Caps Start Flat

Capitals 4, Lightning 5
Scoresheet – Wash Post – St. Pete Times

The Capitals have been known for getting off to quick starts, but not in this game. The Capitals play was less than desirable and the Lightning took advantage. The only bright spot for the Caps were their grit to get back in the game down 5-2. But in the end it wasn’t enough and Vincent Lecavalier netted his career 200th goal for a win at the phone booth.

The Caps just overlooked their competitors in this game. It was like they were looking for someone else to stand up and do something, but it never happened until the third period. The Capitals penalty killing, which has been doing well, was a disaster allowing 3 of 5.

Not sure if the Caps thought this was just going to be a walk in the park, but even with the slow start, they showed some effort in the third period. The Caps came out with an aggressive fore check, and some timely scoring. They just couldn’t overcome the Lightning’s lead and the Caps see their win streak end at 2 games.

Overall Grade: 1st & 2nd Per. F, 3rd Per. B

Finding themselves in a big hole, the Caps started stepping up towards the end, but to no avail. After fighting for that second place spot in the southeast division, the Caps now drop below Carolina and settle into third. The Caps have to recognize they need to take points from their divisional foes if they have any hopes of making any kind of run at the post season.

Alex Ovechkin had a goal and an assist that gave him the third star of the game. He nearly tied it late in the third with a great jump toward the net, but Marc Denis was there for the stop. Also scoring for the Caps were Kris Beech, Jamie Heward and Bryan Muir.

Caps look to use their explosive offensive talents against the stingy defensive New Jersey Devils next. The Caps need to get some goal support for Ovie, or the Devils will run over the Capitals and close down.