Today was a true test for a talented Capitals club to see how they stood up to the Stanley Cup champion Red Wings - a team with tremendous depth on the bench, who until recently, was playing close-to-perfect hockey. Despite getting into (gasp - I know) penalty trouble late the third period and giving up yet another power play goal to Detroit's Johan (the Mule) Franzen, the Caps proved that they are right up there with hockey's elite.
It was great to see Tom Poti back on the ice - his presence really helped step up a struggling penalty kill. There were times during this contest where I was on the edge of my seat, as the Wings spent way too much time in the offensive zone. But Jose Theodore protected his house like a pit bull and held the Red Wings to 2 goals on the day.
Hockey Mom was surrounded by Red Wings fans, including a lovely couple who travel to one out of town game a year. I must say that all the opposing fans around me were very nice people, which was quite refreshing!
No surprise, Ovi sealed the Wings' fate with a fantabulous highlight reel goal late in third. HM blinked and mere seconds later, he lit the red light for a second time! Things got a bit hairy in the remaining few minutes of the final period as the Caps found themselves with a few boys in the sin bin and had to kill off a 5 on 3, which they did and then some.
So this was a gratifying victory for Caps fans, to beat the Cup champions with a bench finally devoid (knock on wood) of the nagging injuries that have plagued them all season. The throngs of happy Capitals' faithful clad in their proud red, filled the streets of Chinatown with laughter and high-fives all around.
Hockey Mom savored the sweetness of the win and celebrated with a yummy cupcake from Red Velvet Cupcakery, which is right down the street from the Phone Booth. As a bonafide chocoholic, that may just become my new routine after Caps games. Hockey and chocolate - what else can a girl ask for?
So tomorrow brings another matinee game for the Capitals as they seek to avenge the recent loss to the Ottawa Senators. HM will be at the boys game during the same time frame as they also seek to avenge a loss to a fellow Pee Wee team in an ugly previous meeting. So good luck to all tomorrow - it'll be another sports extravaganza for HM and clan, topped off the Super Bowl!
Before I sign off, the Caps will be hosting the third Hockey and Heels event on February 21 and tickets go on sale February 2. This is such a fun event and a great way for the fabulous female hockey fans to unite in fandom and learn more about this great game! I'll have more details as they become available but be sure to mark your calendars - you don't want to miss it!
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