Alexander Semin scores goal in Period 1.
Devils 4 - Capitals 3 SO Loss
The Washington Capitals hosted the New Jersey Devils in last night's shootout loss. As in their last game versus the Pittsburgh Penguins, Washington's power play wasn't clicking. Unlike in that game, it proved to be fatal in this close one.
The Capitals were on the scoreboard first, with another goal by the very hot Alexander Semin, who came into the game with 4 goals, 4 assists and a plus-5 rating. They seemed to be playing their run and gun style of play, which is very unusual against the trap master Devils. At 12:48, New Jersey's rookie left winger Petr Vrana scored his first NHL goal with his very first shot.
Alex Ovechkin skates the puck up the ice.
Brent Johnson did an excellent job in goal for Washington, frustrating the Devils several times. The Caps finally scored on a PP in the second period, something they hadn't done in the previous 115 minutes and 42 seconds of play. After Alex Ovechkin shanked a slapshot, Brooks Laich sent the puck back to Mike Green, who snapped in their only PP goal of the game during the two man advantage.
The next two goals were scored by New Jersey just after the middle of the third period. The first one of those being the Devils only PP goal. With 5:11 left in regulation, Washington knotted the game at 3-3. Defenseman Jeff Schultz collected the puck behind the Caps' net and passed it to defenseman John Erskine. Erskine went coast to coast, sending his shot wide while losing his balance after getting in the offensive zone. Semin banked the puck off a New Jersey defenseman and past Martin Brodeur. It was Semin's second goal of the game, but it wasn't enough to end it.
Zach Parise's Shootout Goal.
Overtime came and went with neither team having any success. Only one guy was able to score in the shootout, and it wasn't a Washington Capital. Zach Parise was first up for the Devils, and the only one able to send the puck into the net.
The Capitals were outshot. They went 1 for 8 on power plays, including a couple 5 on 3's. That makes it a little tough to come out with a win. On the bright side, they did kill off four penalties. Semin's two goal night, gives him a total of 6 goals and 4 assists for 10 points in five games. He now also holds a plus-6 rating. Brent Johnson made 34 saves on 37 shots, not counting the shootout. Nicklas Backstrom is starting to play much better than in the first couple games of the season.
All October 18, 2008 Photos - Luis M. Alvarez / Associated Press
1 comment:
Nice wrap-up Dan. It was a little bit of a bummer after the three prior games but you can't win them all. And, when you play the Devils and get outshot, it's kind of hard to win, especially as you point out we had two 5-3's and only scored one goal during them.
LETS GO CAPS!!!!
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