Capitals 2, Canadiens 4
Olie Kolzig wasn’t too pleased when he banged his stick twice on goals just 26 seconds apart. But the mood on the bench was even more disheartening, because it looked like the team just didn’t care.
With a third of the Verizon Center full, the Capitals just couldn’t make things happen. What was suppose to be a big spoiler night for the Caps turned to mush in their hands over a team they have had success with this season.
Montreal, who is in the hunt for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference, got contributions from unlikely sources and key lapses in Caps defense left another period where the Caps have allowed 3 goals or more when either tying or beating a team in the other two periods.
Brian Sutherby and Alex Ovechkin both scored the Caps only goals. Sutherby, after a botched drop pass, was able to kick the lose puck to his stick and pulled a nice wrister past Cristobal Huet. Ovechkin, who was benched for 14 straight minutes at the end of the 2nd period and beginning of the 3rd period, scored with just 10 seconds left on the power play.
When asked about his prolonged sit, Ovechkin politely steered the question to his coach. Glen Hanlon declined to comment, but it may have to do with a little touchy feely moment between Ovechkin and the Montreal defense late in the 2nd period. Ovechkin made a run at both defensemen, but it didn’t seem out of place for the physical rookie.
Overall Grade: D
Wash Post is on the case on why Ovechkin had a seat. The Caps have no way of getting into the playoffs, all but mathematically eliminated. But the Caps must find a way to continue to win games now. Chemistry seems a bit lacking lately with the additions of Rico Fata and Kris Beech. I would like to see both players excel and gel with their teammates now, instead of waiting out an off season.
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