Capitals Vs Flyers February 27, 2013 Game Review

Braden Holtby and the Washington Capitals were overstretched in Philadelphia, PA on Feb. 27, 2013.
Photo © Tom Mihalek / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 1 Vs Philadelphia Flyers 4 = Road Game Loss

Things did not go well for the Washington Capitals on Wednesday night - February 27, 2013. While trying to build on their two game win streak, Washington's fortunes took a downward turn, and they lost to the Philadelphia Flyers.

Twenty-three seconds into the game, Philadelphia right-winger Claude Giroux got first strike, when his wrist shot sent the puck by Capitals starting goaltender Braden Holtby. Holtby was looking sharp at this point in the game, but he wasn't getting the best efforts from some of his teammates, in front of him.

Washington's special teams didn't show up for this game. They failed to kill off two of their five penalties, with right wing Wayne Simmonds scoring on the man-advantage in the first period, and left wing Simon Gagné about four minutes into the second. The Capitals were also unable to find success on any of their five power-plays.

Braden Holtby had lost his effectiveness by the midpoint of the game, if not by the time Gagné scored the third Flyers goal. He would later be replaced by 21 year old AHL call-up goaltender Philipp Grubauer, right after Holtby let in a fourth goal. That one came from center Maxime Talbot, about five minutes before the end of period two.

Thankfully, Philadelphia got nothing through Grubauer in his just over twenty-five minutes between the pipes. He stopped fourteen shots, while playing solidly in his first NHL hockey game. However, Washington didn't mount much of a comeback.

The Capitals wrecked any chance of a shutout for Flyers goalie Ilya Bryzgalov, when they finally got one in on late in the third period. Centerman Joel Ward was the lone Caps goal scorer, on the night. Ward, whose line had more energy than any other Washington trio, was aided by defenseman Tom Poti and the always hard working forward Jay Beagle.

It sure would help the Capitals, if they could be a little more consistent. Perhaps, they were tired. They didn't seem to have very much edge or grit during this game. What happened to their checking? What happened to their power-play and penalty-killing? Washington has to bring these elements every game, to be consistent, and to win.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Philadelphia Flyers On Feb. 27, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/27/13: Caps players Alex Ovechkin, Philipp Grubauer, Joel Ward and Karl Alzner address the media after a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/27/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 4-1 loss against the Philadelphia Flyers.

Hurricanes Vs Capitals February 26, 2013 Game Review

Nicklas Backstrom scores game winning goal against Cam Ward in Washington, DC on Feb. 26, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo.

Carolina Hurricanes 0 Vs Washington Capitals 3 = Home Game Win

The Washington Capitals picked up a much needed two points on Tuesday - February 26, 2013, when they shutout the Carolina Hurricanes. The win was Washington's second in a row, and made only the second winning streak so far in the -2012--2013 NHL season, for the Capitals.

Nicklas Backstrom (C), who averages more than a point per game playing against the Hurricanes, scored first. Backstrom was the one who had brought the puck into the offensive zone to begin with. No assist for the guy that starts the play, if he's also the guy that finishes it. Mike Ribeiro (C) took a pass from Alex Ovechkin (LW / RW), and sent the puck to Nick who was on the front doorstep, waiting to bang it in. The goal, which came on a first period power-play, made it the eighth straight game where the Caps have scored first. It also ended the 'Canes penalty-kill streak at fourteen.

Backstrom also had a hand in the play that produced the second goal, relaying the puck from defenseman John Carlson into the mighty slap shot of newly re-signed John Erskine (D). Goaltender Braden Holtby (also newly re-signed) didn't have to work too terribly hard, with Washington taking most of the shots on Cam Ward, at the other end of the ice. Defensively, this turned out to be one of the Caps' better second periods.

Eleven and a half minutes through the third period, John Carlson scored the third goal for the Capitals, with the help of Mathieu Perreault and Joel Ward. Carolina was able to keep Washington's shots and scoring chances down the rest of the way, but they couldn't manage any sort of comeback.

