Lightning strike Caps with division lead in hand

There aren’t many positives I can pull from this embarrassing loss to the Tampa Bay Lightning. It was a familiar feeling getting shutout by the infamous Dwayne Roloson because he did it no more than a week ago.

The Caps’ woes started in the first period when four minutes in the Caps were down by 1 with an ugly goal by Dominic Moore. Later in the period the Lightning extended the lead when Sean Bergenheim swatted the puck out of midair past Varly. Also in the 1^st period the Capitals failed to execute 2 power plays which seems to be happening night after night.

The Lightning dominated the Caps in the shot category leaving Semyon Varlamov helpless in my opinion on all 3 goals. Varly ended the game with a respectable 35 saves on 38 shots. Tom Poti took an early exit for an undisclosed injury after the first period leaving the Washington blue-liners tired with a 5 man rotation.

The second period was not any better to watch because the Lightning doubled the Capitals shot total 18-9. Simon Gagne later executed on a 2 on 0 easily beating Varly stick side high. That would be the last tally in the match letting Tampa take the lead in the Southeast division.

Dwayne Roloson had a 23 save shutout stopping everything thrown his way in his first home game at Tampa Bay. John Carlson led the Caps in shots with 5 and was one of the only players with an even rating.

Again I’ll try and stay positive because that was the second game in 24 hours for the Washington Capitals. I still felt we did not show much effort in the loss and we have a lot to work on going into Friday against the Vancouver Canucks. Mainly THE POWERPLAY!!!! Bruce we need a change of strategy or something because things are simply not being executed.

On the plus side it was delighting to see Steve Downie still with a black eye from last week’s fight with Matt Hendricks. I wish Scott Hannan would’ve gotten a real chance at fighting that loser with the scuffle that took place in the 2^nd period.

The next game for the Caps will be Friday at the Verizon Center versus the Vancouver Canucks at 7. Let’s bring our A game and get back in the win column!

Player of the Game: Semyon Varlamov (35 saves)

Stat of the Game: 5 shots and 24:59 TOI (John Carlson)

Unsung Hero: Scott Hannan