SPORTS> North America
|
SPORTS> North America
|
|
Related
Capitals spoil Kolzig's return to Washington
(Agencies)
Updated: 2008-11-11 14:34 WASHINGTON - The Capitals spoiled the return of former goaltender Olaf Kolzig to Washington by beating the Tampa Bay Lightning 4-2 on Monday.
Alex Ovechkin snapped a 10-game scoring drought and the Capitals remained the only Eastern Conference team unbeaten in regulation at home this season (6-0-1). Kolzig played for the Capitals for 16 years before joining Tampa Bay after losing his starting position during Washington's playoff drive last season. The crowd of 17,932 gave "Olie the Goalie" a standing ovation as highlights of his Washington career showed on the scoreboard midway through the first period. "I'm glad it's over with," Kolzig told reporters. "It's as far away from a normal routine as it gets. "It was a nice welcome but not the result I was hoping for." Kolzig's former team mates were not nearly as accommodating as the fans, scoring three first-period goals within eight minutes to take an early lead they did not relinquish. "It was very disappointing to play like that in front of Olie in Washington," Tampa Bay coach Barry Melrose said. "Probably the biggest game he's played in years and they show up and do that for him. "Those guys should all be hiding their eyes when they walk by Olie Kolzig tonight." Tom Poti, Mike Green and Eric Fehr scored the opening goals before Ovechkin struck at 15:54 of the third period, just his third of the season, to restore the Caps' three-goal lead. Washington coach Bruce Boudreau was not impressed by his team, however. "We weren't very good, I didn't think," said Boudreau. "You never want to diss a win, so it was a good win, we must have done some good stuff, but it was frustrating." Ovechkin was just happy to get back on the scoreboard. "You want to score of course so it's a relief," Ovechkin said. "It's a good sign for our team." Gary Roberts scored his first two goals of the season for Tampa Bay, as the Lightning out-shot the Capitals 36-30. Brent Johnson made 34 saves for Washington. |
