Washington Capitals fall to Nashville Predators in second game of Prospect Showcase

The Washington Capitals continued their annual Rookie Tournament/Prospect Showcase on Sunday afternoon against the host Nashville Predators at the Ford Ice Center.

It was a close and hard fought game but in the end the Washington Capitals fell to the Nashville Predators in overtime 3-2. Despite the loss, Washington played pretty well. Logan Thompson got the start in net and made a few spectacular saves to keep the Caps in the game.

Washington struck first in the opening period with a goal from Cody Clark, rebounding in a shot from Connor McMichael to give the Caps a 1-0 lead. 1-0 would be the lead heading into the first intermission.

The Predators tied the game at one with a goal from Rem Pitlick 37 seconds into the second period. Other than that goal, Thompson stood tall with a few good saves to keep the score square at one heading into the final period.

There was a scare however for young, promising Capitals 2018 first round pick Alex Alexeyev. He took a cheap shot hit from Josh Healey and went off the ice slowly. Healey was ejected from the game and were assessed with a five-minute major. Alexeyev was diagnosed with an upper body injury and didn’t return to the game.

The Caps were unable to cash in on the five minute power play.  It carried over into the third.The Capitals got back in front 2-1 with Brian Pinho’s third goal of the tournament. Pinho’s goal came on a speedy breakaway goal, taking full advantage in transition.

The Predators tied it at 2-2 with a power play goal of their own at 13:36 from Egor Afanasyev. Connor McMichael got a penalty shot with 6:15 left but hit the twine. That would be as close as the Caps would get and this contest would require overtime.

In the extra session, Eeli Tolvanen scored at 1:19 to win it for the Predators. Then both teams partook in a shootout, a usual tradition at these rookie tournaments. Logan Thompson stopped two of the five skaters he faced in the skills challenge. On the offensive side, Brian Pinho and Connor McMichael each scored while Cody Clark, Bobby Nardella, and Joe Snively were denied.

Some good news came after the defeat. Mike Vogel of WashingtonCaps.com reported that Riley Sutter’s injury from Saturday was nothing serious. It is unknown whether or not he will play on Tuesday.

The Capitals prospects conclude the rookie tournament Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. central, 11 a.m. eastern against the Tampa Bay Lightning. You can stream the game online at WashingtonCaps.com or listen online on Caps Radio 24/7.