Washington wanted to start this game off right but ended up down 1-0 after the first period. The Caps put 13 shots on goal in the period but many were from long range and Tampa goalie Dwayne Roloson was looking large in the net. The second period saw Washington breakout with goals from Mike Knuble, John Carlson, and Alex Ovechkin. Kunble stuffed home an Ovechkin rebound to tie the score at 1-1 less than a minute into the period. The Caps went up 2-1 on a perfectly placed point shot from Carlson. Tampa tied the score 4 minutes later on a stuff in goal from Vinny Lecavalier. The Capitals would take a 3-2 lead when they finally scored on the power play. With two men in the box for Tampa, Mike Green's shot from the point was saved but the puck squirted out to the high crease area where Ovechkin pounced on it and beat Roloson over the glove. The Capitals should have been flying at that point but the third period was an utter disaster. Tampa came out strong and had the Capitals on the ropes. Five minutes in, they scored two goals in 24 seconds to take the lead and continued the pressure. Halfway through the period the Caps were being out shot 13-1. Washington would manage only 5 shots in the final frame. The game ended with Ovechkin losing the puck on a last gasp rush up ice. The 4-3 victory puts the Lightning firmly in control with a 3-0 in the series and Washington must win 4 in row to advance. Its a tough road to hoe but the teams return tomorrow for Game #4.
Of Note:
Capitals goalie Michal Neuvirth kept the game close making some spectacular saves in the third period. In the game he stopped 26 of 30 shots which, unfortunately, wasn't good enough and he took his third consecutive loss.
Alex Ovechkin was huge in the second period with a goal and an assist. In the series he has 2 goals, 3 points and 14 hits. He will need to come up big to spark his team in Game #4.
John Carlson scored his first goal of the playoffs and was the only + player on the Caps but the defense was not up to par with the team combining for a total of 8 blocked shots on the night. The Capitals were averaging 20 blocks per game coming in to Game #3.
Mike Knuble scored his second goal of the playoffs while Jason Chimera, Alexander Semin, Mike Green and Marcus Johansson each had an assist.
The Caps went 1 for 5 on the power play and killed off all 4 Tampa attempts.
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