Caps 4, Panthers 0
Well, after a brief hiccup after a penalty on their first shift in the second period the Caps dominated the rest of the way. Matt Bradley scored a shorthanded goal to make it 3-0. That ties his mark of five goals in 81 games last season. He now has five in 28 games in 09-10, Washington then added a 5-on-3 tally when Nick Backstrom slammed home a sweet pass from teammate Alex Semin. It was Semin’s second point of the night. Backstrom was left all alone in front. The Panthers are clearly playing Game No. 3 in four nights.
Bruce Boudreau played down that idea before the game, insisting it’s just an excuse. But Florida has shown little through 40 minutes to think they had any chance tonight. Well, maybe a brief pulse late in the period when they earned a few power plays. But shots are still 31-19 Caps. Also, forward David Steckel just can’t by himself a goal. Had a few more chances in that period and couldn’t convert. He has yet to score this year and it’s becoming almost amazing how his shots stay out of the net.
