Capitals vs. Lightning: How the Game Was Lost

"But let's talk about where it went wrong in this one game - and no, it wasn't special teams (although they did fail to score on their single power play opportunity and gave up a goal on their one-and-change times shorthanded). Thanks to a nice goal by Brandon Duhaime early and some luck by way of a Tampa own goal in the second, this was a 2-2 tie heading into the final frame of regulation."

"One shot either way could turn the tide...and unfortunately that one shot came from the wrong side. A neutral-zone turnover by the Caps sent the Lightning back into their offensive zone, with Dominic James carrying the puck. Despite being surrounded by Caps' players, he was able to pass the puck to Brandon Hagel, both of them largely untouched in the process, and Hagel unleashed a shot past Logan Thompson for the go-ahead goal - one that Thompson admitted he probably should have had:"

The Capitals played an entertaining, closely matched game but lost a tight contest due to a late, decisive goal. The team performed well defensively and created pressure but suffered from an offensive dry spell at critical moments and inconsistent special teams. A neutral-zone turnover led to Dominic James finding Brandon Hagel, who scored the go-ahead goal past Logan Thompson. Thompson conceded he probably should have stopped the shot. The Capitals dominated attack late while short-handed with the extra attacker but failed to equalize despite an offside review that was overturned in their favor. The loss extended their run to six defeats in seven games.

Read at Japers' Rink