Many fans like myself thought this game vs. the Panthers last night was going to be a cake walk. However it took an Alex Semin OT slapper to steal this game. I felt that the refs took control of this game late into the contest giving the Pathers ample power play chances.
Florida started off the scoring when Bill Thomas finished off a 2 on 1. Alex Ovechkin didn't take much time in finding Nick Backstrom for the tying goal. Nicky B beat Clemmensen with a one time slapper between the circles. Matt Hendricks would fight Florida's McArdle in a quick noneventful fight.
In the second period the Caps took their first lead of the game when Boyd Gordon scored his 2nd goal of the season off a John Carlson rebound. The Capitals then started to coast through the second and third period killing penalties one after another.
Then late in the third period the Caps took two penalties and were suddenly in the midst of killing a 5 on 3. David Booth did not waste any time in making it even for the Panthers. The Caps eventually killed the other penalty an the game went to over time. Alex Semin and Marcus Johansson skated down the ice passing back and forth ending in a Semin missile that went 5-hole.
This 3-2 victory gave the Caps their fourth straight victory. Michal Neuvirth cannot be given enough credit for his consistent play as of late. He stopped 32 of 34 shots and kept the Caps in the game. This win put the Capitals in the lead of the Southeast division for the first time in a while. Washington will continue their road trip tonight in Tampa for a very crucial matchup. The Caps can gain a 3 point lead with a win so tune in tonight at 7. Rock the Red!
Player of the Game: Boyd Gordon (1 goal, PK play)
Stat of the Game: 32 saves (Michal Neuvirth)
Unsung Hero: Matt Hendricks
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