Not the best game by the Caps as they found themselves down 3-0 and 4-1. Still, they found a way to pull out a shootout win to get another two points and keep pace with the Panthers who also won last night.
Caps started out okay but started to drag in the first period. The second period was a continuation of the first. The Isles really controlled the game. We also had too many penalties. We gave them 5 power plays with Jay Beagle committing three penalties (unacceptable). We had no PPs. However, with the score 4-1 in the second, Ovie was able to get a goal with less than a minute in the period to make it 4-2 going into the second intermission.
Two minutes into the third, Orlov made an offensive rush, was uncovered, got a pass right in front of Nabakov, made a nice move and went top shelf to make it 4-3. We played much better in the third and you had the feeling that the tying goal was coming any second. It came with Aucoin passed to Ovie as they were on a 2 v 1. Ovie tried a one timer that Nabakov stopped. Ovie tried to jam in the rebound but another stop. He jammed in the follow on rebound and there was no stopping him a third time.
Ultimately, it went to OT. For the type of game we played, I was satisfied with the 1 point for the regulation tie. Still, it was nice to pull out the shootout victory. I like that Hunter gave Orlov the opportunity to win the game as the third shooter for the Caps in shootout. Unfortunately, he muffed the puck and didn't even get a shot off. Hendricks ended it with a terrific move. Frankly, he is our best shootout option. Surprising, given that he is more of a tough guy than a finesse guy.
It was a needed win on the road. We have to beat Winnipeg on Friday. Then it's Chicago and Detroit on back to back nights away. If we beat Winnipeg, I would be comfortable splitting the Chicago and Detroit games.
Hopefully we can continue the win streak.
LETS GO CAPS!!!
2 comments:
Maybe they have truly woken up from their season long sleep-walking exercise. They are finally starting to show signs of what they should be.
It will be good to get Green back from the suspension (no more Hamrlik) and Backstrom is doing some skating (although not expecting him back any time soon).
They do seem to be playing with more excitemnt and less pressure and seem to be more relaxed out there.
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