The Washington Nationals fell to the LA Dodgers last night 3-1.  The Dodgers took two out of three form the Nats. 

Missing Jayson Werth and Bryce Harper from the lineup, the Nats mustered 9 hits, but crossed the plate just once.  Zack Greinke returned to the Dodgers starting rotation last night after an injury.  Greinke through 5.1 innings and allowed 5 hist and 1 run.  Nats' starter Ross Detwiler only threw three innings and allowed 2 runs on 6 hits before departing with lower back spasms.  Craig Stammen and Tyler Clippard through 4 shutout innings from the bullpen.  Drew Storen gave up a run in the 9th inning. 

The Nats only run came on a 4th inning solo home run by Adam LaRoche.  It was LaRoche's 4th home run of the season.  Wilson Ramos had a multi-hit game, going 2 for 2 with a double.  However, Ramos left the game with an injured hamstring and appears to be lost for some time.   

Fortunately for the Nats, the Atlanta Braves also lost last night, keeping the Nats just 1 game back from Atlanta. 

The Nats remain on an extended west coast swing headin to San Diego for a three game series against the Padres.  Struggling ace Stephen Strasburg (1-5) takes the mound tonight against Edinson Volquez. 

Nats Notes:

*  Bryce Harper did have a pinch hit at bat last night.  Post game, Harper admitted he is still pretty sore from his collission withthe wall. 

*  The Nats will lose the services of C Wilson Ramos for an extended period of time.  Ramos, who was struggling to stay healthy, injured his hamstring last night.  Davey Johnson hinted that Ramos will likely be out for awhile.  Ramos is likely headed to the disabled list.  Kurt Suzuki will take over full starting duties.  The Nats will likely recall Jhonoton Solano from AAA to backup Suzuki. 

*  Jayson Werth Werth went 1-for-2 at the plate last night in Potomac as he continues on a rehab stint.  Werth also provided defenisve prowess for the P-Nats, gunning down C Parker Morin trying to tag up from third and score in the top of the 2nd inning. Werth is rehabbing a hamstring injury that sent him tot he DL. 

Alex Ovechkin took a shot at the referring during the playoff series loss against the New York Rangers.

“Not saying there was a phone call, but they wanted Game 7,” Ovechkin said in a Russian interview with Slava Malamud of Sport-Express. “For ratings. You know, lockout, escrow, league must make profit.”

Caps GM George McPhee didn't back away from Ovechkin's assertions.

What we didn’t get a chance to do was go on the power play very often, and it was a real strength of ours,” McPhee said. “It was real good during the season. We didn’t get many power plays during the series, I don’t know why. We had to kill too many penalties, I don’t know why. I didn’t think that part of the game from the league standpoint was all that good. I didn’t like the refereeing, but if you complain about it during the series and you’re accused of trying to gain an edge. If you complain about it after a series is over, then it’s whining and sour grapes.”

The way I see it, it is always easier to blame someone else than yourself.  Alex Ovechkin even went as far as saying that it takes more than one guy to win a Championship.  He's right.  However, when that one guy is making $9 million per season, is the captain of your hockey team, and is portrayed as one of the very best in the NHL, I guess it isn't too hard to expect that he step up with more than just 1 goal and 1 assist in the series.  The greatest players put up big numbers and help lift their teams to ultimate success, not just in the regular season, but in the post-season.  That is how true, great players, you know, legends are created.  The fact of the matter is, Alex Ovechkin failed to record a single point past game two.  Wouldn't his implication that the refs not allowing the Caps more power plays be a round about admission that Ovi needs a man advantage to score?  Thin ice Alex, thin ice.   Making an excuse like the Refs this series does very little to put aside the playoffs flops since 2008.  Not much different than prior season.  The big time money players failed to show up.  Alex Ovechkin was at the front of the line.  Good players make excuses, great players produce when it is all on the line. 

George McPhee should know better.  Then again, he has been the GM for seventeen seasons and delivered one Stanley Cup Playoff final berth, and that was his first season.  He blew the team up in 2004 and spent a few years on a rebuild to win a championship.  The era of that rebuild is quickly closing and McPhee has little to show for it.  Sure, he has division championships.  That is it.  He has no Conference titles and no Stanley Cup appearances or titles.  Isn't that the main goal?  If McPhee could not build a roster to compete for the ultimate prize the last 16 years, what makes Ted Leonsis think he can do it next year?  Hinting at excuses like too many penalty kills and not enough power plays is a bogus, lame excuse when a GM has little explanation beyond faulty roster construction.  Fact is, the Rangers scored on just 2 power plays.  Fact is, the begging for power plays, or shall we say the blaming of lack of power plays, only sends the signal that you have little confidence in 5 on 5 play.  The penalties did not cause the star players, the big time salary guys to disappear.  Penalties did not result in a 5 goal spanking on home ice in Game 7.  Fact is, the final fact, the Capitals were dominated on 5 on 5 play.  Lack of power plays has little to do with that.  The Capitals were shutout the final two games.  Where is the answer for that.

