Game #47 Recap: Caps 2 Philadelphia 3 (OT)

The Capitals continued their most current trend of giving up a early goal, go further into the hole and come back to tie the game in the third period. Last night it was the Eastern Conference best Philadelphia Flyers who scored in the game's second minute then built a 2-0 lead after the second period before Washington responded with goals from Mike Knuble and Alex Ovechkin in the third to tie the game and send it to overtime. The Flyers took the win when a bad defensive play left the point man all alone for a perfectly placed point shot just 1:07 into the extra frame. With just 1 first period goal in the last 8 games, Washington has been forced to from behind far to often and are unable to play the game on their terms. I, for one, would like to see how this team performs when they get the lead. The first and second periods were dictated entirely by the Flyers and their puck possession offense. Through the first two periods of play the Capitals had just 12 shots on goal, a total they matched in the third period. On the other hand, you have to give this team credit for coming back. They didn't mail it in and give up. They continued to play and were able to get 1 standings point out of the game. Now they head Long Island, New York for the second stop on this road trip.

Of Note:

• Congratulations to Nicklas Backstrom. His assist on the Ovechkin goal was the 300th point in his career. Backstrom has been coming on as of late with 5 assists in his last 6 games.
• Michal Nuevirth started the game in net. He gave up 1 goal on 8 shots and left after the first period with a lower body injury. Semyon Varlamov came on in relief and took the overtime loss after stopping 20 of the 22 shots he faced.
• There was only 1 power play in the entire game and it belonged to Philly. The Capitals penalty killers did their job well. They killed off the penalty without allowing a shot on goal.
• Alex Ovechkin scored his 16th goal of the season and broke a personal 3-game scoreless streak.
• Marcus Johansson and Jason Chamira each had 1 assist in the game. 
• Jeff Schultz was +1.

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary