In a game that Coach Carbery was likening to a Game 7 playoff match, the Caps played hard, showing just about the right level of compete against a team they’re chasing in the standings. Unfortunately it wasn’t quite enough, as they fell in a ridiculous shootout.
Plus: Clinging to a one-goal lead in the third, the Caps were called for an interference penalty (that, frankly, should not have been a penalty) and then less than 90 seconds later were given a cross-checking penalty (that definitely should have been). Faced with a lengthy shorthanded stretch, the Caps needed a huge penalty kill, and they got it, which isn’t something they’ve always been able to say this season. A truly impressive effort.
Minus: As much as the Caps needed their penalty killers to come up big, they also needed their power play crew to do so…and they didn’t, despite getting two kicks at the can late in regulation.
Honorable mention…a nine-round shootout, just one goal and it’s some dude from the other team. Insert every curse word here.
Caps Player of the Game: Rasmus Sandin had a series of really great plays before finally cashing in with what was the go-ahead goal in the third period.