Caps Info

[FLII ME]

Caps....

Bondra is red hot, Oates with an 11 game points streak on the line and they are trying to get the PP back on track. 2 points tonight can get them within 7 of CAR and keeps pace with NYR and BUFF.

By Jason La Canfora
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 12, 2002; Page D06


For much of this season the Washington Capitals struggled to overcome the most elementary of problems -- an inability to keep the puck out of the net, kill penalties or develop a potent top line. They also had a tendency to play miserably in the first period and wilt under adversity.

With the team finally playing the kind of hockey expected of it all season long and on the cusp of the final playoff spot, it can begin focusing on some nuances that were once dwarfed by the larger deficiencies.

Washington has righted its defensive woes, created some stable offensive lines -- with stars Adam Oates, Jaromir Jagr and Peter Bondra leading the way -- solidified the defensive pairs and put together its first extended stretch of success. The Capitals bring a 7-2-2 run into tonight's game against Dallas and only have smaller issues in need of attention, such as sustaining an effective fourth line and tweaking an already dangerous power play.

"I think there's no question we're playing a lot better hockey the last few weeks, and you feel a lot better about yourself because of that," Oates said. "Things start to jell a little bit, and different guys every night are contributing and the bottom line is we're playing better hockey. If we play like that we'll be okay."

Oates is the linchpin of the power play, controlling puck distribution and setting up teammates with his deft passing skills. But as Washington's overall game has improved, its power play efficiency has dipped. The power play was ranked first in the NHL for much of the season but is now in an 8-for-62 slide, well off its former pace above 20 percent.

Washington scored two or more power play goals in a game 11 times in its first 45 contests, but has failed to do so in its last 21 games (since Jan. 11). Bondra leads the NHL in power-play goals and teams with Jagr and Sergei Gonchar to provide ample scoring threats. But lately the pucks just have not gone in with much regularity.

"Special teams sometimes will look like they're slumping when they're not, when it's just a bounce here or there," Coach Ron Wilson said. "We didn't score a power-play goal [Sunday] when really we did because the play at the end [of a power play] from Gonch to Bonzai was technically a power-play goal in my book because the guy just got back into the play [from the penalty box] and we were still in power-play mode."

There is room for improvement, however. Oates would like to steer the puck more frequently to Gonchar and Bondra for slap shots from the point, and the club is eager for another multi-goal game on the power play, which would raise confidence levels even higher.

"Every time we do get [a power play], I think there's a certain feeling like we can score right there," Oates said.

Washington also wants more sustained quality play from its fourth line, traditionally a collection of role players and rookies who play far fewer minutes than their teammates. The Capitals have operated as a three-line team much of this season, with the fourth liners unable to generate any offensive or puck possession and getting caught on the ice for goals against.

But Wilson is gradually gaining confidence in the group, and on Sunday fourth-line wingers Joe Sacco (who handled himself in a fight with Steve Staios) and Matt Pettinger played a strong physical game and forechecked well. Finding a fourth line capable of giving the top lines a breather would only fortify the team's playoff search.

"We have balance through our lines," Wilson said. "And we've got a fourth line that can go out there and start some forechecking and have some speed and get a few hits in."

Capitals Notes: Wilson said he hopes winger Dainius Zubrus, who is recovering from a broken bone in his hand, can play tonight. Zubrus is practicing with the team but his playing status will be a game-time decision. . . . The Capitals do not play at home again until March 30, with their eight-game road trip beginning Friday night in San Jose. . . . Defenseman Patrick Boileau was returned to the minors. . . . Dallas lately has been riding young goalie Marty Turco, who is winning the starting job away from all-star Ed Belfour. The Stars are 7-8-2-2 against Eastern Conference teams and lost in overtime to Washington this season

[Cane Says]

The Craps are definitely coming on strong and have a great chance of catching the Canes, especially if the Canes keep tying and not winning. Plus the Caps have 2 games in hand, which could be the deciding factor.