The Capitals fel to the Dallas Stars tonight by a score of 2-1. With the loss, the Caps snapped their four game winning streak, but maintained first place in the Southeast Division and Eastern Conference.
Tonight's game was marked by Andrew Raycroft, who stopped 37 Capitals shots and effectively stole the game for his team. The two sides battled to a scoreless first 33 minutes before Mike Ribiero buried a rebound on a power play (the last of four consecutive) to give the Stars a one goal advantage. The Capitals applied constant pressure throughout the rest of the second period and first half of the third period before they finally broke through on a power play of their own, with Mike Knuble cashing a beautiful cross ice pass from Mike Green. But the Stars found their winner 20 seconds later off the stick of Brandon Segal who flipped a knuckle puck past Michal Neuvirth high blocker. The Caps buzzed Raycroft for the rest of the game, but had a potential tying goal waved off due to goalie interference with 8 seconds left and were unable to find their equalizer before time expired.
Obeservations:
Yawn. The Caps were tired after a big game in St. Louis last night and it clearly showed. Their passing was lackluster and they whiffed on several open shots. Good to get home and rest a day before the next game; they need it.
Alex Ovechkin's goal drought extends to 10 games. Now I'm a bit worried. He's shooting, always a good sign, but maybe defenses and goalies are just catching up to him.
Michal Neuvirth cost the Caps this one. The winning goal was a total floater that would have required very little other than a tap to turn away. Mike failed to do that.
Next game is saturday in the Booth against Atlanta. Game time is 7 P.M.
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