Caps lose second straight

The Washington Capitals managed something they rarely do.  They fell at home tonight.

Chalk it up to a hot goalie, poor power play production, or whatever you wish, but the Capitals managed to put up 46 shots on goal, but Atlanta goalie Ondrej Pavalec had their number tonight, stopping 45 of those 46 shots and sending the Capitals to just their 2nd regular time loss, 3rd overall, at the Verizon Center, 3-1.

The lone Capitals goal came with 48 second left in the second period, a goal that ended a 9 game goal drought by Alexander Ovechkin.  It was a classic Ovechkin slapper, assisted by Alexander Semin and John Carlson.  It was Ovechkin's 11th of the season, snapping his career tie high 9 game goal-less drought.

Washington was a dismal 0 for 5 on the power play, while the PK killed 1 of 2 Atlanta opportunities.  Atlanta got 2 goals in te second period, one from Rich Peverly and one from rookie Alex Burmistrov.  The Thrashers insurance goal came  from Andre Ladd in the third period on the power play, a knee hit penalty by David Steckel.

Semyon Varlamov took the loss, stopping 30 of 33 shots.  The loss snapped a 4 game winning streak for Varlamov.

Caps stand at 18-8-2 and remain on the top in the Eastern Conference with 38 points.  However, three teams lurk 2 points behind at 36 points, Montreal, Pittsburgh, and Philadelphia.  Next up for the Capitals is Toronto on Monday night at the Verizon Center.