Caps, Neuvirth shutout Devils

After posting a 9 game winning streak, then losing to Detroit, the Caps are back in the winning column.

Michal Neuvirth stopped 33 of 33 and Mike Knuble added a two goal night to fuel the Capitals 3-0 shutout of New Jersey.  HC Bruce Boudreau acknowledged he needed to settle on a goalie as the playoffs near, and coming back to Neuvirth after the loss in Detroit, and picking up a shutout, Boudreau's decision is a bit easier.  Neuvirth's shutout was the 4t6h of the season, tied for the lead for rookies, his 5th win in his last 6 complete starts, and improved his record to an impressive 23-11-4.

Meanwhile, the red hot Knuble deliver offensive for the Caps.  Knuble admitted he is a better second half player, and he brought it forth tonight.  Knuble scored his 18th and 19th of the season to fuel the Capital offense.  Better yet, he added an assist, factoring into all three Caps scores.  Knuble's has now scored 4 goals in his last 4 games.  Joining Knuble on a multi-point game was rookie John Carlson who added 2 assists.  One of the Knuble goals was made possible by an icredible fake out shot by Carlson on future Hall of Famer Marty Brodeur.   By biting at the Carlson fake, Knuble was provided an easy layup.

Alex Ovechkin added two assists on the night as well.

The big win tonight put the Washington Capitals in a 94-94 deadlock tie with the Philadelphia Flyers for the first place spot in the Eastern Conference.  Better yet, a Caps/Flyers match up looms on Tuesday.