Home on the Range

Bit of a weird game tonight. The Caps fell behind three times by a goal, but came back to tie it each time. That left the game tied at three after two periods, and the Caps finished off the scoring with a pair in the third.

Neuvirth did not have a good start to the game, allowing a goal on the second shot he faced and generally looking only so-so. But he got himself back in form by the time the third rolled around, and did end up making some big saves.

Green had a very mixed game; he seemed to have trouble with his temper, I think. He got in his second fight of the season - which is two more than I expected from him this season - plus took a bad penalty during a Rangers power play that led to NY's second goal. He did still manage to get a pair of assists, although he didn't extend his goal-scoring streak.

Laich had a very good game, book-ending the Caps scoring with a very nice deflection early and an empty netter late.

Sloan had a mixed game, following an assist and some pretty nice play immediately after by ending the shift by pinching in and completely missing the puck. That was the setup that Boogard needed for his first goal of the season.

Erskine, earlier in that same shift, scored his first of the season with a nice top-shelf wrister. DJ King was on the ice for that one, but still managed to end up at -1 on the night. I thought he was supposed to have some hockey skills to go with his fighting ability, but I haven't seen them. Hopefully he'll either start showing them, or just stay in the press box.

Hendricks scored what turned out to be the winning goal on a beautiful, heads-up setup by Bradley.

And Knuble finally broke his goal-less streak by following an OV shot in on net, ending up with an open net.

All in all, aside from the Caps playing from behind so much, it was a good game. The power play scored again, although the penalty kill allowed one (but it was 5-on-3) when Alzner whiffed on a clearing attempt.

Let's just hope the streak continues against the Lightning on Thursday. Let's especially hope the team can keep Stamkos from setting up in his office in the circle.