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Gaborik’s Magic not enough in Ovechkin’s return
November 18, 2009 · Derek Felix · Jump to comments
In a game annoyingly super hyped to death by the NHL/Versus who obviously wanted Alexander Ovechkin’s return to be triumphant, Marian Gaborik’s best wasn’t enough. It was the game’s second leading scorer who did everything possible to win this one for his downtrodden team that lacks punch.
Gaborik scored both Ranger goals in a crushing 4-2 defeat to the ref aided Caps, who didn’t really need that kinda help to come out with two points at a disappointed MSG. Anyone who observed knows what we’re referring to. Sure. Washington got the deciding tally when Wade Redden got trapped by third line vet Matt Bradley, who then outraced rookie Matt Gilroy and fired upstairs past a passive Henrik Lundqvist with 4:41 left. However, that wasn’t the storyline. One of two mind blowing calls on Sean Avery and Gaborik which led to Washington’s first two power play tallies.
One word can describe it. P-A-T-H-E-T-I-C! Just like on cue with Versus basically getting on their knees for The Great Eight during a cheesy intermission segment, there were two atrocious calls by Bettman’s programmed refs, who conveniently ignored more blatant infractions from what was the road team. But anyone who saw all the promotion got the message. Our team was treated as second class citizens in their own building. Who cared if Caps repeatedly hooked, held and tripped our players. Who cared if Avery was mugged following a whistle. Typical. How in the world did they see fit to give two apiece to Nicklas Backstrom and Ryan Callahan following a cheapshot after the whistle blew? Zilch.
This is what they want. A Brian Sanborn-ism I’d rather not resort to here. But what other way can anyone describe the two softies they gave the Caps while ignoring what was probably at least another 4-5 missed calls. Yes. The power plays were dead even with the Caps converting one more than our club did. And the game was still tied after The Big Ticket potted his second with 11:37 remaining in the third. They still had a chance to win and played a good third after a dreadful middle, outshooting the Caps 9-4. The problem is they don’t need a lot of chances to make you pay which Bradley did after Tinman’s miscue.
It would be so easy to point at him for the loss because he screwed up. And you know that another blogger will go ballistic about it. But can I just ask a simple question? One which our section discussed. How does our supposed elite goalie allow a minor guy with grit who got owned by punching bag Aaron Voros, to beat him from 25 feet out? Gilroy hustled back and forced him to shoot early yet Lundqvist was too far back in his crease going down. Say what you will about Redden but our goalie has to make that save. A huge letdown which ultimately was the difference.
My main gripe with the couple of penalties that allowed the Caps to dictate after falling behind early on Gaborik’s 14th was that it turned the tide. Of course, Ovechkin rifled a texbook saucer Mike Green pass home for his 15th. And later, Brooks Laich finished one off in front following an even worse call on Gabby. It makes you ask how might the game have gone. Penalties change games. Washington nearly found out the hard way in the third when the Rangers came harder, taking two consecutive on legit calls. Gaborik finished his league-tying 15th following some solid board work from P.A. Parenteau and Avery, who came to play tonight.
But the Blueshirts lack of finish cameback to haunt them. A line of Artem Anisimov, Avery and either Callahan or Ales Kotalik came close a few times but that doesn’t count. You gotta bury them. Instead, they paid for it with Bradley burning Redden and Lundqvist. Of course, they pulled him for an extra with 70 seconds remaining. But a lack of decisiveness followed with way too many passes and not enough shots. Sadly, the best opportunity came off a routine Mike Del Zotto one-timer which Semyon Varlamov easily snagged.
That kind of night. Gaborik was better than Ovechkin but it didn’t matter because there was nothing left in the cupboard.
BONY 3 Stars:
3rd Star-Mike Green, (2 assists, 5 SOG, 2 blocked shots, +1 in 24:55)
2nd Star-Alexander Ovechkin, (PPG-15th, SOG, seven hits, minus-one in 19:23)
1st Star-Marian Gaborik, (2 goals-14, 15, 4 SOG, blocked shot in 24:03)
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