Tigers score six runs in three innings to beat Yankees.
By Ray Bennett
Monday February 28, 2011
After all that happened to Miguel Cabrera in the past twelve days, he finally came back to work to do his job.
Detroit Tigers first baseman Miguel Cabrera took the field for the first time in spring training on Monday, going 0-2 with a walk in three at-bats in a 6-2 Tigers win over the New York Yankees. This was Cabrera's first on-field appearance since his February 16th arrest for driving under the influence of alcohol. Cabrera started the game as the designated hitter. The game was played at the Tigers spring training facility in Lakeland, FL.
Cabrera grounded out in his first two at-bats of the game and walked in his third and final plate appearance. Cabrera arrived at camp early last week days after his DUI arrest. He talked to the press a few days later, telling reporters that he apologized to the team and his fellow teammates over the entire ordeal. Cabrera has sought counseling since the arrest. The DUI arrest stemmed from Cabrera falling asleep in a parked smoking car on the side of the road. The police report stated that Cabrera took a swig of scotch while talking to the Broward County, FL police officer. Cabrera verbally resisted arrest and refused to take a blood-alcohol test at the scene. Cabrera is scheduled to be arranged on the DUI charge March 16.
The Feb. 16th arrest was not the first time that the All-Star first baseman went to jail with alcohol in his system. On the final weekend amidst of a pennant race for the American League Central Division in 2009, Detroit police were called to Cabrera's house during a domestic dispute and had a blood-alcohol content twice the legal limit of the state of Michigan. He was sent to Wayne County Prison afterward and was picked up by Tigers general manager and president Dave Dumbroski.
Cabrera is coming off a career season in which he hit a career-high 38 home runs and finished second in AL MVP voting behind Texas Rangers outfielder Josh Hamilton, a recovering drug user and recovering alcoholic. Last year Cabrera told reporters that after the domestic incident he had quit drinking, saying that he "was not that person anymore." A year later, over a week after his latest arrest, Cabrera told reporters that he had his drinking problem under control. Major League Baseball has not commented about his DUI bust and no punishment has been handed out by either the league or the Tigers.
The Grapefruit League game was also a showcase of what both teams will look like before they play each other on Opening Day March 31. Yankees starter C.C Sabathia and Tigers starter Justin Verlander each pitched the first two innings of the game, both giving up two hits each. Sabathia and Verlander are scheduled to start for their respective teams on the March 31 game at Yankee Stadium. Rick Porcello came in for Verlander in the third and also pitched two innings, leading all who pitched in the game with three strikeouts. This game also marked the first time in over four years once heavilly touted flamethrower Mark Prior appeared for a Major League team. Prior, who signed with New York to a minor league contract this past off-season, pitched one scoreless inning with a strikeout.
The first runs of the game were not scored until the top of the fifth inning when the Yankees put two runners across home plate off of Tigers minor league rookie Charlie Furbrush. Detroit evened the score back up in the bottom of the sixth inning, getting two runs off of Yankees reliever Daniel Turpin. In the bottom of the seventh inning, Tigers minor league shortstop Cale Iorg hit a solo home run off of Robert Fish, giving Detroit a 3-2 lead. They added another run later in the inning via an RBI double from right fielder Andy Dirks, who went 2-2 on the day. The Tigers added two more runs in the eighth as they coasted to victory in the top of the ninth.
Both teams meet each other again when spring training ends on March 29 at Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, FL. Two days later, the Tigers and Yankees will meet up for their first series of the regular season at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx borough of New York City, NY. That game will be nationally televised on ESPN at 1 P.M. Eastren time.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Late 4th Quarter Raly Leads Charlevoix Past Grayling; Clinches Lake Michigan Conference Title
By Ray Bennett
Saturday February 26, 2011
The Charlevoix Red Rayders needed a late push in the fourth quarter to win against the Grayling Vikings 50-43 on Friday. The victory and an Elk Rapids loss to Traverse City St. Francis helped the Red Rayders clinch their third Lake Michigan Conference title in five years. This is also Charlevoix's first conference title under first-year head coach Adam Wood.
The first half was mostly dominated by the Vikings from the start of the game to mid-way through the second quarter. Grayling had an 8-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, a quarter marred by Viking fouls and Rayder turnovers. The Vikings got off to a quick start in the second quarter thanks to two consecutive three-point field goals by junior forward Steven Enos. The Rayders then began to put points up on the board near the end of the half with baskets by senior forward Wyatt Drost and junior forward Andrew Potter. Charlevoix took their first lead of the game with 1:40 left in the first half and led at halftime 20-16. Eight different players scored for Charlevoix at the half with Drost leading the team in first half scoring with 4 points. Grayling only had four players on the score sheet with Enos leading with 8 points.
