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Agent Zero, back to business. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Wizards 102, Mavericks 91: Something tells me that the Wizards are going to be a real interesting team this season: new coach, a whole host of new players, and old players returning with the grudge of last season's epic failure hanging over their heads as motivation. But for whatever reason, the Wizards' hopes seem to always rest on the back of Gilbert Arenas. And man, the old Gilbert was back last night: dishing dimes, driving to the hoop with strength and finesse, and reminding us of that guy whom you could have made an argument for as the best fourth quarter player in the league three years ago. Gil had 29 points and nine assists in the Wizards season-opening 102-91 win on the road in Dallas. Of course, it wasn't all Agent Zero -- new boss Flip Saunders has stressed defense during the offseason, and Washington held the Mavs to only 39% from the field. Andray Blatche, Randy Foye, and Caron Butler also chipped in double digits. Dirk Nowitzki (and his long hair) paced Dallas with 34.
Capitals 4, Flyers 2: Slightly fewer goals in this one than the last time these teams met 20 days ago, but this time it was a positive result for the Caps, who got another solid effort from Jose Theodore in net. Despite a 2-0 hole on two power play goals, Theo recovered, notching 41 saves -- including a save on a Darroll Powe penalty shot in the late going -- to make it four unbeaten in a row. Alexander Ovechkin opened and closed the scoring for Washington, pushing him into double digits before Halloween. Alex Semin got the game-winner returning from an injury, and Nick Backstrom had four points. But despite the usual steamrolling offense, Theodore was the star. After all, if the Caps can get this kind of goaltending performance on a consistent basis, they are going to be a very, very difficult team to beat.
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Solid first win for the Wizards. Foye and Miller are great additions, give them a ton of weapons on offense. Arenas did a good job running the offense, dishing when double teamed, getting to the basket and hitting big shots. Stevenson was lousy, badly missing all his shots, but I guess he's there for defense. Blatche showed signs he's finally getting it this year, let's hope he can show some consistently. A very hopeful start.
It was actually five wins in a row for the Caps.
True, but the "four unbeaten in a row" phrase was referring to Theodore, who is 3-0-1 in his last four starts.
Ah, OK.
Also, I admit that I didn't know that an OTL is not a loss when keeping track of a goalie's stats. Interesting.
Yeah. Personally, I think it should count as a loss (you know, since the other goalie gets a win -- karmic balance demands it!), but I suppose it is fairly harsh to punish a goalie for losing a shootout. It would seem that awarding a loss for a goal scored in the five-minute OT and a draw for a shootout loss would be most appropriate, but perhaps that's too complicated for the NHL to handle.
Logic? This is Gary Bettman we're talking about here. Please, don't be silly.