19 v 90

Nobody can doubt the chemistry that has appeared between Nicklas Backstrom and Alexander Ovechkin over the past 3+ years. Since Backstrom came into the league, they have played the majority of the time together. In that time Backstrom has recorded 86 goals and 227 assists, while Ovechkin has recorded 199 goals and 206 assists. With Backstrom recently missing his first NHL game, Ovechkin has been forced to work entirely with out his Swedish running mate. With one Swede out, Bruce elected to give rookie Swede Marcus Johansson the opportunity to play with the captain. The young kid is clearly making the most of this chance.

In the four games that Johansson has played with Ovechkin he has recorded at least a point in each game with 2 goals and 3 assists. Ovechkin, meanwhile, has similar numbers with 3 goals and 2 assists. Although this may be on a small scale, it is worth noting that this is a much better pace than either of these two have been on for the earlier parts of the season. Could there be a possibility of Backstrom playing second fiddle to the rookie Swede?

The Breakdown

• Faceoffs: Johansson's is improving in the dot but his 43.1% is just not good enough to be a first line center. Advantage: Backstrom
• Skating: Both Backstrom and Johansson possess great skating ability. Johansson brings much more speed to the first line. Advantage: Johansson
• Intelligence: This is pretty much a no-contest. Backstrom has been in the league 3 years longer than Johansson so advantage: Backstrom
• Intangibles: This is a bit difficult because it is such a vague term. The chemistry that Backstrom has with Ovechkin is something that Johansson can't pick up overnight. However that chemistry has has very little success this season. The newness of MoJo and Ovie is something that has been showing success. Maybe it is Johansson's speed or the fact that their gameplan was for Backstrom but I have to say advantage: Johansson.

How much of a copout is that? A 2-2 tie. If Arnott comes back healthy and you choose MoJo over Backstrom, then you would think Arnott moves to the third line. I am not really for taking Arnott away from Semin. But I can't see that being sufficient reasoning to give Backstrom the #1 center back. I wouldn't totally be against having them both play the top line, if they can prove their grittiness. Personally I am not looking forward to having to rework our line so close to playoff time.

Dredging the Island

At around the 18:00 minute mark of the 3rd period, with the Caps trailing 1-0, my step father sent me a text. It was a satirical remark about the "offensive juggernaut that is the Capitals." Of course Jason Arnott would feed Brooks Laich a minute later sending the Capitals to OT where Ovechkin would eventually seal it with a beauty of a goal.

I do not see much reason to worry about the near loss last night. When you add 3 brand new guys to the lineup you expect to take a step back. Jason Arnott clearly is developing some great chemistry with Laich and Semin, which came to fruition in the game tying goal.

Sturm also seemed to blend well on the top line. He got sent in on a nice breakaway midway through the first and they had some of the best cycles the first line has seen in a while, even if no goals came from it.

As good as Sturm and Arnott were, Wideman was just about that bad. He frequently set up on the wrong side of Erskine, and had quite a few stretch passes lead to scoring chances for the Islanders. Her should count himself luck it was Carlson and not him that gave the Islanders their goal.

The game might have lacked intensity for 59:00. It might have put a few fans to sleep, but these games are just continual proof that this team possesses the ability to grind games out. That is why I think this team is better suited for the playoffs than last year's.