Washington, DC-The Capitals struck again in the second period, extending their lead over the Pittsburgh Penguins at the Verizon Center on this Super Sunday.
Mike Knuble's appeared to score early in the period to put the Caps up 2-0. But the goal was waved off as the officials ruled Matt Hendricks had interfered with Penguins goalie Marc-Andre Fleury prior to the puck crossing the line.
However, Washington managed to make up for the missed opportunity with Hendricks in the box. Marcus Johansson carried the puck into the zone and lifted a backhand past Fleury to become the sixth rookie in the NHL to score a shorthanded goal this year. Johansson was terrific throughout the frame, creating numerous chances and applying a steady forecheck upon Pittsburgh's forwards.
The Capitals have the edge in puck possession thanks to the hard-fought efforts of their third and fourth line units while Brooks Laich has provided an offensive punch with his first period goal and a game-high four shots.
The NHL's first and second ranked penalty killing units haven't disappointed as neither team has been able to convert with the man advantage. The Capitals are 0-2 on the power play and the Penguins failed to score during Hendricks' trip to the box.
Washington will begin the third period with a shortened power play as Max Talbot will serve another 24 seconds for a slashing infraction.
Mike Green, who left the game at the end the first period after being struck in the side of the head by a Brooks Orpik slapshot, is questionable to return according to the Capitals.