Blaming referees for a seven game loss after taking a 2-0 lead is nothing more than embarrassment for the franchise.   It also does little to address roster weaknesses and flaws.  The best thing Alex Ovechkin, the rest of the Caps and George McPhee can do for themselves is put away the blame and look in the mirror.  There you will find the reason for a humiliating first round ouster from the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs. 

The Washington Capitals are facing off-season questions much sooner than anyone had hoped.  After taking a 2-0 series lead against the New York Rangers, then Caps fell 4 games to 3 to get booted in the first round.  More humiliating is the fact the Caps were shutout by Henrik Lundqvist and the Rangers in the final two games of the series, getting trounced 5-0 on home ice in a decisive game 7. 

Caps owner Ted Leonsis chose his words carefully in stating that the franchise would not act on raw emotion, but allow things to sink in a bit before plotting the future.  One would think it is pretty safe to say that bench boss Adam Oates will return in 2013-14.  He deserves it.  He can win in DC.  The bugger question than that is the future of GM George McPhee.  McPhee has been GM since 1997 and has one Stanley Cup appearance on his resume with the Caps, his first year.  Since then, he has undergone a roster sell off and subsequent rebuild that has led to consistent playoff berths, but also consistent playoff disappointments.  The fact is, McPhee is not new here.  Seventeen years is overkill in being able to fully evaluate whether his roster building skills are present to deliver Championships.  After all, isn't that what this is all about?  The McPhee question will likely be the most looming and most meaningful decision this off-season for Leonsis.  Given a look at Leonsis' other franchise,  the Washington Wizards, and how that was handled, I fully expect McPhee to return. 

Taking a look at the Washington Capitals a free agents, there are a few big decisions there as well. 

Decisions:

*  F Mike Ribeiro:  This is the premier decision of the current roster.  Ribs was acquired last season to help fortify the offense.  Ribs did nothing to disappoint.  The 33 year-old put up 13 goals and 36 assists this season.   He also put up a solid, consistent playoff performance.  The question surrounding Ribs is not production, but cost.  His production will likely trigger substantial interest in free agency.  The Caps knows that.  Ribs won't be cheap.  He is popular in DC and would like to return, but money will be the determining factor.  Of note, since the trade deadline when Washington offered Ribeiro 3 years for $14 million, no discussions have occurred. 

*  F Matt Hendricks:  Hendricks is a rough tumbler that became a staple on the energy line.  Hendricks recorded 5 goals and 3 assists this season.  He is a heavy hitter and one of Washington's most willing to throw down the gloves and get dirty.  Given the success that Hendricks' has had on the energy line, it seems to be a good call to make that the Caps will strike a deal with Hendy to return.  He will likely costs them more than his current $825,000 per season. 

Likely Gone:  D Tom Poti, Joey Crabb, Wojtek Wolski

The Redskins have come to terms with a pair of 2013 draft selections. Fifth round pick Brandon Jenkins, a linebacker out of Florida State and sixth round pick Bacarri Rambo, a defensive back from Georgia, the first two rookie picks to sign.

Jenkins (6-5 250) was a pass rushing defensive end for the Seminoles that will be converted to an outside linebacker. The Redskins are hoping to enjoy success similar to the converted Brian Orakpo, Ryan Kerrigan and Rob Jackson.

Rambo (6-0 215) was a big time playmaker for the Dawgs and is being asked to learn both the free and strong safety positions.

The team also announced the release of undrafted free agent wide receiver Jason Thompson.

The NBA draft is fast approaching and the top prospects are gathering in Chicago for the annual combine later this week.

ESPNU and ESPN2 will have live coverage of the combine at the following times (all times ET):

10 a.m. May 16 | ESPNU

2 p.m. May 16 | ESPN2

10 a.m. May 17 | ESPNU

2 p.m. May 17 | ESPN2

Taped coverage will be available on ESPNU at the following times:

4 a.m. May 18

9 a.m. May 18

4 a.m. May 22

6:30 a.m. May 22

5 p.m. May 22

7:30 p.m. May 22

The Wizards will be choosing in the lottery again and also hold a pair of second round selections.

