eating contest held during the second intermission. It was between students from Catholic U., VTech, GW, American, George Mason, and Georgetown. The winner was Alex Malycke from VTech, who downed 7 dogs in 3 minutes. For some great recaps on the event, check out:
On Frozen Blog
AOL Fanhouse-Greg Wyshynski
The game itself wasn't horribly exciting, with both teams mucking things out the first 2 periods. The Caps managed to put one on the board in the first, but other than that nothing much happened. But then the third period started, and both teams seemed to wake up. Toronto tied things up 5 minutes in, but Kozlov scored on a rebound just 30-something seconds later for what would be the game winner. Both teams started moving the puck well and hitting, and just playing an overall more intense game. From Japers' Rink,
Once again, the Caps defensemen took it to the Leafs. Steve Eminger got things going five minutes in to the first period with a crushing check on Tomas Kaberle. Then Poti on Blake. And Green on Tucker. (Shaone Morrison, a healthy scratch, was quite probably checking Kyle Wellwood, somewhere in the press box.) The Caps registered 22 hits, with Milan Jurcina responsible for six.
I really think the physical nature of the Caps' play of late has been a huge factor in their success. Being able to control the physicality and intensity of the game put things heavily in their favor. It gives more room to the playmakers, tires the other guys, and gets the crowd into the game. I just hope they keep this up after the break.
OFB was well represented last night at the game, and it shows with a number of new posts over the past day. They all deserve a look.
