Dmitry Orlov slammed his stick against the cage in frustration. His turnover had just led to a Columbus Blue Jackets goal that tied the game. Orlov probably also sensed that he was on a short leash because these types of mistakes were becoming habitual, and Capitals Coach Barry Trotz’s criticism of them had gotten harsher.
Trotz once called Orlov “an adventure” in the defensive zone, but his steady growth and offensive upside kept him in the lineup every game this season. Yet after Washington’s 4-1 win, Trotz was asked how much patience he has for these kinds of turnovers, and he said it had run out.