All Square: Capitals drop a close game to Hurricanes 2-1
After a devastating loss to Carolina in Game 4, Washington had the opportunity to exact revenge and bump the series to the brink with a win. Unfortunately, goals by Warren Foegele and Teuvo Teravainen bested Washington. Now, the series moves back to Washington with the winner taking a commanding 3-2 lead.
First Period
For two days, Todd Reirden talked about playing better on defense. About that…Carolina scored 17 seconds into the game, with Warren Foegele tapping in a Jaccob Slavin pass on the doorstep.
After a back-and-forth rest of the period, Washington went to the locker room down by 1 goal.
Second Period
10 minutes into a power play after a Tuevo Teravainen hooking penalty, Oh Captain, My Captain! Alex Ovechkin drilled home a shot from the left circle to tie the game, 1-1.
Unfortunately, poor defensive coverage in the final minute of the period led to a Canes goal, with Teravainen walking in alone on Holtby, beating him glove-side.
Third Period
The third period was a battle, with both teams getting opportunities to get on the board. Despite being down one, the Caps could not find the equalizer. A Warren Foegele boarding penalty on TJ Oshie with less than 5 minutes left gave the Caps a power play. That power play was a hot mess. CAPS LOSE.
Quick Thoughts
- TJ Oshie is likely out for the season after a boarding call from Warren Foegele. It was a dirty hit that could have and should have been a five minute major. If this isn’t a suspension, be ready for fireworks on Saturday.
- Holtby played well, per usual. Gotta feel bad for a guy that stonewalls most shots, but can’t get any help offensively.
- Hello? Bottom six? Where are you? The bottom six hasn’t had a single point in the series. Need the Capitals depth to show up big in Game 5 or else the Caps will be in big trouble.
- Speaking of MIA, what the heck has happened to Kuznetsov. He’s been completely invisible in this series minus the Orpik OT goal.
- Where did Brooks Orpik think that pass was going to go? Horrible defensive coverage from a Capitals defense that has been struggling as of late.
- Todd Reirden needs to move John Carlson to the right side, at the least. There are a few change that could help the Caps. Flipping Kuznetsov and Backstrom might help too. But having your best defenseman in an uncomfortable position isn’t the brightest move.
- Caps need to win the next one. Game 5 is at home. Win the game and you take a big 3-2 lead.
- Game 5 is at 8pm at Capital One Arena. LETS GO CAPS.
