On the Ice: Caps update for 11/4

The Washington Capitals moved into a 16 point tie with the Tampa Bay Lightning with a 5-4 OT Shootout win last night over the Toronto Maple Leafs. As customary for the Capitals in this short 2010/11 season thus far, Washington failed to put a puck in the net in the first period, while allowing one Toronto goal.    

As also customary, Washington piled on three unanswered goals in the second period.  The second period scoring started with a power play tally by Mike Green, his second goal in as many games.  Jason Chimera and Tomas Fleischmann each added goals in the second period.  Fleischmann's goal was a deflection in front of the net from a booming shot from D John Carlson. 

Uncustomary was the fact in the fourth period, the Caps allows the Leafs to rally and take the lead 4-3 on three consecutive leafs goals by Mike Brown, Kris Versteeg, and Tyler Bozak.  Alexander Semin scored on the Caps power play at the 14:22 mark to tie the game and eventually send it to overtime.  It was the Caps second power play goal of the night and second straight game the Caps posted a 50% power play conversion. 

In the power play, Michal Neuvirth stopped all three shots.  Scoring for the Caps were Alexander Ovechkin and Alexander Semin.  In the game, Neuvirth stopped 24 of 28 shots. 

Note for Thursday . . .

Bruce Boudreau hinted that backup rookie G Braden Holtby could see game action, his NHL debut,  'sooner rather than later".  Boudreau mentioned that he felt Neuvirth looked tired last night.   Holtby's last game action was October 24, so Holtby playing soon, would not only benefit Neuvirth, but Holtby as well. 

Speaking of goalies, Boudreau did not give any time table for the return of Semyon Varlamov.  The comment on Holtby playing soon tells me, don't expect Varly all weekend and possibly next week.  Varly is sidelined with another groin injury.  . 

Injury News  . . .

Marcus Johnansson is ready to play as soon as Friday, injury wise.  However, Boudreau did not commit that Johansson would be active.    

Tom Poti did not skate today, is getting better, but it is unlikely to play all weekend.  Look for Poti next week. 

Tyler Sloan will be ready to take the ice on Friday.

Streaking Caps . . .

Mike Green has scored points in 3 straight games.  He also has a 2 game goal streak. 

Alex Ovechkin has a 4 game point streak.