After going up 2-0 on Tampa Bay in the Eastern Conference Finals, the Caps came home and delivered a clunker on Tuesday, deservedly losing 4-2. While the Caps also fell 4-2 in Game 4 on Thursday, it was a much different kind of loss – the typical Washington playoff loss where the Capitals severely outplay their opponent but fall in the most nail-biting of circumstances. We’ve seen it many times of the past decade.
With a 38-20 shot advantage, the Caps at least put together a solid effort. Ultimately, three things did them in: A lousy first-period turnover, a power play goal which at this point is automatic for the Lightning, and falling for a sneaky pass in the third period which proved to be the dagger.