Game #11 Recap: Caps 7 Flames 2

After a disappointing first 12 minutes of the game the Capitals returned to the form that led the NHL in scoring a year ago. Calgary scored on their first shot on goal and the Caps were on their heels. The Caps gave up four 2-on-1 rushes and then another goal at the 11-minute mark. The Caps went on the power play and a beautiful passing play set up Nicklas Backstrom for a backdoor goal to make it 2-1. The Caps looked much more inspired at the start of the second and a couple penalties by the Flames gave the Caps a 5-on-3 advantage. Alex Ovechkin took over scoring on 2 consecutive shots in 12 seconds to give Washington the lead. Then a botched clearing attempt from Calgary was turned into a sweet passing play from Backstrom to Alexander Semin who sent Mike Green in alone. Green found the back of the net for his first goal of the season.13-seconds later the Caps scored again as a Flames defensemen try to clear puck in front of the net. Unfortunately for Calgary he beat his own goalie with an own goal. Matt Bradley was given credit for the score and the rout was on. In the game, the Caps used the first line of Ovechkin-Backstrom-Semin to help generate offense and they created again with a sweet pass and score from Ovechkin to Semin. To round out the 6-goal outbreak in the second period was David Steckel. Steckel was awarded a penalty shot following a breakaway where he was hooked down from behind. Moving in slowly on the right wing side he beat the goalie with a wrist shot to the roof to give the Caps a 7-2 advantage after two periods. The third period was played out with no additional scoring. The Caps improved their record to 7-4-0 on the season and finally looked like the team we expected to see this season. The next test is on Wednesday with Toronto at home. The Caps need to show this effort on a consistent basis.

Of Note:

• Michael Nuevirth continued his solid play in the Capitals net. He stopped 27 of the 29 shots he faced and improved his record to 7-3-0 with a 2.15 GAA and 0.926 save percentage. He is tied for the NHL league lead in wins.
• Alex Ovechkin had 2 goals and 1 assist on the night giving him 59 multiple goal games in his career.
• Congratulations to Mike Knuble who played in his 900th career NHL game.
• Other multiple point getters on the night: Nicklas Backstrom had 1 goal and 3 assists, Alexander Semin with 1 goal and 2 assists, and Mike Green with 1 goal and 2 assists.
• The Caps dormant power play came to life going 3 for 4 and the penalty kill was perfect in 6 attempts including a lengthy 5-on-3 at the end of the second period.
• Brooks Laich and Jason Chimera each had an assist in the game.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary