One to grow on

The Caps and Hurricanes had many things in common going into their game Saturday. Both teams had near identical statistics in goals for per game, goals against per game, and power play efficiency. The two teams had split the season series 2 apiece until last night. But the Hurricanes came away with two points, and the Caps with none. The reason? Because the Canes showed something the Capitals, for all their potential, are still looking for: maturity.

The Caps played an emotional and physical first period. Too emotional, and too physical. Players took too many runs at opponents trying to make big hits and too little time attending to the business of playing offensive hockey (and yes, Alex, we're talking about you). While they were busy trying to deposit Hurricanes into the stands, the Canes were busy trying to find ways to put the puck in the net.