Amongst other offensively talented Carolina forwards, Holtby and Washington were able to keep former teammate Alexander Semin off the scoreboard. That's a good thing. All the jerks in the stands that booed him every time he had the puck? That's a very, very bad, classless and totally embarrassing thing.

In the end, Braden Holtby was perfect in his seventh straight start, in net. The offense was there to back him up, including another power-play for the Capitals, who started the game ranked second (46%) in the league. Overall, they outshot their opponent again, and again beat their opponent. They still need to string together several wins, if they are going to climb out of the basement.

Game Highlights: Carolina Hurricanes At Washington Capitals On Feb. 26, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/26/13: Caps players John Carlson, John Erskine and Joel Ward address the media after a 3-0 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/26/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-0 win against the Carolina Hurricanes.

Devils Vs Capitals February 23, 2013 Game Review

Capitals players celebrate Alex Ovechkin hat trick against Devils in Washington, DC on February 23, 2013.
Photo © Alex Brandon / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 5 Vs New Jersey Devils 1 = Home Game Win

The Washington Capitals bounced back into winning form, in a big way, on Saturday afternoon - February 23, 2013. Facing the New Jersey Devils at home, for the second consecutive time, the Capitals' offense came alive.

The offense of superstar winger Alex Ovechkin definitively came alive. Though he had been starting to create scoring chances more often in recent games, he had "only" five goals in the first 16 games of the -2012--2013 NHL season.

Ovechkin scored his sixth goal, the first of this game, five minutes into the second period. He would then go on to score another at the beginning of the third, and then yet another goal about five minutes before the end of the game. The hat trick, the eleventh of Alex's NHL career, is his first since January 22, 2011. It's also the first time he has scored a hat trick on home ice in over three years.

Capitals center Mike Ribeiro and forward Jason Chimera assisted on the first goal of the game, while forward Matt Hendricks and defenseman Jeff Schultz helped out on the next one. Ovechkin's eighth goal of the season came about with the assistance of Ribeiro again, along with fellow centerman Nicklas Backstrom.

Ovie's three goals (on seven shots) would have been enough to beat New Jersey's lone goal, which came from the Devils' own superstar forward Ilya Kovalchuk, but Washington also got a nifty wrap-around short-handed goal from Eric Fehr (RW), early in period three. About three minutes before the end of the game, Alex Ovechkin and young Caps defenseman Tomas Kundratek combined to help Troy Brouwer (F) score the fifth and final goal for the Capitals.

Special-teams came up big for the Caps, at both ends of the ice. Not only did they get a shorty from Eric Fehr (RW), while killing off a penalty, but the last two goals came while on power-plays. In the end, Washington killed off four penalties in all, while scoring on two of their three power-play chances.

While the Capitals were blasting Devils goaltender Johan Hedberg, they kept the Devils to only one tally, and minimized their opponents scoring chances overall. Washington outshot New Jersey 26 to 22. The Caps had been outshot in 11 of their first 16 games. They had also lost 11 of those games. Maybe there's a connection, well with most of those games, anyway.

Braden Holtby was excellent in net, for the Capitals. He only failed to stop one shot, out of 22, including a penalty shot by Steve Bernier (RW). After a shaky season start, much like last season, he seems to be well settled in now.

Mike Ribeiro may be the current scoring leader in Washington, with (6 G, 15 A) 21 points, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Alex Ovechkin (8 G + 6 A = 14 points) catch up with him real soon. Meanwhile, offensive defenseman Mike Green, who missed his third straight game with a groin injury, would surely like to just get back in play.

This was the last time the Capitals and the Devils were scheduled to meet, for this regular season, anyway. That's really too bad, since this win marks the only time Washington has beaten a top eight, playoff contending team this season.

Game Highlights: New Jersey Devils At Washington Capitals On February 23, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/23/13: Caps players Braden Holtby, Nicklas Backstrom, Troy Brouwer and Joel Ward address the media after a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Alex Ovechkin Postgame 02/23/13: Caps captain Alex Ovechkin addresses the media after scoring a hat trick in the Caps 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/23/13 Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 5-1 win over the New Jersey Devils.

