Capitals Take On Predators

Hockey Mom feels like the kid in the movie "The Christmas Story" (you know Ralphie!), sitting here by the radio/computer listening to the Caps/Predators game instead of an Ovaltine commercial. Thank goodness for modern technology when I can't catch my favorite team on t.v.!

Jose Theodore is in net for the Caps. The Caps have the lead in shots on goal into the third period with tallies from Viktor Kozlov, David Steckel and the still on fire Alex Semin. A huge Hockey Mom fist bump to Semin, who surpassed fellow Russian (and Alex Ovechkin's best friend, NOT) Evgeni Malkin of the Pittsburgh Penguins as points leader for an offensive player with 16 points!

The gnarly-toothed Predators tied it up 3 - 3 in the third period with a goal from Jason Arnott. Then once again, the men in red took it into overtime. Jeez, it's wacky trying to follow this game with no visuals! So with 22 seconds left in overtime and still no score, we go to the nail-biting shoot out. I think I've told you how I feel about the shoot out - makes me a nervous wreck. So I can only imagine how goalies Dan Ellis and Jose Theodore feel. Not like all eyes are on the goalies or anything - no pressure there...

Viktor Kozlov's first attempt for the Caps was stopped by Dan Ellis. Jose Theodore stops the Preds first shot. Still hot, Alex Semin nets a bee-oo-tiful top-shelf goal. (Note for newbies: Top shelf is not where you store the flour and sugar; it's when a goal scorer's puck hits the upper corners of the net - just wanted to clarify). Second later the Pred's Ville Koistinen scores to even it up. Michael Nylander keeps the momentum going to score the final shoot out goal for a final 4 - 3 victory!

So another edge of the sofa contest but congrats to the guys for coming together. Jose seems to be more comfortable in his new role; there's no arguing he was shaky in his first few outings. October is shaping up to be a fine month for the Caps as we look forward to taking on the Buffalo Sabres on Saturday. In the meantime, congrats again to Alex Semin on his scoring streak, love and prayers for Ovie and keep spreading the puck love!