5 shots in goal combined in 3rd and OT. They just aren't taught, or don't know how to play winning hockey.
Signature, almost impressive lack of both killer instinct
and composure.
That is, first the chronic inability to step on neck when opponent is down, leading to razor-close games late, leading to the inevitable blown coverage or stupid penalty or crucial puck fumble in waning minutes.
Has happened under Trotz, under Hunter, under Boudreau.
Was even happening long before Ovie ever showed up (to wit, Easter Epic; the Nedved multi-OT goal; the Gonchar gift delivery to Straka).
Just a miserable four-plus decades of choking and underperforming.
To me it’s one reason to throw some more youth on the ice this time around - Gersich, Boyd, Vrana, Djoos, and so on. Guys who haven’t yet fully mastered the Caps Collapse playbook. Kids who don’t know enough to be scared.
It would be one thing if we just bowed out in this first round in 4 or 5 games. Since it’s the Caps, you know it’ll be much more complicated and drawn-out and heartbreaking. It ends with Game 7 loss at home against either CBJ or Pens. That much you can pretty well count on.