Game #67 Recap: Caps 2 Tampa Bay 1 (OT-SO)

The Capitals came out on top for their 5th consecutive 1-goal victory. This one took overtime and the shootout to give them a 2 point lead over the Tampa Bay Lightning in the SE Division. The Capitals again were in the penalty box early with 3 penalties in the first period. The Lightning took advantage with a redirection goal in front of a screened Michal Neuvirth. Neuvirth would leave with no explanation after the first period. He did take a shot off his face mask early in the game. Braden Holtby would come on in relief and put in an outstanding effort. The rookie stopped all 21 shots he faced and blanked the Bolts in the shootout. For Holtby it was his 5th win in 9 appearances this season. The Caps were held to 20 shots on goal in the game and just 3 in the third period but one of those third period shots was from Alexander Semin who scored his second goal in two games with a wicked wrister to tie the game at 1-1 with a little over five minutes remaining in regulation. In overtime the Capitals drew a penalty and pumped 10 more shots on the Tampa net but couldn't get anything through. The game went to the shootout where Alex Ovechkin scored on Washington's first attempt and Holtby shut the door for the win and the two points in the standings. One thing about this team is they are definitely learning how to play the close games and come out on top.

Of Note:

• Alexander Semin scored the game-winner last night and the game tying goal tonight. In the 4 games Semin played against the Lightning he scored 7 goals and assisted on 2 more for 9 points. Not bad, I bet he wishes he could play the Lightning every game.
• Alex Ovechkin assisted on Semin's goal and has points in 5 straight games and 13 points in his last 10. He is 1 point behind Michal Pivonka for 3rd place on the Capitals All-Time Scoring List.
• The Capitals failed to convert on the power play for the 6th consecutive game. They went 0 for 3 whlie the Bolts went 1 for 4.
• Dennis Wideman picked up his first point as a Capitals with the 2nd assist on the Semin goal. 

Official Recap
Game Summary
Event Summary
Shootout Summary

Game Highlights: