It was an action packed night in Anaheim with the Caps facing the Ducks for the 2nd time this season. Ryan Getzlaf didn’t waste any time in getting on the board when he notched one passed Varlamov on the power play. Alex Ovechkin then took a sweet pass from Nicklas Backstrom and made the Anaheim defense pay with a snap shot that beat McElhinney five hole. Shortly after Brooks Laich made Teemu Selanne pay by intercepting a pass and slotting one in for a 2-1 lead.
The final two minutes of the first were not kind to the Caps because they let up 2 quick goals leaving them trailing 3-2 going in to the locker room. Varly was pulled after letting in 3 goals on 9 shots. The Caps first power play was spoiled by a Corey Perry shortie six minutes in to the second making it 4-2. However the scoring had just begun in this contest.
David Steckel and then Alex Semin would respond back with a goal each tying the score up. It was Semin’s first goal since November 28th. Late in the 2nd period Andy Sutton put a cheap hit on Matt Hendricks which sparked a fight with John Erskine. Sutton walked away with a cut on his face and a 2 minute boarding penalty. Visnovsky, a defenseman for the Ducks would score on a deflection before the period was over giving the Ducks a one goal lead.
The Caps begun the 3rd period on the penalty kill and were successful. Immediately after the kill Nicky B found Mike Knuble for a beautiful breakaway goal tying the score back up. The Duck’s first line would later undress the Caps D when Bobby Ryan slapped one passed Neuvy.
After that goal it was the Alex Semin show for the people of Anaheim. He would tie the game and eventually score the game winner for his fourth hat trick of the year. Semin put the team on his back! Neuvirth did not play the best two periods, but he made the saves that were needed in the end. The Caps took advantage of the backup goaltender tonight firing 31 shots on net and beating the Ducks 7-6. This was not a good defensive game on either side. However it was an exciting game and it was good to see the Caps end the scoring drought with a 7 spot.
The Capitals do not have long to relax from this win because they play the Sharks in San Jose tonight at 10:30. The Caps were shut out by the Sharks two weeks ago, so hopefully they will seek revenge on Antti Niemi. Rock the Red!
Player of the Game: Alex Semin (3 goals, +4)
Stat of the Game: Offense (31 shots, 7 goals)
Hit of the Game: Alex Ovechkin on Cam Fowler (3rd period)
Unsung Hero: John Erskine
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