The Washington Capitals struggled to start their offense early in the first period against the Nashville Predators, but turned it on late as the first period ended in a scoreless tie.
The Predators dominated the flow of possession throughout the first half of the period and ultimately got 10 shots on Tomas Vokoun, who made some sprawling saves to keep the Caps in the game. Later in the period, however, Washington put the pressure on Nashville by getting the last six shots on goal during the period.
The Caps' best chance came late when Shea Weber and Ryan Suter, Nashville's two best defensemen, found themselves in the penalty box. Washington couldn't score on the abbreviated 4-on-3 advantage, but had some quality scoring chances on the ensuing 5-on-3 with Brooks Laich getting the best chance in close. Yet, Pekka Rinne was there to make an acrobatic save.
Shots are 10-8 in favor of Nashville.