Just when the Washington Capitals looked to have momentum, the Colorado Avalanche snatched it back.
Erik Johnson's goal less than a minute after Alexander Semin tied the game has the Avalanche in front of the Caps 2-1 after 40 minutes.
Semin tied the game at 13:09 with his sixth goal of the season and first since November 23. Dmitry Orlov sent a breakout pass to Semin, who cut through the neutral zone, split two Avalanche defenders, skated wide to create space and put a wrist shot past Jean-Sebastien Giguere.
Not even a minute later, Colorado responded when Johnson's shot from the point eluded Michal Neuvirth for his first goal of the season at 14:03.
Colorado had 12 shots on goal, while Washington had eight of their own. The Caps had two power plays in the period, but once again did not take advantage with the man advantage; they are 0-for-3 on the power play.