I don't normally just post links, but this one was too good not to share.

RMNB has an AWESOME photo gallery of last night's celebration after Hershey won it's second consecutive Calder Cup trophy.  If you haven't visisted yet to see all the great pics, click here.

Great work guys!

BOX SCORE//GAME SUMMARY//EVENT SUMMARY

The Washington Capitals beat the Atlanta Thrashers 5-3 in front of a electrifying, red-rocking crowd.  The Caps looked like a team that is ready for the playoffs.

The Caps have set new records during the 2009-2010 season and Friday night was no exception.  During a pre-game ceremony, the Caps First-Ever Presidents' Trophy was presented by NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly.

Alex Ovechkin scored two goals which increased his total to 50 goals for the season and puts him at top of the NHL leaderboard by one goal over Crosby. This picture is of goal #49.

Congrats to Alex Ovechkin on reaching 50 goals this season!

Nicklas Backstrom scored two goals as well and reached 100 points for the first time in his career. Congrats Nicky!

After Backstrom's second goal of the night.

With Poti and Knuble sitting out as healthy scratches, Backstrom and Green wore the "A" on their sweaters.

Last, but not least, with five Caps' goals, all fans (with valid ticket stubs) get WINGS from Glory Days.

All Photos 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography. All Rights Reserved.
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SCORESHEET

1ST PERIOD
14:44 WAS - N. Backstrom (32), Wrist Shot. Assist: Ovechkin, Green

2ND PERIOD
11:15 ATL - E. Artyukhin (9), Slap Shot. Assist: Kulda, Slater
13:07 ATL - C. MacArthur (16), Snap Shot. Unassisted
16:04 WAS - A. Ovechkin (49), Slap Shot. Assist: Semin

3RD PERIOD
09:49 WAS - A. Ovechkin (50), Snap Shot. Assist: Semin, Backstrom
12:16 WAS - J. Chimera (15), Slap shot. Assist: Belanger, Schultz
13:05 WAS - N. Backstrom (33), Wrist Shot. Assist: Semin, Corvo
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THREE STARS

1. A. Ovechkin - WAS (Goals: 2, Assists: 1)
2. N. Backstrom - WAS (Goals: 2, Assists: 1)
3. A. Semin - WAS (Goals: 0, Assists: 3)
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PHOTOS FROM CAPS WARMUPS:




















All Photos 2010 © Cheryl Nichols Photography. All Rights Reserved.

Photos © 2009 C. Nichols. All Rights Reserved.

Posted by Cheryl Nichols

We were able to squeeze in a hockey game in the middle of our 7th annual MLB spring training pilgrimage to Florida! The Caps just so happened to be playing in Florida and beat the Panthers 3-0.

We were hoping that Ovechkin would score goal #50 that night, but no such luck. We did get to see the only two left-handed goalies in the league start in the same game!

Dave did a review of the game, however, thought I would give a little more color to the night with some photos.

It was our first time to Bank Atlantic Arena and definitely a first time walking through a palm-tree lined walkway to get to a hockey game!

Here are 10 observations that we made that night:

1. Before the game, the Panthers starting lineup was announced, however, not the Caps!

2. We are spoiled by Verizon Center's gorgeous HD Scoreboard.

Their scoreboard is a little outdated.

3. There are no TVs in corridor so you cannot see game if you get up to get food or drink.

4. Food was delicious for arena food. Very tasty.

5. There is an ABSOLUT BAR!! Very cool. Grab 'n Go bars are good idea too.

6. The crowd is not very lively and no "horn guy" or "GOAT" in their arena. They did have the "Cat"Ling Gun which shot off about 20 t-shirts at the same time which was pretty darn cool.


7. The team store is HUGE and they carry gear for ALL NHL teams! Nice stuff.

8. The Panthers have a nice display of memorabilia and historic moments.

9. They have ice dancers. Yes, ice dancers, however, they do not dance anywhere near the ice! All of the Caps fans around us had the same reaction we did. Wow. Followed by being horrified. The girls "dance" all game and do a few things between periods as well. I captured a few seconds of the St. Patrick's Day dance (I just couldn't bring myself to record more than I did!). The following video is posted especially for those who were outraged by the "Red Rockers."

10. Verizon Center is the best place to watch hockey. :)

HERE IS THE COMPLETE SLIDESHOW FOR YOUR VIEWING PLEASURE.

All photos (c) C. Nichols 2009. All rights reserved.

Enjoy!

All photos (c) C. Nichols 2009.

I'll post the preview for tomorrow's game in the morning, but with the off-day today, and fighting a cold, I don't have the energy for an original post. So, enjoy a few photos that Cheryl took at the Edmonton game. My favorite is the one she got just before Fleischmann scored his sweet breakaway, one of the few highlights of the night.