Postgame Recap: Caps 4 Lightning 2

 The Caps won their 4th game out of the last 5 after surviving a late Lightning rally. Nick Backstrom scored his first regular season hat trick and Eric Fehr iced the game with an emtpy net goal in the final minute.



Caps/Lightning Highlights:

My Thoughts:

*Braden Holtby played a great game and like Barry Trotz said deserved a shutout. The Tyler Johnson goal late in the third was a perfect shot, and Matt Carle's goal was where the line that was out there had been out there for 2 minutes and Holts didn't have much help.

*The top line produced against the Lightning again. Not only did Nick Backstrom get a hat trick, but Tom Wilson had two assists, and Alex Ovechkin had two assist and hit a post. Much like Tuesday night thought the top line made a difference.

*The biggest turning point of the game was in the second period when the Caps had to kill off a 2 minutes 5 on 3 and they did. Braden Holtby was great and the penalty killers had their best kill of the season. After killing the penalty the crowd and the Caps responded as Nick Backstrom would score a few minutes later.

*Andre Burakovsky returned to the lineup and looked a little rusty. I think he will be fine just needs a little more ice time.

*I am really happy with the development of Michael Latta at the 4th line center position. He has been great in the faceoff circle and has toughness and plays with an edge.

*The only concerning thing that I can say is late in the game with a 3-0 lead the game should have been over. The Lightning made a push yes but the Caps were pinned in their own zone for way too long and when trying to get the puck out they turned the puck over. However, two points is two points.


Whats Next: Tues. 16th at. Florida 7:30 p.m