Game #31 Recap: Caps 2 Colorado 3

In a well played game, the Capitals, unfortunately ended up on the wrong end of a 3-2 score. The Avalanche brought lots of team speed into the game and their defense is very opportunistic. In the first period, Colorado opened the scoring when Michael Neuvirth misplayed a centering pass from the deep right wing and the puck trickled under him and across the goal line. The Caps responded with Alex Ovechkin taking the puck hard to net and putting a shot on net and Mike Knuble backhanded the rebound out of midair for a 1-1 tie. Later in the period, a blown defensive assignment hung Nuevirth out to dry and the Avs went up 2-1. The Caps were gaining momentum in the second period when a frustrated Alexander Semin retaliated against some abuse he was taking with a cross check to the back of Avalanche defenseman John Michael Liles. Semin was awarded a 5-minute major for cross checking and a game misconduct. Washington held of the Colorado attack for over 3 and a half minutes before they struck on the 5-minute power play. The Caps kept the pressure on in the third period and Matt Hendricks got the Caps within 1 goal when he scored on the power play. The Capitals then threw everything they had at the Colorado net but couldn't get the tying goal. It was a disappointing outcome but a positive effort from the team. Now they zip up to New York for a game against the Rangers. Lets hope the effort goes with them.

Of Note:

• The Caps once again out shot their opponents as they have every game of their 5-game losing skid. Last night is was 42-26. In those games the Caps have averaged 39.6 shot on goal to 28.0. Now they just need to start putting then in the net.
• Alex Ovechkin was throwing his weight around last night with team high 5 hits to go along with his assist, 3 shots on goal, and 3 takeaways.
• Mike Knuble score his 250th career goal. That is good enough for 255th all-time in the NHL.
• The Caps and Avs both went 1-3 on the power play but the 5-minute major was the game changer on the night.
• John Carlson pick up the extra ice time from Mike Green, who was out with the flu, he played 26:01 overall and led the team with 3:39 of shorthanded ice time. 
• Nicklas Backstrom, Karl Alzner and Mike Knuble picked up assists for the Capitals.
• Michael Nuevirth took the loss stopping 23 of 26 shots and really deserved better in the game.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary