Last year, there was an epic confrontation. The details are, of course, a little hazy for all of us since some repressed the memories will others just now live on in a fantasy world where the battle never happened. I have skewered records and eye-witness accounts, faithfully searching for and details of the great struggle. In a story-like fashion, this is what I found. This is the story of a great battle between the noble and righteous Washington Capitals and the dastardly and vile Shittsburgh Penguins. The conflict, beginning on May 2, 2009, a Saturday, went on for 12 long, excruciating days. Most fought on through their injuries, while some succumbed. But most already know this, I have come to present the behind the scenes, unknown story that many are unaware of. With this story I have provided many accurate and thoroughly thought out images that seek to be the true representation of events. I hope they help with your understanding of this terrible tale. On the day before the beginning of this dreaded event the Capitals, via the great Alexander Ovechkin, were approached by Bettman.
God this is creepy.
Bettman yearned for all the hockey world to embrace the Penguins as the best and to hail Sidney Crosby as the greatest hockey player in the world. Ovechkin, actually being the greatest hockey player could not submit, regardless of what any former Cap might attest.
Traitor.
The refusal greatly angered Bettman yet he hoped that his bright shining star, his one true love, would be able to withstand the Capitals might. Through the early throes of the battle the two side went on, evenly matched it would seem with the Caps having the upper hand. The pathetic monster which Bettman cherished was no match the the Alexander the Gr8.
Well, aren't you an ugly fucker.
Bettman knew that unless he aided Shittsburgh, they would not doubt fall to the wrath of the Capitals. Cursing to the sky, Bettman went to work to ensure that the Caps would be shorthanded as much as possible and that the Pens would never be. He unleashed his true army:
The men in black and white.
After the true army of Bettman, there was little hope for the Capitals, as there numbers on the battle field were constantly drained. It seemed like all was over on May 11th, but courage and perseverance willed out. Bettman controlled the next confrontation with much more vigor and the Pens held the upper hand throughout. Here the Caps would fall.
With a roar and a yell he fell, but he will soon fight again.There ended the great battle, on Wednesday, May 13, 2009, through treachery and Bettman's desire for a Pens cup.
_______________________________________
Here are some real facts from that series.
Powerplays per team in the series:
Pens:38
Caps:23
Powerplay % for the series:
Pens:23.6
Caps:21.7
In only 1 game of the 7 game series were the Capitals awarded a Power Play after having scored a Power Play Goal.
As well, the Capitals never had more powerplays then the Pens in any game of the series.
Fun stats from this season and the match up:
Washington Capitals (31-12-6)
at
Pittsburgh Penguins (31-19-1)
Goals For and Against per game:
Caps:3.69 and 2.78
Pens:3.08 and 2.80
Powerplay percentage and opportunities per game:
Caps:25.1 % and 187 in 49 games (3.82 per game)
Pens:16.0 % and 213 in 51 games (4.18 per game)
Goal / Assist / Point / +/- Leaders:
Caps: Alex Ovechkin (30 goals / 65 points / +27), Mike Green (38 Assists)
Pens: Sidney Crosby (32 goals / 31 Assists / 63 points), Jordan Staal (+14)
It seems as though not much as changed since the playoffs for these two teams match up wise. The caps Goaltending and defense has been better this year, but with Varlamov out, Theodore will have to step up and make big saves early and often. Shittsburgh will be given more powerplays in this one without a doubt, so DC's penalty kill with is second worst in the league on the road (72.8%) will find a hard match up against the Pittsburgh powerplay which is far better at home then on the road (21% versus 11.1%). Ovechkin will have to have a hard physical game to through the Penguins off (especially Malkin and Crosby). If the Capitals can draw some penalties early by moving their feet and getting the Pens out of position, the league's best powerplay should be able to come out and dominate this game.
Caps 5, Pens 3.
_______________________________________
Here are some real facts from that series.
Powerplays per team in the series:
Pens:38
Caps:23
Powerplay % for the series:
Pens:23.6
Caps:21.7
In only 1 game of the 7 game series were the Capitals awarded a Power Play after having scored a Power Play Goal.
As well, the Capitals never had more powerplays then the Pens in any game of the series.
Fun stats from this season and the match up:
Washington Capitals (31-12-6)
at
Pittsburgh Penguins (31-19-1)
Goals For and Against per game:
Caps:3.69 and 2.78
Pens:3.08 and 2.80
Powerplay percentage and opportunities per game:
Caps:25.1 % and 187 in 49 games (3.82 per game)
Pens:16.0 % and 213 in 51 games (4.18 per game)
Goal / Assist / Point / +/- Leaders:
Caps: Alex Ovechkin (30 goals / 65 points / +27), Mike Green (38 Assists)
Pens: Sidney Crosby (32 goals / 31 Assists / 63 points), Jordan Staal (+14)
It seems as though not much as changed since the playoffs for these two teams match up wise. The caps Goaltending and defense has been better this year, but with Varlamov out, Theodore will have to step up and make big saves early and often. Shittsburgh will be given more powerplays in this one without a doubt, so DC's penalty kill with is second worst in the league on the road (72.8%) will find a hard match up against the Pittsburgh powerplay which is far better at home then on the road (21% versus 11.1%). Ovechkin will have to have a hard physical game to through the Penguins off (especially Malkin and Crosby). If the Capitals can draw some penalties early by moving their feet and getting the Pens out of position, the league's best powerplay should be able to come out and dominate this game.
Caps 5, Pens 3.
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