Capitals Vs Rangers February 17, 2013 Game Review

Rangers block Capitals path to fourth consecutive win in New York, NY on February 17, 2013.
Photo © Kathy Willens / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 1 Vs New York Rangers 2 = Road Game Loss

On Sunday - February 17, 2013, the Washington Capitals ended a three game winning streak, when they lost their game versus the New York Rangers. In what some may describe as a flat performance by both hockey teams, the goaltenders for both teams might be the only players deserving any praise.

Just over a minute into the game, Washington defenseman John Carlson scored the lone Capitals goal. New York had trouble clearing the puck from their end of the ice. Eventually, it ended up on the stick of winger Eric Fehr, who sent a pass out to Mike Rebeiro (C) from below the goal line. Rebeiro slid the puck over to Carlson at the point, who collected it, and then fired a slap shot into the back of the net. When your team scores that early in a game, it sometimes gives you false hope.

The Rangers scored one goal in each of the other two periods. Carl Hagelin (LW) just barely eluded defenseman Tom Poti, and deflected a shot in during the second period. Then, in the third, John Carlson totally missed his defensive assignment during a penalty kill. Center Derek Stepan was left sitting by the goal cage during the Rangers power-play, all by himself. The puck eventually came to him, while Braden Holtby (G) was protecting the opposite end of the goal mouth, and he easily deposited the puck.

Holtby might have been a tiny bit slow to react, but he was nearly perfect the rest of the game. Meanwhile, Henrik Lundqvist (G) wasn't making life easy for Washington at the other end of the ice. The Capitals, on the other hand, didn't make things as difficult for Lundqvist as the the Rangers were doing to Holtby.

Washington managed a few good scoring chances after their one goal, but couldn't finish, and were outshot 40 to 28. At the same time, their recently mildly powerful power-play was powerless. Meanwhile, some of the guys who have been producing offense for the Caps, spent some time in the penalty box instead. When you're a man down, it's hard to gain zone time and make shots.

Washington had better get back into another winning streak, and make that a real habit, real soon. They have the least amount of points in their conference, and the second least in the entire league. Other teams that had started off poorly, like the Capitals, are now staying ahead in the standings.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At New York Rangers February 17, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/17/13: Caps players Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer, John Carlson, Braden Holtby, Nicklas Backstrom and Wojtek Wolski address the media after a 2-1 loss against the New York Rangers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/17/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 2-1 loss against the New York Rangers at Madison Square Garden.

Capitals Vs Lightning February 14, 2013 Game Review

Capitals celebrate second period goal by Eric Fehr against Lightning in Tampa, FL February 14, 2013.
Photo © Mike Carlson / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 4 Vs Tampa Bay Lightning 3 = Road Game Win

The Washington Capitals hockey team that played in Florida against the Tampa Bay Lightning on February 14, 2013 was a very different group of guys than the bunch that played there in the -2012--2013 NHL season opening game last month. Technically, it was pretty much the same roster, but they were a good bit more disciplined, physically fit, generally focused and tighter unit this time around. Well, for about fifty minutes, anyway. Well, maybe for 45 minutes. Well ... most of them.

Washington were penalized eight times in that first game, but only three times in this game. Now, Tampa Bay also dropped their penalty count from five down to two, but the Capitals scored the only power-play goal. That PPG came two minutes and fourty seconds into the game.

It was the seventh goal of the season for Troy Brouwer (F), making him the goal scoring leader of the team, for now. Centers Mathieu Perreault and Nicklas Backstrom notched the assists on the play. Just under six minutes later, Martin StLouis (RW) answered back, with a goal for the Lightning.

Eric Fehr got his second goal of the season about five minutes into the second period, after some solid forechecking. Mathieu Perreault had the primary assist on this goal too, while the secondary came from Joel Ward (F).

When Eric Fehr (RW) scored his second of the game for Washington at the beginning of the third period, it was Mathieu Perreault again, who got the puck to him, earning Matty a three point night. This time, defenseman John Carlson was credited with the other assist.