The NBA draft lottery will be held on Tuesday, May 21st. Washington is sitting 8th, with a 3.5% chance of picking first.

UNLV freshman forward Anthony Bennett, a potential target of the Wizards, is not taking part due to injury.

Update: The Wizards have reportedly requested interviews with local stars Alex Len of Maryland and Georgetown's Otto Porter. Each NBA team may talk with as many as 15 players at the combine.

The Washington Capitals had absolutely no answer for the stellar play of Henrik Lundqvist in net for the New York Ranges.  Despite some quality Alexander Ovechkin scoring opportunities, Lundqvist shutout the Cap-s 1-0 to force a decisive game 7 tomorrow night at the Verizon Center. 

Derrick Brassard scored the game's only goal in the second period.  This game was about goal tending and both Lundqvist and Braden Holtby stole the show.  Lundqvist stopped all 27 shots the Caps put on net, while Holtby stopped 28 of 29 shots. 

Once again, the penalty calling was tilted against the caps as it has been all series.  The Caps were sent to the penalty box 4 times while Rangers did not draw once penalty all game.  The Rangers have had 22 power play opportunities to the  Caps 12.  Since the mystifying penalty in Game One when the Caps were called for a too many men on the ice penalty, while the Rangers got away with 9 skaters on the ice, the refs have tilted calls again Washington. 

With the series tied at 3-3, the decisive game 7 begins at 8 PM tomorrow night in Washington. 

Just as we said at the beginning of the season, Nationals fans will see prospect OF Eury Perez from time to time this season.  It starts today.  The Nationals have recalled Perez from Syracuse and have placed OF Jayson Werth on the 15 day disabled list. 

Werth has been out of the Nats lineup since May 2nd and will be eligible to return on May 18, 2013.  On the season, Werth has appeared in 26 games and is batting .260 with 2 doubles and 4 homers.

Perez is one of the top outfield prospect in the Washington Nationals minor league system.  The 22 year-old Dominican outfielder has played in 23 games at Syracuse (AAA) this season and has batted an impressive .346.  In 107 at bats, Perez has 5 doubles, 1 triple, and a home run.  Perez has recorded a .439 slugging percentage and a .352 on base percentage.  Perez batted a combined .314 between AA and AAA last season.  Perez had a .344 on base percentage last season and swiped 51 bases.  Perez has a cyrrent nine game hitting streak at AAA. 

The Washington Nationals won their fifth straight game, topping the visiting Chicago Cubs 7-3 behind Ian Desmond's big night at the plate. 

Washington improved to 20-15, breathing down the necks of the NL East-leading Atlanta Braves, who also won to stay 1.5 games ahead of the Nats. 

Short Stop Ian Desmond swung the big timber tonight, notching three hits, including a 2-run homer and an RBI double. His production made up for the Nats missing two-thirds of their strating outfield, with LF Bryce Harper [ingrown toenail] and Jayson Werth [left hamstring] both on the shelf. 

Starter Ross Detwiler pitched another good game, improving his mark to 2-3 with a 2.53 ERA, after chucking 6 and 2/3 innings, giving up 2 runs, 8 hits, walking none and striking out two. Craig Stammen pitched the final 2 and 1/3 innings, giving up one run. 

It was Chicago that got off to the fast start, though, with Starlin Castro doubling to lead off the game and scoring in the first inning to put the Cubs up 1-0. 

In the second inning Ian Desmond and Danny Espinosa reached on an infield single and a fielding error and Kurt Suzuki made the Cubs pay by doubling to drive in both runners, putting the Nats up 2-1. Casto came back in the third inning and doubled to center, driving in a run to tie the game at two. When Castro tried to put the Cubs ahead later in the inning by coming home on a single, RF Roger Bernadina threw home to Suzuki, who dived at the runner and Castro was called out at the plate. 

Adam LaRoche singled in the fourth and Desmond followed up with a 386-foot homer to left to put the Nats up 4-2, a lead they would not relinquish. But Desmond wasn't done. In the fifth inning, after Ryan Zimmerman singled, Desmond came up and doubled to deep right, plating Zimmerman and advancing LaRoche to third base. That pushed Washington's lead to 5-2. But the Nats were still not done. With LaRoche at third and Desmond at second, Espinosa crushed a pitchi into deep center for another double, scoring LaRoche and Desmond and giving the Nationals a safe 7-2 lead. Earlier in the fifth inning, CF Denard Span made a beautiful tumbling catch at the warning track of a ball hit by Cubs pitcher Jeff Samardzja, to keep Washington's lead safe. 

