FINAL SCORE: Maple Leafs 5- Capitals 4 (S0)
W: Gustavsson
L: Neuvirth
Goals: Wash- Perreault (Poti, Semin); Knuble (Backstrom, Poti); Perreault (Laich); Ovechkin (Poti, Backstrom
Tor- MacArthur (Kulemin); Grabovski (Kabarle, Kulemin); Brent (Kabarle, Kadri); MacArthur (Grabovski, Kessel)
Shootout: Was- Ovechkin- Save; Perreault- Save; Semin- Save
Tor- Kadri- Save; Grabovski- SCORE; Kessel- Save
DC Hockey Spot's Recap
The Capitals finally had the game that plagued them over the last two years but they had managed to avoid so far this year. They only played 40 minutes and let an inferior team back into the game. The Capitals totally imploded in the 3rd period, surrendering three goals, including one with the goalie pulled, to squander a 4-1 lead and ultimately fall to the Maple Leafs in front of the 76th consecutive sellout at the Phone Booth. The loss marked the second in a row for DC at home. The Capitals controlled the first 2 period, getting 2 goals from recent call up Mathieu Perreault and from the suddenly awake Alexander Ovechkin. But the success was short lived as the Capitals took off 1 shift early in the 3rd and then disappeared for the last 5 minutes as they tried to force feed Perreault for the Hat Trick in a game they thought was wrapped up. The result of that style of play: Grabovski scoring the goal pictured above to send the Capital fans home bitter.
Highlights, Lowlights, and Tidbits
MVP: Mikhael Grabovski- He was all over the ice in the 3rd for Toronto, including scoring the goal to spark the comeback and then setting up MacArthur to send it to Overtime. He also scored the insane shootout goal to send Toronto home with the win.
Highlight of the Game: The second Perreault goal was nice. Excellent patience and shot. But lets be honest, this was the goal of the game...... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG1c0FNGfPs
Lowlight of the Game: The overall lack of effort in the 3rd. And oh yeah..... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tG1c0FNGfPs
Revelation of the Game: Mathieu Perreault is ready to be a full time NHL player. Enough with him being too small. He skates well, creates chances, and has a nose for the puck. I think most Capital fans would be very happy with Backstrom. Johansson, Perreault, and Gordon down the middle. Sit Steckel. Its Mighty Mouse time!
Disappointment of the Game: Again, the 3rd period implosion. It's unacceptable for a team this talented, particularly at home. Packing it in with 20 minutes to go does not cut it. Also not playing "Unleash the Fury" in the 3rd.
Bad News of the Night: Schultz is out 4-6 weeks with a fractured thumb. Schultz has come a long way since being undressed by Dubinsky in the playoffs 2 years ago and is essential to the Capitals defense. Playing alongside Mike Green is not easy with his love of jumping up in the play and replacing Schultz will not be easy. It will also limit Green's game as he will have to be a little more responsible defensively.
The Counts
- Chimera "I'm Faster than You": 2
- Green Slips: None
- Semin Stick Penalties: None
FINAL THOUGHTS
The Capitals might have the most talented team in the league. They might well boast three of the top five players in the world. They might have a more balanced team than in the past. They might be battle tested by their Game 7 defeats. They might have improved their one major weakness with their trade last week. And it is only December, but
A championship caliber team does not lose that game.
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