Which game would you rather watch? A 7-0 blowout between Philadelphia and Atlanta or a tied game in overtime and shootout between to exciting teams in Washington and Nashville?
Hmmm, tough one.
Capitals 4, Predators 3 OT/SO (2-1)
Scoresheet - Wash Post - Tennessean
The Washington Capitals may have been with out Alex Ovechkin, but they were able to find offense from other sources. Much like the last time the Caps played the Nashville Predators, the Caps had the upper hand through out the first half of the game, but the scrappy Preds found a way to stay in the game. The game could not be settled in regulation or overtime and it went to shoot out where the Caps pull out a shootout win in 4 rounds.
David Steckel scored his second goal of the season, both shorthanded. Alex Semin added to his total with a goal of his own and an assist and Viktor Kozlov scored for his first of the year. The Caps shot for the cycle in a way, Semin's goal was a powerplay tally, Steckel's a shortie and Kozlov's goal was at even strength. Semin and Micheal Nylander scored in the shootout for the Caps.
Jose Theodore got the start, even though it was reported that Brent Johnson was supposed to start. He played well, coming up with some pretty solid saves. He turned away 23 shots in regulation, the Preds didn't get a shot off in the overtime period. Theo made three stops in the shootout for the win.
It was a pretty one sided game early as the Caps pressured. But the Predators always seemed to have answer for every one of the Caps goals. Nashville goaltender Dan Ellis played well to keep the Preds in it as he had to turn away 29 shots. I think Nashville should feel fortunate that they came out of Verizon center with a point.
As you may know, the game was not televised because Versus had squater rights for the night. It was the only game that blacked out. If you tuned into Versus to maybe see some highlights, you were out of luck. Not only did they force the game in the dark, they didn't even give you highlights of a very entertaining game. A game that was much better than the 7-0 blowout between Philly and Atlanta. Since the other two games that started at 7 pm had Canadian teams, they were televised and available on Center Ice leaving Caps and Preds fans pissed at the channel that is trying to be NHL friendly. If you are going to black out a game, at least get us some highlights, that's all I am saying.
Steve Kolbe and Mike Vogel both did a great job by the way.
Viktor Kozlov was the first shooter in the shoot out, his attempt was saved. Alex Semin was next and scored on a nice deke to go top shelf on Ellis. Nick Backstrom got a chance to shine but his shot was saved. In the extra round Micheal Nylander roofed a backhander. Theo saved Radek Bonk's attempt, J.P. Dumont missed on his attempt. Ville Koistinen scored on his attempt on a shot that hit Theodore and bounce into the net. Theo made the save for the win against Martin Erat.
F.Y.I. - The Capitals have another game that is blacked out when they play the Panthers on December 2nd.
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