Caps (0-1, 0 points) vs. Devils (0-0-1, 1 point)
What » Game 2
Where » Verizon Center
When » 7:00 p.m.
TV » CSN HD
Radio » WFED-1500 AM
The Caps want to quickly put Friday’s ugly season-opening loss to Atlanta behind them. Far too many odd-man advantages wore down goalie Michal Neuvirth, who was beaten by a pair of deflections in a 4-2 loss.
Mike Knuble and Brooks Laich had the goals for Washington, which was out-worked much of the night by a Thrashers team intent on impressing its new coaching staff. The game obviously began in odd fashion when Atlanta goalie Ondrej Pavelec collapsed early in the first period and fell unconscious for close to 10 minutes. He was taken off on a stretcher and to a local hospital, where Atlanta officials said he regained consciousness and was doing better. Still no word on why he collapsed, but part of the problem, according to the Associated Press this afternoon, was Pavelec hit his head on the ice and suffered a concussion.
But no excuses. The Thrashers responded for their fallen teammate once they found out he’d be okay. The Caps, meanwhile, showed flashes of their offensive talent. But they struggled in their own end and a few bad breaks – especially a questionable penalty-shot call after defenseman Mike Green was ruled to have closed his hand on the puck in the crease – rendered a comeback unlikely.
But Washington can put all that behind it with a victory in the home-opener tonight against New Jersey – a 4-3 overtime loser in its own home opener on Friday night. No surprise, but it looks like Neuvirth gets his second straight start. He played well against the Thrashers, saving the Caps on a handful of 3-on-2 and 4-on-3 breaks. Forward Boyd Gordon, a healthy scratch on Friday, is back on the fourth line for his first action of the season.
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