The Red Rayders came out to a sloppy start in the second half with two turnovers on their first two possessions. The third quarter was showcased by Viking junior guard Zane Tobin. Tobin, who was in early foul trouble and did not score in the first half, exploded for 11 third quarter points, including the tying and go-ahead baskets. Tobin's scoring helped Grayling outscore Charlevoix 18-7 to a 34-27 lead at the end of the quarter.
Grayling had full control of the game with four minutes to go after an Enos three-pointer made the score 41-34. However, with Grayling's recent history playing at Charlevoix, the Vikings saw their lead evaporate thanks to the shooting of Rayder guard Drost. Drost hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 41-41 with 2:55 remaining. Then, after a missed shot by Grayling, Drost shot what would be the go-ahead three-pointer for Charlevoix to take the lead 44-41, capping a 10-0 scoring run that started with 3:30 left in the game. A reach-in and technical foul by Enos with 38.6 remaining sealed the game for the Rayders. Drost led the Red Rayders with 11 points with all three of his made shots hit from beyond the three-point line. Enos and Tobin led the Vikings with 15 points each.
The Charlevoix win was their fifteenth win of the season and their conference leading twelfth. The win at the time clinched the Red Rayders at least a share of the Lake Michigan Conference Boy's Basketball title. Later in the evening, the Elk Rapids Elks lost againsts the Traverse City St. Francis Gladiators 78-59. The Elk Rapids loss gives Charlevoix their third conference title in the past five years. This is head coach Adam Wood's first conference title after the departure of longtime coach Keith Haske to Traverse City St. Francis. The loss drops Grayling to 15-4 overall. Grayling finished in a tie for third in the conference with Elk Rapids, both at 10-4. If Grayling held the lead against Charleviox, the Vikings would have cliniched at least a share of the conference crown. The Vikings have not won at Charlevoix since the 2004-2005 season.
The Red Rayders finish the regular season with a non-conference game against Cheboygan on Tuesday March 1st while the Vikings travel to Houghton Lake on the same night. Both teams then have a week off to prepare for their district playoff games the following week, with Grayling hosting Cheboygan on Wedensday March 9th. The information for Charlevoix's district playoff game is not avalible at this time.
Saturday February 26, 2011
The Charlevoix Red Rayders needed a late push in the fourth quarter to win against the Grayling Vikings 50-43 on Friday. The victory and an Elk Rapids loss to Traverse City St. Francis helped the Red Rayders clinch their third Lake Michigan Conference title in five years. This is also Charlevoix's first conference title under first-year head coach Adam Wood.
The first half was mostly dominated by the Vikings from the start of the game to mid-way through the second quarter. Grayling had an 8-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, a quarter marred by Viking fouls and Rayder turnovers. The Vikings got off to a quick start in the second quarter thanks to two consecutive three-point field goals by junior forward Steven Enos. The Rayders then began to put points up on the board near the end of the half with baskets by senior forward Wyatt Drost and junior forward Andrew Potter. Charlevoix took their first lead of the game with 1:40 left in the first half and led at halftime 20-16. Eight different players scored for Charlevoix at the half with Drost leading the team in first half scoring with 4 points. Grayling only had four players on the score sheet with Enos leading with 8 points.
The Red Rayders came out to a sloppy start in the second half with two turnovers on their first two possessions. The third quarter was showcased by Viking junior guard Zane Tobin. Tobin, who was in early foul trouble and did not score in the first half, exploded for 11 third quarter points, including the tying and go-ahead baskets. Tobin's scoring helped Grayling outscore Charlevoix 18-7 to a 34-27 lead at the end of the quarter.
Grayling had full control of the game with four minutes to go after an Enos three-pointer made the score 41-34. However, with Grayling's recent history playing at Charlevoix, the Vikings saw their lead evaporate thanks to the shooting of Rayder guard Drost. Drost hit a three-pointer to tie the game at 41-41 with 2:55 remaining. Then, after a missed shot by Grayling, Drost shot what would be the go-ahead three-pointer for Charlevoix to take the lead 44-41, capping a 10-0 scoring run that started with 3:30 left in the game. A reach-in and technical foul by Enos with 38.6 remaining sealed the game for the Rayders. Drost led the Red Rayders with 11 points with all three of his made shots hit from beyond the three-point line. Enos and Tobin led the Vikings with 15 points each.
