Through the first two periods on Tuesday night, the Capitals were outplayed and seemed sluggish, falling behind on two separate occasions. After John Carlson evened it the second period, Dallas would quickly put the Caps behind again just 24 seconds into the third and final period. Adam Burish netted the goal to put the Stars back on top 3-2.
Dallas would extend the lead and ice the game in the first ten minutes of the third, resulting in a convincing win for the league’s hottest team and points leader. An Alexander Semin tripping penalty would put the Stars on the power five minutes after the Burish goal. Jamie Benn would convert the power play chance for the two goal Dallas lead. Just thirty seconds later, Eric Nystrom would bury his fourth goal of the season to put the game out of reach.
The Caps seemed frustrated all night and particularly in the third period with a three goal deficit when Matt Hendricks dropped the gloves with the Stars Jake Dowell. It was just the Caps third fight of the season, and Hendricks second of the season. Bruce Boudreau indicated that the Caps have gotten too comfortable but that would change at practice tomorrow. Washington is now 2-4 since Mike Green was injured, with the Stars dominating performance putting the Capitals record at 9-4. The Caps travel to New Jersey on Friday looking to avoid a three game skid.