What would turn out to be the game winning goal, would come from a wrist shot by forward Jay Beagle, that found it's way past Lightning netminder Mathieu Garon. Defensemen Jeff Schultz and Tomas Kundratek teamed up to help Beagle get his first goal of the season.

Up until this point, most of Washington had played a very good game, but Tampa Bay wasn't giving in. In the last eight minutes of period three, the Bolts backhanded the puck by Caps goaltender Braden Holtby twice. This brought on an uh-oh moment for Caps fans. We were probably all thinking, "I thought we were done with this kind of -shit- (I mean) breakdown". Thankfully, the boys were able to clamp it down, the rest of the way.

Things had looked so bad a couple weeks ago, but now Caps fans are once again hopeful. Still at the bottom of their conference, they've got a bit of a ways to go. Recently though, Washington's offense has really started to pick up.

In eight games played, Perreault has two multi-point games. Within all fourteen games played, the Capitals have four players with at least five goals each, and also four players with points in double digits. They are only four standing points away from the final playoff spot. Washington have just won three straight, and thoughts of an entry draft lottery spot are starting to fade.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Tampa Bay Lightning February 14, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/14/13: Caps players Eric Fehr, Mathieu Perreault and Braden Holtby address the media after a 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/14/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a the Caps 4-3 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Capitals Vs Panthers February 12, 2013 Game Review

Capitals' Troy Brouwer (F) scores game winning goal against Panthers in Sunrise, FL February 12, 2013.
Photo © Wilfredo Lee / AP Photo.

Washington Capitals 6 Vs Florida Panthers 5 = Road Game OT Win

The Washington Capitals jumped to a quick lead in this game, but the Florida Panthers showed they weren't going to be a push-over at home in Florida on Tuesday - February 12, 2013.

With a sparkling shutout performance against the Panthers in the Capitals' previous game, goaltender Braden Holtby earned himself the start versus Florida. The Panthers however, were out to make up for their lackluster effort in that one. Like the Capitals, the Cats have had the better record in their own house, and they were determined to keep it that way.

Washington's best offensive player so far this season, center Mike Ribeiro scored first, four-and-a-half minutes into period one. The Capitals were in the offensive zone, during the first power-play of the game. Ribeiro seemed to show up in front of the net out of nowhere to send the puck, which came to him on an errant cross-ice pass from defenseman Tomas Kundratek, into the goal cage.

Washington had been relatively mistake free until halfway through the first period. Then, a couple breakdowns led to goals by Florida's forwards Tomas Fleischmann and Shawn Matthias. The Fleischmann goal was a deflected shot, and Matthias' shot may have been slightly screened, but could possibly have been stopped by Holtby.

Defenseman Karl Alzner scored his first goal of the season, off a face-off win early into the second period, on a scorching slap shot. Assists by forwards Eric Fehr and Joel Ward helped Alzner tie up the game at two apiece. Jonathan Huberdeau (C) and his line took advantage of missed defensive assignments by the Caps, scoring two fairly easy goals. Luckily, Washington's Matt Hendricks got another goal in between those, on a nice play involving fellow forwards Alex Ovechkin and Mike Ribeiro, keeping the Caps within one goal of the Panthers.

Huberdeau's line was at it again, a third of the way through the third period, when his linemate Drew Shore tipped in (reviewed for stick height on shot) his first of the season. It took eight-and-a-half minutes before Eric Fehr (F) matched that tip-in at the other end of the ice. Mike Green (D) and Joel Ward (F) both earned their fifth assists, for the season, on that one.

Another power-play strike by the Capitals came less than three minutes before the end of regulation. Alex Ovechkin (F) tied up the game with a slap shot goal, right after a face-off win, from the left-wing point. Ribeiro gained his third point of the game (1 G, 2 A), with his assist, while the other helper came from fellow centerman Nicklas Backstrom.

It took just 32 seconds of overtime for Washington to take the win. The play started with a bad Panthers' pass in the Capitals' end. Nicklas Backstrom (C) grabbed the puck and sent a beautiful breakaway pass to Troy Brouwer (F). Florida netminder Scott Clemmensen stopped his first try, but Brouwer tipped in his rebound for the game winner.

