Panthers come close but lose in overtime to Capitals 5-4

The Florida Panthers got leads of 3-1 and 4-3 over the Washington Capitals but failed to get two points as they fell to them 5-4 in overtime.

The Florida Panthers game last night had every aspect of what hockey fans want to watch – lots of power plays, high scoring, a few fights, and a great atmosphere. Unfortunately for them, they were on the short end of the hockey stick, as they fell to the Washington Capitals 5-4 in overtime, but it was still a very entertaining game nonetheless.

Before I begin to talk about the logistics of last night’s game, I just want to say how proud I am to be a fan of such a high class organization that recognizes its fans. Last night was Military Appreciation Night. During the second period, members, both active and retired, of the branches of the military were recognized for their commitment to serving our country. I just found that to be so awesome. So to those of you that have served this country so selflessly, I extend you my ultimate gratitude and appreciation.

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Now, let’s get to the game. Capitals defenseman John Carlson scored first and scored quickly as he put the Capitals up 1-0 only 25 seconds into the game. That goal was assisted by Michal Kempny and Alex Ovechkin. The Panthers came back quickly as Frank Vatrano scored at 1:55 in the first period to make the score 1-1. They took the lead towards the end of the first period as Brent Connolly assisted by Anton Stralman and Brian Boyle made the score 2-1.

The second period opened with Aleksander Barkov scoring quickly at 27 seconds in assisted by Evgenii Dadonov making the score 3-1. Another $1,600 was donated to Joe DiMaggio bringing his season total to $4,800 so far. The Capitals were then put on the power play and they capitalized on it as Ovechkin, assisted by Evgeny Kuznetsov and Carlson, scored at 6:13 into the second period to make the score 3-2.

Ovechkin would score again in the second period assisted by Orlov and Backstrom at the 12:14 mark to make the score 3-3. He now has 13 goals in the young season which is absolutely mind-blowing. The scoring would not stop there though for the second period. It ended with Evgenii Dadonov scoring on the power play which was assisted by Jonathan Huberdeau and Barkov at 18:59 to once again give the Panthers the lead at 4-3.

The third period opened up and the Capitals did not let the Panthers keep their lead for very long, as Tom Wilson scored to tie up the game 4-4 44 seconds in. No more scoring occurred for the remainder of the third period by either team, although the Panthers did have some great scoring opportunities. The Panthers picked up a regulation point and headed to overtime.

Barkov sped down the ice towards Braden Holtby’s net with his two other teammates in an attempt to end the game fast and get the extra point but the Capitals had other ideas, as Wilson sped down the ice the other way and scored 17 seconds in assisted by Carlson and Kuznetsov to give the Capitals the win and their two points.

Although the Panthers might have lost this one, I am very pleased with their efforts and the fact that we were able to gain a point and continue our new point streak against one of the top teams in the NHL. It shows how much heart and desire this team has. I am so incredibly proud of how well this team is doing so far, their passion that they put forth on the ice, and their remarkable resilience.

The Panthers’ next game is Saturday afternoon in New York against the New York Islanders. These teams have already faced each other once in New York. It’s time for revenge: a dish best served cold with pucks and victory. Until next game, Let’s Go Cats!