Caps Battle Back, Lose In SO

Capitals 5, Panthers 6 OT/SO (0-2)
Scoresheet – Wash Post

I expected the Caps to be a little shell shocked after the trade deadline. But the Caps came out flat. That could have been the story. But the Caps fought back and in the end, the game got pretty entertaining.

The Capitals have lost three major players. They are players who were in that locker room for many games, the ones who were talking between periods, encouraging their teammates. That is something that is missed, but easily fixed. I expected the Caps to be a little off when they looked at those empty spots in the locker room.

In all fairness, the Panthers were in the same boat in a way. They had lost Gary Roberts, a respected voice in that locker room. They had a day to get over it, the Caps’ axe dropped right around noon. They also lost Todd Bertuzzi, but he was injured for most the season, sort of like Richard Zednik for the Caps, not a big loss.

Brent Johnson was shakey, and sat after only playing the first period. Fredric Cassivi had his chance in net and did well. Bryan Muir was back in the line up after a broken foot has healed. Donald Brashear spent some time on the top line, taking over Dainius Zubrus spot (yea I said Donald Brashear). Alex Ovechkin snaps out of his scoring slump scoring 4 points (2 goals, 2 assists) and received the number one star.

The Caps battled hard in this game, and several times it looked as if they were going to pull out the win. Ovie said it right after the game: “I still think we have a great team. It doesn't matter who we lost or who comes here.” Get use to saying that a lot.

Whatever funk the Capitals are in, they have to shake out of it in a hurry when they face the Tampa Bay Lightning who are on fire of late. If the Caps wish to win they have to out work the Lightning.

If you still have a trade hangover and need a fix, check out Japer's Rink where he has quotes. I want quotes.