The Genius Behind Benching Ovi

        It is certainly strange to see a player like Alex Ovechkin play about 13 minutes, and then a player like Jay Beagle play around 17 minutes for the Washington Capitals, but, it's working for them. Capitals head coach Dale Hunter is playing Ovechkin less, as it messes up their opponents' match-ups that they have set up during the game. It throws everything off on the opposing bench, as certain players play only to make sure Ovechkin doesn't succeed offensively. Not playing Ovechkin somewhat takes the key players out of the equation on the other team, as they are trying to figure out when Ovechkin will play. Dale Hunter is certainly a genius.
        This was evident during Game 2 between the New York Rangers and the Washington Capitals, a 3-2 Washington victory, as Rangers coach John Tortorella tried to get All-Star defenseman Dan Girardi out with Ovechkin as much as possible; but the problem was, Ovechkin wasn't out there as much as he normally is. Ovechkin's limited amount of ice time led him to scoring the game-winning goal. Sure, the Rangers had the last-change advantage, as they were the home team, but Tortorella struggled to get certain players out during Ovechkin's playing time because of the line match-ups he was trying to create.
        Giving Ovechkin less playing time will be even more effective in Games 3 and 4, because the Capitals have the last-change advantage. This will give Dale Hunter and the Capitals the edge because they can now control the match-ups that are being made between the two teams. They can insert Ovechkin onto the ice when the Rangers least expect it, with Rangers players Tortorella doesn't want out there against Ovechkin. Definitely look for Ovechkin to be pivotal in Washington's success over the next two games.