Finally, the Washington Capitals get a win on the road, even if it was ugly. They, also finally, now have a genuine winning streak. Hey, two in a row is a streak, and we'll take it. It's always good to beat a divisional rival, and to take two in a row from them is so sweet. Hopefully, the Caps are finally turning things around.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Florida Panthers February 12, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/12/13: Caps players Alex Ovechkin, Braden Holtby and Eric Fehr address the media after the Caps 6-5 overtime win against the Panthers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/12/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after the Caps 6-5 overtime win against the Panthers.

Panthers Vs Capitals February 9, 2013 Game Review

Braden Holtby (G) and teammates celebrate win over Panthers - Washington, DC February 9, 2013.
Photo © Nick Wass / AP Photo.

Florida Panthers 0 Vs Washington Capitals 5 = Home Game Shutout Win!

It was like someone flicked a switch, turning on the real Washington Capitals. They did pretty much everything right, shutting out the Florida Panthers on February 9, 2013. Washington has had a history of beating Florida at home in Washington, DC, and they continued with a similar result on Saturday night. Everything was working well for them.

Goaltender Braden Holtby played his best game of the -2012--2013 season. That's not saying much with those outings being mediocre to poor, but it is when you can also say it was Holtby's best performance since last season's playoffs, when he did amazingly well. Braden held the Panthers scorless, with 27 saves.

The Capitals did a better job defensively, keeping the cats from developing a lot of quality scoring chances, than they had been doing against most other teams so far this season. Any shots that did get through to the cage, weren't penetrating the backstop.

At the other end of the ice, Florida netminder Jose Theodore wasn't getting much help from his teammates. Though Washington didn't score until a couple minutes before the end of period one, the goal by forward Troy Brouwer was just the beginning, for him personally and the team as well. Brouwer deflected in a slap shot from defenseman John Carlson. Shortly after, George Parros (RW) tried to get his team going by engaging in a punch-up with Caps big guy, John Erskine (D). This did not work.

Troy was back at the well again three-and-a-half minutes into the second period, for his fifth goal of the season. This time his long and quick feed pass actually came from an alert Braden Holtby (G), on a Caps power-play. A couple minutes after the midpoint of the game, Joel Ward (F) got his fifth of the season, with the help of forwards Mathieu Perreault and Eric Fehr. Ward's goal put Washington ahead by three, for the first time in any game this season.

About a third of the way through the third period, Alex Ovechkin scored goal number four in the game. It was also goal number four of the season for Ovechkin. Assisting this time were winger Jason Chimera (6) and center Mike Ribeiro (10). Finally, halfway through the third period, Perreault scored his first goal. Credited with the helpers were Jeff Schultz (D) and Joel Ward (F). Florida were obviously feeling pretty down and out, and were pretty lackadaisical the rest of the way.

In the end, four Washington Capitals earned their first points of the season. Three Caps had a multiple-point game. It was the first time the team had scored more than three goals in a game this season. It appears that the Capitals' offense has finally been awakened.

This is no time to get too excited though. The Florida Panthers are not a very good team so far this season. This wasn't a really big test of improvement. Still, this commanding win can only boost the Capitals players' confidence, and that can't hurt. It will be far more meaningful if the Caps beat the Panthers again, when they visit their house for a game on Tuesday.

Game Highlights: Florida Panthers At Washington Capitals February 9, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/09/13: Caps players Jason Chimera, Joel Ward and Troy Brouwer addresses the media after a 5-0 win over the Florida Panthers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/09/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 5-0 win over the Florida Panthers.

Flyers Vs Capitals February 1, 2013 Game Review

Washington Capitals salute fans after win over Philadelphia Flyers - Washington, DC February 1, 2013.
Photo © Patrick McDermott / Getty Images.

Philadelphia Flyers 2 Vs Washington Capitals 3 = Home Game Win!

The Washington Capitals played in their fifth straight 3 - 2 game on February 1, 2013, when they faced the Philadelphia Flyers at home. For only the second time out of those five games, and in fact all eight games of the season, the Capitals won. Both of their wins were games played at home.

