The Washington Capitals entered Wednesday's game against the Ottawa Senators missing their top two scorers: Alex Ovechkin (lower-body) and Nicklas Backstrom (concussion). Their presence is definitely missed. Meanwhile, the Senators' scorers continue to heat up

Erik Karlsson and Milan Michalek scored in the first period to give Ottawa a 2-0 lead over Washington after 20 minutes.

Karlsson continued his hot streak at 9:36 when he took a cross-ice pass from Jason Spezza and fired a wrist shot through Tomas Vokoun's legs for his 13th goal of the season. Karlsson has a five-game point streak (five goals, six assists).

Karlsson's most recent assist came about five minutes after his goal when he helped set up Michalek for his 26th goal of the season. With Dmitry Orlov out of position to grab a new stick from the bench, Karlsson found Michalek cutting down the boards. Michalek did all the rest as he held off Dennis Wideman on his way to the net and slid the puck past Vokoun.

For the fifth time in six games, the Caps trail 2-0.