Capitals Continue 13 Game Win Streak with 5 to 2 Win Over Thrashers

Winning their 13th game in a row, and keeping the top spot in the NHL, the Washington Capitals sent the Atlanta Thrashers packing and winless on the eve of one of the worst snowstorms the DC area has seen in years.

Just one day after the Atlanta Thrashers management dealt Captain and star player Ilya Kovalchuk to the New Jersey Devils in exchange for Johnny Oduya, Niclas Bergfors, Patrice Cormier, and a first round selection in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft, the Thrash were dealt yet another blow in their playoff bid.

Although the Thrashers came out strong, getting the first goal of the night, they later folded easily under the firepower of the Caps young guns of Ovechkin, Backstrom, Semin, and Green, all of whom hadn’t scored together in the same game in quite some time. Jason Chimera posted a beauty of a goal with an assist by Matt Bradley, and Green helped the fans with another serving of FREE WINGS from Glory Days with an empty netter. It was also Green’s first game back after serving a three game suspension for elbowing Florida Panther Michael Frolik.

From Atlanta 2-5-10

From Atlanta 2-5-10

Oduya and Bergfors were both in the ice for their first games as Thrashers, but Cormier, who was Canada's captain at the IIHF World Junior Hockey tournament, is serving a suspension for elbowing Mikael Tam. Tam, an 18-year-old defenseman, went into convulsions on the ice due to the hit, was taken to a hospital and diagnosed with brain trauma and dental injuries. Tam has since been released and agreed to a recent meeting with Cormier, the details of which were not released in order to protect all affected parties.

Washington Goalie Michal Neuvirth, who had been recalled from AHL affiliate Hershey, received high praise for the win. Neuvirth earned the first star of the game after facing 45 shots, yet was humble in his response to reporters in the postgame saying it was “Jose’s streak” and he was “there to help him if he gets tired.” Jose has been stellar of late, with his win streak rivaling the one he had in his 2002 Vezina and Hart winning year with the Habs.

Despite the weather related issues facing the arrival of the Pens, who were due to fly into Newark,NJ,the game on Sunday is expected to go on as scheduled with a puck drop at 12:00. Please be alert for any changes on www.WashingtonCaps.com. Let’s Go Caps!