A fair amount of credit must be given to Detwiler, who wasn't at his best tonight, but managed to wriggle out of trouble several times. The Cubs hit five doubles in the first five innings, but only got two runs out of it because Detwiler was able to get timely outs to limit the damage. 

Werth is headed to the disabled list, backdated to May 2, and is expected to return May 18. Harper is expected back for Saturday's game. 

Thank you Mike Ribeiro.  Half way through the over time period, Mike Ribeiro tapped in a rebound from a Karl Alzner shot to lift the Washington Capitals to a 2-1 win over the New York Rangers.  The win gave command of the best of seven series back to the Caps with a 3-2 series lead.

Brian Boyle put the New York Rangers up just 58 seconds into the game, tapping in a rebound from Braden Holtby.  That goal would give the Rangers the lead and provide them their only tally of the night.  After two unsuccesful Rangers power play opportunities in the first period, the Caps got their first shot at the man advantage in the second period and Joel Ward would score the equalizer at the 7:44 mark.  Ward took a centering pass from Marcus Johansson and buried his shot past a shifting Henrik Lundqvist to knot the game at 1-1.  It would stay that way until Ribeiro ended the game at the 9:24 mark of overtime.  

Braden Holtby was strong in goal, stopping 24 of 25 shots and the only goal he allowed all night was the first Ranger shot on net.  The Caps did a fine job in the second and third period and the beginning of overtime in controlling puck posssession and establishing an effective forecheck.

The series will now shift back to a critical game six in New York on Sunday.  Washington can advance to the second round with a win.

Post Game Notes:

*  The Caps 2012 first round pick, 16th overall pick in the draft, Tom Wilson made his NHL debut tonight.   Wilson clocked 6:24 of ice time in his debut. 

*  Martin Erat missed tonight's game with a wirst injury he suffered Wednesday night.  Wilson replaced Erat in the lineup. 

*  Mike Green led all Caps tonight with 29:16 of ice time. 

*  Alexander Ovechkin pulled back to his normal self after two off-games in New York.  Although Ovi failed to score, he had some terrific scoring opportunities followed up with incredible sdaves by Lundqvist.  Ovi recorded 9 shots on net. 

Paul Demny and Ian Krol combined for a no hitter in the Harrisburg Senators (AA) 6-1 win over Binghamton.  The Senators did allow 1 run on 3 walks and 3 errors.  Pal Demny (2-4) threw 8 scoreless and hotless innings to earn his second win of the season.  Demny fanned 5 over 8 innings.  Krol completed the shutout and no hitter by throwing a scoreless and hitless ninth inning.  Krol was acquired via the Mike Morse trade and has been quite impressive this season.  In 13 games, Krol has appeared in 17.1 innings and has allowed just 2 runs for a 1.04 ERA and has recorded 18 strike outs. 

Anthony Rendon was 2 for 4 with a double, runs scored, and a home run.  Since returning to Harrisburg from Washington upon the return of Ryan Zimmerman, Rendon is 8 for 22 with 4 doubles, a home run, and 5 RBI.  He is batting .314 for the season.  Rick Hague was 2 for 4 with 2 doubles, 2 runs, and 2 RBI.  Demny also added aan RBI double to help his hitless performance on the mound.  The Senators win improves the club to 16-18 on the season.

Syracuse Chiefs (AAA) fell to Durham 4-2.  Ross Ohlendorf took the loss, throwing a 9 inning complete game.  He falls to 3-4 on the season with a 4.57 ERA.  Eury Perez was 3 for 4 at the plate helping to raise his batting average back up to .346.  Perez extended his hitting streak to 9 consecutvie games.  He is batting .348 over his last 10 games.  Micah Owings hit his third home run and Carlos Rivera drove in his 5th run of the season to complete the Chiefs scoring.  Chiefs fall to 13-20 on the season. 

Potomac Nationals (A) won 3-2 in extra innings.  Caleb Ramsey scored in the tenth inning on a wild pitch to lift the P-Nats to the win.  Brian Dupra pitched 6 solid innings scattering 6 hits and 2 runs.  Matt Grace and Derek Self threw 4 scoreless inninsg out of the bullpen for the P-Nats.  Self (2-1) recorded the win. The P-Nats offense only collected 4 hits on the night. The win put the P-Nats over .500 at 17-16 on the season. 

Hagerstown Suns (A) improved to 19-12 on the season with a 3-1 win over Delmarva last night.  The Suns got another impressive start from Dixon Anderson, as he threw 6 innings and allowed 7 his, 1 run, and struck out 6.  Anderson lowered his season ERA to 1.80.  Robert Benincasa picked up his 7th save of the season.