The Capitals pulled out another 1-goal victory, this time it was Alexander Semin on overtime. Washington started a bit slow giving up 16 shots in the first period but Michal Neuvirth was only pierced for 1 goal against. The Caps responded on the very next shift with Alex Ovechkin winning a puck battle in the corner and feeding Nicklas Backstrom in the high slot. Backstrom powered home a one-timer and the game was knotted a 1-1 after one period. In the second period Washington was a bit careless and gave up 3 power play attempts but luckily got some good goal tending and the penalty killers got the job done. In the midst of the penalties was some brilliant play by the Caps who were holding the puck in the offensive zone and cycling like crazy. It was off a cycle play that Boyd Gordon came up with a rebound and backhanded the puck into the unguarded side of the net for his second goal of the season and gave the Capitals a 2-1 lead after two periods. The third saw the Capitals come out with a full defensive posture. With 5 guys back the Capitals were frustrating the Panthers by clogging the neutral zone and giving no easy entrance in the offensive zone. This plan was working well for the Caps until the penalty bug hit again. With 4 minutes left in the game John Erskine and Dennis Wideman were whistled for tripping and slashing and gave the Panthers a two-man advantage. 27-seconds later the score was tied 2-2. There was no more scoring in regulation. In the overtime period it took one shift change for the Capitals to get Marcus Johansson and Alexander Semin on the ice and the duo took the puck down the left wing into the Florida zone. Semin dropped the puck to Johansson who passed it straight back to Semin who one-timed a bad angle shot through the goalie's legs for the game-winner.
Of Note:
The Capitals have won 4 games in a row and reclaimed the top spot in the SE Division. They face the second place Lightning tonight in Tampa.
Alex Ovechkin picked up an assist and has 12 points in his last 9 games.
The Caps last 7 wins have been by 1-goal.
Alexander Semin scored his second game-winning goal in the last four games.
Michal Neuvirth stopped 32 of 34 shots for his 21st win of the season.
Boyd Gordon scored his second goal of the season and blocked 4 shots both he and Semin scored on the only shots they took in the game.
Mike Knuble, Matt Hendricks, John Carlson, Karl Alzner, and Marcus Johansson each had 1 assist in the game.
The Caps were unsuccessful in their only power play attempt and stopped 5 of 6 Florida power plays.
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