Ovechkin, Neuvirth blanks Pens

The Washington Capitals defeated the Pittsburgh Penguins last night 1-0, behind an Alexander Ovechkin goal and a Michal Neuvirth shutout. 

The Ovechkin goal came on the Caps power play, his 24th goal of the season, assisted by Mike Knuble and Marcus Johansson.  Meanwhile, Neuvirth pitched a second consecutive Caps shutout of the Penguins, stopping 39 shots on goal by the Pens.  Fellow net minder Semyon Varlamov blanked the Caps 3-0 in the Winter Classic.  A terrific game from the rookie net minder.  Neuvy was under substantially heavier pressure throughout the game than Pens losing goalie Marc Andre Fleury.    

For the rumor-mongers out there trying to sell a trade with Florida for goalie Tomas Vokoun, look no further than the last two games.  Neuvirth and Varlamov are no where close to being problems for the Washington Capitals.  Matter of fact, the goal tending has been one of the more consistently good aspects for the Capitals this season.  A trade for Vokoun by George McPhee would make little sense and address a non-problem.  Bruce Boudreau is hoping this puts the rumors to bed as well.