Caps 5, Avalanche 0
It’s a blowout in Denver. Caps scored three times in that period. Their big concern now, though, is the health of Mike Green. The defenseman was rammed into the boards behind his own goal by Colorado’s David Koci, who was ejected for boarding. Washington defenseman John Erskine stood up for Green with a lengthy fight with Koci. He earned a major and a 10-minute misconduct, but will return later in the third. Green appeared to be woozy as he was helped off the ice. No reason at all for him to come back because of the lead. Then again – that would leave them with just four “D” early in the third until Erskine comes back. Tyler Sloan, remember, is a healthy scratch tonight. He would be a big help in a situation like this.
Caps goals: Davis Steckel with his second of the year and fellow fourth liner Matt Bradley also whacked one past Colorado goalie Craig Anderson from a bad angle. He now has six points and six assists and has surpassed last year’s point total of 11 (five goals, six assists). Tomas Fleischmann added his second goal of the game – and No. 13 overall – and rookie Kyle Wilson now has two assists in his NHL debut. Not a bad 25th birthday. Anderson has been shaky for the Avalanche. Lots of rebounds put home by the Caps. Could have had another if Brooks Laich’s first-period goal wasn’t waved off.
