Caps get much needed win over 'Canes
Don't count the Washington Capitals out of it just yet. After the Caps 3-0 shut out of the Southeast Divison leading Carolina Hurricanes tonight, the Caps have pulled themselves to within four points of the Divison lead.
Caps grabbed two defensive goals for the second time this season and added a power play marker. Nicklas Backstrom got the Caps on the score board first in the first period with a power play goal. Backstrom was fed nicely by Mike Ribeiro in front of the net to pick up the helper, along with Alex Ovechkin. The first period ended with a 1-0 Caps lead as they out shot the Canes 17-12.
The last two tallies came from the Caps blue line. John Erskine unloaded a bomb in the second period to give the Caps the 2-0 lead, it was Erskine's second gaol of the season, one day after being rewarded with a two year contract extension. Backstrom and John Carloson picked up assists. Caps took a 2-0 lead into the second intermission and out shot the Canes 14-8.
John Carlson scored the final goal of the game at the 11:28 mark of the third period. The goal was assisted by Mathieu Perreault and Joel Ward. Both Ward and Jason chimera were held scoreless tonight, but had excellent multiple opportunities during the night.
Braden Holtby recorded his fifth career shutout and his second blank of the season. He improves his record to 6-6 on the season. Holtby stopped all 33 Carolina shots.
MULTIPOINT SCORERS
Nicklas Backstrom: 1 goal, 1 assist
John Carlson: 1 goal, 1 assist
Jason Chimera led the Caps with 7 shots on goal and Carlson had 6.
Caps were1 for 4 on the power play and a perfect 2 for 2 on the penalty kill.