Braden Holtby finally got another turn at goaltending for the Caps, after not having brought his best efforts in the first two games of the season. This time he played himself into better fortune. His mates also brought improved fore and backcheckjng, along with good hustle. Meanwhile, the Flyers were all quite sluggish, with their defense being particularly sloppy.

The first period was typically filled with penalties, not a good start for either team. And neither team was able to take advantage of their powerplays. Both went a man down for the game, when Philadelphia's center Zac Rinaldo picked a fight with Washington's forward Matt Hendricks before the puck was dropped on a faceoff. That's an automatic game misconduct and ejection from the game. The altercation came as a result of defenseman John Erskine getting an elbow up into Philly's forward Wayne Simmonds (RW). The on-ice officials didn't deem that intentional, but he may face some extra off-ice time, after the league reviews what took place.

There were plenty more PPs in the second period, but nobody was able to take advantage. Even-strength scoring chances weren't successful either, until after the mid-game point. Bruno Gervais (D) put the Flyers on the scoreboard first, at 11:43. The Capitals would answer back six minutes later on one of Philadelphia's many mistakes. On an offensive zone dump-in, the puck landed on the stick of Caps defenseman John Carlson, who flipped it to center Nicklas Backstrom (C). Backstrom was able to skate in and score on a top-shelf backhand shot unopposed, because half the Flyers were busy screwing up a line change.

Seconds after being crunched along the boards, Troy Brouwer (RW) put Washington ahead, four minutes into the third period. Backstrom started the play from the left wing faceoff circle, then defenseman Mike Green passed the puck back to Brouwer at the same spot. Troy zipped the puck over the shoulder of Ilya Bryzgalov, short side and just under the crossbar. Less than three minutes later, Wojtek Wolski (LW) put Washington ahead by two, on a breakaway created after defenseman Luke Schenn bobbled the puck from a neutral zone faceoff. The Caps held onto a one goal lead after center Brayden Schenn scored halfway through the third period.

Even though Washington lost an important part of their attack in Hendricks late in the first period, they played very well. Philadelphia wasn't at their best, which helped the the Caps a little, but it was still an enjoyable game to watch. It's always good when your team wins, anyway. The Capitals will need a few more, really quickly, if they are to contend for the playoffs this -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season.

Game Highlights: Philadelphia Flyers At Washington Capitals February 1, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 02/01/13: Caps players John Carlson, Wojtek Wolski, Nicklas Backstrom and Troy Brouwer address the media after a 3-2 win over the Flyers.

Adam Oates Postgame 02/01/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 win over the Philadelphia Flyers.

Capitals Vs Maple Leafs January 31, 2013 Game Review

Michal Neuvirth makes one of 37 saves (.925 Sv%) in loss to Maple Leafs - Toronto, CA January 29, 2013.
Photo © Nathan Denette / AP Photo / The Canadian Press.

Washington Capitals 2 Vs Toronto Maple Leafs 3 = Road Game Loss

The Washington Capitals found themselves in another losing streak on Thursday - January 31, 2013, when they yielded to the Toronto Maple Leafs. It was their second straight loss. When it comes to the Capitals, right now, a winning streak seems like a fantasy, as they've only managed one win so far this season.

Washington's bad habits keep leading them to acquiring penalties by the bushel load. For the most part, as expected, this leads to strong efforts and early leads or late comebacks being wasted. Any apparent immunity to misfortune whilst committing these mistakes is usually very much temporary.

The Capitals struck early. Just 1:36 into the game, Joel Ward (RW) scored his fourth goal of the season, assisted by Mike Ribeiro (C) and Jason Chimera (LW). The rest of the first period went by a bit more slowly than one might like, as seven penalties were doled out. Washington received the first five in succession. The Capitals who were very well shielded by that previously mentioned short lived immunity, as their penalty killers and goaltender Michal Neuvirth kept Toronto from scoring more than one goal. That power-play goal came at 8:19, when James Van Riemsdyk (LW) scored his fourth of the season.

