Panthers 5, Caps 3

From what I heard from the lovely Steve Kolbe and read in Tarik's game notes, not the best Caps game of the season. The end result was a Minnesota Wildesque comeback that ended in pretty much the same way: a team that was outplayed for most of the game, worked their way back to one goal with too few minutes left, and came up just short.

Some Random Thoughts:

• Gotta feel bad for Alzner, even if that own-goal wasn't his fault (it was a deflection), that can't be good for his confidence. However, check out this gem of a quote from King Karl after the game:

  "I don't have the timing down just yet. I'm definitely going to work on it in practice tomorrow. I'm going to ask some of the guys to come down on me a few times and see what guys like to do in this league."

  Gotta love the work ethic, and that little sound bit, in my opinion, proves that this guy is going to be legit.
  
• Theo wasn't as bad as the score, as it seemed that he really didn't have a chance on two or three of the four goals he was on the ice for. I'd expect him to get the nod against the Isle on Thursday.
• Fleischmann and Backstrom continued their stretches of outstanding play, Kozlov apparently scored a pretty sweet goal, and Ovie added an assist (I was starting to get worried he would be held pointless for two straight games towards the end). Outside of those four, this team's offense needs to get going or we're going to have problems, especially with two of our top 5 offensive threats on the shelf for the time being.
  
• Fleischmann now has as many goals this season as he had all year last year. Not only is he scoring in what seems like every game in which the Caps arn't shut out, but he is also a consistant offensive threat, dangling in the zone, making sleek passes, taking shots, and making things happen. 'Bout time.
• According to the radio broadcast, the Caps were completely exausted and unmotivated from the second period until their comeback late in the third. Interesting, considering they had two days off and have not been short of energy during any home game yet this season. My guess? The injuries are starting to affect the team more and more. We need to get some bodies back. Semin and Green, obviously, are at the top of that list of needs.
• Craig Anderson apparently played pretty damn well, right until the last five minutes. Remind you of Niklas Backstrom in the Wild game?
• Even with the unbeliveable injuries, to such key players, the tough schedule, and arguably the worst stretch in Bruce Boudreau's young NHL career, the Caps are still on top of the Southeast by 3 points and are tied for 5th in the Eastern Conference. Not bad, considering the circumstances. Once this team gets healthy, we'll see what happens.
• And I really want to see Osala soon.