Shooting for the President's Trophy

Written by Krafty.

While the Washington Capitals have managed to accumulate a 4-1-1 record following the Winter Olympic break, there has been a noticeable trend while facing some of the leagues top goaltenders during this six game stretch. Although the Caps still lead the NHL in every offensive category: goals scored, goals/game, plus/minus, power play, etc - they still seem to have a harder time lighting the lamp against an opponents' first-string goalie. Sure, it's easy to say that a better goaltender will stop more rubber - that's a given. But even more interesting, DC has been able to put more shots on a squad's first-stringer, edging back-ups 121-to-101. Even if you remove the peppering Turco endured (and the highest total against a back up), Washington has still forced the starting backstop to work harder with 69 SOG vs 62. The Capitals 40.3 SOG/G against the starting three goalies soars over their season average of 33.0 SOG/G. Here's a deeper look at the numbers:

Date	Team	Goaltender	SOG	GA	S	Sv %	GAA
March 3	at BUF	Miller	39	2	37	.949
March 4	vs. TBL	*Smith	34	5	29	.853
March 6	vs. NYR	*Auld	28	2	26	.929
March 8	vs. DAL	Turco	52	3	49	.942
March 10	vs. CAR	*Legace	39	4	35	.897
March 12	vs. TBL	Niittymaki	30	2	28	.933
Total			222	18	204	.919	3.00
Back Up Goalie			101	11	90	.819	3.67
Starting Goalie			121	7	114	.942	2.33

* denotes second-string goaltender
So are opposing defenses allowing more chances for the Caps, entrusting the outcome of the game to the first-string goalie? Or are the Capitals knowing they have to step up their game against the likes of Miller, Turco, and Niittymaki? Either way, with Marc-Andre Fleury, Tuukka Rask, Tomas Vokoun, and Miikka Kiprusoff still on the slate this season - it'll be interesting to watch how the Capitals react while chasing the President's Trophy.