The Capitals followed a strong first period with a total let down in the second. Boston put 9 shots on Semyon Varlamov in the first five minutes of the period, scoring once. Boston added a power play goal, their second of the game, to make it 3-0.
Several observations:
- Can Tim Thomas just pretend that he's Tim Allen and drop a hammer on is foot so he can't play the third period? Thomas has been unconscious tonight after a strong outing Wednesday. Thomas stopped Brooks Laich and Mike Knuble on the goal line on rebound attempts and again stopped Knuble late in the period as he attempted to finish a one-timer. Can he just pretend it's still the 2009-2010 season?
- Last season, the Capitals had a few stretches, three to four games at a time, when they didn't allow a power play goal, but collapsed after giving up one. They came into tonight 25-for-25 on the penalty kill, but have allowed two tonight. Killing that last Boston power play was huge, but doesn't mean they are out of the woods yet.
- Where does the onus fall? The Caps win four of their first fives games and Boudreau tells the team they are winning on talent. So, they put together a decent outing Tuesday and start well tonight, but give little effort in getting dominated in the second period. So, is it time we start to wonder of Boudreau just can't keep this team consistently motivated?
- The Caps have now given up the first two goals of the game in three straight games, twice to the Bruins.
- Tonight is also the second time in three games the Capitals have entered the third period without a goal on the board. They trailed Nashville 2-0 on Saturday before rallying.