The Charlevoix win was their fifteenth win of the season and their conference leading twelfth. The win at the time clinched the Red Rayders at least a share of the Lake Michigan Conference Boy's Basketball title. Later in the evening, the Elk Rapids Elks lost againsts the Traverse City St. Francis Gladiators 78-59. The Elk Rapids loss gives Charlevoix their third conference title in the past five years. This is head coach Adam Wood's first conference title after the departure of longtime coach Keith Haske to Traverse City St. Francis. The loss drops Grayling to 15-4 overall. Grayling finished in a tie for third in the conference with Elk Rapids, both at 10-4. If Grayling held the lead against Charleviox, the Vikings would have cliniched at least a share of the conference crown. The Vikings have not won at Charlevoix since the 2004-2005 season.
The Red Rayders finish the regular season with a non-conference game against Cheboygan on Tuesday March 1st while the Vikings travel to Houghton Lake on the same night. Both teams then have a week off to prepare for their district playoff games the following week, with Grayling hosting Cheboygan on Wedensday March 9th. The information for Charlevoix's district playoff game is not avalible at this time.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Playoff Contenders Make Big Moves At NBA Trade Deadline
By Ray Bennett
Thursday February 24, 2011
Once the clock struck 3:00 P.M EST, the new landscape of the NBA season began to take shape.
The NBA's non-waiver trade deadline passed at 3:00 P.M EST on Thursday. This means that after this time has passed, none of the league's 30 teams can trade players without putting them on the waivers list first. The deadline is always the time of the season in which teams that are contending for a playoff spot attempt to make roster changes that they seem fit for how far they will go. Teams trying to rebuild for next season also make moves to help free up space in their salary cap.
The Boston Celtics (in first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 41-14)and the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder (fourth place in the Western Conference at 36-20) made the biggest deal of the day, with the Celtics sending effective yet injury prone center Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder. Perkins, who is day-to-day with a sprained MCL suffered before the All-Star break, along with 5'9" guard Nate Robinson were sent to Oklahoma City in exchange for power forward Jeff Green and center Nenad Krstic.
This move comes at a time in which the Celtics are in need of help at center and off the bench. Perkins is averaging 7.3 points per game in 12 games this season since returning in January after suffering a torn ACL in last season's NBA Finals. He's currently listed day-to-day after spraining an MCL before the All-Star break. The Celtics are already reeling from the injuries of big men Shaquille and Jermaine O'Neal. The Celtics received emerging power forward Jeff Green, who averaged 15.2 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game in 49 games with the Thunder. Green will come off the bench for starting All-Star power forward Kevin Garnett. Center Nenad Krstic, averaging 7.6 points per game in 47 with Oklahoma City, will also come off the bench for Boston.
The biggest sellers of the day were the Houston Rockets and the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats agreed to deal backup center Nazr Mohammed to Oklahoma City for veteran shooting guard Morris Peterson and third year power forward D.J. White. Charlotte also delt star forward Gerald Wallace to the Portland Trail Blazers for center Joel Przybilla, power forward Dante Cunningham, and two future first-round draft picks. The Bobcats, who are currently sitting 2.5 games back of the eight and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference behind Indiana, are looking to make it back to the playoffs for the second time in the franchise's young history. Portland is currently in seventh in the Western Conference with a 32-25 record.
The Rockets traded veteran small forward and Duke alum Shane Battier to the Western Conference eighth place team Memphis Grizzlies for second-year center Hasheem Thabeet and a first round lottery protected pick in this year's NBA Draft. Battier, who started out his career with Memphis, is averaging 8.6 points per game in 59 games this season. Thabeet, a highly coveted center when he was drafted second overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, has been marred by poor play and a stint in the NBA's developmental league in his short two year NBA career. The Rockets also traded point guard Aaron Brooks to the Phoenix Suns for gurad Goran Dragic and a first round pick. Brooks, who came off a career-high 19.6 points per game last season, saw his productivity dip with the Rockets in 34 games.
