(Caps Outsider)
The Caps topped the New York Islanders, 3-2 in OT on Thursday in yet another playoff-type game. While the Caps’ regular season record is once again tops in the league, folks are still discussing whether this team can continue its domination in the post season with the tighter, grittier style.
As what was regarded as a potential Stanley Cup Final preview on Tuesday against the Kings, the Caps showed they can hold up fine against one of the best postseason teams of the past few seasons. L.A. plays a tough “old school” style of hockey that is seen throughout the playoffs. The Caps had a chance to show the NHL world that they belonged and they did just that by winning, 3-1.
Thursday, they topped the Islanders in another tough win, while both outshooting and out-hitting the Islanders. It was another “hard nose” game that we see in the playoffs.
This is a great test to pass, as opposed to only routinely beating up on inferior teams. With the return of Brooks Orpik on Tuesday, the caps regained some grit of their own on the back end. Moving forward, I expect Orpik to play a significant role in the final 27 regular season games and hopefully on the way to the Stanley Cup Final.
