Capitals get struck by Lightning

After the Washington Capitals played their best game of the season on Friday night against the Tampa Bay Lightning, they played their worst game of the season against that same Lightning team on Sunday night in front of a national TV audience.

The Capitals gave up a four spot in the first period. Mikhail Sergachev scored at 1:23. Nikita Kucherov struck on the power play at 8:19. Nick Perbix added one at 11:12 and Sergachev scored his second goal of the night at 16:22 on the power play.

4-0 was the score after one with the Lightning leading in shots 9-4.

Conor Sheary finally got the Caps on the board with Anthony Mantha finding Evgeny Kuznetsov who fed Sheary on a two on one rush. It was Sheary’s sixth goal of the season.

4-1 was the score after two periods with the Lightning leading in shots 9-6 in the second period.

Cole Kopek made it 5-1 at 13:11. Lars Eller scored at 16:59 for his third goal of the season with Marcus Johansson and Trevor van Riemsdyk providing the helpers.

Nicholas Paul scored at 17:16. Garnet Hathaway got one back at 17:58 but it wasn’t enough as the Bolts hung on for a 6-3 win. The Lightning led in shots 17-12 in the third period and 35-22 overall.

Eller told the media after the game:

"“They ran right over us, and I think it starts with the effort and attitude and mentality — and it just wasn’t there. … We got to humble ourselves a little bit here.”"

Darcy Kuemper was pulled at 16:22 of the first after that four spot on nine shots. In relief, Charlie Lindgren made 24 saves.

Eller added:

"“Our mentality, our plays, our attitude has got to reflect that we are fighting for our lives, and today we were just like … casual, kind of. I don’t know — almost a little bit arrogant. It was tough to watch, tough to be a part of. We had no business hanging our goalie out to dry like that.”"

The Capitals will look to bounce back tomorrow night in the second part of their Sunshine State trip against the Florida Panthers.