One notable team looking to rebuild for the future is the league's worst team the Cleveland Caveliers. The Cavs acquired veteran point guard Baron Davis and a 2011 first round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers late Wednesday night in exchange for star point guard Mo Williams and backup small forward Jamario Moon. Davis, who signed with the Clippers after the 2008-2009 season, had a rocky relationship with team owner Donald Sterling. That may have played a role in the trade that gives the Clippers Williams and the expiring contract of Moon, who's scheduled to make $3 Million this season. Cleveland also received rookies Luke Harangody and Semih Erden from the Celtics for a future second-round draft pick. The team also tried to get disgruntled Pistons guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton. However, the deal fell through at the last minute after Hamilton could not agree to playing off the bench and a $25 Million buyout.
The trading frenzy began on Tuesday with the New York Knicks getting small forward Carmello Anthony and point guard Chauncy Billips in a three team, 11 player deal that also involved the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wednesday saw the Utah Jazz deal star guard Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets. This years trade deadline comes near a looming labor dispute that could affect next season. The NBA's current collective bargaining agreement expires this July.
Thursday February 24, 2011
Once the clock struck 3:00 P.M EST, the new landscape of the NBA season began to take shape.
The NBA's non-waiver trade deadline passed at 3:00 P.M EST on Thursday. This means that after this time has passed, none of the league's 30 teams can trade players without putting them on the waivers list first. The deadline is always the time of the season in which teams that are contending for a playoff spot attempt to make roster changes that they seem fit for how far they will go. Teams trying to rebuild for next season also make moves to help free up space in their salary cap.
The Boston Celtics (in first place in the Eastern Conference with a record of 41-14)and the upstart Oklahoma City Thunder (fourth place in the Western Conference at 36-20) made the biggest deal of the day, with the Celtics sending effective yet injury prone center Kendrick Perkins to the Thunder. Perkins, who is day-to-day with a sprained MCL suffered before the All-Star break, along with 5'9" guard Nate Robinson were sent to Oklahoma City in exchange for power forward Jeff Green and center Nenad Krstic.
This move comes at a time in which the Celtics are in need of help at center and off the bench. Perkins is averaging 7.3 points per game in 12 games this season since returning in January after suffering a torn ACL in last season's NBA Finals. He's currently listed day-to-day after spraining an MCL before the All-Star break. The Celtics are already reeling from the injuries of big men Shaquille and Jermaine O'Neal. The Celtics received emerging power forward Jeff Green, who averaged 15.2 points per game and 5.6 rebounds per game in 49 games with the Thunder. Green will come off the bench for starting All-Star power forward Kevin Garnett. Center Nenad Krstic, averaging 7.6 points per game in 47 with Oklahoma City, will also come off the bench for Boston.
The biggest sellers of the day were the Houston Rockets and the Charlotte Bobcats. The Bobcats agreed to deal backup center Nazr Mohammed to Oklahoma City for veteran shooting guard Morris Peterson and third year power forward D.J. White. Charlotte also delt star forward Gerald Wallace to the Portland Trail Blazers for center Joel Przybilla, power forward Dante Cunningham, and two future first-round draft picks. The Bobcats, who are currently sitting 2.5 games back of the eight and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference behind Indiana, are looking to make it back to the playoffs for the second time in the franchise's young history. Portland is currently in seventh in the Western Conference with a 32-25 record.
The Rockets traded veteran small forward and Duke alum Shane Battier to the Western Conference eighth place team Memphis Grizzlies for second-year center Hasheem Thabeet and a first round lottery protected pick in this year's NBA Draft. Battier, who started out his career with Memphis, is averaging 8.6 points per game in 59 games this season. Thabeet, a highly coveted center when he was drafted second overall in the 2009 NBA Draft, has been marred by poor play and a stint in the NBA's developmental league in his short two year NBA career. The Rockets also traded point guard Aaron Brooks to the Phoenix Suns for gurad Goran Dragic and a first round pick. Brooks, who came off a career-high 19.6 points per game last season, saw his productivity dip with the Rockets in 34 games.
One notable team looking to rebuild for the future is the league's worst team the Cleveland Caveliers. The Cavs acquired veteran point guard Baron Davis and a 2011 first round pick from the Los Angeles Clippers late Wednesday night in exchange for star point guard Mo Williams and backup small forward Jamario Moon. Davis, who signed with the Clippers after the 2008-2009 season, had a rocky relationship with team owner Donald Sterling. That may have played a role in the trade that gives the Clippers Williams and the expiring contract of Moon, who's scheduled to make $3 Million this season. Cleveland also received rookies Luke Harangody and Semih Erden from the Celtics for a future second-round draft pick. The team also tried to get disgruntled Pistons guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton. However, the deal fell through at the last minute after Hamilton could not agree to playing off the bench and a $25 Million buyout.
