Having four straight home games is supposed to feel like a reward for NHL teams. Typically for the Capitals, it is. Not this week though. This week, the Capitals have now lost four straight games at home, and five straight overall.
Washington had its chances though. Mere minutes after instant replay confirmed that a Matt Hendricks shot in the second period was not a goal, Hendricks made no mistake on the power play with 4:30 gone in the third. With Hendricks getting a rare opportunity on the power play line due to Alexander Semin's game misconduct penalty, the forward took advantage. He had some help from Alex Ovechkin and Nicklas Backstrom, but the young Hendricks shot the puck between his legs with his back to the goal and into the net.
Hendricks' goal was all the Capitals could convert as they outshot the Avalanche 17-5 in the third period. Earning shots was not one of the Capitals' chief issues. They mustered 42 on the night, making it five straight games with over 36 shots.
Capitals fans hope that the team will fare better as they take to the road next week. Tomorrow's game against the Rangers in New York would be a great place to start.