Staying Grounded

Interesting AP piece today on, what else, the heightened expectations for the Caps as they get off to a 3-0 start.

While the author tries to rain on the Caps' parade a few times throughout the piece, he can't help but grudgingly admit that they may be onto something - no matter how early it may be:

"Before beating the Carolina Hurricanes 2-0 Saturday, the coach pointed out that no team that made last season's playoffs had a losing record in its division.

Sounds like someone's been studying up.

Perhaps with good reason, if three games can be considered indicative of anything. The Capitals have allowed only two goals, a 0.67 goals-against average that ranks second in the league; last season's 3.30 GAA ranked 26th. They're 12-for-12 in penalty killing. They're 2-0 on the road. They've already produced more shots in a game (40 in a season-opening 3-1 victory at Atlanta) than in any game last season, while also figuring out a way to win with only 12 shots (against the Islanders).

And they've managed all of that while Alexander Semin, second on the club last season with 38 goals, missed two games with an injured right ankle."

But of course, let's not get ahead of ourselves. Heed the words of Olie Kolzig, a very wise man:

"We have to not get too high, not get too low. Same level. We haven't won anything yet. All we've had is a good start."

Indeed. And yet I can't help it, this same damn song keeps running through my head...

Don't tell me not to live, just sit and putter

Life's candy and the sun's a ball of butter

Don't bring around a cloud to rain on my parade.

Don't tell me not to fly - I've simply got to

If someone takes a spill, it's me and not you

Who told you you're allowed to rain on my parade!