That’s the final from Verizon Center, where the Caps looked great for 40 minutes and then had the inevitable letdown over the final 20. It was 6-1 entering the third period when the Maple Leafs scored three times. Check out our website in a few minutes for my game story, where several players give their thoughts on that issue, which plagued Washington at times last season. Also have a web story up soon on rookie goalie Semyon Varlamov, who played like his 2009 playoff self through the first two periods before allowing three goals in the third. None of those were really his fault. The play of the defensemen in front of him slipped a bit. Maybe that’s understandable up five goals. But still not what Caps coach Bruce Boudreau wants to see.
All in all, the Caps were happy with their performance, but not satisfied they couldn’t put the Leafs away – or at least hold them off longer in the third period. It will be something to watch throughout the season. It might be nit-picking. But, hey, with a team this talented those little things will be the difference during the postseason. So Washington is now 2-0 with a short trip to Philadelphia coming Tuesday. The Flyers are also a favorite in the Eastern Conference title chase and are also off to a 2-0 start. Something tells me scoring chances will be a little harder to come by for the Caps in that one. Boudreau gave his team the day off Sunday so no practice. We’ll catch up again on Monday from the Iceplex.
