Caps come up short to Canucks at home

This Friday night game started out positive with the Caps actually striking first. Matt Hendrix beat Roberto Luongo on a breakaway for his 5^th goal of the season. However three minutes later the Canucks evened things up when Alexander Edler slapped one past Semyon Varlamov.

There were no penalties in the first period for either team which was a positive for the Capitals. Jason Chimera changed that with an early roughing penalty in the 2^nd period. Christian Ehrhoff capitalized on the power play 44 seconds in with a slap shot that went through the legs of Varly. Washington had two chances on the power play in the 2^nd and failed to tie the score on both attempts.

I need to vent a little on the power play. What are we doing in practice to fix this BRUCE? We can’t keep the puck in the zone long enough to execute anything. Whatever happen to just throwing the puck on net and crashing. That is how you get out of a slump with some lucky bounces, and some garbage goals. Back to the recap.                                                                                                     

Daniel Sedin lengthened the lead to 3-1 in the 2^nd period on a breakaway wristing it past Varly. Marcus Johansson would put hope of a comeback in the hearts of Caps fans when he hit a one timer assisted by Nicklas Backtrom making it 3-2. In the end an empty netter by Daniel Sedin would seal the deal for the Canucks. The 4-2 loss puts the Caps on a 3 game losing streak.

The last three games have been hard to watch as a Caps fan because of the lack of effort and execution in the offense. I have faith that things can be turned around but the talent has to step up, and lead by example. Yes, I am talking about the Ovi, Nicky B, Semin, and Green. For the first time in a while goaltending and defense is not the problem for this team. We need goals from our big guns it is that simple.

The Caps have a one day break to shake off this loss. Their next game is at home versus the Ottawa Senators on Sunday at 3pm. Keep the faith Caps fans! There are 37 games left and we are 2 points out of 1^st in the Southeast.

In Ovi We Trust.  

Player of the Game: Matt Hendricks (1 goal)

Stat of the game: 3^rd goal in 3 games (Marcus Johansson)

Hit of the Game: David Steckel on K. Ballard (3^rd period)