Game #19 Recap: Caps 4 Buffalo 2

The Caps put together a solid 59-minute effort against the Buffalo Sabres last night at Verizon Center. Unfortunately, the 1-minute they let down in the second period cost them 2 goals against. The good news is that the team responded in the third period and came away with a 4-2 victory. The Caps continue to lead the league in the standings with 14 wins and 29 points but aren't content with their play as of yet. The grinders came through for the team last night as the line of Chimera-Steckel-Bradley accounted for two hardworking goals. Both goals came off of strong forechecking and going to the net. After building a 3-1 lead the Caps gave up a power play goal on a failed clearing attempt and 48-seconds later a mix up in front of the Caps net hung goalie Michael Nuevirth out to dry. Nuevirth was a bit rattled but battled back to stop everything else thrown at him. Alexander Semin continued his hot hand. In the first period he set up the Capitals first goal when he fed Nicklas Backstrom from across the goalmouth while on a 5-on-3 power play. Backstrom one-timed the puck into the open net. Semin sealed the game with an empty net goal from his own end of the ice. The Caps are next in action on Friday against Atlanta.

Of Note:

• Jason Chimera was the games #1 Star. He assisted on the Matt Bradley and David Steckel goals and was a force on the forecheck all night long.
• Alexander Semin extended his point scoring streak to 9 games with his 6th multi-point game of the season. With 1 goal and 1 assist on the night he moved into a tie with Kelly Miller for 11th place on the Caps All-Time Goal Scoring list and tied Ryan Walter for 24th on the Caps All-Time Assist list.
• Washington played physical all night long and out hit the Sabres 23 to 11.
• Steckel was the Game's #3 Star with 1 goal, 2 shots, 3 hits, 2 blocked shots and winning 9 of 17 faceoffs.
• Michael Nuevirth continues to pace the league picking up his 12th win of the season. He stopped 31 of 33 shots he faced.
• Brooks Laich and Karl Alzner picked up 1 assist each.
• The Caps went 1 for 2 on the power play and allowed 1 goal on 3 Buffalo power plays.

Official Recap
Game Summary
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