The trading frenzy began on Tuesday with the New York Knicks getting small forward Carmello Anthony and point guard Chauncy Billips in a three team, 11 player deal that also involved the Denver Nuggets and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Wednesday saw the Utah Jazz deal star guard Deron Williams to the New Jersey Nets. This years trade deadline comes near a looming labor dispute that could affect next season. The NBA's current collective bargaining agreement expires this July.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Grayling Rolls Past Boyne
By Ray Bennett
Tuesday February 22, 2011
The Grayling Vikings achieved their 15th win of the season by cruising to a 64-55 victory over the Boyne City Ramblers on senior night. The Vikings improved to 10-3 in Lake Michigan Conference play, one game behind the Charlevoix Ramblers. This sets up a chance for the Vikings to clinch at least a share of the conference with a win and an Elk Rapids loss at Traverse City St. Francis on Friday.
The game got off to a good start for the Vikings in the first 1:43 in the first quarter, with senior center Jake Helsel scoring the team’s first four points. He also amassed 5 rebounds in his first three minutes of play. Helsel didn’t score for the rest of the game and only got one more rebound, finishing with 6.
Grayling had a tough time with ball control in the first quarter, turning it over six times. Boyne City started off the second quarter with three points in the first two and a half minutes. Grayling guard Riley Zigila evened the score up at 13-13 with a three point shot. This sparked an 8-0 scoring run for the Vikings that lasted until Boyne answered back with six unanswered points, taking a one point lead off a three point shot. Grayling guard Zane Tobin gave his team the lead on the next possession with a three point field goal of his own. After Boyne City tied the game back up later on their next possession, Grayling got some help from Steven Enos and Tom Burrell, splitting a 7-0 run to end the first half. Both, along with Zigila, finished the half with six points.
Grayling never looked back after taking the lead at the end of the first half, continuing their run scoring two consecutive baskets. Enos contributed 15 second half points. He fouled out late in the fourth quarter, getting a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Boyne City closed to within six in the final minute. However, the Vikings were too much for them as they dropped their 10th conference game of the season and 6-11 overall. Jay Redman led the Ramblers with 15 points. The team shot 32.7% from the field, while Grayling shot 40%.
Grayling’s win sweeps the season series with Boyne, with the Vikings taking the first game 56-55 on January 25 on the Ramblers’ home court. Boyne finishes Lake Michigan Conference play on Friday when they face fifth place Harbor Springs. Their season finale takes place March 3rd when they play at Cedarville, before playing in districts the next week. Grayling ends L.M.C. play this Friday in Charlevoix. With a win, they clinch at least a share of the conference, and a chance to clinch their first conference title since 2006. They also need Elk Rapids, who spilt the season series with Grayling, to lose to Traverse City St. Francis on the same night. Grayling finishes the regular season on March 1st against Houghton Lake.
Tuesday February 22, 2011
The Grayling Vikings achieved their 15th win of the season by cruising to a 64-55 victory over the Boyne City Ramblers on senior night. The Vikings improved to 10-3 in Lake Michigan Conference play, one game behind the Charlevoix Ramblers. This sets up a chance for the Vikings to clinch at least a share of the conference with a win and an Elk Rapids loss at Traverse City St. Francis on Friday.
The game got off to a good start for the Vikings in the first 1:43 in the first quarter, with senior center Jake Helsel scoring the team’s first four points. He also amassed 5 rebounds in his first three minutes of play. Helsel didn’t score for the rest of the game and only got one more rebound, finishing with 6.
Grayling had a tough time with ball control in the first quarter, turning it over six times. Boyne City started off the second quarter with three points in the first two and a half minutes. Grayling guard Riley Zigila evened the score up at 13-13 with a three point shot. This sparked an 8-0 scoring run for the Vikings that lasted until Boyne answered back with six unanswered points, taking a one point lead off a three point shot. Grayling guard Zane Tobin gave his team the lead on the next possession with a three point field goal of his own. After Boyne City tied the game back up later on their next possession, Grayling got some help from Steven Enos and Tom Burrell, splitting a 7-0 run to end the first half. Both, along with Zigila, finished the half with six points.
Grayling never looked back after taking the lead at the end of the first half, continuing their run scoring two consecutive baskets. Enos contributed 15 second half points. He fouled out late in the fourth quarter, getting a double-double with 21 points and 10 rebounds. Boyne City closed to within six in the final minute. However, the Vikings were too much for them as they dropped their 10th conference game of the season and 6-11 overall. Jay Redman led the Ramblers with 15 points. The team shot 32.7% from the field, while Grayling shot 40%.