The Caps only other goal was a second period PPG by Alex Ovechkin (LW / RW). Nicklas Backstrom (C) started the play from behind the Leafs' net, with a pass to Ribeiro, who immediately sent the puck across ice to Ovechkin. Toronto goalie James Reimer was powerless to stop the blazing wrist shot from Ovie.

Nikolai Kulemin (LW) and Matt Frattin (RW) added two more goals for Toronto in the third period. All Washington could manage were three more players spending time in the "sin bin".

Once again, the Capitals failed to gain any standings points. The only things gained were more disappointment and frustration. It's a damn shame that when people look back at the -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season, they will fail to remember how netminder Michal Neuvirth's stats don't fairly represent his performance. He, and others on the team, are to be cheated by someone else's mistakes and missed opportunities.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Toronto Maple Leafs January 31, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 01/31/13: Caps players Matt Hendricks, Joey Crabb, Michal Neuvirth, Alex Ovechkin, Mike Ribeiro and Joel Ward address the media after a 3-2 loss against the Maple Leafs.

Adam Oates Postgame 01/31/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 loss against the Toronto Maple Leafs at Air Canada Centre

Capitals Vs Senators January 29, 2013 Game Review

Senators' Anderson makes save on Capitals' Backstrom - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada January 29, 2013.
Photo © Sean Kilpatrick / AP Photo / The Canadian Press.

Washington Capitals 2 Vs Ottawa Senators 3 = Road Game Loss

Tuesday night's game sent the Washington Capitals back to the losing column, when they were beaten by the Ottawa Senators, after finally winning one in the previous game. Well that didn't take long, did it?

The aggressive style of play from the last time they skated on the ice carried over, at least for the first half or so. The good forecheckjng, hustle, driving to the net, territorial control, it was all still there. But, by the time of second intermission, those things went away.

This was one of those games full of questionable officiating. Several of the penalty calls left fans and players bewildered. Most of those bad calls seemed to go against the Capitals during the first period, yet that's when they scored their two goals. So, can't use that as an excuse then, can they?

Things looked good for the Caps, after Troy Brouwer (RW) and Matt Hendricks (F) put them ahead 2 - 0 in the first period. Both goals were scored on Sens goalie Craig Anderson from down low, at the edge of the crease. Wojtek Wolski (LW) and Nicklas Backstrom (C) assisted on Brouwer's goal, while John Erskine (D) and Jay Beagle (F) supplied the helpers for Hendricks.

In the second period, both teams battled more evenly. After Washington leading 15 - 9 in shots for the first frame, the gap then narrowed in both directions. Eventually, the Senators gained some moxie and Jim O'Brien (C) drove to the net, launching a wrister that made it's way past Caps netminder Michal Neuvirth. This seemed to dampen the spirits of the Capitals, setting up a change in command for the third period.

The last 20 minutes belonged to Ottawa. Washington wilted, and just laid back. Two minutes elapsed before the Capitals presented them with a gift. Backstrom essentially won a draw in the Caps end, but our guys were off in a daze. While the Caps were puck watching, Sens' Milan Michalek (LW) grabbed the biscuit and swatted it on through, to tie things up. Late in the game, after a follow-through was wrongly called high-sticking, offensive defenseman Sergei Gonchar (D) sent a long range slap shot past everybody for a power-play goal, finishing off the Caps.

Michal Neuvirth's 30 save effort completely went to waste. He now has a 1 - 2 - 1 record on the -2012--2013 NHL Hockey season (his other stats took a hit too), though Michal performed well enough to win all four.

I'm sure none of the players, staff or owners feel satisfied at this moment. With 12 1/2% of the season gone, we fans are starting to feel a bit upset as well.

Game Highlights: Washington Capitals At Ottawa Senators January 29, 2013

Caps Postgame Locker Room 01/29/13: Caps players Joel Ward, Troy Brouwer, Alex Ovechkin, Matt Hendricks, Michal Neuvirth and Mike Ribeiro address the media after a 3-2 loss against the Senators.

Adam Oates Postgame 01/29/13: Caps head coach Adam Oates addresses the media after a 3-2 loss against the Ottawa Senators.