Archives for December 24, 2009

‘"It’s a good start but no one ever won the Stanley Cup in December and January," goaltender Ryan Miller pointed out after Wednesday’s 5-2 loss in Washington. "We’re still going to have to make big improvement in some areas."’

‘"You can’t spot a team a period," said Miller, who could not be faulted on any of the Washington goals. "We didn’t come out the way we need to. We want to run with the big dogs, we’re going to have to show a lot more composure and a lot more attention to detail. Just call it like it is."’

‘It has been two weeks since Wendy Grier died at age 67 after a 10-year battle with diabetes and kidney disease. The veteran winger left the Sabres to be with his mother when she became gravely ill and was by her side when she died.’

Washington Capitals beat Buffalo Sabres, 5-2, as Nicklas Backstrom scores twice (Washington Post)

Photo gallery (Washington Post)

Backstrom finds his touch in Caps win (Washington Times)

Capitals give fans early Christmas gift in 5-2 win over Buffalo (Washington Examiner)

Postgame Notebook: Capitals 5, Sabres 2 (WashingtonCaps.com)

Photo gallery (WashingtonCaps.com)

Photo gallery (Sabres.com)

Photo gallery (AP)

Washington pressured Sabres goalie Ryan Miller with a 15-4 edge in shots in the opening period, taking a 2-0 lead on goals by Backstrom and Green. The Capitals have scored an NHL-high 47 first-period goals.’

‘Tim Connolly and Paul Gaustad each had a goal for the Sabres, who had won six of eight coming into the game. Ryan Miller was touched for all five goals on 38 shots.”

‘The Caps, displaying their relentless offense, pounced on Ryan Miller early and didn’t let up. Backstrom snapped a shot past the glove of the Sabres netminder just 1:18 into the game. Only about five and a half mintues later, Washington defenseman Mike Green beat Miller to make it 2-0.’