Grayling’s win sweeps the season series with Boyne, with the Vikings taking the first game 56-55 on January 25 on the Ramblers’ home court. Boyne finishes Lake Michigan Conference play on Friday when they face fifth place Harbor Springs. Their season finale takes place March 3rd when they play at Cedarville, before playing in districts the next week. Grayling ends L.M.C. play this Friday in Charlevoix. With a win, they clinch at least a share of the conference, and a chance to clinch their first conference title since 2006. They also need Elk Rapids, who spilt the season series with Grayling, to lose to Traverse City St. Francis on the same night. Grayling finishes the regular season on March 1st against Houghton Lake.
Capitals Over Penguins
Ovechkin, Neuvirth Lead Capitals 1-0 over Penguins
By Ray BennettMonday, February 21, 2011
It seems that whenever the Washington Capitals travel to Pittsburgh, they always end up on the winning side.
The Capitals stunned the Pittsburgh Penguins 1-0 in front of a sell-out Consol Energy Center crowd of over 18,000 people. This marks Washington’s third straight victory over the rival Penguins, taking the season series 3-1. The win was also Washington’s seventh straight win in the city of Pittsburgh in the regular season. This helps the Capitals in the Eastern Conference standings, improving their record to 32-19-10 with 74 points in fifth place and one point behind Southeast Division leader Tampa Bay.
The only goal of the game came from Capitals star forward Alexander Ovechkin. The goal came off the powerplay with 3:22 remaining in the second period. This was Ovechkin’s eighteenth career goal against the rival Penguins in his sixth NHL season. It was also Ovechkin’s 24th team-leading goal of the season.
The Capitals got off to a slow start in the first period, being outshot 9-1 in the first twelve minutes of the game. The lone shot in that span came from Ovechkin off a breakaway attempt that was stopped by Penguins starting goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Pittsburgh had chances to score early in the game. Those opportunities came with three powerplay attempts. However, the Penguins came up short on all three powerplays. At the end of the period, Pittsburgh outshot the Capitals 18-7.
The start of the second period was delayed by approximately 5 minutes due to lighting problems at the Consol Energy Center. The arena was dimly lit when the officials finally dropped the puck. Once the lights turned on, the Capitals started on the attack outshooting Pittsburgh 8-2 in the first ten minutes of the period.
The hatred of both teams showed up during this period. It all started with a big hit on Penguins forward and residential league bully Matt Cooke by Capitals forward Matt Bradley. After Bradley administered the hit, Cooke’s teammate Jordan Staal defended him by diving at Bradley after the puck was whistled dead. Staal ended up with a roughing penalty after Bradley’s charging call on Cooke. Minutes after Bradley’s penalty was over, he got into a fight on his next shift with Penguins Center Ryan Craig. The Capitals ended the game with 13 penalty minutes, 7 from Bradley while the Penguins finished with about 12 penalty minutes.
It was during a powerplay, set up by a Joe Vitale tripping penalty that Ovechkin scored the games only goal. The goal came at the 16:38 mark in the period. The goal was assisted by forwards Marcus Johansson and Mike Knuble.
The third period and the game were highlighted by the play of Washington goaltender Michal Neuvirth. Neuvirth, who took over the starting goaltender duties from Semyon Varlamov during the season, stopped all 39 shots he faced. Neuvirth (18-9-4, 2.53 GAA) recorded his second shutout of the season and of his career, both against the Penguins. His first shutout came on the January 1st NHL Winter Classic at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh. From the start of the game to the final horn, the Penguins couldn’t find a way to get past Neuvirth.
The loss keeps the Penguins in fourth place in the Eastern Conference with 36 wins, 20 losses, 5 overtime/shootout losses and 77 points. They are still 6 points behind Atlantic Division Eastern Conference leader and in-state rival Philadelphia, who have 83 total points. The Penguins have a record of 2-5-1 in their last eight games. The team has struggled with injuries to star players Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin. The team was without leading scoring defenseman Alex Goligoski, who was traded hours before the game to the Dallas Stars for forward James Neal and defenseman Matt Niskanen. The addition of Neal signals that Crosby, who is still dealing with symptoms of a concussion suffered in the NHL Winter Classic against Washington, may not return to the team any time soon.
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