Maple Leafs Vs Capitals 03/05/2009 Review

Martin Gerber poke checks Michael Nylander on wrap around attempt.
March 5, 2009 photo by Nick Wass / AP Photo.

Maple Leafs 2 - Capitals 1

The Washington Capitals suffered their third straight loss at home last night. This time, it was at the hands of the Toronto Maple Leafs. As the score indicates, it was much closer than the two previous losses.

On Sunday, the Capitals lost to the Florida Panthers 6-2. Then on Tuesday, they fell to the Carolina Hurricanes with a score of 5-2. Losing by a score of 2-1 makes it seem like they must have played at least a little bit better, and they did. They also did it without their best offensive player and best defensive player.

Forward Alex Ovechkin suffered a minor injury (bruised heel) during practice on Wednesday and did not play. Defenseman Tom Poti only lasted one very short shift in last night's game before he was out with a reoccurring groin injury.

Even without the services of Ovechkin and Poti, you would think Washington had enough offensive fire power to overcome the Leafs. The only one to get the puck into the net for the Caps was Alexander Semin, who has now scored a goal in five straight games. There were plenty of other chances, but trade deadline acquisition goalie Martin Gerber was sharper than he's been in a long time during his first game playing for Toronto. The Leafs' defensive core also did their job well.

Sergei Fedorov played very well again. Both forwards Fedorov and Eric Fehr spent some time playing defense in this game to help make up for the missing Tom Poti. The Capitals sure could have used Fedorov more in the face off circle, but you have to play the cards you're dealt. Perhaps the mixed up lines led to communication problems. After the game, Mike Vogel said they looked out of sync and asked Fedorov if the problem was that they weren't used to playing together on those jumbled lines. Sergei's response was "Don't you think it's too late in the season to think that way?". With all the different line combinations that head coach Bruce Boudreau has used throughout the season, that's mighty hard to argue with.

It's just a slump, and the Caps' play will improve. Let's hope it improves before Sunday, when the Pittsburgh Penguins waddle into town.