Caps triumph over the Sens with a strong 3rd period

The Capitals started slow once again letting Mike Fisher of the Ottawa Senators poke one in passed Michal Neuvirth 72 seconds into the game. Their offensive woes continued through most of the game logging only 5 shots in the 1^st period. Neither team touched the scoreboard in the 2^nd period even though the Caps had 12 shots on goal.

The story of this game was 22 year old Neuvy who made numerous saves keeping the Caps in it. He finished the game saving 25 of 26 shots, only letting in Fisher’s garbage goal in the first.

Trailing the whole game, Washington brought their A game in the third period. Ottawa was forced to watch their opponents take the lead right from them playing defense for most of the 3^rd period. Brooks Laich was first to strike tying it up between the circles. Laich ended a 12 game scoring drought slotting his 9^th goal of the season.

Milan Michalek put the Caps on the power play 43 seconds later with a cheap cross-check on Karl Alzner. After that the Capitals didn’t wait long to strike again. Nicklas Backstrom won the faceoff to defenseman John Carlson who one time peppered a slapper passed the Ottawa goaltender. It was Carlson’s first power play goal of his career, and his 5^th goal of the season.

Later in the period Jason Chimera put the Sens away making it 3-1 netting his 6^th goal of the season. The Capitals outshot the Senators 26 to 23 in this contest.

Karl Alzner left the game shaken up after the Michalek cross-check, but he led the Caps with a +2 ice rating. Nicky B also climbed closer the 300 career point mark with his assist to Carlson making the number 299.

This win gives the Capitals 57 points tying them with the Lightning for the division lead. It is only a matter of time before we catch Tampa and leave them in the dust before the playoffs. The Caps are off Monday and will travel to Philly Tuesday for a contest versus the Flyers who are currently 1^st in the Eastern Conference. The puck drops at 7 in the Wells Fargo center.

Player of the Game: Michal Neuvirth (25 saves)

Stat of the Game: PP goal (John Carlson)

Unsung Hero: Karl Alzner